bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in cytokine production and morphology of murine lymphoma NK/Ly cells in course of tumor development
Authors: Panchuk Rostyslav , Boiko Natalia , Lootsik Maxim , Stoika Rostyslav
Published: March 2007

The main goal of this study was to evaluate if specific cytokine expression in the NK/Ly lymphoma cells might be involved in development of intoxication in the tumor-bearing animals. RT-PCR analysis was used to study an expression of mRNA coding for IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, TNF-β and VEGF. ELISA was used to evaluate IL-6 and IFN-γ concentration in the ascitic fluid. Cytomorphological investigation of tumor cells was done after standard Romanovsky-Giemsa staining, and chromatin staining was performed with hematoxyline and neutral red. Lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase release from tumor cells was estimated. It was revealed that the level of mRNA coding for VEGF and IL-6 was significant in the lymphoma cells. The level of VEGF mRNA was initially high and did not change during tumor progression, while the level of expression of IL6 mRNA was low at the initial stages of tumor growth and markedly increased (up to 5-fold) at the terminal stages. The obtained data on IL-6 mRNA expression were confirmed by ELISA, which showed more than 6-fold increase (from 90 to 570 pg/ml) in the IL-6 concentration in the ascitic fluid at late stages of NK/Ly tumor development. On the contrary to IL-6, concentration of IFN-γ in the ascitic fluid was very high at early stages of tumor development (1,000 pg/ml) and it markedly decreased (up to 30-fold, 30 pg/ml) at the terminal stages of tumor development. The high levels of IL-6 mRNA in tumor cells and IL-6 content in extracellular medium correlated with cell deterioration, as revealed by cytomorphologic study and the release of intracellular enzymes into extracellular medium. We suggest that an enhanced production and release of IL-6 by lymphoma cells can cause intoxication and exhaustion of the organism observed at terminal stages of tumor growth.
Environmental Degradation of Polluting Aromatic and Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: A Case Study
Authors: Osuji Leo C. , Ozioma Achugasim
Published: March 2007

Oil extracts of Ukpeliede spill samples from Niger Delta (Nigeria) were analyzed by gas chromatography. The amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially the lower‐molecular‐weight naphthene, fluorine, phenathrene, pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene, decreased within the sampling intervals of 2 months and 5 months. There was a predominance of three‐to‐six‐ring PAHs over the two‐ring PAHs. There was marked disappearance of n‐C8 to n‐C11 hydrocarbon fractions and the acyclic isoprenoids (pristane and phytane). The depletion of these molecules within the two sampling intervals suggests the possible attenuation of hydrocarbons as a result of the environmental modification within the set interval.
Isolation and Characterization of Ribosome‐Inactivating Proteins from Cucurbitaceae
Authors: Zhang Daoning , Halaweish Fathi T.
Published: March 2007

Due to their RNA‐N‐glycosidase activity, ribosome‐inactivating proteins (RIPs) are attractive candidates as antitumor and antiviral agents in biomedical and agricultural research. We have isolated and characterized two such proteins, foetidissimin II and texanin, from two Cucurbitaceae species. Foetidissimin II, obtained from the roots of Cucurbita foetidissima, was identified as a type‐2 RIP, with a molecular weight of 61 kDa, as estimated by gel electrophoresis. It is composed of two chains, a 29‐kDa chain A, and a 32‐kDa chain B. Texanin, isolated from the fruits of Cucurbita texana, is a type‐I RIP, with a single chain of molecular weight 29.7 kDa, as estimated by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Both proteins exhibit RNA‐N‐glycosidase activity, with aniline playing a critical role in rRNA cleavage. The IC50 value of foetidissimin II, determined by cell‐free protein‐synthesis inhibition, was 0.251 μM. In an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, foetidissimin II exhibited IC50 values of ca. 70 nM to both adenocarcinoma and erythroleukemia cells. Texanin exhibited a weaker anticancer activity against erythroleukemia cells, with an IC50 value of 95 μM, but no activity against adenocarcinoma cells. The N‐terminal sequences of both proteins were compared with those of reported RIPs.
X‐Ray Crystal Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Salidroside, a Phenylethanoid Glycoside
Authors: Yu Peizhong , Hu Changqi , Meehan Edward J. , Chen Liqing
Published: March 2007

The X‐ray single‐crystal structure of natural salidroside (=2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside; 1), isolated from Cistanche deserticola, is reported for the first time, as well as its absolute configuration. The radical‐scavenging activity of 1 towards the superoxide radical anion (O$_{2}^{{\cdot} -}$) was determined experimentally by chemiluminescence measurements of the pyrogallol–luminol system, and compared to that of the corresponding aglycone, i.e., tyrosol (=4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)phenol; 2).
Formation of the Active Species of Cytochrome P450 by Using Iodosylbenzene: A Case for Spin‐Selective Reactivity
Authors: Cho Kyung‐Bin , Moreau Yohann , Kumar Devesh , Rock Dan A. , Jones Jeffrey P. , Shaik Sason
Published: March 2007

The generation of the active species for the enzyme cytochrome P450 by using the highly versatile oxygen surrogate iodosylbenzene (PhIO) often produces different results compared with the native route, in which the active species is generated through O2 uptake and reduction by NADPH. One of these differences that is addressed here is the deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE) jump observed during N‐dealkylation of N,N‐dimethylaniline (DMA) by P450, when the reaction conditions change from the native to the PhIO route. The paper presents a theoretical analysis targeted to elucidate the mechanism of the reaction of PhIO with heme, to form the high‐valent iron–oxo species Compound I (Cpd I), and define the origins of the KIE jump in the reaction of Cpd I with DMA. It is concluded that the likely origin of the KIE jump is the spin‐selective chemistry of the enzyme cytochrome P450 under different preparation procedures. In the native route, the reaction proceeds via the doublet spin state of Cpd I and leads to a low KIE value. PhIO, however, diverts the reaction to the quartet spin state of Cpd I, which leads to the observed high KIE values. The KIE jump is reproduced here experimentally for the dealkylation of N,N‐dimethyl‐4‐(methylthio)aniline, by using intra‐molecular KIE measurements that avoid kinetic complexities. The effect of PhIO is compared with N,N‐dimethylaniline‐N‐oxide (DMAO), which acts both as the oxygen donor and the substrate and leads to the same KIE values as the native route.
Trends in the incidence and treatment of parathyroid cancer in the United States
Authors: Lee Peter K. , Jarosek Stephanie L. , Virnig Beth A. , Evasovich Maria , Tuttle Todd M.
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

Parathyroid cancer is a rare cause of hyperparathyroidism. The objectives of this study were to determine the patterns of disease, treatment trends, and outcomes among patients with parathyroid cancer by using a population‐based data source.

METHODS.

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry data were used to identify patients who were diagnosed with parathyroid cancer from 1988 through 2003. To assess whether the incidence rate, treatment, tumor size, and cancer stage changed over time, the Cochrane‐Armitage trend test was used, and Cox proportional‐hazards modeling was used to identify the factors associated with an improved overall survival rate.

RESULTS.

From 1988 through 2003, 224 patients with parathyroid cancer were reported in the SEER data. Over that 16‐year study period, the incidence of parathyroid cancer increased by 60% (1988–1991, 3.58 per 10,000,000 population; 2000–2003, 5.73 per 10,000,000 population). Most patients (96%) underwent surgery (parathyroidectomy, 78.6% of patients; en bloc resection, 12.5% of patients; other, 4.9% of patients). The rate of surgical treatment increased significantly during the study period. The 10‐year all‐cause mortality rate was 33.2%, and the 10‐year cancer‐related mortality rate was 12.4%. Patient age (P < .0001), sex (P = .0106), the presence of distant metastases at diagnosis (P = .0004), and the year of diagnosis (P = .0287) were associated significantly with the overall survival rate. Tumor size, lymph node status, and type of surgery were not associated significantly with the overall survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS.

Although parathyroid cancer is rare, the incidence increased significantly in the United States from 1988 through 2003. Young age, female gender, recent year of diagnosis, and absence of distant metastases were associated significantly with an improved survival rate. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A new method for screening and determination of diuretics by on‐line CE‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Lu Minghua , Tong Ping , Xiao Hui , Xia Shifei , Zheng Xinyu , Liu Wei , Zhang Lan , Chen Guonan
Published: March 2007

A rapid, high‐resolution and effective new method for analyzing 12 diuretics by CE‐ESI‐MS was established in this paper. Ten diuretics (except two neutral compounds) could be fast separated by CE with a DAD at 214 nm with a 20 kV voltage within 6 min, using a 50 μm id and 48.5 cm effective length uncoated fused‐silica capillary in a 40 mM ammonium formate buffer (pH 9.40). CE was coupled to the mass spectrometer applying an orthogonal electrospray interface with a triple‐tube sheath liquid arrangement. The sheath liquid was composed of isopropanol‐water (1:1 v/v) containing 30 mM acetic acid with a flow rate of 4 μL/min. Mass spectrum was employed in the positive mode and both full scan mode and SIM scan mode were utilized. All 12 diuretics could be detected and confirmed by MS in a single analysis. Under optimized conditions, LODs for the 12 diuretics were in the range of 0.13–2.7 µmol/L at an S/N of 3, and the correlation coefficients R2 were between 0.9921 and 0.9978. The RDSs (n = 5) of the method was 0.24–0.94 % for migration times and 1.6–8.8 % for peak areas. The recoveries of spiked samples of 12 diuretics were between 72.4% and 118%. The real urine samples were injected directly for analysis, with only simple filtration through a 0.22 µm membrane filter in order to remove solid particles, which may cause capillary blockage. Based on the migration times and characteristic ions, the diuretics in urine samples were detected successfully. This CE‐ESI‐MS method for analyzing diuretics will hopefully be applied to doping control.
Water soluble fraction of solar‐simulated light‐exposed crude oil generates phosphorylation of histone H2AX in human skin cells under UVA exposure
Authors: Ibuki Yuko , Toyooka Tatsushi , Shirahata Jisshou , Ohura Takeshi , Goto Rensuke
Published: March 2007

Crude oil contains compounds, which have toxic and cancer‐causing properties to humans. The oil spilled in environments is usually exposed to sunlight; however, the toxicity of sunlight‐exposed oil is poorly understood. In this study, we found that the water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil irradiated with solar‐simulated light (SSL) generated phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ‐H2AX) in human skin cells under UVA irradiation, which was due to the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Crude oil was exposed to SSL for ∼7 days. The WSF obtained from unexposed crude oil showed no toxicity, whereas the WSF obtained from crude oil pre‐exposed to SSL induced acute cell death on exposure to UVA irradiation (induction of phototoxicity), which was more remarkable in human skin fibroblasts than human skin keratinocytes. γ‐H2AX was detected in both cell lines immediately after treatment with the WSF plus UVA. Interestingly, γ‐H2AX was detectable even at low SSL‐ and UVA‐doses, which induced no cytotoxicity. The WSF of crude oil irradiated with SSL, generated DSBs under UVA irradiation, which were detected by biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis. This was confirmed using xrs‐5 cells isolated from CHO‐K1 cells, which are deficient in a repair enzyme for DSBs; the WSF plus UVA induced a more dramatic decrease in survival in xrs‐5 cells than CHO‐K1 cells. These findings demonstrate that exposure of crude oil to sunlight makes the WSF phototoxic, generating DSBs accompanying the appearance of γ‐H2AX in human skin cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Setting, and evaluating the effectiveness of, environmental policy
Authors: Scott E Marian
Published: March 2007

Environmental policy is set in regard to both international protocols (e.g., the Kyoto Convention), directives (e.g., the European Union) and through national legislation. Environmental policy is implemented, monitored and decisions made concerning compliance and effectiveness by regulators (Environment Agencies). Industrialists may argue about the effect of any environmental legislation on their competitiveness, economists may debate the value of a sensitive ecosystem or plant species and which part of society should pay to maintain such an ecosystem or species, special interest groups lobby and publicise environmental issues while the public (as stakeholders) may be involved in public debate and consultation. Each group may present and debate the evidence (knowledge) as they see it, yet often the evidence base is incomplete and is subject to an often poorly quantified uncertainty. European Union environmental policy is based on the precautionary principle, covering situations where scientific evidence is insufficient, inconclusive or uncertain.

Statisticians have an important role to play in environmental decision‐making, their contributions extend from the framing of environmental regulations and standards to reflect sound inferential procedures, to design and implementation of monitoring schemes and the analysis and quantification of environmental effects and policy effectiveness evaluation. Through several examples, we explore the quantitative and probabilistic nature of the language of policy, consider the evidence‐base and discuss how statisticians can contribute to policy effectiveness evaluation before considering two case studies where statistical analysis is aiding the interpretation of environmental records and effectiveness evaluation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ductility of reinforced concrete sections with confined compression zones
Authors: Desayi Prakash , Sundara Iyengar K. T. Raja , Reddy K. Nagi
Published: March 2007

Confinement of concrete in circular spiral steel binders imparts to it considerable ductility and also some increase in strength. This property can be utilized in designing concrete structures to withstand seismic forces where the members are required to possess not only strength but also energy absorbing capacity. Assuming the stress‐strain behaviour of confined concrete as elastic‐plastic, the ductility factor for strain and the strength factor (denoting increase in strength) have been determined for concrete confined to different degrees. Similarly, assuming the moment‐curvature behaviour of reinforced concrete sections with confined compression concrete to be elastic‐plastic, the ductility factor for curvature has been determined for such beams. The computed moment‐curvature plots have been found to compare satisfactorily with tests on 18 beams. Ductility factors for curvature of singly and doubly reinforced concrete sections with compression concrete confined to different degrees have been determined and presented for certain typical cases. Such plots would be of use in designing reinforced concrete beam sections for required ductility.
Earthquake response of a steel frame building
Authors: Wood J. H.
Published: March 2007

A study has been made of the response, during the San Fernando earthquake 9 February 1971, of the nine‐storey steel frame Building 180, located at the California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena. The analysis throws light on the actual dynamical properties of the building during the earthquake, and also demonstrates that it is possible, when the ground motion is specified, to make accurate predictions of building motions during moderate earthquakes by using a linear viscously damped model.

Methods of evaluating the lower mode periods and damping ratios from the earthquake records are described and the values obtained are compared with results from dynamic testing before and after the earthquake and with the periods computed from computer models of the building. Although no structural damage occurred and computed stresses in the steel frame were less than yield stresses, the periods measured by an ambient vibration test after the earthquake were of the order of 10 per cent higher than the pre‐earthquake values. The maximum periods during the earthquake were found to be about 30 per cent higher than the post‐earthquake periods.
The essex earthquake of 1884
Authors: Scott Ronald F.
Published: March 2007

The largest British earthquake to occur in several hundred years took place in Essex, in the south east of England, in 1884. From contemporary accounts and a recent visit to the area affected by the earthquake, the intensity of the earthquake was assessed. It is estimated that the peak accelerations generated may have been as much as 0.1 g. This would be of consequence to some modern structures, designed without earthquake provisions.
Soil‐structure interaction at higher frequency factors
Authors: Bycroft G. N.
Published: March 2007

Approximate solutions to the forced vibrations of a rigid circular plate attached to the surface of an elastic halfspace are presented for large values of the frequency factor. These results are important when solving soil‐structure interaction problems when such problems involve high‐frequency factors. This situation arises when high‐frequency components of earthquakes are associated with a relatively rigid foundation of a large base area and located on a soft terrain. Similar situations occur in cases of blast loadings and impact and in the foundations of large high‐speed machinery. These solutions are used to solve the problem of the motion of a rigid mass on an elastic halfspace subjected to steady state and transient horizontal accelerations. From these results, it is deduced that a large rigid mat foundation located on soft terrain significantly attenuates input accelerations and consequently may be useful as the foundation of large massive rigid structures such as a nuclear power station.
Resistance of soil to a horizontally vibrating pile
Authors: Nogami T. , Novak M.
Published: March 2007

The resistance of a soil layer to steady horizontal vibration of an elastic pile is theoretically investigated. The pile is assumed to be vertical and of circular cross‐section. The soil is modelled as a linear viscoelastic layer with hysteretic material damping. A closed form solution is obtained for the resistance of the soil layer to the motion. This resistance depends on shear modulus of soil, frequency, pile slenderness, material damping and Poisson's ratio. A parametric study of the effect of these parameters is included. The soil layer resistance is expressed in a form which can be used directly in the solution of the soil‐pile interaction problem which is treated in a subsequent paper. The approach also applies for rigid deeply embedded footings.
Soil‐pile interaction in horizontal vibration
Authors: Novak M. , Nogami T.
Published: March 2007

Interaction between soil and an elastic pile vibrating horizontally is theoretically examined. The soil is modelled as a linear, viscoelastic layer overlying rigid bedrock. The pile is assumed to be vertical and point bearing. This study utilizes the definition of soil resistance presented in a preceding paper.1 A direct solution is developed which yields closed form formulas for pile displacement, stiffness and damping. A parametric study clarifies the role of the parameters involved, illustrates the interaction between the soil and the pile and shows the stiffness and damping properties of the soil‐pile system for typical values of the governing parameters.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of New C‐Functionalized Derivatives of the Gadolinium(III) Complex with 3,6,10‐Tris(carboxymethyl)‐3,6,10‐triazadodecanedioic Acid (H5ttda) Exhibiting Fast Water Exchange – Potential Paramagnetic Reporters for Molecular Imaging
Authors: Laurent Sophie , Vander Elst Luce , Vroman Antoine , Muller Robert N.
Published: March 2007

To confirm the observation that [Gd(ttda)] derivatives have a significantly shorter residence time τM of the coordinated H2O molecule than [Gd(dtpa)], four new C‐functionalized [Gd(ttda)] complexes, [Gd(4‐Me‐ttda)] (1), [Gd(4‐Ph‐ttda)] (2), [Gd(9‐Me‐ttda)] (3), and [Gd(9‐Ph‐ttda)] (4), were prepared and characterized (H5ttda=3,6,10‐tris(carboxymethyl)‐3,6,10‐triazadodecanedioic acid; H5dtpa=3,6,9‐tris(carboxymethyl)‐3,6,9‐triazaundecanedioic acid). The temperature dependence of the proton relaxivity for these complexes at 0.47 T and of the 17O transverse relaxation rate of H217O at 7.05 T confirm that the proton relaxivity is not limited by the H2O‐exchange rate. The residence time of the H2O molecules in the first coordination sphere of the gadolinium complexes at 310 K, as calculated from 17O‐NMR data, is 13, 43, 2.9, and 56 ns for 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 310 K, the longitudinal relaxivity of 2 is higher than for the parent compound [Gd(ttda)] and the other complexes of the series. The stability of the new compounds was studied by transmetallation with Zn2+ ions. All the new complexes are more stable than the parent compound [Gd(ttda)].
Four New Nortriterpenoids from Phlomis umbrosa
Authors: Liu Pu , Yao Zhi , Li Hui‐Qiang , Duan Hong‐Quan
Published: March 2007

Four new 28‐noroleanane‐derived spirocyclic triterpenoids, compounds 1–4, were isolated from the rhizomes of Phlomis umbrosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses, in combination with high‐resolution MS experiments.
Synthesis of Lanthanide(III) Chelates by Using ‘Click’ Chemistry
Authors: Ketola Janne , Katajisto Johanna , Hakala Harri , Hovinen Jari
Published: March 2007

The copper(I)‐catalyzed dipolar [2+3] cycloaddition reaction of an azide and a terminal alkyne is exploited in the preparation of various europium(III), terbium(III), and dysprosium(III) chelates (Schemes 1–3). By changing the nature of the alkyne and the azide, a wide range of chelates and biomolecule‐labeling reactants were obtained. The photophysical properties (Table) of the synthesized chelates are also discussed.
Defective antitumor responses in CX3CR1‐deficient mice
Authors: Yu Yen‐Rei A. , Fong Alan M. , Combadiere Christophe , Gao Ji‐Liang , Murphy Philip M. , Patel Dhavalkumar D.
Published: March 2007

Innate immunity is critically important for tumor surveillance and regulating tumor metastasis. Fractalkine (FKN, CX3CL1), operating through the receptor CX3CR1, is an effective chemoattractant and adhesion receptor for NK cells and monocytes, important constituents of the innate immune response. Previous studies have shown that over‐expression of CX3CL1 by tumor cells enhances antitumor responses. However, since most tumors do not express CX3CL1, it remains unclear if CX3CL1/CX3CR1 has a role in tumor immunity in the absence of ligand over‐expression. To determine the role of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in regulating antitumor immune responses, we tested the response of wildtype and CX3CR1‐deficient animals to unmanipulated B16 melanoma that does not express CX3CL1. We studied the distribution and trafficking of mononuclear cells (MNC) under homeostatic conditions and in the presence of B16 metastatic melanoma, cytotoxic activity, and cytokine production in wild‐type and CX3CR1‐deficient animals. We found that B16‐treated CX3CR1−/− mice had increased lung tumor burden and cachexia. There was a selective reduction of monocytes and NK cells in the lungs of CX3CR1‐deficient animals under homeostatic conditions and in response to B16. CX3CR1‐deficient NK cells effectively killed B16 cells in cytotoxicity assays. However, CX3CR1‐deficient NK cells exhibited a tumorigenic cytokine production profile with defective IFN‐γ expression and enhanced IL‐6 production in response to TLR3 activation with polyIC. Our studies indicate that CX3CR1 is an important contributor to innate immunity at multiple levels. Its role in tumor immunity is not limited by expression of CX3CL1 by tumor cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence of breast cancer among postmenopausal, hypertensive women
Authors: Lindgren Annamarja , Pukkala Eero , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Nissinen Aulikki
Published: March 2007

Elevated blood pressure has been proposed to be a risk factor for breast cancer but the results remain controversial. In this study, the incidence of breast cancer among 9,112 postmenopausal, hypertensive women included in the community‐based hypertension register of the North Karelia project was assessed through the Finnish Cancer Registry. The mean follow‐up time was 27 years. The incidence of breast cancer in hypertensive women in our cohort was similar to the age and period specific population‐based rates for Eastern Finland [the standardised incidence ratio 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.86–1.05)]. In the Cox regression analysis, there was no association between blood pressure levels, or use of antihypertensive (AH) drugs, and breast cancer incidence, when all women were considered. There was a statistically significant interaction of the use of AH drugs at baseline and the diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Among women who were not using AH drugs at baseline, the DBP level was positively associated with the subsequent risk of breast cancer (hazard ratio 1.26/10 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.46). In women with AH drugs at baseline, the DBP had an opposite effect of borderline significance (hazard ratio 0.90/10 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval 0.78–1.01). In conclusion, breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal hypertensive patients in general does not differ from that of general population. Elevated DBP levels may be associated with an increased breast cancer risk among nonpharmacologically treated women. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dissecting the molecular mechanisms of cancer through bioinformatics‐based experimental approaches
Authors: Rivenbark Ashley G. , Coleman William B.
Published: March 2007

Cancer is a disease of aberrant gene expression characterized by inappropriate (temporal or quantitative) expression of positive mediators of cell proliferation in conjunction with diminished expression of negative mediators of cell growth. Alteration of the normal balance of these positive and negative mediators leads to the abnormal growth of cells and tissues that typify neoplastic disease. Development of a better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that induce neoplastic transformation and drive the cancer phenotype is essential for continued progress towards the design of practical molecular diagnostics and effective treatment strategies. Over the past decades, molecular techniques that facilitate the assessment of gene expression, identification of gene mutations, and characterization of chromosome abnormalities (numeric and structural) have been established and applied to cancer research. However, many of these techniques are slow and labor‐intensive. More recently, high‐throughput technologies have emerged that generate large volumes of data related to the genetics and epigenetics of cancer (or other disorders). These advances in molecular genetic technology required the development of sophisticated bioinformatic tools to manage the large datasets generated. The combination of high‐throughput molecular assays and bioinformatic‐based data mining strategies has significantly impacted our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of cancer, classification of tumors, and now the management of cancer patients in the clinic. This article will review basic molecular techniques and bioinformatic‐based experimental approaches used to dissect the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 101:1074–1086, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of Ligand binding by alternative splicing of the αPS2 integrin subunit
Authors: Bunch Thomas A. , Kendall Timmy L. , Shakalya Kishore , Mahadevan Daruka , Brower Danny L.
Published: March 2007

The Drosophila αPS2 integrin subunit is found in two isoforms. αPS2C contains 25 residues not found in αPS2m8, encoded by the alternative eighth exon. Previously, it was shown that cells expressing αPS2C spread more effectively than αPS2m8 cells on fragments of the ECM protein Tiggrin, and that αPS2C‐containing integrins are relatively insensitive to depletion of Ca2+. Using a ligand mimetic probe for Tiggrin affinity (TWOW‐1), we show that the affinity of αPS2CβPS for this ligand is much higher than that of αPS2m8βPS. However, the two isoforms become more similar in the presence of activating levels of Mn2+. Modeling indicates that the exon 8‐encoded residues replace the third β strand of the third blade of the α subunit β‐propeller structure, and generate an exaggerated loop between this and the fourth strand. αPS2 subunits with the extra loop structure but with an m8‐like third strand, or subunits with a C‐like strand but an m8‐like short loop, both fail to show αPS2C‐like affinity for TWOW‐1. Surprisingly, a single C > m8‐like change at the third strand‐loop transition point is sufficient to make αPS2C require Ca2+ for function, despite the absence of any known cation binding site in this region. These data indicate that alternative splicing in integrin α subunit extracellular domains may affect ligand affinity via relatively subtle alterations in integrin conformation. These results may have relevance for vertebrate α6 and α7, which are alternatively spliced at the same site. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 211–223, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Genome Sequences for Genes of Cyanophycin Metabolism: Identifying Putative Cyanophycin Metabolizing Prokaryotes
Authors: Füser Gregor , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: March 2007

CGP, a copolymer of aspartate and arginine, serves as a storage compound for nitrogen, carbon and energy in many cyanobacteria. Analysis of available genome sequences from prokaryotes identified ORFs putatively encoding proteins of high similarity to known cyanophycin synthetases and cyanophycinases from cyanobacteria in various strains of bacteria belonging to different phylogenetic taxa and not closely related to cyanobacteria. Genes of CGP metabolism occur in a wide range of bacteria exhibiting diverse metabolic capabilities, including aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation, phototrophy and chemolithoautotrophy. This study identified different groups of cyanophycin synthetases and cyanophycinases, respectively, and proposes a collective terminology for the putative genes and enzymes of cyanophycin metabolism. Among 570 different microbial strains, whose genomes have been partially or completely sequenced and are publicly accessible, we identified 44 prokaryotes which possess a cyanophycin synthetase and are putatively able to synthesize CGP. From these, 31 prokaryotes harbor also a cyanophycinase enabling them to degrade CGP to dipeptides. From the latter, 24 strains possess in addition a dipeptidase necessary to hydrolyze β‐Asp‐Arg dipeptides, thereby enabling them to completely utilize CGP. Therefore, CGP seems to have a much wider distribution among prokaryotes than previously recognized. Genes putatively encoding cyanophycin synthetase homologues were not identified in the genomes of Eukarya and Archaea and are therefore obviously only occurring in Eubacteria. In addition, the outcome of this detailed in silico analysis proposes to distinguish 10 different groups of cyanophycin synthetases.

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Determination of the stereochemistry of γ‐Butyrolactones by DPFGSE‐NOE experiments
Authors: Xie X. , Tschan S. , Glorius F.
Published: March 2007

The stereochemistry of γ‐butyrolactons tetrahydro‐6a‐phenylfuro[3,4‐b]furan‐2(3H)‐one (1), 1,4,5,9b‐tetrahydro‐3a‐methylnaphtho[2,1‐b]furan‐2(3aH)‐one (2), 1,4,5,9 b‐tetrahydro‐3a‐methylfuro[2,3‐c]quinolin‐2(3aH)‐one (3) and hexahydro‐furo[3,2‐c]benzofuran‐2‐one (4) was studied using DPFGSE‐NOE experiments. Compounds 1–3 contain two stereocenters, while 4 contains three. Both 1H and 13C spectra showed a single diastereomer of all the compounds. Routine 2D experiments (DQF)‐COSY, HMQC/HSQC, and HMBC were used to assign 1H and 13C spectra completely. Diastereotopic methylene protons with resolved 1H NMR signals as well as protons of cyclohexane served as references for the construction of the spatial arrangement in the molecules. NOE contacts between protons attached to the stereocenter and the diastereotopic protons were thus used to determine the configuration of the molecules. Vicinal coupling constants 3J assisted the assignment of the conformational arrangement of the cyclohexane ring of 4. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural confirmation of regioisomers of Lopinavir impurities using MS and gradient COSY (1H and 13C NMR assignment of Lopinavir impurities)
Authors: Siva Lakshmi Devi A. , Srinivasa Rao Y. , Suresh Y. , Yogeswar Reddy M. , Jyothi G. , Rajababu B. , Prasad V. S. R. , Umamaheswar Rao V.
Published: March 2007

We report the complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of impurities of six Lopinavir (2S)‐N‐[(2S, 4S, 5S)‐5‐{[2‐(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)acetyl]amino}‐4‐hydroxy‐1,6‐diphenyl hexan‐2‐yl]‐3‐methyl‐2‐(2‐oxo‐1,3‐diazinan‐1‐yl)butan‐ amide. Two of the impurities are regioisomers and GCOSY used to differentiate the two structures. The spectral assignments for all six impurities were achieved by concerted application of one and two‐dimensional NMR techniques (1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT, GCOSY, GHSQC and GHMBC). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid‐state 19F MAS NMR study on the conformation and molecular mobility of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene)
Authors: Tatsuno Hiroto , Aimi Keitaro , Ando Shinji
Published: March 2007

The temperature dependence of molecular mobility and conformational changes of poly(chlorotrifluoro‐ ethylene) (PCTFE) have been investigated by solid‐state 19F magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. The pulse techniques of dipolar–filter and T1ρ–filter allow selective observation of the amorphous and crystalline domains, respectively. The temperature dependence of T1ρF revealed that the segmental motion in the amorphous domain becomes vigorous above ca 80 °C, which is well above the glass transition (Tg) temperature (52 °C) and more close to the β‐relaxation temperature (95 °C). On the other hand, vigorous molecular motions in the crystalline domain occur above 120 °C, which is much below the melting temperature (212 °C). This indicates that the polymer chains in the PCTFE crystallites are more mobile than those of typical semicrystalline fluoropolymers like poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), which can be associated with structural imperfections in the crystallites. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations of 19F magnetic shielding suggest that the high‐frequency shifts observed for the crystalline signals above 80 °C can be ascribed to the conformational change around meso diads toward more twisted and/or helical conformations in the main chain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface displacements due to batter piles driven in cross‐anisotropic media
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Der , Chen Ming‐Tang , Lee Tzen‐Chin
Published: March 2007

This article derives the closed‐form solutions for estimating the vertical surface displacements of cross‐anisotropic media due to various loading types of batter piles. The loading types include an embedded point load for an end‐bearing pile, uniform skin friction, and linear variation of skin friction for a friction pile. The planes of cross‐anisotropy are assumed to be parallel to the horizontal ground surface. The proposed solutions are never mentioned in literature and can be developed from Wang and Liao's solutions for a horizontal and vertical point load embedded in the cross‐anisotropic half‐space. The present solutions are identical with Wang's solutions when batter angle equals to 0°. In addition, the solutions indicate that the surface displacements in cross‐anisotropic media are influenced by the type and degree of material anisotropy, angle of inclination, and loading types. An illustrative example is given at the end of this article to investigate the effect of the type and degree of soil anisotropy (E/E′, G′/E′, and ν/ν′), pile inclination (α), and different loading types (a point load, a uniform skin friction, and a linear variation of skin friction) on vertical surface displacements. Results show that the displacements accounted for pile batter are quite different from those estimated from plumb piles, both driven in cross‐anisotropic media. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building and valuing global brands in the nonprofit sector
Authors: Laidler‐Kylander Nathalie , Quelch John A. , Simonin Bernard L.
Published: March 2007

Global nonprofit brands are the world's new “super brands” (Wootliff and Deri, 2001). Nonprofit organizations command unprecedented levels of trust, and nonprofit brand valuations are on par with major international corporations. Leaders and managers of nonprofits face new challenges in the stewardship of their brands. Based on current thinking in nonprofit management and detailed interviews with close to one hundred executives of ten international nonprofit organizations, this article draws strategic lessons on brand building and brand valuation activities of international nonprofits. The multiple roles and stakeholders that global nonprofit brands must address make nonprofit brand building complex and challenging. In particular, differences between advocacy and relief organizations must be explained. Despite the complexity, international nonprofit organizations may have an advantage over for‐profits in leveraging public trust and brand communication. Advocacy organizations in particular successfully link brand and cause to good effect. The valuation of nonprofit brands is a new strategic challenge with significant appeal, but also significant concerns for international nonprofits. In addition to providing nonprofit leaders and managers with a better understanding of brandbuilding activities, imperatives, and best practices in the field, this article outlines the opportunities and threats associated with the valuation of nonprofit brands.
Board development practices and competent board members: Implications for performance
Authors: Brown William A.
Published: March 2007

This study explores underlying assumptions about board development practices in nonprofit governance. Specifically, a model was developed to determine if using recommended recruitment, board member orientation, and evaluation practices resulted in more competent board members and if the presence of these board members led to better board performance. The sample consisted of 1,051 survey responses from CEOs and board chairs representing 713 credit unions. As member‐benefit nonprofit organizations, credit unions rely almost exclusively on voluntary board members in an oversight capacity. Results support the contention that board development practices lead to more capable board members, and the presence of these board members tends to explain board performance. The study advances the understanding of nonprofit board development practices by further defining the concept and proposing an empirically tested assessment strategy. Furthermore, the findings support using specific recruitment practices that should strengthen nonprofit boards.
Interactions of polyvinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer in aqueous solution in relation to emulsion polymerisation of vinyl acetate
Authors: Shiraishi M.
Published: March 2007

Polyvinyl acetate (PV‐OAc) emulsions made from vinylacetate (V‐OAc), using polyvinylalcohol(PV‐OH) as the protective colloid, have different viscosities depending on the degree of interaction between the aqueous solution of V‐OAc and PV‐OH. This interaction increased when the PV‐OH samples, prepared by addition of various amounts of benzene to a methanolic solution of PV‐OAc, had a higher content of residual acetyl groups with a more blocklike distribution. The mechanism of heterogeneous distribution of residual acetyl groups in PV‐OH and effect of branching of PV‐OH on the PV‐OAc emulsion are also discussed.
Heat‐seal and pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Brazier A. D.
Published: March 2007

The connexion between heat‐seal and pressure‐sensitive adhesives, including delayed‐tack heat‐seal adhesives, is illustrated in chemical terms.
Ethylene—vinyl acetate copolymers for packaging applications
Authors: Evans F. P.
Published: March 2007

Ethylene‐vinyl acetate (E‐VA) copolymers consist of a range of materials beginning with polyethylene and possessing a gradation of properties with increasingly higher concentrations of vinyl acetate (V‐OAc). The major property differences between E‐VA copolymers and polyethylenes which incorporation of V‐OAc confers are discussed with reference to processing and packaging applications.
Synthesis and properties of some polyamides containing the sulphonyl diphenylene unit
Authors: Jarrett G. , Jones M. E. B.
Published: March 2007

Homopolyamides of two isomeric di(aminophenyl) sulphones with α,ω‐polymethylene dicarboxylic acids have been prepared by low‐temperature solution polycondensation and by a high‐temperature melt procedure.

The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of these polymers are strongly dependent on the positions of the amine residues in the aromatic ring, and they fall progressively as the length of the methylene sequence in the dicarboxylic acid residue increases. The polymers are not crystallised by thermal treatment although in certain cases some crystallinity can be induced by treatment with an organic liquid. The presence of the bulky, polar sulphone group plays an important part in the success of the high‐temperature polymerisation and makes a significant contribution to the high level of mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting polymers.
Synthesis and properties of poly α‐esters containing fluorine: I. introduction and precursor preparation
Authors: Evans B. W. , Tighe B. J. , Whittingham A.
Published: March 2007

Present knowledge relating to the effect of fluoroaromatic residues on the properties of polymers and the limited literature on the synthesis and properties of fluorine‐containing polyesters are briefly discussed. The use of α‐hydroxy carboxylic acid anhydrosulphites in the preparation of poly α‐esters is described, together with the potential use of this route in the evaluation of the effect of fluoroaromatic substituents on the properties of these polymers. Details of a series of new Grignard syntheses of α‐pentafluorophenyl‐α‐hydroxy carboxylic acids from the commercially available bromopentafluorobenzene and of the conversion of these acids to the anhydrosulphites via the reaction of thionyl chloride on the anhydrous cupric salts of the acids are presented. In this way a series of intermediates has been synthesised from which new fluorine‐containing polymers may be prepared.
Ionic conduction in polymer films: II. Inhomogeneous structure of varnish films
Authors: Mayne J. E. O. , Scantlebury J. D.
Published: March 2007

Ionic conduction in polymer films is of two types. Inverse conduction, I, occurs when the resistance runs counter to that of the external solution, and Direct conduction, D, when the resistance follows that of the external solution.

The distribution of areas having D properties has been established for films of a pentaerythritol alkyd, a phenol‐formaldehyde tung oil and a polyamide‐cured expoxide varnish, and it is shown that D conduction cannot be ascribed to capillaries, unless they are of molecular dimensions. It is concluded that these films have a very heterogeneous structure and that I and D areas are brought about by differences in crosslinking density within the film.
Estimation of degree of cyclisation from polymer segment densities
Authors: Dušek K.
Published: March 2007

Cyclisation is known to compete with intermolecular crosslinking of polymer chains, particularly in solution. This paper attempts to show the dependence of these competing reactions on perturbations caused by polymer‐solvent interactions. The Segment Density Model (S.D.M.) is discussed; this is based on the spatial distribution of segment densities. The effects of approximations in the S.D.M. are assessed by comparing the results with those obtained from the probabilities of meeting of specified pairs of segments (Conformational Model, C.M.).
Polyphenylene resin and its composites
Authors: Ensor G. R. , Long F. , Roberts R. J.
Published: March 2007

A brief outline of various methods of polyphenylene preparation is given, but the products obtained are often either impure or impossible to process. A synthesis based on an arylation reaction has been developed which can be carried out in two stages, thus allowing a processing stage to be introduced. The reaction involves the thermal decomposition of a difunctional sulphonyl chloride and can be interrupted at the prepolymer stage. The final composites obtained have good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance which means that they have great potential for bearings, chemical plant and aerospace applications.
Macrocyclic polymers and related products derived from aromatic nitriles
Authors: Packham D. I.
Published: March 2007

A method of obtaining macrocyclic compounds by stepwise condensation of aromatic and heterocyclic nitriles with amines is described. The technique was extended to give polymers containing repeating macrocyclic units, and to show the optimum reaction conditions. The properties of these polymers and possible applications are discussed. Related polymer systems such as the polybenzobis(aminoiminopyrrolenines), the polybenzimidazoles and the polybenziminobenzimidazoles were also obtained by an adaptation of the method.
Ionic conduction in polymer films. III Influence of temperature on water absorption
Authors: Kinsella E. M. , Mayne J. E. O. , Scantlebury J. D.
Published: March 2007

The variation of water absorption with temperature of three varnish films, a pentaerythritol alkyd, an epoxy‐polyamide and a phenol‐formaldehyde tung oil, has been measured. In the case of the first two, minima were observed the temperatures of which corresponded to glass transition temperatures of the polymers. In contrast, films of the phenol‐formaldehyde tung oil varnish showed neither a minimum in the water absorption‐temperature curve nor a glass transition temperature over the range 5–34°C. Further work is necessary to establish whether this relationship has general application.