bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elk‐1 associates with FAK, regulates the expression of FAK and MAP kinases as well as apoptosis in HK‐2 cells
Authors: Mamali Irene , Kotsantis Panagiotis , Lampropoulou Maria , Marmaras Vassilis J.
Published: February 2008

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), MAP kinases and the nuclear transcription factor Elk‐1 have been reported to be implicated in the same cellular processes, however, their direct or indirect interaction and potential function(s) has not been documented. Here, we explored the association of FAK with Elk‐1, the implication of Elk‐1 in the regulation of FAK and MAP kinases expression as well as apoptosis, in HK‐2 cells. Biochemical and immunofluorescence approaches strongly support the association of low molecular weight protein bands, recognized by FAK antibodies, with Elk‐1 or pser383Elk‐1. The FAK/Elk‐1 complex is found, mainly, in the cytoplasm, near the nuclear membrane periphery, raising the possibility that Elk‐1 may have alternative extranuclear function(s) in HK‐2 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Elk‐1 siRNA‐mediated knockdown experiments, increased apoptosis. By contrast, Elk‐1 siRNA decreased significantly the expression of FAK and MAP kinases, supporting the hypothesis that Elk‐1 may act as a potential physiological substrate and regulator of FAK and MAP kinases expression. These results strongly support that Elk‐1 protein is a novel binding‐protein partner for FAK, a finding that significantly broadens the potential functioning of FAK and Elk‐1. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 198–206, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Update from the 7th annual meeting of the Italian society of virology
Authors: Salata Cristiano , Calistri Arianna , Palù Giorgio
Published: February 2008

The Italian Society of Virology (SIV) held a meeting in Orvieto (June 24–26, 2007) aimed at promoting interactions and collaborations between scientists in the field of Virology. The meeting had an attendance of about 170 virologists from Italy. In accordance with the normal format of the SIV National Meeting the conference transcended all areas of Virology. Sessions included invited speakers together with selected oral presentation. Covered topics included: General Virology and Viral Genetics, Medical Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Viral Biotechnologies and Gene Therapy, Viral Oncogenesis and Vaccines, Virus–Host Interactions and Pathogenesis, Emerging and Zoonotic Viral Infections. In this edition, a special effort was addressed to the HPV infection and prevention and to the guidelines for the preemptive (presymptomatic) therapy of human cytomegalovirus infections in transplant recipients. A summary of the main topics are reported. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 286–288, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laminar shear stress stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis via the Akt pathway
Authors: Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Shepherd Benjamin R. , Asada Hidenori , Teso Desarom , Muto Akihito , Fancher Tiffany , Pimiento Jose M. , Maloney Stephen P. , Dardik Alan
Published: February 2008

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) may be directly exposed to blood flow after an endothelial‐denuding injury. It is not known whether direct exposure of SMC to shear stress reduces SMC turnover and contributes to the low rate of restenosis after most vascular interventions. This study examines if laminar shear stress inhibits SMC proliferation or stimulates apoptosis. Bovine aortic SMC were exposed to arterial magnitudes of laminar shear stress (11 dynes/cm2) for up to 24 h and compared to control SMC (0 dynes/cm2). SMC density was assessed by cell counting, DNA synthesis by 3[H]‐thymidine incorporation, and apoptosis by TUNEL staining. Akt, caspase, bax, and bcl‐2 phosphorylation were assessed by Western blotting; caspase activity was also measured with an in vitro assay. Analysis of variance was used to compare groups. SMC exposed to laminar shear stress had a 38% decrease in cell number (n = 4, P = 0.03), 54% reduction in 3[H]‐thymidine incorporation (n = 3, P = 0.003), and 15‐fold increase in TUNEL staining (n = 4, P < 0.0001). Akt phosphorylation was reduced by 67% (n = 3, P < 0.0001), whereas bax/bcl‐2 phosphorylation was increased by 1.8‐fold (n = 3, P = 0.01). Caspase‐3 activity was increased threefold (n = 5, P = 0.03). Pretreatment of cells with ZVAD‐fmk or wortmannin resulted in 42% increased cell retention (n = 3, P < 0.01) and a fourfold increase in apoptosis (n = 3, P < 0.04), respectively. Cells transduced with constitutively‐active Akt had twofold decreased apoptosis (n = 3, P < 0.002). SMC exposed to laminar shear stress have decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, mediated by the Akt pathway. These results suggest that augmentation of SMC apoptosis may be an alternative strategy to inhibit restenosis after vascular injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 389–395, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatic endopolyploidy as a cellular consequence of age‐specific selection for rate of development in mice
Authors: Funk‐Keenan Jhondra , Haire Frances , Woolard Sara , Atchley William R
Published: February 2008

Endopolyploidy is the generation of polyploid cells by DNA replication without subsequent cell division and is correlated with hypertrophic growth or growth via cell size. Thus, selection that alters growth may also change onset and frequency of endopolyploidy as a correlated response. We search for endopolyploidy in the liver in response to age‐specific restricted index selection for the rate of development. Polyploidy changes over ontogeny are described in five mouse lines: two selected for divergence in early growth (0–10 days of age), two selected for divergence in late growth (28–56 days of age), and one randombred control. Polyploid cell frequency within each line increased as ontogeny continued, as expected from previous research. However, selection for altered growth clearly plays a role in the frequency and onset of polyploid cells. Lines selected for divergence in early growth have polyploidy differences after weaning that are not seen in adult mice. However, lines selected for divergence in late growth are divergent in frequency of polyploid cells, starting near sexual maturity and continuing into adulthood. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:385–397, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Probing the interaction between p53 and the bacterial protein azurin by single molecule force spectroscopy
Authors: Taranta Monia , Bizzarri Anna Rita , Cannistraro Salvatore
Published: February 2008

p53 is a human tumour suppressor which regulates multiple cellular processes, including cell growth, genomic stability and cell death. Recent works have demonstrated the bacterial redox protein azurin to enter cancer cells and induce apoptosis through p53 stabilization, resulting in a tumour growth regression. Azurin has been shown to bind p53 although many details of the complex formed by these two proteins are still poorly characterized. Here, we get insight into the kinetics of this complex formation, by exploring the interaction between p53 and azurin in their environment by single molecule force spectroscopy. To this aim, azurin has been linked to the atomic force microscope tip, whereas p53 has been immobilized onto a gold substrate. Therefore, by performing force‐distance cycles we have detected specific recognition events between p53 and azurin, displaying unbinding forces of around 70 pN for an applied loading rate of 3 nN s−1. The specificity of these events has been assessed by the significant reduction of their frequency observed after blocking the p53 sample by an azurin solution. Moreover, by measuring the rupture force as a function of the loading rate we have determined the dissociation rate constant of this complex to be ∼0.1 s−1. Our findings are here discussed in connection with results obtained in bulk experiments, with the aim of clarifying some molecular details of the p53‐azurin complex that may help designing new anticancer strategy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein‐responsive imprinted polymers with specific shrinking and rebinding
Authors: Chen Zhiyong , Hua Zhendong , Xu Li , Huang Yong , Zhao Meiping , Li Yuanzong
Published: February 2008

Stimuli‐responsive protein imprinted polymers were obtained via a combination of molecular imprinting and reversible stimuli‐responsive polymer using lysozyme or cytochrome c as template, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) as major monomer, methacrylic acid (MAA) and acrylamide (AAm) as functional co‐monomers, and N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBAAm) as crosslinker. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can respond not only to external stimuli such as temperature and salt concentration, but also to the corresponding template protein with significant specific volume shrinking. This specific shrinking behavior was attributed to the synergistic effect of multiple‐site weak interactions (electrostatic force, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction) and the cavity effect. The MIPs showed highly selective adsorption of template proteins with specific shrinking compared with the non‐imprinted polymers. The results indicated that the MIPs seemed to change shape to accommodate the conformation of the template protein leading to the formation of a shape complementary cavity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gentamicin production by Micromonospora echinospora (Me‐ 22) in stirred tank reactor: effect of various parameters
Authors: Meenavilli Himabindu , Potumarthi Ravichandra , Jetty Annapurna
Published: February 2008

Effect of production medium components, initial starch and soyabean meal concentrations, for the enhanced production of gentamicin by Micromonospora echinospora (Me‐ 22) was studied in a lab scale stirred tank reactor. Also effect of different aeration (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 vvm) and agitation rates (100, 200, 300 and 400 rpm) in a stirred tank reactor was examined. A maximum gentamicin concentration of 2.68 g l–1 was achieved in the medium having low concentrations of initial starch (7.5 g l–1) and high concentrations of initial soyabean meal (4 g l–1). Both aeration and agitation significantly affected gentamicin concentration, productivity and biomass formation. The maximum gentamicin concentration of 4.12 g l–1 and the highest yield of gentamicin on substrate 0.967 g g–1 were obtained at impeller speed of 200 rpm and aeration rate of 2 vvm. Under optimal culture conditions in STR the production of gentamicin could be increased 3 fold when compared with shake flask. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Typing of Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical strains by a selected panel of Brazilian killer yeasts
Authors: Fuentefria Alexandre M. , Perez Leandro R. R. , Alves d'Azevedo Pedro , Pazzini Fabiano , Schrank Augusto , Vainstein Marilene H. , Valente Patricia
Published: February 2008

Discrimination of multi‐resistant microorganisms in small clinical microbiology laboratories is frequently based on the biologic profile (biotype) of phenotypic markers, such as antimicrobial susceptibility patterns (antibiograms) and serologic or enzymatic typing, but few use indicative microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the power of a panel of selected killer yeasts for differentiating and discriminating clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis from two care hospitals and clinical microbiology laboratories from the South of Brazil. The short panel of eleven killer yeasts was capable of discriminating 100% of the sensitive strains of S. epidermidis using quantitative data matrix (QDM) and differentiating them from strains of coagulase‐positive Staphylococcus. Therefore, this phenotypic methodology proved to be valid as a discriminatory tool when applied to these clinical bacteria strains, besides being simple and feasible for routine use even in microbiological laboratories with minimal resources. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and molecular characterization of Shewanella sp. G5, a producer of cold‐active β ‐D‐glucosidases
Authors: Cristóbal Héctor Antonio , Breccia Javier Darío , Abate Carlos Mauricio
Published: February 2008

β ‐Glucosidase is a highly desired glycosidase, especially for hydrolysis of glycoconjugated precursors in musts and wines for the release of active aromatic compounds. A Shewanella sp. G5 strain was isolated from the intestinal content of benthonic organism (Munida subrrugosa) from different coastal areas of the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). This marine bacterium was able to grow at a temperature range between 4 to 20 °C using different β ‐glycoside substrates, such as cellobiose, as carbon source. In this work, the Shewanella sp. G5 strain exhibited high β ‐glucosidase activity on plate at low temperature (4 and 20 °C). Two genes encoding different cold‐active β ‐glucosidases were amplified and sequenced and the nucleotide sequences were submitted to the GenBank. 16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequences were used for the molecular characterization of Shewanella sp. G5. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Auxotrophy in natural isolate: minimal requirements for growth of the Antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W
Authors: Sahu Bhubanananda , Ray Malay K.
Published: February 2008

A chemically defined minimal medium has been developed for growing the Antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W, a model system for studying cold adaptation. This natural isolate from Antarctica has an absolute requirement for two branched chain amino acids, isoleucine and valine, in addition to low osmolality of the growth medium. The bacterium contains threonine deaminase but lacks acetohydroxyacid synthase suggesting that a defect lies in the isoleucine and valine biosynthetic pathway causing auxotrophy. Succinate was found to be preferred carbon source over glucose as it could suppress the glucose metabolizing enzymes in the cells, like in other pseudomonads. The development of the minimal medium (MMLz) for growing the Antarctic P. syringae Lz4W strain would be useful for investigation of the catabolite repression control mechanism at a very low temperature (below 5 °C), which is predominant in vast area of our global ecosystems. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Agrobacterium tumefaciens ‐mediated transformation of the zygomycete fungus Backusella lamprospora
Authors: Nyilasi Ildikó , Papp Tamás , Csernetics Árpád , Vágvölgyi Csaba
Published: February 2008

The Agrobacterium ‐mediated transformation was adapted to Backusella lamprospora, a zygomycete fungus closely related to Mucor. The transforming plasmid contained the hygromycin B resistance (hph) and the green fluorescent protein (gfp) genes under the control of the regulator regions of the Mucor circinelloides gpd1 gene. The presence of the hph and gfp genes in the transformants was detected by PCR. The introduced genes could also be amplified directly from the spores of the transformants. The transformation efficiency was investigated by fluorescence microscopy of the transformed spores. A gradual decrease in the hygromycin B resistance was observed during several cultivation cycles: the growth of the transformants on the selection medium became slower, and the detection of the introduced gene became more difficult. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microbial diversity of culturable heterotrophs in the rhizosphere of salt marsh grass, Porteresia coarctata (Tateoka) in a mangrove ecosystem
Authors: Bharathkumar Srinivasan , Paul Diby , Nair Sudha
Published: February 2008

A study was conducted to understand the complexity of bacterial diversity of rhizosphere of Porteresia coarctata based on culture dependent method. A large number of bacteria were isolated on nutrient agar medium supplemented with 1% NaCl and the dominant ones were further analyzed with PCR‐RFLP method. The sequence analyses of the dominant strains revealed that most of the sequences belonged to members of gamma proteobacteria, firmicutes, bacteroidetes and uncultured bacteria. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed close relationships to a wide range of clones or bacterial species of various divisions. These results afford an understanding of the role of rhizobacteria in alleviating salt stress in Porteresia coarctata expected to contribute towards long‐term goal of improving plant‐microbe interactions for salinity affected fields. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Curdlan production by Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 on an ethanol fermentation coproduct
Authors: West Thomas P. , Nemmers Beth
Published: February 2008

The production of the polysaccharide curdlan from the ethanol processing coproduct condensed corn distillers solubles by the bacterium Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 was investigated. It was found that curdlan could be produced by the bacterium using condensed corn distillers solubles as a source of carbon and nitrogen. As the concentration of condensed corn distillers solubles was increased from 50 g l–1 to 400 g l–1, the concentration of curdlan increased but not proportionally. The highest curdlan concentration was produced by the strain on 400 g l–1 condensed corn distillers solubles after 120 h and its level was higher than was observed for glucose‐based curdlan production. Biomass production by ATCC 31749 was also highest after 120 h of growth on 400 g l–1 condensed corn distillers solubles and was higher than found for glucose‐based biomass production. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Descriptive analysis of wines from Vitis vinifera cv. Albariño
Authors: Vilanova Mar , Zamuz Sol , Tardáguila Javier , Masa Antón
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Descriptive analysis is the method most used in sensory analysis for product characterisation. This method is used to identify and quantify different wine sensations and attributes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vintage on sensory attributes the Albariño wines from Rías Baixas (Galicia, Spain) and characterise the typical sensory profile of Albariño wine.

RESULTS: All descriptors found could be included in six categories: fruity, floral, vegetal, balsamic, lactic and toasted. Significant differences were observed between the aroma descriptors of Albariño wines of different vintages. Apple, apricot, banana, citric, floral, grass, lactic, peach, pear, pineapple, ripe fruit, toasted and tropical fruit were the common descriptors across vintages. Therefore, these attributes may qualitatively be considered as typical descriptors of Albariño wines from Galicia. No significant differences were found for aroma intensity of apricot, grass, ripe fruit and tropical fruit. These descriptors may quantitatively be considered as typical descriptors of Albariño wines. The 2003 and 2005 vintages were the more complex vintages because they displayed a high number of descriptors with ‘adjusted frequencies’ greater than 10%.

CONCLUSION: By using sensory descriptive analysis of commercial wines from four vintages, we obtained a sensory profile of Albariño wine. Fruity, floral and grass defined the aroma of Albariño wines. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Interferon‐inducible protein IFIXα inhibits cell invasion by upregulating the metastasis suppressor maspin
Authors: Yamaguchi Hirohito , Ding Yi , Lee Jin‐Fong , Zhang Ming , Pal Ashutosh , Bornmann William , Yan Duen‐Hwa , Hung Mien‐Chie
Published: February 2008

IFIXα, a member of the interferon‐inducible HIN‐200 family, has been identified as a putative tumor suppressor. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying IFIXα‐mediated tumor suppression are poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that the metastasis suppressor maspin acts as the downstream target of IFIXα. IFIXα suppressed the invasion activity of MDA‐MB‐468 breast cancer cells, and its inhibitory effect was reversed by the knockdown of maspin. Both Maspin mRNA and protein were upregulated by IFIXα. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, but not DNA methyltransferase inhibitor upregulated maspin, and HDAC1 inhibited the transactivation of maspin promoter. Although the HDAC1 protein was downregulated in IFIXα‐expressing cells, IFIXα did not affect HDAC1 mRNA levels. Conversely, a proteasome inhibitor restored the level of HDAC1 protein in IFIXα‐expressing cells, and the polyubiqutination of HDAC1 was promoted by IFIXα, suggesting that HDAC1 is regulated by IFIXα through a ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Together, these data provide novel insights into the tumor‐suppressive function of IFIXα. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Existence and uniqueness theorems for cusped prismatic shells in the Nth hierarchical model
Authors: Chinchaladze N. , Gilbert R. P. , Jaiani G. , Kharibegashvili S. , Natroshvili D.
Published: February 2008

We study the well posedness of boundary value problems for elastic cusped prismatic shells in the Nth approximation of I. Vekua's hierarchical models under (all reasonable) boundary conditions at the cusped edge and given displacements at the non‐cusped edge and stresses at the upper and lower faces of the shell. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Existence of periodic traveling wave solutions for the Ostrovsky equation
Authors: Ishimura Naoyuki , Mizumachi Tetsu
Published: February 2008

We are concerned with the Ostrovsky equation, which is derived from the theory of weakly nonlinear long surface and internal waves in shallow water under the presence of rotation. On the basis of the variational method, we show the existence of periodic traveling wave solutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of vitelline envelope synthesis and composition during early oocyte development in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Modig Carina , Raldúa Demetrio , Cerdà Joan , Olsson Per‐Erik
Published: February 2008

The oocyte vitelline envelope (VE) of gilthead seabream is composed of four known zona pellucida (ZP) proteins, ZPBa, ZPBb, ZPC, and ZPX. We have previously shown that the gilthead seabream ZP proteins are differentially transcribed in liver and ovary, with the expression in liver being under estrogenic control. However, although mRNA was found in both liver and ovary, only low ZPBa protein levels were detected in liver and plasma. Using isoform‐specific ZP antibodies we show that ZPBa and ZPX translation products are present in the cytosol of stage I and II oocytes. In addition, the zpBa and zpX mRNAs were detected in early developing oocytes. During oocyte growth (vitellogenesis), the VE increased in thickness (>10 µm), and we show that the four ZP isoforms are present in different regions of the VE. ZPX was detected closest to the oocyte plasma membrane while the intermediate region was composed of ZPBa, ZPBb, and ZPC. At the outer layer, only ZPC was detected. When oocytes reach the fully grown stage they resume meiosis and hydration. As the oocyte expands, thinning to 4 µm, the VE acquire a striped and compact appearance at the electron microscopy level. This study provides further evidence for the oocyte origin of some ZP proteins in the gilthead seabream and suggests that the ZP proteins are differentially distributed within the VE. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1351–1360, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental and hormonal regulation of cumulus expansion and secretion of cumulus expansion‐enabling factor (CEEF) in goat follicles
Authors: Zhang Xia , Han Yi‐Bing , Sui Hong‐Shu , Miao De‐Qiang , Wang Jun‐Zuo , Li Kun‐Liang , Tan Jing‐He
Published: February 2008

The objective of this article was to study the developmental and hormonal regulation of cumulus expansion and secretion of cumulus expansion‐enabling factor (CEEF) in goat follicles. M‐199 medium was conditioned for 24 hr with cumulus‐denuded oocytes (DOs), oocytectomized complexes (OOXs), or mural granulosa cells (MGCs) from goat follicles of different sizes. Mouse OOXs and eCG were added to culture drops of the conditioned medium and cumulus expansion was scored at 18 hr of culture to assess CEEF production. While mouse OOXs did not expand, goat OOXs underwent full cumulus expansion when cultured in nonconditioned eCG‐supplemented M‐199 medium. When cultured in nonconditioned medium containing 10% follicular fluid (FF) from goat medium (2–4 mm) and small (0.8–1.5 mm) follicles, 71–83% mouse OOXs expanded; but expansion rates decreased (P < 0.05) at either lower or higher FF concentrations. FF from large (5–6 mm) follicles did not support mouse OOX expansion at any concentrations. While medium conditioned with DOs from follicles of all the three sizes supported expansion of 80–90% mouse OOXs, medium conditioned with mature DOs had no effect. While cumulus cells from follicles of all the three sizes secreted CEEF in the absence of gonadotropins, MGCs from large follicles became gonadotropin dependent for CEEF production. Both FSH and LH stimulated CEEF production by large follicle MGCs, but FSH had a shorter half‐life than LH to expand mouse OOXs. Few meiosis‐incompetent goat oocytes from small follicles underwent cumulus expansion when cultured in medium conditioned with goat DOs or cocultured with goat COCs from medium follicles. It is concluded that (1) goat cumulus expansion is independent of the oocyte; (2) the limited CEEF activity in FF from large follicles was due mainly to the inability of MGCs in these follicles to secret the factor in absence or short supply of gonadotropins; (3) the cumulus expansion inability of the meiosis incompetent goat oocytes was due to the inability of their cumulus cells to respond to rather than to produce CEEF. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1387–1395, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new method for finding the first‐ and second‐order eigenderivatives of asymmetric non‐conservative systems with application to an FGM plate actively controlled by piezoelectric sensor/actuators
Authors: Mirzaeifar R. , Bahai H. , Shahab S.
Published: February 2008

In this paper, a new method for computing eigenvalue and eigenvector derivatives of asymmetric non‐conservative systems with distinct eigenvalues is presented. Several approaches have been proposed for eigenderivative analysis of systems with asymmetric and non‐positive‐definite mass, damping and stiffness matrices. The proposed formulation that is developed by combining the modal and algebraic methods neither have the complications of modal methods in calculating the complex left and right eigenvector derivatives nor suffer from numerical instability problems usually associated with algebraic methods. The method is applied to a functionally graded material (FGM) plate actively controlled by piezoelectric sensor/actuators. In this system, the feedback signal applied to each actuator patch is implemented as a function of the electric potential in its corresponding sensor patch. The use of this closed‐loop controlling system leads to a non‐self‐adjoint system with complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors. A finite element model is developed for static and dynamic analysis of closed‐loop controlled FGM plate. The first‐ and second‐order approximations of Taylor expansion are used to estimate the corresponding changes in the plate modal properties due to change in design parameters (the displacement feedback gains and the piezoelectric layer thickness in each S/A pair). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing the theory of self‐care management for sickle cell disease
Authors: Jenerette Coretta M. , Murdaugh Carolyn
Published: February 2008

Factors predicting health outcomes in persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) were investigated within the framework of the theory of self‐care management for SCD, which proposes that vulnerability factors negatively affect health care outcomes and self‐care management resources and positively mediate the relationship between vulnerability factors and health care outcomes. A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used to test the model with a sample of 232 African American adults with SCD. Results supported the negative effect of vulnerability factors on health outcomes. The overall model was supported, however, self‐care management resources did not mediate the relationship between vulnerability and health care outcomes. The findings provide support for interventions to increase self‐care management resources to improve health care outcomes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:355–369, 2008
Faunal exploitation and agricultural transitions in the South American agricultural limit
Authors: Neme G. A. , Gil A. F.
Published: February 2008

The southern Mendoza Province of Argentina constitutes the southernmost limit of Andean agriculture in South America. Archaeofaunal assemblages from sites in this region show a pattern of changing taxonomic diversity concomitant with the first appearance of domesticated plants. This pattern is characterised by an increase in prey diversity before the appearance of the first cultigens and a decrease in diversity after their arrival. Furthermore, the animal taxa exploited when domesticated plants entered the diet indicate a focus on big game. The pattern observed in southern Mendoza is in accord with ethnographic and archaeological models generated by faunal research worldwide. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous and inverse optimal control designs for chained systems: A global state‐scaling transformation and a time‐scaling method
Authors: Qu Zhihua , Wang Jing , Hull Richard A. , Martin Jeffrey
Published: February 2008

In this paper, the inverse optimal control designs for chained systems are investigated. The presented designs are based on the thorough study of controllability of chained systems. Particularly, two methods are proposed to recover uniform complete controllability for the chained system. One involves a global singularity‐free state‐scaling transformation, the other is based on a time transform, and both of them require an innovative design of dynamic control component for its subsystem. Using either of the approaches, the chained system is mapped into a controllable linear time‐varying system for which control can systematically be designed to ensure exponential convergence or asymptotic stability. Both state‐feedback and output‐feedback designs are presented and literally shown to be inversely optimal. Simulation results are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controls. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive genotyping fetal Kell blood group (KEL1) using cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Ying , Finning Kirstin , Daniels Geoff , Hahn Sinuhe , Zhong Xiaoyan , Holzgreve Wolfgang
Published: February 2008

Background

Alloimmunization against the fetal Kell (KEL1) blood group antigen is gaining importance relative to the Rhesus problem and is the second most important cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Molecular diagnosis for fetal KEL1, which currently involves invasive procedures, is routinely done for accessing whether a fetus is at risk. Here we developed a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS)‐based single allele‐based extension reaction (SABER) to examine the fetal KEL1 gene from KEL1‐negative pregnant women using cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma.

Methods

Thirty‐two maternal plasma samples taken at the second and third trimesters of gestation (median: 21.5 weeks) were examined with MALDI‐TOF MS‐based SABER. The results were confirmed by serological tests on cord blood or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typing on amniocyte‐derived fetal DNA.

Results

We were able to detect the fetal KEL1 allele in 11 of the 13 KEL1‐positive samples. No false positive results were scored. The paternal KEL1 allele could be correctly determined in 94% of cases (30/32).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the MALDI‐TOF MS‐based SABER has been used successfully for the detection of the fetal KEL1 status with the accuracy of 94%. Further, large‐scale study, such as multicenter study, can now be explored for clinical application. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cultural snapshot to inform future practice development within a new cancer centre
Authors: Davidson Michael CJ
Published: February 2008

The closure of an existing cancer centre and an inpatient cancer ward in a city centre hospital, with a move to a purpose‐built unit, provided an opportunity to analyse the culture within the existing ward environments and patient hotel. This project was designed in response to the sense of loss and anxiety expressed by staff regarding the change to working in a brand new purpose‐built cancer centre and new bed and breakfast facility. In addition, patients had expressed their sense of loss, not only of the staff who nursed them but of the environment in which they had been cared for. The method involve five senior nurses within the existing oncology department spending four hours in the five selected areas engaging in practice observation, critical reflective interviewing and photographing a ‘typical day’. Patients were also asked to take photographs, to capture their perspectives. In addition, nursing staff were asked to complete the ‘Aston Inter‐professional Team working Inventory’ to give a comparative measure of the existing ward and department cultures. The findings of this study highlighted the multifaceted nature of ward cultures, including themes of communication, teamworking, values, loss and a sense of belonging. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution properties of an aqueous poly(methacryl oxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride) and its poly(oxyethylene) grafted analog
Authors: Andersson Toni , Sumela Miika , Khriachtchev Leonid , Räsänen Markku , Aseyev Vladimir , Tenhu Heikki
Published: February 2008

Cationic poly(methacryl oxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride), PMOTAC, and its poly(oxyethylene), POE, grafted analog have been synthesised. The molar mass of the POE grafts was Mw = 200 g/mol, and the grafting degrees of the synthesised copolymers were 2, 5, and 15 mol %. The effect of the POE grafts on the solution properties and the conformation of the polycation has been investigated in aqueous NaNO3 by means of dynamic and static light scattering, viscometry, and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the polyelectrolyte properties are more pronounced for the homopolymer than for the POE‐grafted copolymers. The increase of the POE‐grafting degree dramatically decreases the hydrodynamic radius of individual macromolecules and causes intermolecular association. It also suppresses the conformational response of the copolymers upon changing the ionic strength with respect to that of the homopolymer. DFT calculations have been used to estimate a possible mechanism of interaction between the POE grafts and the MOTAC repeating units. It has been revealed that the POE grafts are capable of forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds with the MOTAC groups. The latter was confirmed experimentally; addition of free POE chains to a solution of PMOTAC results in formation of intermolecular PMOTAC/POE complexes. Increasing the POE concentration decreases the solution viscosity. At the same time, the bimodal distributions of the hydrodynamic radius, which are typical for polyelectrolytes in salt‐free solutions, become monomodal representing the PMOTAC/POE complexes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 547–557, 2008
Effect of nucleating agent on the brittle–ductile transition behavior of polypropylene/ethylene–octene copolymer blends
Authors: Bai Hongwei , Wang Yong , Song Bo , Li Yanli , Liu Li
Published: February 2008

In the present work, α‐form nucleating agent 1,3:2,4‐bis (3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene) sorbitol (DMDBS, Millad 3988) is introduced into the blends of polypropylene/ethylene–octene copolymer (PP/POE) blends to study the effect of the nucleating agent on the toughness of PP/POE blends through affecting the crystallization behavior of PP matrix. Compared with the PP/POE blends, in which the toughness of the blends increases gradually with the increasing content of POE and only a weak transition in toughness is observed, addition of 0.2 wt % DMDBS induces not only the definitely brittle‐ductile transition at low POE content but also the enhancement of toughness and tensile strength of the blends simultaneously. Study on the morphologies of impact‐fractured surfaces suggests that the addition of a few amounts of DMDBS increases the degree of plastic deformation of sample during the fracture process. WAXD results suggest that POE induces the formation of the β‐form crystalline of PP; however, DMDBS prevents the formation of it. SEM results show that the addition of DMDBS does not affect the dispersion and phase morphologies of POE particles in PP matrix. DSC and POM results show that, although POE acts as a nucleating agent for PP crystallization and which enhances the crystallization temperature of PP and decreases the spherulites size of PP slightly, DMDBS induces the enhancement of the crystallization temperature of PP and the decrease of spherulites size of PP more greatly. It is concluded that the definitely brittle–ductile transition behavior during the impact process and the great improvement of toughness of the blends are attributed to the sharp decrease of PP spherulites size and their homogeneous distribution obtained by the addition of nucleating agent. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 577–588, 2008
Crystallization and thermal properties of PLLA comb polymer
Authors: Zhao Chuanzhuang , Wu Dongxia , Huang Nan , Zhao Hanying
Published: February 2008

Poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) backbone was prepared by a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). The structure of the comb polymer was analyzed by wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). WAXD result indicates that the comb polymer has α crystalline modification with a 103helical conformation. Lamellar parameters of the crystalline structure were obtained by one‐dimension correlation function (1DCF) calculated from SAXS results. The calculations show that the thickness of crystalline layer is controlled by annealing temperature and comb structure. DSC was applied to study kinetics of the crystallization and melting behavior. Two melting peaks on melting curves of the comb polymer at different crystallization temperature were detected, and the peak at higher temperature is attributed to the melt‐recrystallization. The equilibrium melting temperature is found to be influenced by the comb structure. In this article the effects of the comb structure on Avrami exponent, equilibrium melting point and melting peak of the comb polymer were discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 589–598, 2008
Modeling the mechanical properties of highly oriented polymer films: A fiber/gel composite theory approach
Authors: Breese D. Ryan , Beaucage Gregory
Published: February 2008

Controlling the extent of orientation is of great interest in polymer processing and is effected by the choice of polymer, the fabrication technique and the processing conditions. Understanding the crystalline transitions that form highly oriented fibrils is necessary for modeling the changes in physical properties, relative to degree of orientation. A model is proposed to describe the mechanical properties of drawn semicrystalline polymer films based on structural transitions. With a minimal amount of experimental data (requiring testing on only two drawn films samples), this model can be used to predict film properties. These properties include the critical and maximum draw ratios, the moduli at the maximum draw ratio, the moduli of the fiber, the modulus of the nonfibrous gel relative to draw ratio, the volume fraction of fibers, and the rate of fibrillation. Where high degrees of uniaxial orientation are required, the polymer is typically drawn in the solid state, meaning the polymer is stretched in a single direction at temperatures below the melting point. During this process, pre‐existing crystallites are transformed into fiber‐like structures with large aspect ratios. The presence of these rigid asymmetric structures significantly enhances the moduli and break strength of the polymer. This work presents a model that describes the formation of fiber‐like structures. The volume fraction of fibers is predicted to be linear in draw ratio. The derived relationship between volume fraction of fibers and draw ratio can then be used for the prediction of the various properties of the oriented film. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 607–618, 2008
Tensile tests of polypropylene monitored by SAXS. Comparing the stretch‐hold technique to the dynamic technique
Authors: Stribeck Norbert , Nöchel Ulrich , Funari Sérgio S. , Schubert Tom
Published: February 2008

Advanced instrumentation at synchrotron beamlines facilitates considerable reduction of the exposure required for the recording of low‐noise small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) patterns. Concerning the monitoring of tensile tests on polymer materials by SAXS means that change‐over from the stretch‐hold technique to more practical dynamic straining is possible, although the strain rate is still by a factor of 100 lower than that relevant in industry and service. As hard‐elastic polypropylene (PP) is tested, considerably different scattering patterns are recorded after switching to the dynamic technique. Even though during exposure the elongation is no longer constant when applying the dynamic technique, the images collected in stretch‐hold technique appear much more blurred. The observed immediate relaxation of nanostructure induced by stopping the extensometer is analyzed by means of the multidimensional chord distribution function (CDF): The extension of the crystalline lamellae is increasing. Their thicknesses are becoming non‐uniform. The range of order is shortening. Cross‐hatched lamellae are formed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 721–726, 2008
Infrared absorption spectroscopy of polycarbonate at high pressure
Authors: Kraus R. G. , Emmons E. D. , Thompson J. S. , Covington A. M.
Published: February 2008

High‐pressure Fourier‐transform infrared absorption spectroscopy has been performed on polycarbonate, using a diamond anvil cell to produce pressures up to ∼6 GPa. The frequencies of the vibrational modes have been measured as a function of pressure. Individual mode Grüneisen parameters have been determined for six vibrational modes. The data were fit to models that included both volume‐dependent and ‐independent Grüneisen parameters. The vibrational frequency shifts as a function of pressure have been found to be consistent with those measured for similar types of bonds in other molecules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 734–742, 2008
Irradiation enhances the metastatic potential of prostatic small cell carcinoma xenografts
Authors: Agemy Lilach , Harmelin Alon , Waks Tova , Leibovitch Ilan , Rabin Tatyana , Pfeffer M. Raphael , Eshhar Zelig
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate (SCCP) is a rare subset of prostate cancer (0.5–2% of all prostatic carcinomas), predominantly composed of neuroendocrine (NE) cells, with a very poor prognosis. Irradiation is one of the mainstay options for SCCP local treatment, yet, little is known about the clinical response of these aggressive tumors to radiotherapy.

METHODS

Using SCID mice, the response to fractionated ionizing radiation (IR) of two unique human NE xenografts of SCCP (WISH‐PC2 and WM‐4A) was investigated.

RESULTS

Fractionated irradiation of WISH‐PC2 xenografts using total doses of >24 Gy induced a delay in tumor growth, while total doses of >36 Gy led to local tumor eradication. However, most of the irradiated mice suffered from disseminated metastases. Similarly, in the WM‐4A xenograft, a total dose of 20 Gy led to tumor growth delay and some of the mice also developed metastases. Non‐irradiated local xenografts failed to disseminate, even following surgical excision of the main tumor mass; however, tumor cells administered intravenously did form metastases. Metastases of both xenografts were located in the adrenal/kidney and inter‐scapular regions, areas rich in brown adipose tissue. A correlation was found between the appearance of irradiation‐induced metastases and activation of the gelatinase activity of matrix metalloproteinase‐9.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically, this study raises the possibility that radiation to SCCP may promote metastatic disease. For patients in whom prostate biopsy shows a predominance of small cell cancer, it may be necessary to deliver systemic therapy together with the radiotherapy in order to prevent the development of metastases. Prostate 68: 530–539, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dysregulation of Dkk‐3 expression in benign and malignant prostatic tissue
Authors: Zenzmaier Christoph , Untergasser Gerold , Hermann Martin , Dirnhofer Stephan , Sampson Natalie , Berger Peter
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND

The Dickkopf (Dkk) family comprises four members Dkk‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐4. Dkk‐3, the most divergent family member, unlike the others does not modulate Wnt signaling. Dkk‐3 is proposed to function as a secreted tumor suppressor since it is downregulated in a number of cancer cells and prostate cancer tissue and thus may be a promising candidate molecule for therapeutic interference.

METHODS

The in situ tissue localization of Dkk‐3 protein in normal prostate (NP), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate carcinoma (PCa) was investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC)/immunofluorescence. In addition, biological function of Dkk‐3 in terms of proliferation and viability was evaluated in primary prostate basal epithelial cells (PrEC), stromal cells (PrSC), and established human PCa cell lines by treatment with recombinant protein or by overexpression.

RESULTS

Stimulation with purified recombinant protein and overexpression of Dkk‐3 did not significantly alter in vitro cell proliferation in any primary or tumor cell line evaluated. Dkk‐3 was expressed in both the basal and secretory epithelium of NP. In BPH expression was restricted to defined basal cells and was absent in tumor cells of high grade PCa. In contrast to normal prostatic tissue, Dkk‐3 was upregulated in subglandular blood vessels of BPH and in the reactive stroma of PCa tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that Dkk‐3 expression in the normal epithelium of the prostate is lost during benign and malignant transformation and differentiation processes. The loss of expression seems to be counterbalanced by upregulation of Dkk‐3 expression in the blood vessels of the remodeled tissue. Prostate 68: 540–547, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.