bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus That Lacks the E Gene Is Attenuated In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: DeDiego Marta L. , Álvarez Enrique , Almazán Fernando , Rejas María Teresa , Lamirande Elaine , Roberts Anjeanette , Shieh Wun-Ju , Zaki Sherif R. , Subbarao Kanta , Enjuanes Luis
Published: November 2006

A deletion mutant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) has been engineered by deleting the structural E gene in an infectious cDNA clone that was constructed as a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). The recombinant virus lacking the E gene (rSARS-CoV-ΔE) was rescued in Vero E6 cells. The recovered deletion mutant grew in Vero E6, Huh-7, and CaCo-2 cells to titers 20-, 200-, and 200-fold lower than the recombinant wild-type virus, respectively, indicating that although the E protein has an effect on growth, it is not essential for virus replication. No differences in virion stability under a wide range of pH and temperature were detected between the deletion mutant and recombinant wild-type viruses. Although both viruses showed the same morphology by electron microscopy, the process of morphogenesis seemed to be less efficient with the defective virus than with the recombinant wild-type one. The rSARS-CoV-ΔE virus replicated to titers 100- to 1,000-fold lower than the recombinant wild-type virus in the upper and lower respiratory tract of hamsters, and the lower viral load was accompanied by less inflammation in the lungs of hamsters infected with rSARS-CoV-ΔE virus than with the recombinant wild-type virus. Therefore, the SARS-CoV that lacks the E gene is attenuated in hamsters, might be a safer research tool, and may be a good candidate for the development of a live attenuated SARS-CoV vaccine.
Incorrect calculation of power outputs masks the ergogenic capacity of creatine supplementation
Authors: Havenetidis Konstadinos , Cooke Carlton B. , Butterly Ron , King Roderick F.G.J.
Published: November 2006

This study assessed the effect of incorrect calculation of power output measurement on the ergogenic properties of creatine. Fifteen males performed repeated Wingate anaerobic tests, under baseline, placebo, and creatine conditions. Statistics showed significant differences (p < 0.05) following creatine-supplemented conditions compared with placebo conditions, whereas no significant differences existed between the baseline and placebo conditions. However, the performance enhancement effect of creatine became significant only when the corrected (for the inertia of the flywheel) method was employed for measuring peak and minimum power. Mean (± SD) values across all cycle sprints for placebo versus creatine were 1033 ± 100 W versus 1130 ± 95 W for peak power and 385 ± 78 W versus 427 ± 70 W for minimum power. No significant differences were shown using the uncorrected method for peak power (756 ± 97 W versus 786 ± 88 W) and minimum power 440 ± 64 W pre versus 452 ± 65 W post). In conclusion, the present study suggests that the potentiating effect of creatine might be underestimated if the inertial effects of the flywheel are not considered in power output determination.
The recognition and sensing of anions by a novel phenanthroline-bridged diamide
Authors: Qiao Yan-Hong , Lin Hai , Lin Hua-Kuan
Published: November 2006

A novel neutral anion recognition receptor 1 with the additional capability of selectively sensing anionic guest species has been synthesized and examined for its anion-binding abilities by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The results of nonlinear curve fitting and Job plot indicate that 1 forms 1:1 stoichiometric complexes with fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, and acetate, respectively. Their UV–vis absorption spectra in DMSO indicate the presence of anions such as F –, Cl –, Br–, I–, and AcO– with high affinity ability and selectivity toward F –, and also show dramatic colour changes from colourless to yellow in the presence of TBAX (1× 10–5 mol/L, X= F –, Cl –, Br–, I –, and AcO–). Receptor 1 has almost no affinity abilities for H2PO4– and OH–. Key words: phenanthroline-bridged diamide, synthesis, UV–vis spectrum, anion recognition.
Catalyzed β scission of a carbenium ion II — Variations leading to a general mechanism
Authors: Li Qingbin , East Allan LL
Published: November 2006

The β-scission mechanisms of catalytically chemisorbed carbenium ions are further investigated using density functional theory computations and explicit-contact modelling, but with slightly larger catalyst fragment models than in our previous work. Some variations are seen, including the existence of formal one-step and three-step (rather than two-step) mechanisms. The activation barriers are most affected by the basicity of the catalyst model than by any other characteristics: the stronger the base, the greater the barrier. A general mechanism for β scission is presented, as are the specific mechanisms for all the step variations observed from computations to date.Key words: C–C bond fission, β scission, carbenium ion, catalysis, chloroaluminate, mechanism.
Synthesis and insulin-sensitizing activity of (S)-2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid derivatives
Authors: Cai Xiao-hua , Xie Bing
Published: November 2006

A series of (S)-2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid derivatives were synthesized and their insulin-sensitizing activities were evaluated in 3T3-L1 cells. Compounds 1b (EC30 = 9.43 × 10–3 µmol/L), 1d (EC30 = 7.45 × 10–3 µmol/L), 1e (EC30 = 6.22 × 10–3 µmol/L), and 1f (EC30 = 7.76 × 10–3 µmol/L) exhibited more potent insulin-sensitizing activity than rosiglitazone (EC30 = 2.06 × 10–2 µmol/L).Key words: (S)-2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid derivatives, type 2 diabetes, insulin-sensitizing agents.
Identification and characterization of a polysaccharide deacetylase gene from Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Hu Kun , Yang Haihua , Liu Gang , Tan Huarong
Published: November 2006

One polysaccharide deacetylase gene was cloned from Bacillus thuringiensis and designated pdaA. Disruption of pdaA did not affect vegetative growth and sporulation but obviously affected spore germination. When L-alanine was added into the spore suspension, the spores of the pdaA disruption mutant showed a slow and partial reduction in absorbance at OD600 and became phase pale gray compared with phase dark of the wild-type strain. In contrast with the outgrowing of wild-type spores after germination, the pdaA mutant spores were blocked at the stage of spore germination. Transmission electron micrographs revealed a significant difference between the pdaA mutant and the wild-type strain in the spore cortex. Introduction of the pdaA gene into the pdaA disruption mutant complemented the germination-negative phenotype. Reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction showed that pdaA was transcribed after incubation for 10 h in CCY medium.Key words: Bacillus thuringiensis, polysaccharide deacetylase, spore germination, microscopy.
Relationship between soil densities ofAspergillusspecies and colonization of wounded peanut seeds
Authors: Horn Bruce W
Published: November 2006

Soil is a reservoir for Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, fungi that commonly colonize peanut seeds and produce carcinogenic aflatoxins. Densities of these fungi in soil vary greatly among fields and may influence the severity of peanut infection. This study examined the relationship between soil density of Aspergillus species and the incidence of peanut seed colonization under laboratory conditions. Viable peanut seeds were wounded and inoculated with 20 soils differing in composition and density of Aspergillus species and were then incubated for 14 days at 37 °C (seed water activity = 0.92). The effect of soil density of individual section Flavi species (A. flavus strains L and S, A. parasiticus, A. caelatus, and A. tamarii), section Nigri, and A. terreus on the incidence of seed colonization was best expressed as a function of exponential rise to maximum. Exponential curves often rose to maximum percentages of seed colonization by section Flavi species that were well below 100% despite high species densities in some soils. Competition primarily among section Flavi species may explain the reduced incidences of seed colonization. An average of two or fewer propagules of each Aspergillus species in the soil at the wound site was required for colonization of 20% of peanut seeds. Other fungal species were capable of invading peanut seeds only when soil densities of sections Flavi and Nigri species were low.Key words: aflatoxin, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, fungal competition.
Differential actin isoform reorganization in the contracting A7r5 cell
Authors: Brown D. , Dykes A. , Black J. , Thatcher S. , Fultz M.E. , Wright G.L.
Published: November 2006

In the present study, we investigated the reorganization of α- and β-actin in the contracting A7r5 smooth muscle cell. The remodeling of these actin variants was markedly different in response to increasing concentrations of phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu). At the lowest concentrations (≤10−7 mol/L), cells showed an ~70% loss in α-actin stress fibers with robust transport of this isoform to podosomes. By comparison, β-actin remained in stress fibers in cells stimulated at low concentrations (≤10−7 mol/L) of PDBu. However, at high concentrations (≥10−6 mol/L) ~50% of cells showed transport of β-actin to podosomes. Consistent with these findings, staining with phalloidin indicated a significant decrease in the whole-cell content of F-actin with PDBu treatment. However, staining with DNase I indicated no change in the cellular content of G-actin, suggesting reduced access of phalloidin to tightly packed actin in the podosome core. Inhibition of protein kinase C (staurosporine, bisindolymaleimide) blocked PDBu-induced (5 × 10−8 mol/L) loss in α-actin stress fibers or reversed podosome formation with re-establishment of α-actin stress fibers. By comparison, these inhibitors caused partial loss of β-actin stress fibers. The results support our earlier conclusion of independent remodeling of α- and β-actin cytoskeletal structure and suggest that the regulation of these structures is different.
Effects of endothelin receptor blockade on hypervasoreactivity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: vessel-specific involvement of thromboxane A2
Authors: Arikawa Emi , Cheung Claudia , Sekirov Inna , Battell Mary L. , Yuen Violet G. , McNeill John H.
Published: November 2006

Increased vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine (NE) and endothelin (ET)-1 in arteries from diabetic animals is ameliorated by chronic endothelin receptor blockade with bosentan and was absent in endothelium-denuded arteries, suggesting the involvement of ET-1 and an endothelium-derived contracting factor such as thromboxane A2 (TxA2). To examine this possibility, we determined the effects of acute blockade of ET receptors or inhibition of TxA2 synthesis on the vascular function of superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) and renal arteries (RA) isolated from nondiabetic and 11-week streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats chronically treated with either bosentan or vehicle. Both in vitro incubation with bosentan and a selective ETA receptor blocker, BQ123, eradicated the increase in NE contractile responses in diabetic SMA. Additionally, in vitro incubation with the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, dazmegrel, abrogated the exaggerated NE and ET-1 contractile responses in diabetic SMA. Conversely, in RA, no significant acute effect of bosentan, BQ123, nor dazmegrel on vascular responses to NE was observed. Dazmegrel incubation attenuated the maximum contractile responses to ET-1 in diabetic RA; however, these responses in diabetic RA remained significantly greater than those of other groups. Diabetic RA but not SMA exhibited an enhanced contractile response to the TxA2 analogue U46619, which was corrected by chronic bosentan treatment. Immunohistochemical analyses in diabetic SMA revealed an increase in ETA receptor level that was normalized by chronic bosentan treatment. These data indicate that an interaction between ET-1 and TxA2 may be involved in mediating the exaggerated vasoconstrictor responses in diabetic arteries. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms appear to be vessel specific.
Nutrient acquisition by female Harlequin Ducks prior to spring migration and reproduction: evidence for body mass optimization
Authors: Bond Jeanine C. , Esler Daniel
Published: November 2006

We analysed variation in body mass of adult female Harlequin Ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus (L., 1758)) on coastal wintering sites in southern British Columbia, Canada, to investigate nutrient acquisition prior to migration and reproduction. On average, female mass increased by 7% from late winter to premigration; however, the chronology of mass gain varied depending on prey type. Females feeding on superabundant roe from spawning Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasii Valenciennes, 1847) became considerably heavier than they had been before the herring spawning period (March) and appeared to be heavier than females eating marine invertebrates such as crabs, limpets, and snails during the herring spawning period. By mid-April, prior to migration, females at all sites had similar body masses, with birds at sites without spawn gaining mass and those at sites with spawn maintaining their earlier mass gain. Stable isotope analyses confirmed that birds at these different sites consumed very different diets. These results suggest that female Harlequin Ducks target an optimal premigratory body mass, regardless of whether they have access to a superabundant food source; this body mass is presumably shaped by the costs and benefits of nutrient storage for migration and reproduction.
Spatial structure of a diving duck (Aythya, Oxyura) guild: how does habitat structure and competition influence diving duck habitat use within northern prairie wetlands?
Authors: Torrence S.M. , Butler M.G.
Published: November 2006

What circumstances allow the coexistence of similar species is a common but complex question in community ecology. It is often assumed that sympatric species within the same guild must employ some mechanism of niche diversification to coexist. Diving duck (Anatidae: Aythya Boie, 1822 and Oxyura Bonaparte, 1828) competition is poorly understood and current evidence of coexistence mechanisms is contradictory. In the spring and summer of 2001 and 2002, we tested whether diving ducks foraging within prairie potholes segregate by depth to avoid competition. We sought to explain any segregation by sampling sediment particle size, compactness, and organic content; submergent vegetation; and benthic invertebrate densities in the foraging locations of each species. Our study was conducted at the wetland scale in southwestern Manitoba, Canada. We found that Redheads ( Aythya americana (Eyton, 1838)), Ruddy Ducks ( Oxyura jamaicensis (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)), Canvasbacks ( Aythya valisineria (Wilson, 1814)), and Ring-necked Ducks ( Aythya collaris (Donovan, 1809)) foraged most often at shallow depths (50–100 cm), while Lesser Scaups ( Aythya affinis (Eyton, 1838)) foraged at shallow to intermediate depths (50–150 cm). Thus, most divers did not segregate by depth. These results conflict with an earlier study that reported diving ducks segregated by depth to avoid competition. Diving ducks likely forage where prey abundance is greatest relative to the cost of diving to obtain that prey.
Effects of body size, body condition, and breeding state on responses to alarm cues by fathead minnows
Authors: Pollock M.S. , Pollock R.J. , Chivers D.P.
Published: November 2006

There is often considerable variation in the intensity of behavioural responses of prey to predation cues. The purpose of the current study was to determine the role of standard length (a correlate of age), body condition (a measure of energy reserves, calculated by mass/(standard length)3), and gonadosomatic index (state of reproduction, calculated by gonad mass / body mass) in the responses of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820) to damage-release alarm cues. Our data indicate that during the nonbreeding season longer/older minnows exhibited significantly increased antipredator responses compared with younger individuals. However, the significance of these correlations ceased during the breeding season. Data from the same trials failed to reveal a significant correlation between the intensity of antipredator behaviour and the body condition before or during the breeding season; the intensity of a minnow’s antipredator response was also not significantly correlated with its gonadosomatic index. These data are important in understanding factors affecting antipredator behaviour of minnows, as well as aiding researchers in determining potential time of year confounds in future studies.
Reply to the comment by Franklin et al. on “Are survival rates for northern spotted owls biased?”Appears in Can. J. Zool. 83: 1386–1390.
Authors: Loehle Craig , Irwin Larry
Published: November 2006

We reply to Franklin et al.’s critique of our recent work in which we computed survival for northern spotted owls ( Strix occidentalis caurina (Merriam, 1898)) from sites in western Oregon and northern California based on 197 radio-collared owls. Several methods gave similar results and we noted that our estimated survival rates might be closer to the true value than those derived from mark–recapture studies. We included an errant reference to Anthony et al. (Wildl. Monogr. No. 163, pp. 1–47 (2006)) in comments about bias in prior estimates of survival and hence of λ, a mistake for which we published an erratum. In spite of our erratum, Franklin et al. correct our presumed misunderstanding of the re-parameterized Jolly–Seber methods used in the article by Anthony et al. We never intended our comments to refer to the article by Anthony et al. The commentary also states that we overestimated survival because birds that left the study area might actually have died simultaneously with radio-collar destruction. However, in our earlier paper, we stated quite clearly that the fate of virtually every bird was accounted for by tracking them down if they left the study area or until the body was found if dead. They secondarily state that birds that emigrated might have a higher mortality rate and cited as evidence a study based on four owls. We do not consider that study sufficient to determine whether mortality rates for emigrating owls may be elevated. We also dispute several other criticisms but concur with them that several issues related to owl demography could benefit from further study.
DYNAMIC MAGNETOELECTRIC AND CHARGE-HALL EFFECTS IN THE RASHBA–DRESSELHAUS MODEL
Authors: BRYKSIN V. V. , KLEINERT P.
Published: November 2006

In a biased two-dimensional electron gas, the presence of spin-orbit coupling of both the Rashba and Dresselhaus type leads to a Hall conductivity of charge carriers in the absence of an external magnetic field. We study the dynamical charge-Hall effect, the field-induced spin accumulation, and the magnetoelectric effect for a system with short-range elastic impurity scattering by analytically solving the kinetic equations for the spin-density matrix in the linear response regime. By tuning the strength of the Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling as well as the frequency and direction of the applied electric field, eigenmodes of the spin-coupled system are identified.
SOLVING PRODUCTION SCHEDULING PROBLEMS USING ADVANCED MODEL CHECKING TOOLS
Authors: PANOPOULOS D. , METAXIOTIS K. , PTOCHOS D. , LIGOURAS C. , SKLAVENITI M.
Published: November 2006

The main scope of this paper is the implementation of a method for production scheduling, using advanced model checking tools. This method makes use of timed automata in order to model complex production scheduling problems like the job-shop and the open-shop scheduling problems. By modeling scheduling problems using timed automata, feasible schedules correspond then to paths in the automata, while finding the optimum schedule corresponds to finding the shortest path in an automaton. Several algorithms and heuristics have been proposed to find the shortest paths in timed automata, which are mainly based on the implementation of graph algorithms that search the transition graph. In our work, an advanced model design and checking tool, called Uppaal, has been used to implement and test the above method on a number of different models and to show the effectiveness of such an approach in terms of finding optimal, or near to optimal, schedules in polynomial time, even for large scale problems.
The Liberal Tradition and the Politics of Exclusion
Authors: Stears Marc
Published: November 2006

▪ Abstract  Louis Hartz's “liberal tradition” thesis, which argued that the United States was born and has remained essentially “liberal,” has been the subject of vigorous and sustained criticism in recent years. Prominent among that criticism has been the charge that the thesis cannot explain “the politics of exclusion”: the process whereby members of particular social groups (especially racial groups) have been denied equal access to the rights enjoyed by other Americans. As such, many scholars have sought to replace the thesis with alternative accounts of the political identity of the United States. This review critically analyzes these new accounts. Three in particular stand out from the field: the “multiple traditions” thesis, the “liberalism as exclusion” thesis, and the “liberal multiplicity” thesis. I describe and criticize each in turn before concluding that the thesis closest to the original Hartzian view offers the most to future students of American politics.
Two periodic solutions of neutral difference equations modellingphysiological processes
Authors: Wu Jun , Liu Yicheng
Published: November 2006

We establish existence, multiplicity, and nonexistence
of periodic solutions for a class of first‐order neutral difference equations modelling
physiological processes and conditions. Our approach is based on a fixed point theorem
in cones as well as some analysis techniques.
Note on some results for asymptotically pseudocontractive mappings and asymptotically nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Tang Yuchao , Liu Liwei
Published: November 2006

We discuss convergence theorems of modified Ishikawa and Mann iterative sequences with errors for asymptotically pseudocontractive and asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces, and the boundedness of the domain and range can be dropped, generalizing theorems of Chang.
Invertibility of matrix Wiener‐Hopf plus Hankel operators with APW Fourier symbols
Authors: Bogveradze G. , Castro L. P.
Published: November 2006

A characterization of the invertibility of a class of matrix Wiener‐Hopf plus Hankel operators is obtained based on a factorization of the Fourier symbols which belong to the Wiener subclass of the almost periodic matrix functions. Additionally, a representation of the inverse, lateral inverses, and generalized inverses is presented for each
corresponding possible case.
Cytosine Methylation Profiles as a Molecular Marker in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ehrich Mathias , Field John K. , Liloglou Triantafillos , Xinarianos George , Oeth Paul , Nelson Matthew R. , Cantor Charles R. , van den Boom Dirk
Published: November 2006

Aberrant promoter methylation is frequently observed in different types of lung cancer. Epigenetic modifications are believed to occur before the clinical onset of the disease and hence hold a great promise as early detection markers. Extensive analysis of DNA methylation has been impeded by methods that are either too labor intensive to allow large-scale studies or not sufficiently quantitative to measure subtle changes in the degree of methylation. We used a novel quantitative DNA methylation analysis technology to complete a large-scale cytosine methylation profiling study involving 47 gene promoter regions in 96 lung cancer patients. Each individual contributed a lung cancer specimen and corresponding adjacent normal tissue. The study identified six genes with statistically significant differences in methylation between normal and tumor tissue (P < 10−6). We explored the quantitative methylation data using an unsupervised hierarchical clustering algorithm. The data analysis revealed that methylation patterns differentiate normal from tumor tissue. For validation of our approach, we divided the samples to train a classifier and test its performance. We were able to distinguish normal from lung cancer tissue with >95% sensitivity and specificity. These results show that quantitative cytosine methylation profiling can be used to identify molecular classification markers in lung cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10911-8)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Corpus Callosum in Addiction
Authors: Arnone Danilo , Abou-Saleh Mohammed T. , Barrick Thomas R.
Published: November 2006

Diffusion tensor imaging, a novel technique with an increased capability of detecting abnormalities in the white matter, has increasingly been employed in the study of the biology of addictions. A comprehensive search from a range of databases was conducted and publications on this topic were selected. Nine reports, eight published and one unpublished, met criteria for inclusion, five on alcoholism, three on cannabis and one on cocaine use. Findings of this review suggest focal disruption of commissural connectivity in the corpus callosum. In alcoholism, the genu and splenium were particularly affected with a different pattern in men and women, and an association with age and duration of substance use. In cocaine dependence, the genu and rostral body showed significant damage. Cannabis consumption may be associated with white matter disruption, but there is not sufficient evidence to support pathological changes in the corpus callosum. The improved detection of white matter pathology with diffusion tensor imaging supports the importance of future research in this field.
Understanding the Biases of Generalised Recombination: Part I
Authors: Poli Riccardo , Stephens Christopher R.
Published: November 2006

This is the first part of a two-part paper where we propose, model theoretically and study a general notion of recombination for fixed-length strings, where homologous recombination, inversion, gene duplication, gene deletion, diploidy and more are just special cases. The analysis of the model reveals that the notion of schema emerges naturally from the model's equations. In Part I, after describing and characterising the notion of generalised recombination, we derive both microscopic and coarse-grained evolution equations for strings and schemata and illustrate their features with simple examples. Also, we explain the hierarchical nature of the schema evolution equations and show how the theory presented here generalises past work in evolutionary computation. In Part II, the study provides a variety of fixed points for evolution in the case where recombination is used alone, which generalise Geiringer's theorem. In addition, we numerically integrate the infinite-population schema equations for some interesting problems, where selection and recombination are used together to illustrate how these operators interact. Finally, to assess by how much genetic drift can make a system deviate from the infinite-population-model predictions we discuss the results of real GA runs for the same model problems with generalised recombination, selection and finite populations of different sizes.
Some clay-related problems in engineering geology in North America
Authors: Gillott J. E.
Published: November 2006

Clay minerals are almost ubiquitous in soil and rock and are among the most reactive silicates. They affect the engineering behaviour of soil and rock both as materials of construction and as foundation materials. In the petroleum industry, clay affects the permeability of reservoir formations, it is a common cap-rock, and it is also a constituent of the fluids used in drilling operations. Engineering behaviour almost always involves clay-water interaction and in turn this depends on the nature of water and solutions and on the composition and microstructure of the clay. The importance of clay to specific problems from each of these areas is discussed. In foundation engineering its role in soil-moisture interaction is illustrated by reference to problems resulting from the geological history of some North American soils and from engineering activities. In building materials, reference is made to its effect on concrete durability in aggregate-related problems. The importance of clay in petroleum engineering refers to authigenic clays in reservoir rocks, to clay behaviour in the Alberta oil sands and to the use of clay minerals as a geothermal thermometer.
Immunological Aspects of Circulating DNA
Authors: ANKER PHILIPPE , STROUN MAURICE
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Nude mice were injected with DNA released by T lymphocytes previously exposed to inactivated herpes symplex type 1 or polio viruses. The serum of these mice was tested for its neutralizing activity. Injected nude mice synthesized antiherpetic or antipolio antibodies, depending on the antigen used to sensitize the T lymphocytes. Mice injected with DNA released by human T cells produced antibodies carrying human allotypes as they could be neutralized by antiallotype sera. However, mice that were injected with DNA released by antigen‐stimulated murine T lymphocytes produced antiviral antibodies, which were not neutralized by anti‐human allotype sera.
Biology of Circulating mRNA
Authors: FLEISCHHACKER MICHAEL
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  A few years after the first description of free‐circulating DNA in plasma and serum, the detection of tumor‐associated overexpressed mRNA in plasma was also reported. This observation has been confirmed and it seems to be clear that the presence of free‐circulating RNA is a ubiquitous phenomenon. In this short review I will discuss some basic aspects of the release mechanisms for the RNA, its biological meaning, and clinical value.
Fetal Nucleic Acids in Maternal Body Fluids
Authors: BIANCHI DIANA W. , WATAGANARA TUANGSIT , LAPAIRE OLAV , TJOA MAY LEE , MARON JILL L. , LARRABEE PAIGE B. , JOHNSON KIRBY L.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Our laboratory continues to be actively involved in the development of new biomarkers for prenatal diagnosis using maternal blood and amniotic fluid. We have also developed a mouse model that demonstrates that cell‐free fetal (cff) DNA is detectable in the pregnant maternal mouse. In human maternal plasma and serum we have analyzed factors that are important in the clinical interpretation of cff DNA levels. Maternal race, parity, and type of conception (natural or assisted) do not affect cff DNA levels, but maternal weight does. We have also analyzed the relationship between placental volume, using a three‐dimensionsal ultrasound examination, and cff DNA levels. Surprisingly, there is no association between these values. Finally, we are using specific disease models (such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and twin‐to‐twin transfusion) to understand the effects of gestational age and specific pathology on fetal gene expression by analyzing cell‐free mRNA levels in maternal plasma. In the amniotic fluid we have focused on improvements in recovery of cff DNA and mRNA. By optimizing recovery we have made some interesting observations about differences in fetal DNA between blood and amniotic fluid. In addition, we have successfully hybridized cff DNA in amniotic fluid to DNA microarrays, permitting assessment of fetal molecular karyotype. We also have preliminary data on fetal gene expression in amniotic fluid. Finally, we remain actively involved in promoting noninvasive prenatal testing in the United States, such as encouraging the use of fetal DNA for fetal rhesus D assessment. On the other hand, we are cautious and concerned about the accuracy of “at‐home” kits for fetal gender detection.
Circulating DNA and Lung Cancer
Authors: XUE XIAOYAN , ZHU YONG M. , WOLL PENELLA J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The majority of patients is diagnosed too late for curative treatment. There is an urgent need for a noninvasive test to identify early lung cancer. Although levels of circulating cell‐free DNA in plasma or serum are higher in patients with lung cancer than in healthy controls, it is not yet clear whether this will be of diagnostic or prognostic significance. The finding that circulating DNA in lung cancer patients exhibits genetic and epigenetic changes typical of the tumor (including chromosome loss, oncogene activation, and tumor‐suppressor gene inactivation by methylation) has led to intense efforts to determine whether these are sensitive and specific enough to be used clinically. Here we review the evidence on circulating DNA in lung cancer and consider possible future applications in patient management.
Molecular Diagnostic Markers for Lung Cancer in Sputum and Plasma
Authors: WANG YI‐CHING , HSU HAN‐SHUI , CHEN TSZ‐PEI , CHEN JUNG‐TA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This study was designed to select multiple DNA markers, which have high sensitivity and specificity to serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of lung cancer. We examined the promoter hypermethylation of three tumor suppressor genes by methylation‐specific PCR (MSP), and the instability of eight microsatellite markers by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI) analyses in lung tumor tissues and matched sputum specimens from 79 lung cancer patients. On the basis of the results of sensitivity, specificity, and concordance from each marker analyzed, we selected seven biomarkers, which are LOH of D9S286, D9S942, GATA49D12, and D13S170, MSI of D9S942, and methylation of p16INK4a and RARβ, from the sputum analyses. These selected etiologically associated biomarkers can potentially be used as supplemental diagnostic biomarkers for early lung cancer detection.
The Female Penseroso: Anna Seward, Sociable Poetry, and the Handelian Consensus
Authors: Wood Gillen D'Arcy
Published: November 2006

Gillen D'Arcy Wood is associate professor of English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is author of The Shock of the Real: Romanticism and Visual Culture, 1760-1860 (2001) and a historical novel, Hosack's Folly (2005). His current project, from which this article is derived, is a study of intersections between literature and music culture in late Georgian Britain.
Pitx2promotes development of splanchnic mesoderm-derived branchiomeric muscle
Authors: Dong Feiyan , Sun Xiaoxia , Liu Wei , Ai Di , Klysik Elizabetha , Lu Mei-Fang , Hadley Julia , Antoni Laurent , Chen Li , Baldini Antonio , Francis-West Pip , Martin James F.
Published: November 2006

Recent experiments, showing that both cranial paraxial and splanchnic mesoderm contribute to branchiomeric muscle and cardiac outflow tract (OFT)myocardium, revealed unexpected complexity in development of these muscle groups. The Pitx2 homeobox gene functions in both cranial paraxial mesoderm, to regulate eye muscle, and in splanchnic mesoderm to regulate OFT development. Here, we investigated Pitx2 in branchiomeric muscle. Pitx2 was expressed in branchial arch core mesoderm and both Pitx2 null and Pitx2 hypomorphic embryos had defective branchiomeric muscle. Lineage tracing with a Pitx2creallele indicated that Pitx2 mutant descendents moved into the first branchial arch. However, markers of both undifferentiated core mesoderm and specified branchiomeric muscle were absent. Moreover, lineage tracing with a Myf5cre allele indicated that branchiomeric muscle specification and differentiation were defective in Pitx2 mutants. Conditional inactivation in mice and manipulation of Pitx2 expression in chick mandible cultures revealed an autonomous function in expansion and survival of branchial arch mesoderm.
Examination of the folding pathway of the antigenomic hepatitis delta virus ribozyme reveals key interactions of the L3 loop
Authors: Reymond Cédric , Ouellet Jonathan , Bisaillon Martin , Perreault Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2006

With the goal of gaining insight into the tertiary structure of the hepatitis delta virus ribozyme, cross-linking experiments using 4-thiouridine residues introduced in either the 5′-end portion of the substrate, or at seven strategic positions within the ribozyme, were performed. Mapping of the newly formed covalent bonds in cross-linked species obtained under various conditions, as well as using several mutated ribozymes, permitted monitoring of the formation of the ribozyme–substrate complex as the ribozyme proceeded along the folding pathway. In order to aid visualization of the tertiary structure transformation, an in silico animation of the “on” folding pathway was developed. In combination with those of the cleavage assays of structured substrates, these data shed light on the key contribution of the L3 loop in the formation of an active tertiary complex.
Intracranial Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Delivery of Anti-Pan Amyloid β, Amyloid β40, and Amyloid β42 Single-Chain Variable Fragments Attenuates Plaque Pathology in Amyloid Precursor Protein Mice
Authors: Levites Yona , Jansen Karen , Smithson Lisa A. , Dakin Rachel , Holloway Vallie M. , Das Pritam , Golde Todd E.
Published: November 2006

Accumulation of amyloid β protein (Aβ) aggregates is hypothesized to trigger a pathological cascade that causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). Active or passive immunizations targeting Aβ are therefore of great interest as potential therapeutic strategies. We have evaluated the use of recombinant anti-Aβ single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) as a potentially safer form of anti-Aβ immunotherapy. We have generated and characterized three anti-Aβ scFvs that recognize Aβ1–16, Aβx-40, or Aβx-42. To achieve widespread brain delivery, constructs expressing these anti-Aβ scFvs were packaged into adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and injected into the ventricles of postnatal day 0 (P0) amyloid precursor protein CRND8-transgenic mice. Intracranial delivery of AAV to neonatal mice resulted in widespread neuronal delivery.In situexpression of each of the anti-Aβ scFvs after intracerebroventricular AAV serotype 1 delivery to P0 pups decreased Aβ deposition by 25–50%. These data suggest that intracranial anti-Aβ scFv expression is an effective strategy to attenuate amyloid deposition. As opposed to transgenic approaches, these studies also establish a “somatic brain transgenic” paradigm to rapidly and cost-effectively evaluate potential modifiers of AD-like pathology in AD mouse models.
Chronomodulated Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, and Leucovorin-Modulated 5-Fluorouracil as Ambulatory Salvage Therapy in Patients with Irinotecan- and Oxaliplatin-Resistant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gholam Dany , Giacchetti Sylvie , Brézault-Bonnet Catherine , Bouchahda Mohamed , Hauteville Dominique , Adam René , Ducot Béatrice , Ghémard Odile , Kustlinger Francis , Jasmin Claude , Lévi Francis
Published: November 2006

Purpose. To evaluate the activity and tolerability of salvage chronomodulated chemotherapy combining irinotecan (I), 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV), and oxaliplatin (O) (chronoIFLO) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) and prior progression on four drugs.

Patients and Methods. Seventy-seven nonhospitalized MCRC patients received chronoIFLO every 3 weeks, with day 1: I (180 mg/m2 over 6 hours, with peak infusion rate at 05:00) and days 2–5: 5-FU/LV (700/300 mg/m2 per day over 12 hours, with peak flow rate at 04:00), and O (20 mg/m2 per day over 12 hours, with peak flow rate at 16:00). Toxicity and response were assessed every 3 weeks and every 2 months, respectively.

Results. Three or more prior chemotherapy lines were given to 75% of the patients. Two or more organs had metastatic disease in 65% of the patients. A median number of six courses of chronoIFLO was given. The main grade 3–4 toxicities were diarrhea (39% of the patients, 9% of the courses) and neutropenia (30% of the patients and 7% of the courses). Grade 3 peripheral sensory neuropathy occurred in 14% of the patients. Two patients achieved a partial response and 61 had stable disease, resulting in disease control for 82% of the patients. The median time to progression (TTP) was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval, 3.7–6.0). The median overall survival time was 14.2 months (9.8–17.3). Baseline performance status, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and CEA doubling time were independent prognostic factors of TTP.

Conclusions. ChronoIFLO safely and durably halted tumor progression in most extensively pretreated MCRC patients.
Potassium iodate–initiated polymerization of aniline
Authors: Chowdhury P. , Saha Bipasa
Published: November 2006

Potassium iodate–initiated polymerization of aniline was carried out in an acidified aqueous medium in the presence and in the absence of sodium thiosulfate salt. The nature of the polyaniline (PANI) produced depended on the aniline/potassium iodate (A/PI) mole ratio. Green emeraldine salt (ES) and blue pernigraniline salt (PS) were produced at A/PI mole ratios greater than 2 and less than 2, respectively. The sodium thiosulfate salt played a significant role in the purification and properties of PANI. The optimum aniline‐to‐oxidant mole ratio was found to be 2 : 1. Spectral, thermal, and electrical characteristics and viscosity of the materials were studied and compared with the results. A reaction scheme has been proposed to elucidate the role of iodine(V). Sodium thiosulfate makes it easier for iodine to be separated from a system and increases the conductivity of the products. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1626–1631, 2007
Phase separation, cure kinetics, and morphology of epoxy/poly(vinyl acetate) blends
Authors: Prolongo M. G. , Arribas C. , Salom C. , Masegosa R. M.
Published: November 2006

Epoxy based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A + 4,4′diaminodiphenylsulfone blended with poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) was investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The influence of PVAc content on reaction induced phase separation, cure kinetics, morphology and dynamic‐mechanical properties of cured blends at 180°C is reported. Epoxy/PVAc blends (5, 10 and 15 wt % of PVAc content) are initially miscible but phase separate upon curing. DMTA α‐relaxations of cured blends agree with Tg results by DSC. The conversion‐time data revealed the cure reaction was slower in the blends than in the neat system, although the autocatalytic cure mechanism was not affected by the addition of PVAc. ESEM showed the cured epoxy/PVAc blends had different morphologies as a function of PVAc content: an inversion in morphology took place for blends containing 15 wt % PVAc. The changes in the blend morphology with PVAc content had a clear effect on the DMTA behavior. Inverted morphology blends had low storage modulus values and a high capability to dissipate energy at temperatures higher than the PVAc glass‐transition temperature, in contrast to the behavior of neat epoxy and blends with a low PVAc content. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1507–1516, 2007
Effect of PVAc bonding on finger‐joint strength of steamed and unsteamed beech wood (Fagus sylvatica)
Authors: Vassiliou Vassilios , Barboutis Ioannis , Karastergiou Sotorios
Published: November 2006

Beech wood is one of the most important species used in furniture production in Europe. In this work, the effects of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) bonding [durability classes D1, D2, and D3 according to EN 204 : 2001), finger length (4 and 10 mm), and finger orientation on the bending strength of finger‐jointed steamed and unsteamed beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) were studied. Specimens were prepared according to EN 385 (2001) and modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) tests were performed according to the procedures detailed in the ISO 10983 (1999) and DIN 52186 (1978) standards. The MOR of unsteamed wood joints ranged from 33.51 to 82.24 N/mm2, whereas the MOR of the steamed wood joints fluctuated from 34.9 to 80.27 N/mm2. In both steamed and unsteamed wood the specimens with a finger length of 10 mm showed higher MOR than the specimens with a finger length of 4 mm. The MOE of the unsteamed specimens was not affected by finger jointing, whereas, the MOE of the steamed specimens increased slightly (by 5.4%) compared to the control solid wood. It was concluded that it was better to use a 10‐mm finger length and the D3 durability class of PVAc adhesives when finger‐jointed furniture lumber is produced. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1664–1669, 2007
Electroless plating of moisture‐curable polyurethane undercoating films
Authors: Sipaut C. S. , Ibrahim M. N. Mohamad , Izat M. E.
Published: November 2006

The compatibility of using moisture‐curable polyurethane (MCPU) system as a thin undercoating layer with electroless plating process was evaluated. The characteristics of the MCPU before and after chemical etching treatment were analyzed using atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electrode microscope (SEM), contact‐angle measurements, and (Fourier‐Transform Infrared) FTIR spectroscopy. We found that surface morphology and roughness of the MCPU is affected by curing period and etching times. A proper combination of curing period and etching times are critical for obtaining a fully metallized surface. All MCPU samples that were etched for 15 min show poor plating performance due to surface damage caused by mild etching treatment. A standard pull‐off testing method (ASTM 4541) was used to evaluate the adhesion strength of nickel–MCPU. Only samples that were postcured for 4 days show influence of surface roughness on adhesion strength. On average, samples that were postcured for 7 days before electroless plating showed better adhesion of nickel–MCPU compared with samples that were postcured for 2 or 4 days. The results show that MCPU system can be used as a thin undercoating layer for electroless plating. It also offers smooth metal–polymer interface and therefore has the potential to be exploited for use in many electroless plating applications including in the decorative such as ornaments and display items and also in electronic industries. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1554–1565, 2007
Effect of oleyl amine on SBR compounds filled with silane modified silica
Authors: Valentín J. L. , Mora‐Barrantes I. , Rodríguez A. , Ibarra L. , Gonzalez L.
Published: November 2006

The effect of oleyl amine on processing and physical properties of SBR compounds filled with silane–silica particles has been evaluated. Two different types of silane molecules have been used as coupling agents to minimize the silica–silica interactions and reduce the formation of secondary structures of silica, in addition with an increment in the filler–rubber interactions. Significant differences between those compounds have been found according with the silane structure. However, in both cases, the dynamic, rheological, and mechanical properties of the filled rubber compounds were improved after the incorporation of oleyl amine molecules. This fact could be related with the capacity of the amine molecules to interact with the free silanol groups of silane‐modified silica forming an amine‐modified silica complex, which reduces the hydrophilic nature of the silica surface. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1806–1814, 2007