bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hesperidin in orange juice reduces the absorption of celiprolol in rats
Authors: Uesawa Yoshihiro , Mohri Kiminori
Published: March 2008

It has been reported that the intestinal absorption of celiprolol, an antihypertensive drug, is inhibited when it is taken with orange juice; it has been suggested that element(s) in citrus juice are responsible for this. In the present study, the pharmacokinetic interaction between celiprolol and orange juice was characterized through in vivo experiments with rats. Celiprolol 5 mg/kg was injected into the rat duodenum together with 5 ml/kg of neutralized orange juice or the same concentration of hesperidin as in the orange juice. Plasma celiprolol concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS). Concomitant administration of orange juice or hesperidin with celiprolol significantly decreased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) by 74% and 75%, respectively, compared with control. These findings suggest that hesperidin is responsible for the decreased absorption of celiprolol and that orange juice taken with celiprolol has an inhibiting effect on intestinal absorption of the drug. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dental enamel as a dietary indicator in mammals
Authors: Lucas Peter , Constantino Paul , Wood Bernard , Lawn Brian
Published: March 2008

The considerable variation in shape, size, structure and properties of the enamel cap covering mammalian teeth is a topic of great evolutionary interest. No existing theories explain how such variations might be fit for the purpose of breaking food particles down. Borrowing from engineering materials science, we use principles of fracture and deformation of solids to provide a quantitative account of how mammalian enamel may be adapted to diet. Particular attention is paid to mammals that feed on ‘hard objects’ such as seeds and dry fruits, the outer casings of which appear to have evolved structures with properties similar to those of enamel. These foods are important in the diets of some primates, and have been heavily implicated as a key factor in the evolutionary history of the hominin clade. As a tissue with intrinsic weakness yet exceptional durability, enamel could be especially useful as a dietary indicator for extinct taxa. BioEssays 30:374–385, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic caste determination in termites: out of the shade but not from Mars
Authors: Crozier Ross H , Schlüns Helge
Published: March 2008

Several ant species are known with genetic effects on caste determination but, for termites, the role of environment has been assumed to be omnipotent. Now Hayashi et al. report that commitment to the nymph and worker pathways in Reticulitermes speratus follows a simple model involving two alleles at a sex‐linked locus.1 The spread of this system of genetic caste determination seems best explained by selection at the colony level. This remarkable system may be widely applicable throughout termites, although it cannot be universal, and may provide a window into causal aspects of the molecular biology of caste determination. BioEssays 30:299–302, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alternative models for the evolution of eyespots and of serial homology on lepidopteran wings
Authors: Monteiro Antónia
Published: March 2008

Serial homology is widespread in organismal design, but the origin and individuation of these repeated structures appears to differ with the different types of serial homologues, and remains an intriguing and exciting topic of research. Here I focus on the evolution of the serially repeated eyespots that decorate the margin of the wings of nymphalid butterflies. In this system, unresolved questions relate to the evolutionary steps that lead to the appearance of these serial homologues and how their separate identities evolved. I present and discuss two alternative hypotheses. The first proposes that eyespots first appeared as a row of undifferentiated repeated modules, one per wing compartment, that later become individuated. This individuation allowed eyespots to appear and disappear from specific wing compartments and also allowed eyespots to acquire different morphologies. The second hypothesis proposes that eyespots first appeared as individuated single units, or groups of units, that over evolutionary time were co‐opted into new compartments on the wing. I discuss the merits of each of these alternate hypotheses by finding analogies to other systems and propose research avenues for addressing these issues in the future. BioEssays 30:358–366, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of VEGF signalling output by the Notch pathway
Authors: Siekmann Arndt F. , Covassin Laurence , Lawson Nathan D.
Published: March 2008

The formation of blood vessels within the vascular system entails a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, migration and differentiation. In many cases, these diverse processes need to be finely coordinated among neighbouring endothelial cells in order to establish a functional vascular network. For instance, during angiogenic sprouting specialized endothelial tip cells follow guidance cues and migrate extensively into avascular tissues while trailing stalk cells must stay connected to the patent blood vessel. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Notch signalling pathways have emerged as the major players in governing these different cellular behaviours. In particular, recent work indicates an important role for Notch signalling in determining how an endothelial cell responds to VEGF. In this review, we provide an overview of these biochemically distinct pathways and discuss how they may interact during endothelial cell differentiation and angiogenesis. BioEssays 30:303–313, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Method for tracking nanogel particles in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Seal Brandon L. , Lien Yeong‐Hau H. , Mazar Carla , Salkini Mohamad W. , Cai Tong , Hu Zhibing , Marquez Manuel , Garcia Antonio A.
Published: March 2008

Hydrogels made of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) can be synthesized in the form of highly monodispersed nanoparticles. After synthesis, NIPA hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) can be labeled by Alexa Fluor® 488 carboxylic acid, 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorophenyl ester through amine‐terminated functional groups. This choice of dye is complementary to other biological labeling methods for in vivo studies. When the nanogel/dye nanoparticles are injected into rabbits, they can be imaged via tissue sectioning and confocal microscopy, while nanoparticle concentration can be determined by fluorescent microplate assays. Time‐course persistence of nanoparticles in the circulatory system can be readily tracked by direct assay of plasma and urine samples using 485 nm excitation and 538 emission wavelengths to keep background fluorescence to nearly the same level as that found using an empty well. Depending upon how the nanoparticles are injected, circulatory system concentrations can reach high concentrations and diminish to low levels or gradually increase and gradually decrease over time. Injection in the femoral artery results in a rapid spike in circulating nanogel/dye concentration, while injection into the renal artery results in a more gradual increase.
Characterization of RNA‐binding proteins possibly involved in modulating human AT1 receptor mRNA stability
Authors: Pende Aldo , Contini Lidia , Sallo Raffaella , Passalacqua Mario , Tanveer Rasheeda , Port J. David , Lotti Gaetano
Published: March 2008

Angiotensin II exerts its cardiovascular effects mainly through the activation of AT1 receptors. These receptors can be regulated at a post‐transcriptional level, that is through the modulation of the mRNA stability. This regulation usually involves proteins which are able to bind the 3'UTR of the mRNA molecule. The experiments of the present paper were performed in order to characterize the RNA‐binding proteins interacting with the hAT1 receptor mRNA in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Immunoblot analysis allowed us to identify three different RNA‐binding proteins, AUF1, HuR, and hnRNP A1. UV cross‐linking and immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that AUF1 binds to the hAT1‐receptor mRNA radiolabeled probes specifically, but in different ways in relation to the clinically important A/C gene polymorphism. Gel shift experiments using purified recombinant proteins confirmed the specificity of interaction of these proteins with the hAT1‐receptor mRNA. In basal conditions the proteins were mainly located in the nuclei, but angiotensin II administration clearly induced their translocation to the cytosol. This observation was confirmed by transfection experiments using both GFP/AUF1 and GFP/HuR fusion proteins. Our findings allow identification of specific RNA‐binding proteins possibly involved in the control of the hAT1‐receptor mRNA stability and in the regulation of their expressions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Community college governance: What matters and why?
Authors: Amey Marilyn J. , Jessup‐Anger Eric , Jessup‐Anger Jody
Published: March 2008

This chapter sets the stage for understanding the importance of governance in the community college.
Multifunctional Fourfold Interpenetrating Diamondoid Network: Gas Separation and Fabrication of Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Cheon Young Eun , Suh Myunghyun Paik
Published: March 2008

A fourfold interpenetrating diamondoid network, [{[Ni(cyclam)]2(mtb)}n]⋅8n H2O⋅4n DMF (1) (MTB=methanetetrabenzoate, DMF=dimethylformamide), has been assembled from [Ni(cyclam)][ClO4]2 (cyclam=1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane) and methanetetrabenzoic acid (H4MTB) in DMF/H2O (7:3, v/v) in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). Despite the high‐fold interpenetration, 1 generates 1D channels that are occupied by water and DMF guest molecules. Solid 1, after removal of guest molecules, exhibits selective gas adsorption behavior for H2, CO2, and O2 rather than N2 and CH4, suggesting possible applications in gas separation technologies. In addition, solid 1 can be applied in the fabrication of small Pd (2.0±0.6 nm) nanoparticles without any extra reducing or capping agent because a NiII macrocyclic species incorporated in 1 reduces PdII ions to Pd0 on immersion of 1 in the solution of Pd(NO3)2⋅2 H2O in MeCN at room temperature.
Gold‐Nanorod‐Based Sensing of Sequence Specific HIV‐1 Virus DNA by Using Hyper‐Rayleigh Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Darbha Gopala Krishna , Rai Uma Shanker , Singh Anant Kumar , Ray Paresh Chandra
Published: March 2008

Infectious diseases caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain the leading killers of human beings worldwide, and function to destabilize societies in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Driven by the need to detect the presence of HIV viral sequence, here we demonstrate that the second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of gold nanorods can be used for screening HIV‐1 viral DNA sequence without any modification, with good sensitivity (100 pico‐molar) and selectivity (single base‐pair mismatch). The hyper‐Rayleigh scattering (HRS) intensity increases 45 times when a label‐free 145‐mer, ss‐gag gene DNA, was hybridized with 100 pM target DNA. The mechanism of HRS intensity change has been discussed with experimental evidence for higher multipolar contribution to the NLO response of gold nanorods.
Automated Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Protected Oligosaccharides Containing β‐Mannosidic Linkages
Authors: Codée Jeroen D. C. , Kröck Lenz , Castagner Bastien , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: March 2008

For automated oligosaccharide synthesis to impact glycobiology, synthetic access to most carbohydrates has to become efficient and routine. Methods to install “difficult” glycosidic linkages have to be established and incorporated into the overall synthetic concept. Described here is the first automated solid‐phase synthesis of oligosaccharides containing the challenging β‐mannosidic linkage. Carboxybenzyl mannoside building blocks proved effective β‐mannosylation agents and resulted in excellent conversion and good to moderate selectivities. [(Triisopropylsilyl)oxy]‐methyl ether (Tom), served as an orthogonal, minimally intrusive, and readily cleavable protecting group for the elongation of the C3 position of mannose. The desired oligosaccharide products were readily separated from by‐products containing unwanted stereoisomers using reverse‐phase HPLC. The methods described here expand the scope of carbohydrates currently accessible by automation as many oligosaccharides of biological interest contain β‐mannosidic linkages.
A Highly Selective Colorimetric Aqueous Sensor for Mercury
Authors: Shunmugam Raja , Gabriel Gregory J. , Smith Cartney E. , Aamer Khaled A. , Tew Gregory N.
Published: March 2008

A new colorimetric mercury sensor is reported based on binding to terpyridine derivatives. It is able to selectively detect HgII ions over a number of environmentally relevant ions including CaII, PbII, ZnII, CdII, NiII, CuII, and others. The response time upon exposure to HgII is instantaneous. By the “naked eye,” the detection limit of HgII is 2 ppm (25 μM) in solution. With a spectrometer, this detection limit is increased down to 2 ppb (25 nM), which is the current EPA standard for drinking water. The significant problem of mercury poisoning requires new methods of detection that are sensitive and selective. Here we report a new simple system that takes advantage of the unique optical properties generated by terpyiridine–Hg complexes.
Exploiting Threefold Symmetry in Asymmetric Catalysis: The Case of Tris(oxazolinyl)ethanes (“Trisox”)
Authors: Gade Lutz H. , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: March 2008

Rotational molecular symmetry, modularity and other aspects of ligand design have played a role in the development of a new class of stereodirecting ligands. The use of highly symmetrical, stereodirecting ligands may reduce the number of transition states and diastereomeric reaction intermediates and, in favourable cases, this degeneration of alternative reaction pathways may lead to high stereoselectivity in catalytic reactions and greatly simplifies the analysis of such transformations. In this concept article, we describe the way in which these considerations have played a role in the development of a new class of stereodirecting ligands. Tris(oxazolinyl)ethanes (“trisox”) have proved to be versatile ligand systems for the development of enantioselective catalysts of the d‐ and f‐block metals employed in a wide range of catalytic conversions. These include Lewis acid catalysed transesterifications, CC and CN coupling reactions, the catalytic polymerisation of α‐olefins as well as Pd‐catalysed allylic alkylations. An overview of the current state of this field is given and the potential for further development will be highlighted.
Stepwise Oxidation of the Stannole Dianion
Authors: Haga Ryuta , Saito Masaichi , Yoshioka Michikazu
Published: March 2008

Tin oxidation of stannole dianion 1 with 1.3 equivalents of oxygen gave terstannole‐1,3‐dianion 3. The non‐aromatic nature of 3 was confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Treatment of 1 with 1,2‐dibromoethane (3 equiv) gave poly(1,1‐stannole) 4, the formation of which was proven by reduction of 4 with lithium to revert to the starting dianion 1. Reaction of 1 with 1,2‐dibromoethane (3 equiv) in the presence of phenyllithium gave phenyl‐capped ter(1,1‐stannole) 7. The electronic absorption spectra of newly obtained stannoles were also measured.
Heterometallic [Mn5‐Ln4] Single‐Molecule Magnets with High Anisotropy Barriers
Authors: Mereacre Valeriu , Ako Ayuk M. , Clérac Rodolphe , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Hewitt Ian J. , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K.
Published: March 2008

The reaction of [Mn6O2(Piv)10(4‐Me‐py)2.5(PivH)1.5] (1) (py: pyridine, Piv: pivilate) with N‐methyldiethanolamine (mdeaH2) and Ln(NO3)3⋅6 H2O in MeCN leads to a series of nonanuclear compounds [Mn5Ln4(O)6(mdea)2(mdeaH)2(Piv)6(NO3)4(H2O)2]⋅2 MeCN (Ln=TbIII (2), DyIII (3), HoIII (4), YIII (5)). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows that compounds 2–5 are isostructural, with the central core composed of two distorted {MnIVMnIIILn2O4} cubanes sharing a MnIV vertex, representing a new heterometallic 3d–4f motif for this class of ligand. The four new compounds display single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour, which is modulated by the lanthanide ion used. Moreover, the values found for Δeff and τo for 3 of 38.6 K and 3.0×10−9 s respectively reveal that the complex 3 exhibits the highest energy barrier recorded so far for 3d–4f SMMs. The slow relaxation of the magnetisation for 3 was confirmed by μ‐SQUID measurements on an oriented single crystal and the observation of M versus H hysteresis loops below 1.9 K.
Indicators of survival duration in ovarian cancer and implications for aggressiveness of care
Authors: von Gruenigen Vivian , Daly Barbara , Gibbons Heidi , Hutchins Jessica , Green Andrew
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Ovarian cancer patients frequently receive chemotherapy near the end of life. The purpose of the current study was to develop indicators that characterize those ovarian cancer patients who have a short life span.

METHODS.

The medical charts of deceased epithelial ovarian cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed from 2000 through 2006. All patients received primary debulking surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Aggressiveness of cancer care within the last month of life was measured by chemotherapy regimens, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. Significant clinical events (SCE) were defined as ascites, bowel obstruction, and pleural effusion. Survival quartiles were compared using chi‐square and Student t test statistics. Multiple regression analysis was performed using survival duration as a dependent variable.

RESULTS.

In all, 113 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were reviewed. Patients had increased hospitalizations (P < .001) and SCE (P < .001) as they approached the end of life. There was no difference in the pattern of hospitalizations and SCE between the top and bottom survival quartiles. Patients with a shorter survival time had a trend toward increased chemotherapy during their last 3 months of life (P = .057) and had increased overall aggressiveness of care (P = .013). In patients with a disease remission, the length of initial remission time was found to be significant in predicting survival (P < .01). Time to second disease recurrence was also significant in predicting survival time (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS.

Patients who received aggressive care did not have improvement in survival. Short disease remissions and increasing hospitalizations with SCE should be indicators of the appropriateness of reducing cure‐oriented therapies and increasing palliative interventions. Cancer 2008. ©2008 American Cancer Society.
Survival and predictors of outcome in patients with acute leukemia admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Thakkar Snehal G. , Fu Alex Z. , Sweetenham John W. , Mciver Zachariah A. , Mohan Sanjay R. , Ramsingh Giridharan , Advani Anjali S. , Sobecks Ronald , Rybicki Lisa , Kalaycio Matt , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Predictors of outcome and rates of successful discharge have not been defined for patients with acute leukemia admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in the US.

METHODS.

This is a retrospective analysis of 90 patients with acute leukemia (no history of bone marrow transplant) admitted to an ICU from 2001–2004. The primary endpoints were improvement and subsequent discharge from the ICU, discharge from the hospital, and 2‐month survival after hospital discharge. Secondary endpoints were 6‐ and 12‐month survival. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors predicting outcome.

RESULTS.

The median age of patients was 54 years and 48 (53%) were male. The most common reason for ICU transfer for all patients was respiratory compromise. The majority of all patients (68%) were eventually placed on ventilator support and approximately half required pressors. During the ICU course, 29 patients (32%) improved and subsequently resumed aggressive leukemia management, and 24 patients (27%) survived to be discharged from the hospital. The 2‐, 6‐, and 12‐month overall survival was 24 (27%), 16 (18%), and 14 (16%), respectively. Higher APACHE II score, use of pressors, undergoing bone marrow transplantation preparative regimen, and adverse cytogenetics predicted worse outcome. Newly diagnosed leukemia, type of leukemia, or age did not.

CONCLUSIONS.

One of 4 patients with acute leukemia survived an ICU admission to be discharged from the hospital and were alive 2 months later. A diagnosis of acute leukemia should not disqualify patients from an ICU admission. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Lobular neoplasia on core needle biopsy does not require excision
Authors: Nagi Chandandeep S. , O'Donnell James E. , Tismenetsky Mikhail , Bleiweiss Ira J. , Jaffer Shabnam M.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Lobular neoplasia (LN), encompassing atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), is often an incidental finding on core needle biopsies (CNBs) performed in instances of radiologic densities and/or calcifications. Because LN is generally considered a risk factor for breast carcinoma, the utility of subsequent excision is controversial.

METHODS.

The authors' database yielded 98 cases of LCIS and/or ALH. Cases containing LN accompanied by a second lesion mandating excision (eg, radial scar, atypical ductal hyperplasia [ADH]) and those failing to meet strict diagnostic criteria for LN (eg, atypical cells, mitoses, single‐cell necrosis) were excluded. Radiographic calcifications were correlated with their histologic counterparts in terms of size, number, and pattern.

RESULTS.

Ninety‐one biopsies were performed for calcifications and 7 were performed for mass lesions. The ages of the patients ranged from 35 to 82 years. Fifty‐three patients were followed radiologically without excision, 42 of whom had available clinicoradiologic information. The 45 patients who underwent excision were without disease at follow‐up periods ranging from 1 to 8 years. Of these 45 patients, 42 (93%) had biopsy results demonstrating only LN. The remaining 3 patients had biopsies with the following findings: ADH in 1 biopsy, residual LCIS and a separate minute focus of infiltrating lobular carcinoma (clearly an incidental finding) in the second biopsy, and ductal carcinoma in situ admixed with LCIS in the third biopsy (a retrospective examination performed by 2 blinded breast pathologists revealed foci of atypical cells and mitoses).

CONCLUSIONS.

Excision of LN is unnecessary provided that: 1) careful radiographic‐pathologic correlation is performed; and 2) strict histologic criteria are adhered to when making the diagnosis. Close radiologic and clinical follow‐up is adequate. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term outcome of esophageal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma without lymphovascular involvement after endoscopic resection
Authors: Ishihara Ryu , Tanaka Hideo , Iishi Hiroyasu , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Tatsuta Masaharu , Yano Masahiko , Ishiguro Shingo
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive cancer with a reported 3‐year survival of 20%. However, early‐stage esophageal cancer can be cured by endoscopic resection (ER). The long‐term survival of esophageal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma after ER was investigated by calculating the standard mortality rate (SMR).

METHODS.

From January 1995 to December 2004, 110 patients with 138 esophageal mucosal squamous cell carcinomas without lymphovascular involvement were treated by ER. Long‐term survival after ER was compared with that in the general population by calculating SMR. Subgroup analysis of patients without second primary cancer diagnosed within 1 year before ER (subgroup A) was also performed.

RESULTS.

A total of 108 patients (98.2%) were followed‐up completely, with a mean observation period of 4.7 (0.4–11.3) years. The cumulative 5‐year survival rate of all patients and subgroup A was 79.5% and 86.6%, respectively. Overall mortality (SMR, 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–2.55) and mortality from malignant tumor (SMR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.79–5.09) was significantly higher than that in the general population. SMR of esophageal cancer was high, although it was not significantly different from that in the general population (SMR, 4.82; 95% CI, 0.06–26.81). In subgroup A overall mortality (SMR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.41–1.57) was similar to that in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS.

High overall mortality in patients with esophageal mucosal cancer after ER was mainly due to elevated mortality from second primary cancer. Favorable mortality in subgroup A indicates the efficiency of ER as a curative treatment for esophageal mucosal cancer. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Cortes Jorge E. , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: March 2008

The majority of patients with chronic‐phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are treated with Bcr‐Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib and dasatinib achieve cytogenetic disease remission (ie, Philadelphia chromosome‐positive cells undetectable by cytogenetic evaluation). However, more sensitive methods are required for monitoring residual disease (ie, molecular monitoring of BCR‐ABL transcript levels). It is generally accepted that molecular responses have prognostic significance. Patients with CP CML who achieve early molecular responses are more likely to achieve durable cytogenetic responses and are less likely to experience disease progression. Rising BCR‐ABL transcript levels also indicate loss of response, often as a consequence of developing BCR‐ABL mutations. However, some studies have suggested that patients who achieve complete cytogenetic disease remission may not derive an additional prognostic benefit from achieving a major molecular response. Practical issues also exist for molecular monitoring with respect to restricted access and variability in methodologies and data reporting. Although molecular monitoring has a clear role in assessing residual disease and determining the risk of disease progression in patients with CML, the importance of cytogenetic monitoring should not be ignored. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Metabolic changes during gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Smith Matthew R. , Lee Hang , McGovern Francis , Fallon Mary Anne , Goode Melissa , Zietman Anthony L. , Finkelstein Joel S.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

In men with prostate cancer, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists increase fat mass, decrease insulin sensitivity, and increase triglycerides, features that are shared with metabolic syndrome. To the authors' knowledge, however, less is known regarding the effects of GnRH agonists on other attributes of the metabolic syndrome.

METHODS.

In an open‐label prospective study, 26 men with recurrent or locally advanced prostate cancer were treated with leuprolide for 12 months. Outcomes included changes in blood pressure, body composition, lipids, adipocytokines, and C‐reactive protein.

RESULTS.

The mean weight, body mass index, and waist circumference increased significantly from baseline to Month 12 (P < .001 for each comparison). Fat mass increased by 11.2% ± 1.5% (P < .001) and the percentage lean body mass decreased by 3.6% ± 0.5% (P < .001). The total abdominal fat area increased by 16.5% ± 2.6% (P < .001), with the accumulation of subcutaneous fat accounting for 94% of the observed increase. The waist‐to‐hip ratio and blood pressure did not change significantly. Serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations increased significantly (P = .002). Serum adiponectin levels increased by 36.4 ± 5.9% from baseline to Month 3 and remained significantly elevated through Month 12 (P < .001). Resistin and C‐reactive protein levels did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS.

The term metabolic syndrome does not appear to adequately describe the effects of GnRH agonists in men with prostate cancer. In contrast to the metabolic syndrome, GnRH agonists increase subcutaneous fat mass, HDL cholesterol, and adiponectin, and do not alter the waist‐to‐hip ratio, blood pressure, or C‐reactive protein level. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Structural testing criteria for message‐passing parallel programs
Authors: Souza S. R. S. , Vergilio S. R. , Souza P. S. L. , Simão A. S. , Hausen A. C.
Published: March 2008

Parallel programs present some features such as concurrency, communication and synchronization that make the test a challenging activity. Because of these characteristics, the direct application of traditional testing is not always possible and adequate testing criteria and tools are necessary. In this paper we investigate the challenges of validating message‐passing parallel programs and present a set of specific testing criteria. We introduce a family of structural testing criteria based on a test model. The model captures control and data flow of the message‐passing programs, by considering their sequential and parallel aspects. The criteria provide a coverage measure that can be used for evaluating the progress of the testing activity and also provide guidelines for the generation of test data. We also describe a tool, called ValiPar, which supports the application of the proposed testing criteria. Currently, ValiPar is configured for parallel virtual machine (PVM) and message‐passing interface (MPI). Results of the application of the proposed criteria to MPI programs are also presented and analyzed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Valleys to Ridges: Exploring the Dynamic Energy Landscape of Single Membrane Proteins
Authors: Janovjak Harald , Sapra K. Tanuj , Kedrov Alexej , Müller Daniel J.
Published: March 2008

Membrane proteins are involved in essential biological processes such as energy conversion, signal transduction, solute transport and secretion. All biological processes, also those involving membrane proteins, are steered by molecular interactions. Molecular interactions guide the folding and stability of membrane proteins, determine their assembly, switch their functional states or mediate signal transduction. The sequential steps of molecular interactions driving these processes can be described by dynamic energy landscapes. The conceptual energy landscape allows to follow the complex reaction pathways of membrane proteins while its modifications describe why and how pathways are changed. Single‐molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) detects, quantifies and locates interactions within and between membrane proteins. SMFS helps to determine how these interactions change with temperature, point mutations, oligomerization and the functional states of membrane proteins. Applied in different modes, SMFS explores the co‐existence and population of reaction pathways in the energy landscape of the protein and thus reveals detailed insights into local mechanisms, determining its structural and functional relationships. Here we review how SMFS extracts the defining parameters of an energy landscape such as the barrier position, reaction kinetics and roughness with high precision.
Anorexia nervosa: Selective processing of food‐related word and pictorial stimuli in recognition and free recall tests
Authors: Nikendei C. , Weisbrod M. , Schild S. , Bender S. , Walther S. , Herzog W. , Zipfel S. , Friederich H.C.
Published: March 2008

Objective:

Maladaptive processing of food cues is considered pivotal in the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa. However, the influence of hunger and differences in processing because of the type of stimuli remain largely unclear.

Method:

Memory bias for food‐related pictorial and semantic stimuli was assessed in a recognition and a free recall test in 16 anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, 16 control participants with food intake prior to the study (CG‐FI) and 16 control participants with a fasting period prior to the study (CG‐NF).

Results:

Compared with CG‐FI participants, both AN and CG‐NF participants responded faster to food‐related as compared with neutral words (p < .001) in the recognition test. Differences were found for word but not for pictorial stimuli. No group differences were observed with respect to the number of correct retrievals in either the recognition or the free recall test.

Conclusion:

The present study found behavioral indications of abnormal processing of food‐related and neutral stimuli in anorectic patients similar to those found in fasted healthy controls. Results are discussed in terms of self‐schemata in eating disorders, competitive interference, and levels of processing. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Electroreduction of Oxygen and Electrooxidation of Methanol at Carbon and Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Supported Platinum Electrodes
Authors: Golikand Ahmad Nozad , Irannejad Leila
Published: March 2008

The present research aimed at investigating the electrocatalytic properties and the electrochemical deposition of Pt nanoparticles on carbon powder, carbon nanotube and preparation of carbon and single wall carbon nanotube supported platinum electrodes. The Pt nanoparticles were synthesized by electroreduction of hexachloroplatinic acid in aqueous solution at −200 mV. Electrocatalytic properties of the modified electrodes for oxygen reduction were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in O2saturated solution containing 0.1 M HClO4. Methanol electrooxidation at the modified surfaces in 0.5 M HCLO4was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The corresponding results showed that the Pt/SWCNT/GC electrode exhibits more improved catalytical activity than the Pt/C/GC electrode.
The Study of a Disposable Reagentless Biosensor for Fast Test of Aspartate Aminotransferase
Authors: Guo Zonghui , Yang Qingde , Liu Hongmin , Liu Chunxiu , Cai Xinxia
Published: March 2008

A reagentless biosensor for amperometric measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) has been developed. The three‐electrode biosensor was modified with two enzyme membrane with an integrated planar Ag|AgCl reference electrode. With a cellulose membrane containing catalytic substance coated, the reagentless biosensor was used for measurement of serum AST. The optimal sensitive membrane composition and operation conditions were studied. With low polarizing potential (0 V vs. integrated Ag|AgCl) and appropriate substrate concentration (20 mM α‐ketoglutarate acid), the response of the biosensor to AST activity was linear over the range of 25–1000 U/L with good relativity (R=0.9904 and 0.9823 in standard AST solutions and AST serum respectively) and fast response time (120 s). The biosensor also indicated good stability of more than 90% of its original activity for 60 days stored in 4 °C, and 90% of the activity was retained after a storage period of 15 days at room temperature (25 °C). The biosensor is expected to be used for the diagnosis of heart and liver disease in the future.
Analytical Application of Pyramidal, Rodlike, and Spherical Gold Nanostructures: Simultaneous Detection of Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid
Authors: Liu Haiqing , Tian Yang
Published: March 2008

Simultaneous detection of ascorbic (AA) and uric acid (UA) is developed at pyramidal (NP), rodlike (NR), and spherical (NS) gold nanostructures, due to their high electrocatalytic activities toward the oxidation of AA and UA. Unlike at bare gold electrode, the fouling resulted from the oxidized product of AA is eliminated at the nanostructured gold electrode. The voltammetric signals of AA and UA are completely separated with a potential difference of 216 mV, 158 mV and 195 mV, respectively, at the pyramidal, rodlike, and spherical gold surfaces. The experimental results reveal that solution pH effects the peak separation of AA and UA, acidic solution is more favorable for the simultaneous determination of AA and UA than neutral one, than alkaline one. The coexistence of a large excess of AA does not interfere with the voltammetric sensing of UA, vice versa. All the three kinds of nanostructured gold electrodes show excellent sensitivity, stability, selectivity, low detection limit, quick response and wide linear range in the repeated detection of AA and UA. The practical utility of the present nanostructured gold electrodes is demonstrating by determining the concentration of AA in fruit juice and UA in urine sample.
Structural performance assessment under near‐source pulse‐like ground motions using advanced ground motion intensity measures
Authors: Tothong Polsak , Cornell C. Allin
Published: March 2008

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing advanced ground motion intensity measures (IMs) to evaluate the seismic performance of a structure subject to near‐source ground motions. Ordinary records are, in addition, utilized to demonstrate the robustness of the advanced IM with respect to record selection and scaling. To perform nonlinear dynamic analyses (NDAs), ground motions need to be selected; as a result, choosing records that are not representative of the site hazard can alter the seismic performance of structures. The median collapse capacity (in terms of IM), for example, can be systematically dictated by including a few aggressive or benign pulse‐like records into the record set used for analyses. In this paper, the elastic‐based IM such as the pseudo‐spectral acceleration (Sa) or a vector of Sa and epsilon has been demonstrated to be deficient to assess the structural responses subject to pulse‐like motions. Using advanced IMs can be, however, more accurate in terms of probabilistic response prediction. Scaling earthquake records using advanced IMs (e.g. inelastic spectral displacement, Sdi, and IM 1I&2E; the latter is for the significant higher‐mode contribution structures) subject to ordinary and/or pulse‐like records is efficient, sufficient, and robust relative to record selection and scaling. As a result, detailed record selection is not necessary, and records with virtually any magnitude, distance, epsilon and pulse period can be selected for NDAs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linearization and first‐order expansion of the rocking motion of rigid blocks stepping on viscoelastic foundation
Authors: Palmeri Alessandro , Makris Nicos
Published: March 2008

In structural mechanics there are several occasions where a linearized formulation of the original non‐linear problem reduces considerably the computational effort for the response analysis. In a broader sense, a linearized formulation can be viewed as a first‐order expansion of the dynamic equilibrium of the system about a ‘static’ configuration; yet caution should be exercised when identifying the ‘correct’ static configuration. This paper uses as a case study the rocking response of a rigid block stepping on viscoelastic supports, whose non‐linear dynamics is the subject of the companion paper, and elaborates on the challenge of identifying the most appropriate static configuration around which a first‐order expansion will produce the most dependable results in each regime of motion. For the regime when the heel of the block separates, a revised set of linearized equations is presented, which is an improvement to the unconservative equations published previously in the literature. The associated eigenvalues demonstrate that the characteristics of the foundation do not affect the rocking motion of the block once the heel separates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of hysteretic energy demand using concepts of modal pushover analysis
Authors: Prasanth Tholen , Ghosh Siddhartha , Collins Kevin R.
Published: March 2008

Hysteretic energy dissipation in a structure during an earthquake is the key factor, besides maximum displacement, related to the amount of damage in it. This energy demand can be accurately computed only through a nonlinear time‐history analysis of the structure subjected to a specific earthquake ground acceleration. However, for multi‐story structures, which are usually modeled as multi‐degree of freedom (MDOF) systems, this analysis becomes computation intensive and time consuming and is not suitable for adopting in seismic design guidelines. An alternative method of estimating hysteretic energy demand on MDOF systems is presented here. The proposed method uses multiple ‘generalized’ or ‘equivalent’ single degree of freedom (ESDOF) systems to estimate hysteretic energy demand on an MDOF system within the context of a ‘modal pushover analysis’. This is a modified version of a previous procedure using a single ESDOF system. Efficiency of the proposed procedure is tested by comparing energy demands based on this method with results from nonlinear dynamic analyses of MDOF systems, as well as estimates based on the previous method, for several ground motion scenarios. Three steel moment frame structures, of 3‐, 9‐, and 20‐story configurations, are selected for this comparison. Bias statistics that show the effectiveness of the proposed method are presented. In addition to being less demanding on the computation time and complexity, the proposed method is also suitable for adopting in design guidelines, as it can use response spectra for hysteretic energy demand estimation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of generators' behaviors on Nash equilibrium considering transmission constraints
Authors: Badri A. , Jadid S. , Moghaddam M. P. , Rashidinejad M.
Published: March 2008

In imperfect competition, electricity markets with transmission constraints and limited number of producers, generation companies (GenCos) are facing an oligopolistic market rather than perfect competition. In this market each GenCo may increase its own payoff through strategic bidding. This paper investigates the problem of developing optimal bidding strategies of GenCos considering participants' market power as well as transmission constraints. The problem is modeled as a bi‐level optimization that at the first level each GenCo maximizes its payoff through strategic bidding, while at the second level, an independent system operator (ISO) dispatches power, solving an optimal power flow (OPF) problem. The objective of proposed optimization model is generating optimal bidding strategies for GenCos, while satisfying transmission constraints. Different aspects of exercising market power are studied and the corresponding effects on Nash equilibrium and GenCos' characteristics are proposed. Finally, the interaction of participants' different bidding strategies is investigated. An IEEE‐30 bus test system is used for case study to demonstrate simulation results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical viscosity reduction in the resolution of the shallow water equations with turbulent term
Authors: Fe J. , Cueto‐Felgueroso L. , Navarrina F. , Puertas J.
Published: March 2008

A first‐order finite volume model for the resolution of the 2D shallow water equations with turbulent term is presented. An upwind discretization of the equations that include the turbulent term is carried out. A method to reduce the excess of numerical viscosity (or diffusion) produced by the upwinding of the flux term is proposed. Two different discretizations of the turbulent term are compared, and results for uniform distributions of the viscosity are presented. Finally, two discretizations of the time derivative which are more efficient than Euler's are proposed and compared. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multigrid procedure for Cartesian ghost‐cell methods
Authors: Catalano L. A. , Dadone A. , Daloiso V. S. E. , Scardigno D.
Published: March 2008

This paper proposes a multigrid technique for Cartesian grid flow solvers. A recently developed ghost body‐cell method for inviscid flows is combined with a nested‐level local refinement procedure, which employs multigrid to accelerate convergence to steady state. Different from standard multigrid applications for body‐fitted grids, a fictitious residual needs to be defined in the ghost cells to perform a correct residual collection and thus to avoid possible stalling of the multigrid procedure. The efficiency of the proposed local refinement multigrid Cartesian method is demonstrated for the case of the inviscid subsonic flow past a circular body. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A stability analysis of an oscillating body located in fluid flow using automatic differentiation
Authors: Furumi Masakazu , Kawahara Mutsuto
Published: March 2008

This paper presents a stability analysis of an oscillating body subjected to fluid forces located in a transient incompressible viscous flow. If the body is supported by elastic springs, oscillation will begin. If the characteristic period of the body and the excited oscillating period due to fluid forces match each other, resonance can occur. Stability analysis is therefore needed to determine the nonlinear behavior of the body. This paper presents an analysis of the changing stability of bodies by the numerical computation. To implement the computation, the motion of fluid around a body is expressed by the Navier–Stokes equation described in the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian form. The fluid influence on the body is discretized by the finite element method based on a mixed interpolation by the bubble function in space. The motion of the body is assumed to be expressed by the equations of motion.

To evaluate stability, stability function is defined by the total energy of the oscillating body. The stability is judged according to a stability index, obtained by the use of the automatic differentiation (AD) of the stability function. AD is a derivative computation method that gives high accuracy. By the use of AD, the second‐order derivative matrix, which is needed to compute the stability index, can be obtained exactly.

For the numerical studies, analyses of one degree of freedom and two degrees of freedom (2DOF) for a circular cylinder and 2DOF for a rectangular cylinder are carried out. A combination of a cylinder and supporting elastic spring can produce stable, neutral and unstable states. It is shown that the stability of the cylinder can be determined by the stability index. This paper shows new possibilities for stability analysis of bodies located in a fluid flow. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse mammary tumor virus‐like env sequences in human breast cancer
Authors: Mok Myth T.S. , Lawson James S. , Iacopetta Barry J. , Whitaker Noel J.
Published: March 2008

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) has long been known as a causal agent of breast cancer in mice. To date, varied MMTV‐like envelope gene (env) sequences have been identified in up to 74% of human breast cancers. However, the role and origin of these MMTV‐like sequences in human breast cancer remain uncertain. Our study was initiated to study the integration of MMTV‐like env sequences in human breast cancer. PCR screening has identified 28 (56%) Australian breast cancer specimens and 7 (87.5%) human breast cancer cell lines to be positive for MMTV‐like env sequence. In the MCF‐7 genome, a fragment containing an MMTV‐like env sequence of ∼1.9 kb plus a downstream rodent‐like sequence of ∼200 bp was found to be integrated into a bacterial‐like β‐lactamase sequence by insertional mutagenesis. The identified MMTV‐rodent fragment is present in some MCF‐7 sublines but absent in the screened specimens and other cell lines. Sporadic mutations found in this fragment indicate it has multiple copies in the MCF‐7 genome. Sequence analysis has identified a novel ORF of ∼1.6 kb which is 94–99% identical to MMTV env genes. RT‐PCR was performed on the MCF‐7 cDNA but no MMTV‐like env transcript was detected. This is the first report to reveal the locus of MMTV‐like env sequence in human cells. The MMTV‐like env sequence was shown to be distinct from the human endogenous retroviral sequences and is closely related to rodents. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.