bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intuitive prediction: ecological validity versus representativeness
Authors: Cahan Sorel , Snapiri Tchia
Published: March 2008

Insufficiently regressive intuitive predictions have been attributed to mistaken reliance on the representativeness heuristic. In contrast, we suggest that intuitive predictions stem from a conceptualization of ‘goodness of prediction’ that differs from the accepted statistical definition in terms of error minimization, namely, ecological validity—that is, representation of the substantive characteristics of the predicted variable Y and its distribution as well as of the relationship between Y and the predictor X—rather than minimization of prediction errors. Simultaneous satisfaction of the above representation requirements is achieved by multivalued prediction: The prediction of different Y′ values for the same X value, resulting in conditional distributions Y′|X for at least some X values. Empirical results supporting this hypothesis are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detrimental effects of tobacco smoke exposure during development on postnatal lung function and asthma
Authors: Wang Lei , Pinkerton Kent E.
Published: March 2008

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) during fetal development and early postnatal life is perhaps the most ubiquitous and hazardous of children's environmental exposures. The developing lung is highly susceptible to ETS. A large body of literature links both prenatal maternal smoking and children's ETS exposure to decreased lung growth. This review summarizes the state of the knowledge, including both human epidemiology and laboratory animal experiments, linking ETS, lung development, and respiratory outcomes. Important issues discussed include lung development and lung function and asthma in relation to ETS exposure during critical windows of growth. Prenatal exposure to ETS is associated with impaired lung function and increased risk of developing asthma, whereas postnatal exposure mainly acts to trigger respiratory symptoms and asthma attacks, but it also plays an important role in the occurrence of asthma in children. This review provides evidence that avoidance of ETS exposure both before and after birth is beneficial to long‐term respiratory health, because airway function in later life is believed to be largely determined by lung development occurring in utero and in early infancy. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 84:54–60, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐induced signals activate mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Unterluggauer Hermann , Hütter Eveline , Viertler Hans‐Peter , Jansen‐Dürr Pidder
Published: March 2008

From experiments with lower eukaryotes it is known that the metabolic rate and also the rate of aging are tightly controlled by the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)/insulin signal transduction pathway. The mitochondrial theory of aging implies that an increased metabolic rate leads to increased mitochondrial activity; increased production of reactive oxygen species due to these alterations would speed up the aging process. To address the question if mitochondrial activity is influenced by insulin/IGF signaling, we have established an experimental system to determine the influence of IGF‐I‐dependent signaling on mitochondrial function. We used DU145 prostate cancer cells, known for the intact IGF signal transduction pathway, to address the influence of IGF receptor activation on mitochondrial function by high‐resolution respirometry. These experiments revealed that indeed mitochondrial function is regulated by IGF signaling, and up‐regulation of respiration seems to require phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT signaling, but is independent of IGF effects on cell cycle progression. Collectively these data establish a regulatory cross‐talk between insulin/IGF signal transduction and mitochondrial function, two major pathways implicated in controlling the rate of aging.
Management of patients with refractory migraine and PFO: Is MIST I Relevant?
Authors: Tobis Jonathan
Published: March 2008

The results of the randomized clinical trial entitled: Migraine Intervention with Starflex Technology (MIST), produced surprising and disappointing results on the effect of PFO closure to decrease migraine headaches. There have been allegations of misrepresentation of the effectiveness of this device. These issues have significant implications in how randomized clinical trials are performed that will impact current and future planned trials of PFO closure to treat migraine headaches. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous revascularization of subclavian artery chronic occlusion with dual cerebral artery protection
Authors: Shah Nehal , Nee Lisa M. , Raval Amish N.
Published: March 2008

Percutaneous intervention for symptomatic subclavian artery chronic occlusion is an occasionally performed, minimally invasive alternative to surgical bypass. Potential complications include stroke, perforation, and recanalization failure. We discuss a case of successful percutaneous revascularization of symptomatic subclavian artery chronic occlusion using coronary devices and dual cerebral embolic protection. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Color‐coded duplex ultrasound for diagnosis of renal artery stenosis and as follow‐up examination after revascularization
Authors: Zeller Thomas , Bonvini Robert F. , Sixt Sebastian
Published: March 2008

Currently, angiography is still considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of a renal artery stenosis (RAS). However, angiography is invasive and carries the potential risk of haematoma, pseudoaneurysm, contrast agent induced nephropathy, and athermanous embolization. Color‐coded duplex ultrasound is a noninvasive frequently repeatable bed‐side examination and is currently the only diagnostic method to reliably differentiate between a hemodynamically relevant or irrelevant stenosis using the side‐to‐side difference of the intrarenal resistance index (RI). There is a highly specific correlation between a side difference of the RI of >0.05 and an at least 70% angiographic diameter stenosis. All other duplex parameters like a peak systolic flow velocity >200 cm/sec or a renal aortic flow velocity ratio >3.5 are correlated to a 50 or 60% angiographic diameter stenosis and offer therefore indeed a high sensitivity in terms of detecting a RAS; however, the specificity detecting a hemodynamically relevant RAS is low. Provided that duplex ultrasound is performed by an experienced physician with an adequate machine it should be the preferred imaging method. The present article gives an overview about the literature related to duplex based diagnosis of RAS and as a follow‐up diagnostic procedure following RAS revascularization. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous transthoracic ventricular puncture for diagnostic and interventional catheterization
Authors: Lim D. Scott , Ragosta Michael , Dent John M.
Published: March 2008

Objective: To describe our experience in a case series of patients requiring percutaneous direct ventricular puncture and sheath placement for diagnosis or intervention. Background: Access to the right or left ventricle for percutaneous interventions is limited in patients with mechanical prostheses in either the tricuspid, or mitral and aortic positions. Methods: After coronary angiography, direct ventricular puncture under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance was performed. At end of case, protamine was given to reverse the heparin, and sheaths were pulled with purse‐string suture closure of the skin entrance. Results: For right ventricular access, 8‐ to 9‐F sheaths were placed from subxiphoid approach in 2 patients to allow conduit and pulmonary artery interventions. For left ventricular access in patients with mitral and aortic prostheses, 4‐ to 8‐F sheaths were placed from apical approach to allow diagnostic evaluation in 1 and interventions in 5 to occlude perivalvular mitral leaks and postoperative ventricular septal defect. Complication in one consisted of intercostal vein injury resulting in hemothorax requiring chest tube drainage. Conclusion: In this small cases series, direct ventricular puncture allowed the intervention to proceed with up to 9‐F sheath size. Attention to puncture site relative to intercostal vascular anatomy is warranted. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybrid balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in a 700‐g infant: Thinking outside the box
Authors: Holzer Ralf J. , Sisk Matt , Phillips Alistair
Published: March 2008

This report describes a unique Hybrid approach to balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in a 700‐g premature infant with pulmonary valve stenosis and very poor right ventricular function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous removal of an embolized port catheter: Description of a new coaxial recovery technique including a case‐report
Authors: Burzotta Francesco , Romagnoli Enrico , Trani Carlo
Published: March 2008

The achievement of coaxiality between recovery device and embolized tubular foreign bodies like central venous catheters is a key point to achieve percutaneous removal. To facilitate this target, we designed a coaxial retrieval loop‐snare device using amodified coronary guiding catheter and a coronary 0.014″ guidewire. This new technique has been bench tested and then successfully used to remove a long Port‐A catheter's fragment embolized into the right sided heart. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Complexation of Multiarmed Cycloveratrylene‐Type Ligands: Observation of the “Boat” and “Distorted‐Cup” Conformations of a Cyclotetraveratrylene Derivative
Authors: Sumby Christopher J. , Gordon Keith C. , Walsh Tim J. , Hardie Michaele J.
Published: March 2008

Investigations of a previously reported ligand, hexakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)cyclotricatechylene (1), and a new tetrameric bridging ligand, octakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)cyclotetracatechylene (2), the latter constructed on a larger cyclotetraveratrylene (CTTV) scaffold, are described. Variable‐temperature NMR studies support a “sofa” conformation for 2, akin to studies on the parent compound. The coordination chemistry of 2 and its smaller trimeric homologue have also been investigated with silver(I), copper(II) and palladium(II) salts. An unexpected chelating mode was observed for 1 in the structure of DMF⊂[Pd3Cl6(1)]⋅DMF, whereby the palladium cations bridge two veratrole subunits rather than chelating within a single subunit. In the structure of [Ag4(2)][Co(C2B9H11)2]4⋅2.8 CH3CN⋅ H2O, ligand 2 adopts a “boat” conformation, whereas in [Pd4Cl8(2)]⋅4 H2O, 1H NMR spectroscopic studies and calculations indicate that the ligand is present in a previously unobserved “distorted‐cup” conformation. This conformation was calculated to be approximately 90 kJ mol−1 lower in energy than the alternative “sofa” conformation. Thus, coordination‐induced conformational control over CTTV derivatives offers new routes to exploit the host–guest chemistry of these compounds.
The online assignment of the absolute configuration of natural products: HPLC‐CD in combination with quantum chemical CD calculations
Authors: Bringmann Gerhard , Gulder Tobias A.M. , Reichert Matthias , Gulder Tanja
Published: March 2008

The application of modern online methods, e.g., HPLC‐MS/MS and HPLC‐NMR, allows the elucidation of constitutions and relative configurations of new natural products directly from crude extracts. To additionally establish the full absolute configurations of such secondary metabolites without the necessity of first isolating the compounds, we have introduced HPLC‐CD coupling (CD = circular dichroism) into natural product analysis, taking advantage of the different chiroptical properties of stereoisomers, in particular of enantiomers. In combination with quantum chemical CD calculations this method allows the stereochemical characterization of (even structurally unprecedented) chiral molecules, thus avoiding the—often risky—merely empirical assignment by comparison with the CD spectra of related compounds with known absolute stereostructures, or by other methods such as, e.g., the exciton chirality approach. This review presents the experimental requirements for the hyphenation and the theoretical background of the calculation of UV and CD spectra, which is then exemplified by some recent HPLC‐CD applications to the elucidation of absolute configurations of most diverse compounds of mainly natural origin. Chirality, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systolic Function as a Predictor of Mortality and Quality of Life in Long‐term Survivors with Heart Failure
Authors: McNamara Robert L. , Austin Bethany A. , Wang Yongfei , Smith Grace L. , Vaccarine Viola , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: March 2008

Background

Patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (EF) have been shown to have high mortality rates, comparable to those with reduced EF. Thus, long‐term survivors of HF, regardless of ejection fraction, are a select group. Little is known about disease‐related quality of life (QOL) and health status in these patients.

Hypothesis

Preserved EF in patients with heart failure independently predicts long‐term survival, health related quality of life (QOL), or functional status.

Methods

The study followed a cohort of 413 patients consecutively hospitalized for HF between March 1996 and September 1998. In July 2005, information was collected about their mortality, health related QOL as defined by disease‐specific Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores, and functional decline as defined by limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores.

Results

The primary outcomes were mortality, QOL, and functional decline. At follow‐up, 8.1 years after enrollment, overall mortality was 76% (314/413). Adjusted for age, gender, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, HF, and respiratory disease, those with decreased ejection fraction (EF < 40%) had higher mortality compared with those with preserved ejection fraction (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.80, p = 0.003). The KCCQ scores, including Clinical Summary Scores and Symptom Limitation Scores, as well as ADL limitations, were not significantly different in the survivors with preserved or decreased EF.

Conclusions

Heart failure patients with preserved EF have a modest survival advantage compared with those with decreased EF, but health related QOL scores and functional decline in survivors are similar regardless of systolic function. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of neurofilament proteins in the lateral geniculate nucleus, primary visual cortex, and area MT of adult Cebus monkeys
Authors: Soares Juliana Guimarães Martins , Rosado De Castro Paulo Henrique , Fiorani Mario , Nascimento‐Silva Sheila , Gattass Ricardo
Published: March 2008

We investigated the distribution pattern of SMI‐32‐immunopositive cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and in the primary (V1) and middle temporal (MT) cortical visual areas of the adult New World monkey Cebus apella. In the LGN, the reaction for SMI‐32 labeled cells in both the magnocellular (M) and parvocellular (P) layers. However, the cellular label was heavier in M layers, which also showed a more intense labeling in the neuropil. In V1, the reaction showed a lamination pattern, with the heaviest labeling occurring in layer 4B and upper layer 6 (layers that project to area MT). Area MT shows a dense band of labeled neuropil and large pyramidal neurons in layer 3, large darkly labeled but less densely packed neurons in layer 5, and a population of small, lightly labeled cells in layer 6. These results resemble those found in other New and Old World monkeys, which suggest that the preferential labeling of projection neurons associated with fast‐conducting pathways to the extrastriate dorsal stream is a common characteristic of simian primates. In the superficial layers of V1 in Cebus monkeys, however, SMI‐32‐labeled neurons are found in both cytochrome oxidase blobs and interblob regions. In this aspect, our results in Cebus are similar to those found in the Old World monkey Macaca and different from those described for squirrel monkey, a smaller New World Monkey. In Cebus, as well as in Macaca, there is no correlation between SMI‐32 distribution and the blob pattern. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:605–614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kurzbericht über die 60. Sitzung des Technischen Lenkungsausschusses der EOTA (EOTA Technical Board) am 6./7. Februar 2008 in Brüssel
Authors: Bernholz Manuela
Published: March 2008

Bis Februar 2008 erteilten die Zulassungsstellen der EOTA mehr als eintausend europäische technische Zulassungen. Mehr als die Hälfte sind europäische Zulassungen des Deutschen Instituts für Bautechnik (DIBt).

Zunehmend werden europäische technische Zulassungen nach dem Verfahren nach Art. 9(2) Bauproduktenrichtlinie ohne Leitlinie erteilt. Hierzu schlägt die erteilende Stelle Beurteilungskriterien vor, die innerhalb der EOTA abgestimmt und in Form einer CUAP verabschiedet werden. Das DIBt erstellte 49 der 104 vorliegenden Beurteilungskriterien für verschiedene Produktbereiche (CUAP); für sechs Produktbereiche war das DIBt Mitverfasser solcher Beurteilungsgrundlagen.
The Oak Ridge Polycystic Kidney mouse: Modeling ciliopathies of mice and men
Authors: Lehman Jonathan M. , Michaud Edward J. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Aydin‐Son Yesim , Miller Michael , Yoder Bradley K.
Published: March 2008

The Oak Ridge Polycystic Kidney (ORPK) mouse was described nearly 14 years ago as a model for human recessive polycystic kidney disease. The ORPK mouse arose through integration of a transgene into an intron of the Ift88 gene resulting in a hypomorphic allele (Ift88Tg737Rpw). The Ift88Tg737Rpw mutation impairs intraflagellar transport (IFT), a process required for assembly of motile and immotile cilia. Historically, the primary immotile cilium was thought to have minimal importance for human health; however, a rapidly expanding number of human disorders have now been attributed to ciliary defects. Importantly, many of these phenotypes are present and can be analyzed using the ORPK mouse. In this review, we highlight the research conducted using the OPRK mouse and the phenotypes shared with human cilia disorders. Furthermore, we describe an additional follicular dysplasia phenotype in the ORPK mouse, which alongside the ectodermal dysplasias seen in human Ellis‐van Creveld and Sensenbrenner's syndromes, suggests an unappreciated role for primary cilia in the skin and hair follicle. Developmental Dynamics 237:1960–1971, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Human recombinant activated protein C for severe sepsis’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Kremer L. C. M.
Published: March 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Martí‐Carvajal A, Salanti G, Cardona AF. Human recombinant activated protein C for severe sepsis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004388. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004388.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Offringa M.
Published: March 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Spittle AJ, Orton J, Doyle LW, Boyd R. Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005495. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005495.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane review: Bicycle helmet legislation for the uptake of helmet use and prevention of head injuries
Authors: Macpherson A , Spinks A
Published: March 2008

Background

Evidence exists to suggest that bicycle helmets may reduce the risk of head injuries to cyclists, however helmets are not uniformly worn by all bicycle users. Legislation has been enacted in some countries to mandate helmet use by cyclists, however the issue remains controversial with opponents arguing that this may inhibit people from bicycle riding and thus from gaining the associated health benefits, or that other countermeasures may have been responsible for decline in head injuries.

Objectives

To assess the effects of bicycle helmet legislation on bicycle‐related head injuries and helmet use, and the occurrence of unintended adverse consequences.

Search strategy

We searched CENTRAL, the Cochrane Injuries Group's specialised register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, TRANSPORT and other specialist electronic databases, up to February 2006. In addition we searched government websites, handsearched selected journals and examined the reference lists of selected publications.

Selection criteria

We included studies that reported changes in either the number of head injuries, helmet use or bicycle use post‐ versus pre‐legislation. Only studies that included a concurrent control group and which reported on the effect of legislation implemented at either the country, state or province wide level were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality. The data were not appropriate for meta‐analysis, thus the results of the included studies have been reviewed narratively.

Main results

Five studies, all from North America, met the inclusion criteria. For each of the studies, bicycle helmet legislation had been enacted for children only. Adults were used as controls in four of the studies, whilst jurisdictions with no helmet legislation were used as controls in the fifth. Three of the studies reported on changes in head injury rates and three reported on changes in helmet use. There were no included studies reporting change in bicycle use or other adverse consequences of legislation. In two studies, statistically significant decreases in head injuries were reported following the implementation of helmet legislation compared with controls, whilst one reported a non‐statistically significant decline. Bicycle helmet use increased statistically significantly post‐legislation in all three of the studies reporting on helmet use.

Authors' conclusions

Bicycle helmet legislation appears to be effective in increasing helmet use and decreasing head injury rates in the populations for which it is implemented. However, there are very few high quality evaluative studies that measure these outcomes, and none that reported data on an possible declines in bicycle use.

Plain language summary

To be added.
Commentary on ‘Human recombinant activated protein C for severe sepsis’
Authors: Joffe Ari R. , Duff Jonathan P.
Published: March 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Martí‐Carvajal A, Salanti G, Cardona AF. Human recombinant activated protein C for severe sepsis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004388. DOI: 10.1002/14 651 858.CD004388.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux’
Authors: Shaikh Nader , Hoberman Alejandro , Keren Ron
Published: March 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Hodson EM, Wheeler DM, Vimalchandra D, Smith GH, Craig JC. Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001532. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD001532.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells veto CD8 T cell activation by antigen‐presenting dendritic cells
Authors: Schildberg Frank A. , Hegenbarth Silke I. , Schumak Beatrix , Limmer Andreas , Knolle Percy A.
Published: March 2008

The liver is known to induce tolerance rather than immunity through tolerogenic antigen presentation or elimination of effector T cells. In particular, hepatic dendritic cells (DC) are known to be little immunogenic for CD8 T cells. Here, we investigated whether this peculiar phenotype resulted from interaction with resident hepatic cell populations. Contact of DC with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) but not hepatocytes or B cells vetoed antigen‐presenting DC to fully activate naive CD8 T cells. This MHC‐independent regulatory effect of LSEC on DC function was not connected to soluble mediators but required physical contact. Because interaction with third‐party LSEC still allowed antigen‐presenting DC to stimulate expression of initial activation markers on naive CD8 T cells and to stimulate activated CD8 T cells, we hypothesize that LSEC controlled the DC costimulatory function. Indeed, contact with LSEC led to reduced DC expression levels of CD80/86 or IL‐12, but supplementation of these signals failed to rescue the ability to prime naive CD8 T cells, indicating involvement of further molecules. Taken together, our results reveal a novel principle operative in hepatic tolerance induction, in which LSEC not only tolerize T cells themselves but also suppress neighboring APC normally capable of inducing T cell immunity.

See accompanying commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200838296
The influence of Cu2+ on the unfolding and refolding of intact and proteolytically processed β2‐microglobulin
Authors: De Lorenzi Ersilia , Colombo Raffaella , Sabella Stefania , Corlin Dorthe B. , Heegaard Niels H. H.
Published: March 2008

Human β2‐microglobulin (β2m) is an amyloidogenic protein in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and especially in those patients that need intermittent hemodialysis for longer periods, e.g., when awaiting transplantation. While many in vitro conditions induce β2m‐amyloid formation from wild‐type (wt) β2m and while a number of structurally altered β2m molecules are known to be conformationally unstable and amyloidogenic on their own, it is not known why β2m‐amyloid is generated in some dialysis patients. For many amyloid proteins it is known that divalent metal ions, especially Cu2+, display strong binding and distinct destabilizing effects on protein conformation. The present study uses CE to assess conformational states of wt and cleaved β2m (dK58‐β2m, β2m cleaved at lysine‐58, a modification found in the circulation of hemodialysis patients) in the presence of divalent metal ions. The experiments provide both qualitative and quantitative data showing the specific destabilizing effects of Cu2+‐ions on the folding of wt β2m. Both refolding after acid denaturation and solution structure of β2m under otherwise native conditions are severely influenced by Cu2+. An increased unfolding, aggregation, and induction of Congo red‐reactive molecular species in Cu2+‐incubated wt‐β2m could be demonstrated while the refolding kinetics of dK58‐β2m, already slower than the wt molecule, appeared not to be further decreased by Cu2+. Given the interest in the actions of metal ions in other types of amyloidosis, including, e.g., Alzheimer's disease and the prion encephalopathies, the use of microelectrophoretic methods to monitor unfolding and refolding of biomolecules available in scarce amounts as shown in this study is an attractive option.
Capillary electrophoretic separation of biologically active amines and acids using nanoparticle‐coated capillaries
Authors: Huang Yu‐Fen , Chiang Cheng‐Kang , Lin Yang‐Wei , Liu Kungtien , Hu Chou‐Chen , Bair Ming‐Jong , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: March 2008

This manuscript describes dynamic coating of capillaries with poly(L‐lysine) (PLL) and silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) and use of the as‐prepared capillaries for the separation of biogenic amines and acids by CE in conjunction with LIF detection. The directions of EOF are controlled by varying the outmost layer of the capillaries with PLL and SiO2 NPs, respectively. Over the pH range 3.0–5.0, the (PLL–SiO2NP)n–PLL capillaries have an EOF toward the anodic end and are more suitable for the separation of acids with respect to speed, while the (PLL–SiO2NP)n capillaries have an EOF toward the cathodic end and are more suitable for the separation of biogenic amines regarding speed and sensitivity. The separations of standard solutions containing five amines and two acids by CE with LIF detection using (PLL–SiO2NP)2–PLL and (PLL–SiO2NP)3 capillaries were accomplished within 10 and 7 min, providing plate numbers of 3.8 and 5.0×104 plates/m for 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), respectively. The LODs for 5‐HT and 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA) are 32 and 2 nM and 0.2 and 1.5 nM when using the (PLL–SiO2NP)2–PLL and (PLL–SiO2NP)3 capillaries, respectively. Identification and quantification of 5‐HIAA, homovanillic acid, and DL‐vanillomandelic acid in urine samples from a male before and after drinking green tea were tested to validate practicality of the present approach. The results show that the (PLL–SiO2NP)2–PLL capillary provides greater resolving power, while the (PLL–SiO2NP)3 capillary provides better sensitivity, higher efficiency, and longer durability for the separation of the amines and acids.
Determination of ethyl glucuronide in human serum by hyphenation of capillary isotachophoresis and zone electrophoresis
Authors: Nováková Michaela , Křivánková Ludmila
Published: March 2008

The determination of ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a marker of recent alcohol consumption, in human serum by hyphenation of capillary ITP (CITP) and CZE is reported. For CITP step, 1×10−2 M hydrochloric acid adjusted with ϵ‐aminocaproic acid (EACA) to pH 4.4 was used as the leading electrolyte, and 1×10−2 M nicotinic acid with EACA, pH 4.4, was used as the terminating electrolyte (TE). All electrolytes contained 0.2% hydroxypropylcellulose to suppress electroosmosis. In CITP, EtG was separated from fast serum macrocomponents chloride, phosphate, lactate, and acetate. Zones of microcomponents including EtG that migrated between acetate and nicotinate were forwarded to the second capillary filled with a BGE identical with the TE. Conductivity detection was used in the CITP step. Sensitive detection in the CZE step was performed using indirect spectrophotometric detection at 254 nm. The assay is based on a 1:5 dilution of serum with deionized water and has a concentration LOD for EtG in diluted sample of 9.8×10−9 M. The method was used for the determination of EtG in sera of volunteers consuming alcohol.
Novel quantitative electrophoretic analysis of endotoxins on microchips
Authors: Kilár Anikó , Farkas Viktor , Kovács Krisztina , Kocsis Béla , Kilár Ferenc
Published: March 2008

A novel microchip electrophoresis method was developed and applied for sensitive detection and quantitative analysis of endotoxins extracted from Gram‐negative bacteria. The method provides a fast and quantitative differentiation of smooth and rough endotoxins based on the solubilization and complexation of the lipopolysaccharides with dodecylsulfate, and then with a fluorescent dye. The migration of the complexes was followed by LIF detection. The novel method is able to replace the SDS‐PAGE with the advantage of high speed and better sensitivity, and by avoiding the laborious gel‐preparation and silver staining.
High‐resolution computer simulation of electrophoretic mobilization in isoelectric focusing
Authors: Thormann Wolfgang , Mosher Richard A.
Published: March 2008

Cationic and anionic electrophoretic mobilization for focusing of hemoglobins (Hb's) in the presence of 100 carrier ampholytes covering a pI range of 6.00–7.98 was studied by computer simulation at a constant current density of 300 A/m2. Electropherograms that would be produced by whole column imaging and by single detectors placed at different locations along the focusing column are presented. Upon mobilization, peak heights of the Hb zones decrease, but the zones retain a relatively sharp constant profile and are migrating at a constant velocity. A further peak decrease occurs during readjustment at the locations of the original buffer/column interfaces, indicating that detection sensitivity is the lowest at these locations. An anionic carrier ampholyte mobility smaller than that of its cationic species produces a cathodic drift which is smaller than the transport rate used for electrophoretic mobilization. Compared to the case with equal mobilities of carrier ampholyte species, a small increase (decrease) is predicted for the cationic (anionic) mobilization rate within the focusing column. Simulation data suggest that electrophoretic mobilization after focusing and focusing with concurrent electrophoretic mobilization are comparable isotachophoretic processes that occur when there is an uninterrupted flux of an ion through the focusing column. Cathodic drift caused by unequal mobilities of the species of carrier ampholytes, electrophoretic mobilization, and decomposition occurring at the pH gradient edges are related electrophoretic processes.
Inference from genome‐wide association studies using a novel Markov model
Authors: Hosking Fay J. , Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Smith George Davey , Green Peter J.
Published: March 2008

In this paper we propose a Bayesian modeling approach to the analysis of genome‐wide association studies based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Our latent seed model combines various aspects of k‐means clustering, hidden Markov models (HMMs) and logistic regression into a fully Bayesian model. It is fitted using the Markov chain Monte Carlo stochastic simulation method, with Metropolis‐Hastings update steps. The approach is flexible, both in allowing different types of genetic models, and because it can be easily extended while remaining computationally feasible due to the use of fast algorithms for HMMs. It allows for inference primarily on the location of the causal locus and also on other parameters of interest. The latent seed model is used here to analyze three data sets, using both synthetic and real disease phenotypes with real SNP data, and shows promising results. Our method is able to correctly identify the causal locus in examples where single SNP analysis is both successful and unsuccessful at identifying the causal SNP. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magneto‐optical characteristics of human sperms: normal and deformed
Authors: Sakhnini Lama , Dairi Maheen , Manaa Hacene
Published: March 2008

In this study we report on magnetic orientation of human sperms. Samples were taken from 17 donors. Normal human sperms became oriented with their long axis perpendicular to the magnetic field (1 T maximum). Total orientation was achieved with magnetic field of about 1 T, while for abnormal sperms the magnetic behavior was different. The dependence of the measured degree of orientation on the intensity of the magnetic field was in good agreement with the theoretical equation for the magnetic orientation of diamagnetic substances. As a result of a numerical analysis based on the equation, the anisotropic diamagnetic susceptibility of normal sperm was found to be Δχ = 8 × 10–20 J/T2. The degree of orientation was influenced by the alterations in the shape of the head, body or the tail. It has been suggested that the DNA in the sperm head retain the strong magnetic anisotropy to counterbalance the magnetic anisotropy retained by flagellum microtubules. Recent studies demonstrated a well‐defined nuclear architecture in human sperm nucleus, where the head morphology has significant correlation with sperm chromatin structure assay SCSA. Then, as the methods to evaluate SCSA can be difficult and expensive our simple magnetic orientation technique can be an alternative to diagnose alteration in DNA. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pre‐treatment and utilization of raw glycerol from sunflower oil biodiesel for growth and 1,3‐propanediol production by Clostridium butyricum
Authors: Asad‐ur‐Rehman  , Wijesekara R.G Saman , Nomura Nakao , Sato Seigo , Matsumura Masatoshi
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present work is to report an efficient pre‐treatment process for sunflower oil biodiesel raw glycerol (SOB‐RG) and its fermentation to 1,3‐propanediol.

RESULTS: The growth inhibition percentages of Clostridium butyricum DSM 5431 on grade A (pH 4.0) and grade B (pH 5.0) phosphoric acid‐treated SOB‐RG were similar to those of pure glycerol at 20 g glycerol L−1; i.e., 18.5 ± 0.707% to 20.5 ± 0.7% inhibition. In grade A, growth inhibition was reduced from 85.25 ± 0.35% to 32 ± 1.4% (a 53.25% reduction) at 40 g glycerol L−1 by washing grade A raw glycerol twice with n‐hexanol (grade A‐2). The kinetic parameters for product formation and substrate consumption in anaerobic batch cultures gave almost similar values at 20 g glycerol L−1, while at 50 g glycerol L−1 volumetric productivity (Qp) and specific rate of 1,3‐propanediol formation (qp) were improved from 1.13 to 1.85 g L−1 h−1 and 1.60 to 2.65 g g−1 h−1, respectively, by employing grade A‐2 raw glycerol, while the yields were similar (0.5–0.52 g g−1).

CONCLUSION: The results are important as the pre‐treatment of SOB‐RG is necessary to develop bioprocess technologies for conversion of SOB‐RG to 1,3‐propanediol. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
18F‐Labelled vorozole analogues as PET tracer for aromatase
Authors: Erlandsson Maria , Karimi Farhad , Takahashi Kayo , Långström Bengt
Published: March 2008

One‐ and two‐step syntheses for the 18F‐labelling of 6‐[(S)‐(4‐chlorophenyl)(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethyl)‐1H‐benzotriazole, [18F]FVOZ, 1 and 6‐[(S)‐(4‐chlorophenyl)(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1‐[2‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethoxy)ethyl]‐1H‐benzotriazole, [18F]FVOO, 2 were developed. In the two‐step synthesis, the nucleophilic fluorination step was performed by reacting (S)‐6‐[(4‐chlorophenyl)‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzotriazole (VOZ) with either the 18F‐labelled ethane‐1,2‐diyl bis(4‐methylbenzenesulfonate) or the oxydiethane‐2,1‐diyl bis(4‐methylbenzenesulfonate). The radiochemical yields were in the range of 9–13% after the 110–120 min total syntheses and the specific radioactivities were 175±7 GBq/µmol and 56 GBq/µmol for compounds 1 and 2, respectively. In the one‐step synthesis, the precursor 2‐{6‐[(4‐chlorophenyl)(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐1,2,3‐benzotriazol‐1‐yl}ethyl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate (7) or 1‐[2‐(2‐bromoethoxy)ethyl]‐6‐[(4‐chlorophenyl)(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzotriazole (8) was directly labelled via an 18F nucleophilic substitution to give the corresponding tracer. The labelled compounds were obtained in 36–99% radiochemical yield after 75‐min syntheses. The specific radioactivities are 100 GBq/µmol for compound 1 and 80 GBq/µmol for compound 2. In vitro autoradiography using frozen rat brains illustrated specific binding in the medial amygdala, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis and the preoptic area, all of which corresponded well to the result of 11C‐labelled vorozole. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated synthesis of 11C‐β‐hydroxybutyrate by enzymatic conversion of 11C‐acetoacetate using β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
Authors: Tremblay Sébastien , Ouellet René , Bénard François , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: March 2008

1‐[11C]‐β‐hydroxybutyrate was produced by conversion from 1‐[11C]‐acetoacetate using (D)‐β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with purification by ion exchange column chromatography. Radiochemical yield at the end of the synthesis was 10% for a total synthesis time of 36 min. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed ≤4% impurities, principally unconverted acetoacetate. Residual tetrahydrofuran (34±11 ppm) and ethanol (77±30 ppm) were well under the tolerable limits for human studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion chemistry in germane/fluorocompounds gaseous mixtures: a mass spectrometric and theoretical study
Authors: Antoniotti Paola , Rabezzana Roberto , Turco Francesca , Borocci Stefano , Giordani Maria , Grandinetti Felice
Published: March 2008

The ion–molecule reactions occurring in GeH4/NF3, GeH4/SF6, and GeH4/SiF4 gaseous mixtures have been investigated by ion trap mass spectrometry and ab initio calculations. While the NFx+ (x = 1–3) react with GeH4 mainly by the exothermic charge transfer, the open‐shell Ge+ and GeH2+ undergo the efficient F‐atom abstraction from NF3 and form GeF+ and FGeH2+ as the only ionic products. The mechanisms of these two processes are quite similar and involve the formation of the fluorine‐coordinated complexes GeFNF2+ and H2GeFNF2+, their subsequent crossing to the significantly more stable isomers FGeNF2+ and FGeH2NF2+, and the eventual dissociation of these ions into GeF+ (or FGeH2+) and NF2. The closed‐shell GeH+ and GeH3+ are instead much less reactive towards NF3, and the only observed process is the less efficient formation of GeF+ from GeH+. The theoretical investigation of this unusual H/F exchange reaction suggests the involvement of vibrationally‐hot GeH+. Passing from NF3 to SF6 and SiF4, the average strength of the MF bond increases from 70 to 79 and 142 kcal mol−1, and in fact the only process observed by reacting GeHn+ (n = 0–3) with SF6 and SiF4 is the little efficient F‐atom abstraction from SF6 by Ge+. Irrespective of the experimental conditions, we did not observe any ionic product of GeN, GeS, or GeSi connectivity. This is in line with the previously observed exclusive formation of GeF+ from the reaction between Ge+ and CF compounds such as CH3F. Additionally observed processes include in particular the conceivable formation of the elusive thiohypofluorous acid FSH from the reaction between SF+ and GeH4. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drainage and water clusters in Gillette foam
Authors: Bandyopadhyay P. , Ojha A. K. , Barik T. K. , Roy A.
Published: March 2008

Raman measurements on Gillette foam have been carried out to analyze different phases of water in the system. We have shown that in addition to free water molecules, which drain out with aging of foam, water clusters of only a few water molecules are also present in foam. We have analyzed the rate of drainage with the existing theory available in the literature. The nature of water clusters in Gillette foam has also been obtained from ab initio self‐consistent field calculations for [H2O]n clusters. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering from gold‐coated germanium oxide nanowires
Authors: Khan Muhammad A. , Hogan Timothy P. , Shanker B.
Published: March 2008

We utilized bulk‐synthesized nanowires (NWs) of germanium dioxide as nanoscale structures that can be coated with noble metals to allow the excitation of surface plasmons over a broad frequency range. The NWs were synthesized on substrates of silicon using gold‐catalyst‐assisted vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth mechanism in a simple quartz tube furnace setup. The resulting NWs have diameters of ∼100–200 nm, with lengths averaging ∼10–40 µm and randomly distributed on the substrate. The NWs are subsequently coated with thin films of gold, which provide a surface‐plasmon‐active surface. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies with near‐infrared (NIR) excitation at 785 nm show significant enhancement (average enhancement > 106) with good uniformity to detect submonolayer concentrations of 4‐methylbenzenethiol (4‐MBT), trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (BPE), and 1,2‐benzendithiol (1,2‐BDT) probe molecules. We also observed an intense, broad continuum in the Raman spectrum of NWs after metal coating, which tended to diminish with the analyte monolayer formation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent Raman scattering studies of Na2MoO4
Authors: Saraiva G. D. , Paraguassu W. , Maczka M. , Freire P. T. C. , Lima J. A. , Paschoal C. W. A. , Mendes Filho J. , Souza Filho A. G.
Published: March 2008

The mode assignment of the cubic phase of anhydrous Na2MoO4 was carried out on the basis of lattice dynamic calculation using the classical rigid‐ion model. Temperature‐dependent studies indicate that this crystal remains in the cubic structure in the 15–773 K range and undergoes a phase transition at around 783 K. The behavior of the Raman modes indicates that this transition is strongly first‐order in nature and the phase above 773 K may have an orthorhombic symmetry. This transition is connected with tilting and/or rotations of the MoO4 tetrahedra, which lead to a disorder at the MoO4 sites. Our results give also evidence that the MoO bond lengths decrease in the high‐temperature phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of fermented papaya preparation on dermal and intestinal mucosal immunity and allergic inflammations
Authors: Hiramoto Keiichi , Imao Mitsuko , Sato Eisuke F , Inoue Masayasu , Mori Akitane
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) from yeast fermentation of Carica papaya Linn is a natural health food that is commercially sold in Japan. A previous study revealed that FPP has antioxidant activity. However, the effect of FPP on allergic diseases remains unclear. The aim of the present work was to examine whether the oral administration of FPP to mice restrained two types of contact hypersensitivity models, FITC (Th2 type) induced ear and colon oedema, and oxazolone (Th1 type) induced ear and colon oedema.

RESULTS: The sensitisation of FITC or oxazolone increased the plasma levels of IL‐10, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α. Histological examinations revealed a marked increase of IgA, dendritic cells and inflammatory cells in the colon. When the animals were given FPP before sensitisation by FITC or oxazolone, all the events induced by either FITC or oxazolone decreased markedly.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the oral administration of the FPP may have a therapeutic potential for the prevention of contact hypersensitive immuno‐response. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of water distillate and its dichloromethane extract from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and chemical composition of dichloromethane extract
Authors: Tanaka Aki , Horiuchi Masahiro , Umano Katsummi , Shibamoto Takayuki
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:

Licorice root is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and its medicinal properties, such as antibacterial, anti‐ulcer, anti‐tumorigenic and anti‐atherosclerotic activities, have been widely reported. However, there are only a few reports on basic chemical and biological studies of the water distilled components of licorice root.

RESULTS:

Chinese licorice root was water distilled and the distillate was subsequently extracted with dichloromethane. Residual aqueous solution from the extraction was fractionated using column chromatography. A total of 127 chemicals were identified in the dichloromethane extract, which inhibited hexanal oxidation by over 90% for 45 days at the level of 50 µg mL−1. A fraction eluted from the residual aqueous solution with acetone exhibited potent antioxidant activities both in a thiobarbituric acid assay and in a malonaldehyde/gas chromatography assay. The acetone fraction also exhibited strong anti‐inflammatory activity (77.9% inhibition at the level of 62 µg mL−1) in a lipoxygenenase inhibitor screening anti‐inflammatory assay.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrated the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of the water distillate obtained from Chinese licorice root. Some volatile chemicals among the many components identified in the water distillate exhibited antioxidant activity, suggesting that many medicinal compounds escape with water vapor into the ambient air during the preparation of herbal medicine. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry