bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in Polydiacetylene Nanowires by Self‐Assembly and Self‐Polymerization
Authors: Zhou Weidong , Li Yuliang , Zhu Daoben
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Strategies for the Synthesis of C2 Symmetric Natural Products — A Review
Authors: Vrettou Marianna , Gray Andrew A. , Brewer Alice R. E. , Barrett Anthony G. M.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Azides and Alkynes: A Universal Ligation Tool in Polymer and Materials Science
Authors: Lutz Jean‐Francois
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reversible Guest Exchange Mechanisms in Supramolecular Host—Guest Assemblies
Authors: Pluth Michael D. , Raymond Kenneth N.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Glycosyltransferases — An Efficient Tool for the Enzymatic Synthesis of Oligosaccharides and Derivatives as Well as Mimetics Thereof
Authors: Rabbani Said , Schwardt Oliver , Ernst Beat
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
1,1‐Bis(phosphorus‐functionalized) Allenes
Authors: Stankevic M. , Pietrusiewicz K. M.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
1‐Phosphorus‐Functionalized 1‐Haloallenes
Authors: Zimmer R.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Marine Optical Biogeochemistry: The Chemistry of Ocean Color
Authors: Coble Paula G.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Oceanic Methane Biogeochemistry
Authors: Reeburgh William S.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Microwave Effects in Organic Synthesis: Mechanistic and Reaction Medium Considerations
Authors: Loupy Andre , Varma Rajender S.
Published: April 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Hydrothermale Vergasung: Ansätze einer reaktionstechnischen Optimierung
Authors: Kruse A. , Faquir M.
Published: April 2007

Die hydrothermale Vergasung ist ein attraktives Verfahren, um Biomasse mit hohem Wassergehalt zur Wasserstoffgewinnung zu nutzen. Diese Reaktion ist kinetisch kontrolliert, was z. B. dazu führt, dass Reaktoren mit Rückvermischung (kontinuierlicher Rührkessel) zu günstigeren Ergebnissen führen als Reaktoren ohne Rückvermischung. Ursache hierfür ist, dass bei Rückvermischung späte Folgeprodukte mit früheren reagieren können.
Biokraftstoffe – Eine Übersicht
Authors: Schaub G. , Vetter A.
Published: April 2007

Wegen steigender Ölpreise und wachsender Klimabesorgnis haben Biokraftstoffe an Bedeutung gewonnen. Offen ist weiterhin die Frage, welche Kraftstoffe aus Biomasse mit welchen Mengenpotenzialen, charakteristischen Eigenschaften und Umweltauswirkungen die größten Beiträge liefern sollen. Neben dem Qualitätsaspekt ist wegen der gefragten großen Mengen stets der Mengenaspekt wichtig, d. h. erzielbare Erträge von Biomasse‐Rohstoffen sowie Wirkungsgrade/Ausbeuten der technischen Umwandlungsverfahren zum Kraftstoff. Wichtigste Vertreter sind derzeit Fettsäuremethylester, Ethanol sowie für die Zukunft synthetische Kohlenwasserstoffe und Wasserstoff, hergestellt über biotechnologische oder chemische Verfahren. Ursachen der Mengenbegrenzung sind die begrenzte Nettoproduktion der Photosynthese, Anbauflächen, Umwandlungsverluste und insbesondere die Wasserverfügbarkeit. Als Folge können Biokraftstoffe für sich allein nur einen (kleineren) Teil zur Lösung der Rohstoffsicherheit beitragen. Erforderlich sind zusätzlich Effizienzsteigerung, Einsparung im Bereich der Mobilität und Anpassung der Konsumgewohnheiten.
Synthetische Kraftstoffe aus Biomasse: Technik, Entwicklungen, Perspektiven
Authors: Fürnsinn S. , Hofbauer H.
Published: April 2007

Durch die aktuellen Entwicklungen im Zusammenhang mit der Verringerung der CO2‐Emissionen sowie der Versorgungssicherheit in Europa ergibt sich ein bereits kurz‐ und mittelfristig großer Bedarf an Biokraftstoffen. Die Erzeugung von synthetischen Biokraftstoffen stellt einen durch große Flexibilität im Hinblick auf die einsetzbaren Rohstoffe und die produzierbaren Kraftstoffe gekennzeichneten Weg dar. Dies erscheint angesichts der ambitionierten politischen Ziele unbedingt nötig. Diese indirekt über Vergasung und anschließende Synthese gewonnenen Kraftstoffe können mit Wirkungsgraden von > 50 % hergestellt werden, wobei auch im Kostenvergleich Konkurrenzfähigkeit zu den heute eingesetzten Biokraftstoffen erster Generation gegeben ist. Neben der Darstellung der zugrundeliegenden Technologien vom Rohstoff bis zum Kraftstoff werden insbesondere Gemeinsamkeiten sowie wichtige Prozessdeterminanten herausgearbeitet.
Status und Zukunft der Biotreibstoffe
Authors: Plass L. , Reimelt S.
Published: April 2007

Haupttreiber der zunehmenden Nutzung von Biomasse sind der steigende Energiebedarf generell sowie das Streben vieler Staaten nach mehr Unabhängigkeit von der politisch als unsicher bewerteten Versorgung mit Öl und Gas bei weiter steigenden und stark schwankenden Preisen. Sowohl bei Biodiesel als auch bei Bioethanol bestehen jedoch Rohstoffbegrenzungen für künftiges Wachstum, sowohl was die verfügbaren Flächen angeht als auch im Hinblick auf die bestehende Wettbewerbssituation zur Nahrungsmittelkette. Eine nachhaltige Lösung kann nur in der gesamthaften Nutzung der Biomasse liegen.
Letter to the editor—Appearance characterization alternate definitions
Authors: Schanda J.
Published: April 2007

This letter to the editor discusses the differences between psychophysical properties of materials and objects and perceptual properties and the terminology used. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 235–236, 2007
Single‐constant simplification of Kubelka‐Munk turbid‐media theory for paint systems—A review
Authors: Berns Roy S. , Mohammadi Mahnaz
Published: April 2007

For opaque coloration systems, Kubelka‐Munk turbid media theory is used commonly to model optical mixing behavior. Most educational publications on the subject use opaque paint systems when describing the two‐constant approach and textile systems when describing the single‐constant simplification. Because of the differences in defining concentration for these systems and the corresponding degrees of freedom, the single‐constant simplification for paint and textile systems are not identical. The second edition of “Principles of Color Technology” showed a numerical example for an opaque paint system modeled using the textile equations. The third edition used the same example but modified the degrees of freedom, a hybrid of the paint and textile approaches. Recent research by Berns and Mohammadi has evaluated the single‐constant simplification for modeling artist paints; they have used both the hybrid and paint approaches. Thus, it was of interest to review these different approaches and determine whether these differences have practical importance and whether future printings and editions of Principles of Color Technology should be modified. The three approaches were tested for tints made from a mixture of cobalt blue and titanium white acrylic emulsion artist paints. The differences between the textile and hybrid approaches were inconsequential. The paint approach was superior and its use is recommended for opaque paint systems. The differences in the numerical example from Principles of Color Technology were very small. For future printings of the third edition, the example will remain unchanged. For future editions, including the numerical example remains an open question. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 201–207, 2007
Camera color gamut: Spray‐painting the invisible definition
Authors: Brill Michael H.
Published: April 2007

Inspired by the recent article by Martinez‐Verdú et al., this note urges the explicit adoption of a definition for the camera color gamut. A viable definition seems to be the det of CIE XYZ triplets such that, for any such XYZ, there exists a spectral power distribution in a predefined set whose camera values map through a predefined algorithm to that XYZ. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 236–237, 2007
Analysis of cross‐cultural color emotion
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Ping , Xin John H. , Sato Tetsuya , Hansuebsai Aran , Scalzo Marcello , Kajiwara Kanji , Guan Shing‐Sheng , Valldeperas J. , Lis Manuel José , Billger Monica
Published: April 2007

This study investigates the relationship between color perceptual attributes and color emotions, as well as the influence of different cultural backgrounds. Totally 214 color samples were evaluated on 12 emotion variables by subjects from seven different region groups in the psychophysical experiment. By factor analysis, it was found that three factors were sufficient to represent 80 “region‐emotion” variables. For each variable, there is no distinct difference among different region groups. The 12 emotion variables could be divided into four categories, namely, activity index, potency index, definition index, and temperature index. Factor scores were further calculated to study the determinants on each factor. The analysis showed that the three factors were mainly related to chroma, lightness, and hue, respectively. It was concluded that chroma and lightness were the most important factors on color emotion, whereas the influences of hue and cultural background were very limited. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 223–229, 2007
The financial performance of the FTSE4Good indices
Authors: Collison David J. , Cobb George , Power David M. , Stevenson Lorna A.
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the financial performance of the FTSE4Good indices; the indices include companies from different geographical areas on the basis of pre‐determined social responsibility criteria: currently environmental sustainability, relationships with stakeholders, attitudes to human rights, supply chain labour standards and the countering of bribery. The results indicate that over the period of analysis from 1996 to 2005 these indices outperformed their relevant benchmarks. However, most of this outperformance was due to risk differences between the FTSE4Good indices and their benchmarks. In addition, much of the outperformance arose in the period before the indices could be used by practitioners. Nevertheless, the results suggest that investors who invest in a portfolio of companies that satisfy FTSE4Good's corporate social responsibility criteria do no worse than their counterparts who do not follow a socially responsible strategy when purchasing equities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Flow cytometric measurement of calpain activity in living cells
Authors: Niapour Maryam , Berger Stuart
Published: April 2007

Background:

Calpains are intracellular, calcium‐sensitive, neutral cysteine proteases that play crucial roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Calpain regulation is complex and activity is poorly correlated with calpain protein levels. Therefore a full understanding of calpain function requires robust methods for measuring activity.

Methods:

We describe and characterize a flow cytometric method for measuring calpain activity in live cells. This method uses the BOC‐LM‐CMAC reagent that readily diffuses into cells where it reacts with free thiols to enhance retention.

Results:

We show that the reagent is cleaved specifically by calpains and follows saturation kinetics. We use the assay to measure calpain activation following PDGF stimulation of rat fibroblasts. We also show that the calpain inhibitor PD150606 inhibits calpain with a Ki of 12.5 μM and show that Mek inhibitors PD89059 and U0126 also suppress calpain activity. We also show that the assay can measure calpain activity in subpopulations of cells present in unfractionated cord blood or in HL60 human myelomonocytic leukemia cells.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these experiments demonstrate that this assay is a reliable and useful method for measuring calpain activity in multiple cell types. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Monocyte cholesterol homeostasis correlates with the presence of detergent resistant membrane microdomains
Authors: Wolf Zsuzsanna , Orsó Evelyn , Werner Tobias , Klünemann Hans. H. , Schmitz Gerd
Published: April 2007

Background:

Lipid membrane microdomains are involved in the regulation of biological functions of monocyte membrane proteins. These microdomains show a relative resistance to non‐ionic detergents providing an easy analytical tool to study them.

Methods:

Here, we applied a rapid detergent‐based flow cytometric assay to investigate microdomain association of proteins on monocytes from whole blood samples. The association of known surface antigens with detergent resistant fraction of membranes (DRMs) was compared using monocytes from healthy blood donors, patients with genetic disorders affecting cellular cholesterol traffic and patients with systemic inflammatory response.

Results:

All investigated surface antigens of Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC)‐mutant monocytes with impaired cholesterol influx and defective late endosome cholesterol trafficking, presented a strongly increased DRM‐association. Though, membrane antigens of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)‐mutant monocytes with impaired cholesterol efflux did not show alterations in DRM‐association. Differential CD14‐dependent receptor clustering within microdomains was also investigated in response to in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or atherogenic lipoprotein activation. Increased DRM‐association of the GPI‐anchored proteins CD14, CD55, the Fcγ receptor CD64, the scavenger receptors CD36, CD91 and CD163, the integrin CD11a, and complement receptor 3 complex CD11b/CD18 were observed from patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)/sepsis or coronary artery disease (CAD)/myocardial infarction. Interestingly, the tetraspanin CD81 presented increased DRM‐association in SIRS/sepsis patients, but not in CAD patients. Moreover, the pentaspanin CD47 and the Fcγ RIII CD16 showed an increased DRM partition in CAD patients but disassembled from DRMs in SIRS/sepsis patients.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that flow cytometric analysis of short time in situ detergent extraction provides a powerful tool for rapid screening of blood monocyte DRMs to preselect patients with potential raft/microdomain abnormalities for more detailed analysis. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Monitoring dynamic protein expression in living E. coli. Bacterial cells by laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chan James W. , Winhold Heiko , Corzett Michele H. , Ulloa Joshua M. , Cosman Monique , Balhorn Rod , Huser Thomas
Published: April 2007

Background:

Laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) is a novel, nondestructive, and label‐free method that can be used to quantitatively measure changes in cellular activity in single living cells. Here, we demonstrate its use to monitor changes in a population of E. coli cells that occur during overexpression of a protein, the extracellular domain of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein [MOG(1‐120)].

Methods:

Raman spectra were acquired from individual E. coli cells suspended in solution and trapped by a single tightly focused laser beam. Overexpression of MOG(1‐120) in transformed E. coli Rosetta‐Gami (DE3)pLysS cells was induced by addition of isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). Changes in the peak intensities of the Raman spectra from a population of cells were monitored and analyzed over a total duration of 3 h. Data were also collected for concentrated purified MOG(1‐120) protein in solution, and the spectra compared with that obtained for the MOG(1‐120) expressing cells.

Results:

Raman spectra of individual, living E. coli cells exhibit signatures due to DNA and protein molecular vibrations. Characteristic Raman markers associated with protein vibrations, such as 1,257, 1,340, 1,453, and 1,660 cm−1, are shown to increase as a function of time following the addition of IPTG. Comparison of these spectra and the spectra of purified MOG protein indicates that the changes are predominantly due to the induction of MOG protein expression. Protein expression was found to occur mostly within the second hour, with a 470% increase relative to the protein expressed in the first hour. A 230% relative increase between the second and third hour indicates that protein expression begins to level off within the third hour.

Conclusion:

It is demonstrated that LTRS has sufficient sensitivity for real‐time, nondestructive, and quantitative monitoring of biological processes, such as protein expression, in single living cells. Such capabilities, which are not currently available in flow cytometry, open up new possibilities for analyzing cellular processes occurring in single microbial and eukaryotic cells. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimized amplification and fluorescent labeling of small cell samples for genomic array‐CGH
Authors: Knijnenburg Jeroen , van der Burg Marja , Tanke Hans J. , Szuhai Károly
Published: April 2007

Background:

Whole genome amplification (WGA) is usually needed in the genetic analysis of samples containing a low number of cells. In genome‐wide analysis of DNA copy numbers by array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) it is very important that the genome is evenly represented throughout the amplified product. All currently available WGA techniques are generating some degree of bias.

Methods:

A way to compensate for this is using a reference sample which is similarly amplified, as the introduced amplification bias will be leveled out. Additionally, direct labeling of the amplified DNA is performed to bypass the currently widely applied random primed labeling, which involves an additional amplification of the product and is introducing extra bias.

Results:

In this article it is shown that equal processing of the test and reference sample is indeed crucial to generate an optimal array‐CGH profile of amplified DNA samples. Also presented here is that the labeling method may significantly effect the array‐CGH result, it is shown that with direct chemical labeling using platinum derivates (ULS labeling) optimal array‐CGH results are obtained.

Conclusions:

We show that an optimized WGA strategy for both test and reference sample in combination with direct chemical labeling results in a reliable array‐CGH profile of samples as low as a 30 cell equivalent. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Developmental phenotypes and reduced Wnt signaling in mice deficient for pygopus 2
Authors: Li Boan , Rhéaume Catherine , Teng Andy , Bilanchone Virginia , Munguia Jesus E. , Hu Ming , Jessen Shannon , Piccolo Stefano , Waterman Marian L. , Dai Xing
Published: April 2007

Canonical Wnt signaling involves complex intracellular events culminating in the stabilization of β‐catenin, which enters the nucleus and binds to LEF/TCF transcription factors to stimulate gene expression. Pygopus was identified as a genetic modifier of Wg (Wnt homolog) signaling in Drosophila, and encodes a PHD domain protein that associates with the β‐catenin/LEF/TCF complex. Two murine pygopus paralogs, mpygo1 and mpygo2, have been identified, but their roles in development and Wnt signaling remain elusive. In this study, we report that ablation of mpygo2 expression in mice causes defects in morphogenesis of both ectodermally and endodermally derived tissues, including brain, eyes, hair follicles, and lung. However, no gross abnormality was observed in embryonic intestine. Using a BAT‐gal reporter, we found Wnt signaling at most body sites to be reduced in the absence of mpygo2. Taken together, our studies show for the first time that mpygo2 deletion affects embryonic development of some but not all Wnt‐requiring tissues. genesis 45:318–325, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimized interesterification of virgin olive oil with a fully hydrogenated fat in a batch reactor: Effect of mass transfer limitations
Authors: Criado Manuel , Hernández‐Martín Estela , Otero Cristina
Published: April 2007

The lipase‐catalyzed interesterification of virgin olive oil and fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHPO) was studied in a batch reactor operating at 75 °C. The reactions between olive oil {rich in OOO (32.36%), OPO (21.7%) and OLO (11.6%) [L = linoleic; O = oleic; P = palmitic acid]} and the fully hydrogenated fat {(36.5% PSP, 28.8% PPP, 23.2% SPS) [S = stearic acid]} produced semi‐solid fats. For an initial weight ratio of olive oil to FHPO of 60 : 40, the reaction product is a complex mixture of triacylglycerol (TAG) species. The TAG profile of the fat product is time dependent. Because of the high viscosity of the liquid reagent phase, it was important to determine if mass transfer effects were significant. Hence, the reaction was optimized with respect to the type and speed of agitation employed, temperature, use of solvent, and the type of biocatalyst. Three immobilized lipases [from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TL IM), Rhizomucor miehei (RM IM) and Candida antarctica B (Novozym 435)] were compared as catalysts for the interesterification reaction. Equilibrium is reached four times faster (in 1–4 h) with a magnetic stirrer to provide agitation than when agitation is not sufficient, i.e. when orbital agitation is employed. Equilibrium was reached faster with Lipozyme TL IM than with the other two lipases. The effects of all the factors investigated on the composition of the products have also been determined. Semi‐solid fats obtained with the non‐specific Novozym 435 contain levels of unsaturated fatty acid residues on sn‐2 sites that are similar to the products obtained with the 1(3)‐regiospecific enzymes Lipozyme TL IM and RM IM. The chemical properties of the product semi‐solid fat were characterized. The fat prepared using optimal reaction conditions contained 17.20% OPO, 13.61% OOO, 11.09% POP, and 10.35% OSP isomers as the primary products. The induction time obtained in the assay of the oxidative stability of the fat product was 21 h at 98 °C. The lipases Lipozyme TL IM and Novozym 435 were very stable with residual activities of 90 and 100%, respectively, after 15 batch reaction cycles.
Diastereoselective Cyclisation of N‐Alkenylideneamines into 3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐1‐ium Halides
Authors: Schley Daniela , Liebscher Jürgen
Published: April 2007

A number of new chiral 2‐(α‐bromoalkyl)pyrrolinium salts and 2‐(α‐selenoalkyl)pyrrolidines were synthesized by the halocyclisation and selenocyclisation, respectively, of N‐(alkenylidene)alkylamines and subsequent reduction. These cyclisations were implemented in a diastereomeric fashion for the first time. Substrate control (starting imines possessing chirality in the N‐alkyl or the N‐alkenyl substituent) and reagent control (chiral organoselenenyl bromides) wereapplied. Asymmetric induction by stereocentres of the alkenylidene or double asymmetric induction by chiral selenenyl bromides on unsaturated imines with a chiral N‐alkyl group resulted in diatereoselectivities up to 84:16. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Organocatalytic Synthesis of Drugs and Bioactive Natural Products
Authors: Marcia de Figueiredo Renata , Christmann Mathias
Published: April 2007

Catalytic reactions are a key element in the design of sustainable chemical processes. As witnessed in the field of transition metal‐catalysed processes, only those reactions that are reliable over a broad substrate range and tolerant toward a multitude of functional groups have found their way into the repertoire of preparative chemists. Natural product synthesis provides a good benchmark for the maturity of a new synthetic method and in this microreview we discuss the scope and limitations of organocatalytic reactions in the synthesis of biologically important molecules. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Hepatic stellate cell protrusions couple platelet-derived growth factor-BB to chemotaxis
Authors: Melton Andrew C. , Yee Hal F.
Published: April 2007

Hepatic stellate cells play an essential role in the liver's injury response. Although stellate cells are defined by the presence of cytoplasmic protrusions, the function of these characteristic structures has been obscure. We hypothesized that stellate cell protrusions act by coupling injury-associated stimuli to chemotaxis. To test this hypothesis, we developed an assay for directly visualizing the response of living stellate cells in early primary culture to local stimulation of the tips of protrusions with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF). Stellate cells exhibited elongate protrusions containing actin, myosin, and tubulin. PDGF, but not cytochrome C, localized at a protrusion tip induced a coordinated series of morphological events—cell spreading at the tip, movement of the cell body toward the PDGF, and retraction of trailing protrusions— that resulted in chemotaxis. Soluble PDGF and AG 1296, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, both reduced stellate cell chemotaxis. PDGF-induced chemotaxis was associated with an early and transient increase in myosin phosphorylation within the spreading lamella. We observed that blebbistatin, a myosin II inhibitor, completely and reversibly blocked protrusion-mediated lamella formation and chemotaxis. Moreover, blockade of MRLC phosphorylation with the myosin light chain kinase inhibitor, ML-7, or the rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, blocked lamella formation, myosin phosphorylation within the protrusion, and chemotaxis.

Conclusion:

These results support a model in which protrusions permit stellate cells to promptly detect PDGF distant from their cell bodies and transduce this signal into mechanical forces that propel the cell toward the site of injury. (Hepatology 2007.)
IGF‐I plus E2 induces proliferation via activation of ROS‐dependent ERKs and JNKs in human breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Wei , Yang Liang‐Yo , Shen Shing‐Chuan , Chen Yen‐Chou
Published: April 2007

Induction of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) has been detected in breast carcinoma, however the interaction between E2 and IGF‐I in the proliferation of breast carcinoma cells is still unclear. In the present study, we found that IGF‐I enhances the E2‐induced proliferation in MCF‐7 human breast carcinoma cells in accordance with stimulation of colony formation via a soft agar assay. Activation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) protein and extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERKs) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs), but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), via phosphorylation induction was detected in MCF‐7 cells treated with IGF‐I plus E2 (E2/IGF‐I). E2/IGF‐I‐induced proliferation was blocked by chemical inhibitors of ERKs (PD98059) and JNKs (SP600125). An increase in the expression of c‐Jun protein was detected in E2/IGF‐I‐treated MCF‐7 cells, and this was inhibited by PD98059 and SP600125. Transfection of the dominant negative MEKK and JNK plasmids significantly reduced E2/IGF‐I‐induced proliferation with suppression of c‐Jun protein expression. An increase in peroxide production was detected in E2/IGF‐I‐treated cells, and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) and Tiron (TIR) addition significantly inhibited E2/IGF‐I‐induced cell proliferation with blocking of the phosphorylation of ERKs and JNKs, and the expression of c‐Jun protein. Additionally, 3‐OH flavone, baicalein, and quercetin showed effective inhibitory activities against E2/IGF‐I‐induced proliferation through suppressing proliferative events such as phosphorylation of IRS‐1, ERKs, and JNKs proteins, and induction of c‐Jun protein and colony formation. These results indicate that IGF‐I interacts with E2 to promote the proliferation of breast carcinoma cells via ROS‐dependent MAPK activation and c‐Jun protein expression. The structure‐related inhibition of E2/IGF‐I‐induced proliferative events by flavonoids is elucidated. J. Cell. Physiol. 212:666–674, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intercomparison of global cloud cover fields over oceans from the VOS observations and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis
Authors: Bedacht Ernst , Gulev Sergey K. , Macke Andreas
Published: April 2007

The paper inter‐compares the total cloud cover over the World Ocean from marine visual observations assimilated in the International Comprehensive Ocean‐Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) and National Centers of Environmental Prediction/National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCEP‐NCAR) reanalysis. The Intercomparison covers the period from 1948 to 2002. NCEP‐NCAR reanalysis shows about 10% of fractional cloud cover smaller than the visual observations do. The largest differences are observed in the mid and sub‐polar latitudes. In the tropics, NCEP‐NCAR data show slightly higher cloud cover then ICOADS. These systematic differences are quite persistent through the year with somewhat stronger differences in summer. Comparison of the characteristics of inter‐annual variability shows little consistency between visually observed total cloud cover and total cloudiness diagnosed by the reanalysis. Linear trends are primarily positive in the ICOADS cloud data, while in the NCEP‐NCAR reanalysis they show downward trends in the tropics and upward tendencies in the mid and high latitudes. Analysis of the effect of sampling in ICOADS shows that sampling inhomogeneity cannot fully explain the disagreements observed. At the same time, the major climate variability patterns such as North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El‐Nino—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are well captured in both ICOADS and NCEP‐NCAR cloud cover data sets. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Revascularization after segmental resection of lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Adelani Muyibat A. , Holt Ginger E. , Dittus Robert S. , Passman Marc A. , Schwartz Herbert S.
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives

Limb salvage surgery combined with vascular reconstruction has replaced amputation as the preferred treatment of soft tissue sarcomas involving major vascular structures of the extremities. We describe our experience with soft tissue sarcomas involving major vascular structures and examine outcomes according to the type of graft selected for arterial reconstruction. We also examine the effect of venous reconstruction on post‐operative edema.

Methods

This retrospective review includes 14 patients with lower extremity soft‐tissue sarcomas that encased major vessels, requiring combined limb‐preserving tumor resection and revascularization with a synthetic or autogenous saphenous vein graft. Edema in patients with and without venous reconstruction was compared. The incidence of infection, wound dehiscence, and graft thrombosis were compared according to arterial graft type.

Results

There was no significant difference in edema in patients with venous reconstruction and those without. There was also no significant difference in infection and graft thrombosis in patients with synthetic grafts and those with autogenous saphenous vein grafts. Wound dehiscence occurred more often in patients with synthetic grafts (P = 0.029).

Conclusions

Although this study was small, these results suggest that further studies are needed to determine the roles that vascular graft selection and venous reconstruction play in clinical outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007; 95: 455–460. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Characterization of a Certain Class of Compact Metric Spaces
Authors: Feiste U.
Published: April 2007

Compact metric spaces χ of such a kind, that 𝔹f =𝔹(X), are characterized, 𝔹(X) is the σ‐field of BOREL sets and 𝔹f(X) is the field generated by all open subset of X. Our main result is Theorem 5: If χ is a compact metric space, then the following conditions are equivalent:

𝔹f(X) =𝔹(X).

card (X) ≦x0 and there are k, mϵN such that card (X(k)) = m.

There are k, mϵN such that χ is homeomorphic to ωk · m + 1.
Über eine Transformationseigenschaft der Nonionen
Authors: Hoehnke Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2007

Die BRANDTsche Vermutung über den Zusammenhang zwischen den Multiplikationszahlen (auch Produkt‐ oder Strukturkonstanten genannt) einer assoziativen Algebra 𝔑 von endlichem Grad n über einem kommutativen Körper 𝔎 und den Koeffizienten der Normenform N (ξ) eines allgemeinen Elementes ξϵ𝔑, von ihm selbst für n = 2 (d. h. im Fall einer verallgemeinerten Quaternionenalgebra) verifiziert, wurde im Fall n = 3 in der Diss. des Verfassers [6] und dann allgemein in [7], [9] und davon unabhängig, doch mit der Einschränkung einer Charakteristik char 𝔎 ≠ 2, 𝔎 ≠ 3, von N. JACOBSON [11] bewiesen.

Während der allemeine Beweis nicht zu Formeln führt, die diesen Zusammenhang explizite ausdrücken, wurde in [6] im Fall n = 3 dafür ein lineares Gleichungssystem gefunden. Da dieses Ergebnis im Hinblick auf vertiefte Strukturuntersuchungen assoziativer Algebren von allgemeinerem Interesse zu sein scheint, wird es nachstehend (in seiner ursprünglichen Fassung) vorgelegt.
1.6 W K‐band MMIC power amplifier developed using low loss matching technique for point‐to‐point radio applications
Authors: Bahl Inder J.
Published: April 2007

This paper presents the design approach and test results of a four‐stage 1.6‐W K‐band MMIC power amplifier developed for point‐to‐point radio applications. The design of the power amplifier was based on a small signal low loss matching technique. The MMIC was fabricated employing GaAs based high‐performance 0.4 μm multifunction self‐aligned gate MESFET technology. We achieved a minimum PAE of 22%, output power of 1.6 W (0.53 W/mm power density) and associate gain of 18 dB over the 17.5–20 GHz frequency range. Thus, we successfully applied a small signal technique in a four‐stage K‐band MMIC power amplifier to achieve bandwidth, power output and PAE performance objectives. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1521–1525, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22486
Novel dual‐mode DC‐block triangular‐patch bandpass filter
Authors: Li Ming , Yun Xiaohua , Liu Hai‐wen
Published: April 2007

A novel dual‐mode DC‐block bandpass filter (BPF) using a pair of V‐shape slots on triangular‐patch resonators is developed in this letter. The V‐shape slots perturb the field distributions of triangular‐patch resonators and excite degenerate modes. Compared to our previous research, the length of input/output (I/O) lines of the proposed filter is reduced so that the circuit becomes compact. Finally, the good agreement between the simulated and measured results of the proposed BPF is presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1648–1649, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22520
Analysis of patch antennas on a multilayer substrate with a embedded periodic structure
Authors: Rajo‐Iglesias Eva , Inclán‐Sánchez Luis , García‐Muñoz Luis‐Enrique
Published: April 2007

The goal of this work is to further investigate on the use of a truncated planar metallic periodic structure (grounded FSS‐based) to create new resonance frequencies in a patch antenna. The periodic structure is placed inside the microstrip patch antenna (between the metallic ground plane and the patch) in the middle of a multilayer dielectric. The frequency behavior of the antenna as a function of the parameters of this periodic structure has been studied. Also the extension to a stacked patches configuration, which provides another resonance frequency, has been validated. Final antenna design presents flexible multiband operation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1717–1722, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22527
Property modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) through copolymerization with fluorinated aryl methacrylate monomers
Authors: Teng Hongxiang , Yang Liang , Mikes Frantisek , Koike Yasuhiro , Okamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2007

Copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorophenyl methacrylate (TFPMA), pentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFPMA), and 4‐trifluoromethyl‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorophenyl methacrylate (TFMPMA) were investigated. All the three systems showed a random copolymerization character. The composition, glass transition temperature (Tg), and refractive index of the copolymers obtained were studied. Tgs of TFPMA/MMA and PFPMA/MMA copolymers were found to deviate positively from the Gordon–Taylor equation. However, Tgs of TFMPMA/MMA copolymers were well fit with the Gordon–Taylor equation. These results indicated the existence of interaction between MMA and either TFPMA or PFPMA units in copolymers. This interaction resulted in the enhancement of the Tg of MMA polymers through the copolymerization with TFPMA and PFPMA. The refractive index and the light transmittance of copolymers were close to those of PMMA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroleptika und Antidepressiva als Hypnotika. Wenn Nebenwirkungen zur Hauptwirkung werden
Authors: Enzensperger Christoph , Lehmann Jochen
Published: April 2007

Mit verschiedenen Antidepressiva und Neuroleptika kann eine nachhaltige Sedierung und damit ein erleichtertes Ein‐ und Durchschlafen erreicht werden. Der Einsatz dieser hochwirksamen Verbindungen ist gerechtfertigt bei der Behandlung von Schlafstörungen im Zusammenhang mit einer Depression, bei Unruhe‐ und Erregungszuständen als Begleiterscheinungen anderer psychischer Grunderkrankungen, ferner bei Verwirrtheit und Demenz (Geriatrie), aber auch bei chronischen Schmerzpatienten. Sucht‐ und Abhängigkeitspotenziale, aber auch die therapeutische Breite sind eher gering. Doxepin und Trimipramin können auch zur Behandlung primärer, also chronischer, weder organisch noch psychisch ausgelösten Schlafstörungen eingesetzt werden. Bei psychisch Gesunden, die aufgrund besonderer und vorübergehender Lebensumstände an Schlaflosigkeit leiden, sind andere Therapeutika vorzuziehen.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in children receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Prasad Pinki , Nania Joseph J. , Shankar Sadhna M.
Published: April 2007

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious complication of chemotherapy‐induced immunosuppression. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMZ) given twice daily, 3 days every week is considered the best form of prophylaxis for PCP. We evaluated PCP prophylaxis in all children up to 18 years of age undergoing cancer chemotherapy over a 2‐year period. Four children were diagnosed with PCP over 24 months. Two of 12 children on intravenous pentamidine, 1 of 143 on TMP‐SMZ and 1 of 36 on dapsone for PCP prophylaxis developed PCP. Intravenous pentamidine may not be as effective as previously considered and should be used with caution. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:896–898. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive outcome in pediatric brain tumor survivors: Delayed attention deficit at long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Brière Marie‐Eve , Scott James G. , McNall‐Knapp René Y. , Adams Russell L.
Published: April 2007

Background

Treatment of childhood brain tumors has often been associated with long‐term cognitive morbidity in children. Our previous research identified age at diagnosis, polytherapy and brain radiation dose as treatment factors affecting neuropsychological outcome most strongly in children with cancer 1. Our current goal was to measure the change across different cognitive functions.

Procedure

This study examined the cognitive outcome over repeat testing in a heterogeneous sample of 18 children with brain tumors. Tumor types included medulloblastoma and glioma. ANOVA's for repeated measures were used to evaluate the changes in cognitive domains across follow‐up evaluations.

Results

Consistent with previous findings, the most deleterious effects were seen on IQ indices of non verbal cognitive ability, visual perceptual skills and information processing speed. Analyses reveal that the attentional factor, Freedom from Distractibility, is the only IQ index that declines over subsequent testing. The statistical decline was attributable to a significant decline on the arithmetic subtest, as well as a non‐significant trend for the auditory attention span subtest.

Conclusions

This study reveals that while most indices remained stable over repeat testing, auditory attention and concentration skills decline. Long‐term outcome is discussed in light of the high prevalence of attention and mathematic difficulties reported in these children and the need for preventive and remedial approaches. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:337–340. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of neurodegenerative CNS disease in Langerhans cell histiocytosis with a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin and chemotherapy
Authors: Imashuku Shinsaku , Okazaki Nagisa (Amamoto) , Nakayama Masahiko , Fujita Naoto , Fukuyama Tetsuhiro , Koike Kenichi , Minato Toshinori , Kobayashi Ryoji , Morimoto Akira
Published: April 2007

Background

In rare cases, patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) develop neurodegenerative CNS disease (ND‐CNS‐LCH). Management of ND‐CNS‐LCH has not been established.

Methods

We treated five pediatric patients with a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and chemotherapy (steroid ± vinblastine ± 6‐mercaptopurine ± methotrexate). Prior to the therapy, three of the five patients had cerebellar ataxia while the remaining two had abnormal MRI findings without apparent neurological deficits. IVIG was given monthly or twice monthly at the dosage of 250–400 mg/kg/dose.

Results

The four patients administered more than 23 doses of IVIG and chemotherapy remained in a stable condition and did not show significant progression signs in neurological deficits or brain MRI findings during the 30‐month follow‐up period (median; range: 19+ to 38+) following the initiation of therapy for ND‐CNS‐LCH.

Conclusion

The IVIG‐containing treatment may be promising for ND‐CNS‐LCH; however, its effectiveness remains to be further tested in more patients as well as in a randomized trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:308–311. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis of tracheo‐oesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia
Authors: Choudhry M. , Boyd P. A. , Chamberlain P. F. , Lakhoo K
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To assess the accuracy of the prenatal ultrasound finding of subjectively small/absent stomach bubble in the prenatal diagnosis of tracheo‐oesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia (TOF/OA).

Methods

A retrospective study of prenatal ultrasound scans showing small/absent stomach bubble was carried out between 1st January 1994 and 31st December 2003.

Results

There were 62 cases with prenatally suspected (n = 40) and/or post‐natally diagnosed (n = 22) TOF/OA. Among the 40 cases of prenatally suspected TOF/OA 15 were thought to be isolated and 25 non‐isolated. Of the 15 suspected isolated cases, 7 were normal and 8 had TOF/OA (5 isolated + 3 TOF/OA with another anomaly) at delivery. Among the 25 cases of prenatally suspected non‐isolated TOF/OA, there was confirmation in only two cases, in the remaining 23 cases other anomalies were confirmed but TOF/OA was not present.

Twenty‐two babies with TOF/OA were identified in whom there had been no prenatal ultrasound suspicion on ultrasound scanning. Six had isolated TOF/OA and 16 had non‐isolated TOF/OA.

Conclusion

Of the 32 cases of confirmed TOF/OA,10 (31%) were suspected prenatally. If the TOF/OA was an isolated anomaly (11 cases), the prenatal detection rate was 45%. Interpretation of ultrasound findings suspicious of TOF/OA requires caution, particularly, when there are associated multiple anomalies on scan. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlates of low‐dosage treatment with antidepressants by psychiatrists and general practitioners
Authors: Schotte Kerstin , Linden Michael
Published: April 2007

Background

The prescribing of low dosages of antidepressants has for many years been a matter of concern in the scientific literature. There is a little understanding of why physicians do not follow dosage recommendations and what factors influence medical decision‐making.

Method

In a drug utilisation observation study, treatment of 692 patients was monitored who were prescribed the tricyclic antidepressant doxepin by 80 general practitioners and 85 psychiatrists.

Results

The mean maximum dosage per day was 83 mg/d. One hundred and fifty milligrams per day or more were prescribed for only 6.1% of the patients. There were significant differences between dosage groups: patients older than 65 received lower dosages (68 mg/d) as younger patients (84 mg/d), male patients higher dosages (94 mg/d) than females (79 mg/d), patients who had a mild depression with a score of 1–35 on the depression symptom scale received on average 68 mg/d, while patients with 36–74 got 100 mg/d. Physician speciality was not significantly related to dosage levels. In a logistic regression analysis, gender and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) at first examination remained factors that significantly predicted dosages of ≥125 mg/d.

Conclusion

Low‐dosage treatment with antidepressants is a rule rather than an exception. The prescribing pattern is not indiscriminate, but physicians follow an adaptive strategy and there is medical and theoretical evidence which supports their practice. Outcome research will have to be clarified in future studies as to what extent reference to such intervening variables can help to optimise individual dosage finding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selection bias due to immigration in pharmacoepidemiologic studies
Authors: Støvring Henrik
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To investigate the extent of selection bias due to exclusion of recent immigrants with respect to prevalence of antidiabetic drug use.

Methods

Data on antidiabetic drug redemptions were obtained from Odense University Pharmacoepidemiologic Database for the period 1992–2003 covering a population of approximately 470 000. Ordinary prevalence estimates based on drug redemptions during a run‐in period for non‐immigrants were compared to estimates based on the waiting time distribution (WTD) approach. The WTD method was used to compare estimates for non‐immigrants to estimates for the entire population.

Results

When a run‐in period of half a year was used and treatment cessation was accounted for, reasonable agreement between run‐in estimates and WTD estimates was found, range of relative difference was −3.1% to 4.5%. Analyses using WTD method showed that prevalence among immigrants was approximately half that of non‐immigrants in each of the years 1993–2003, resulting in a relative bias (non‐immigrants vs. entire population) of approximately 1% for each year (range 0.73%; 1.36%). Stratifying on age and sex made the bias vanish, except for ages under 40.

Conclusions

Selection bias due to immigration, when studying prevalence of use of antidiabetics, is small after controlling for age and sex. The WTD approach is useful for studying selection bias and should potentially replace the use of run‐in periods for determining treatment status. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.