bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anchoring of Histidine‐Tagged Proteins to Molecular Printboards: Self‐assembly, Thermodynamic Modeling, and Patterning
Authors: Ludden Manon J. W. , Mulder Alart , Schulze Katrin , Subramaniam Vinod , Tampé Robert , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: January 2008

In this paper the multivalent binding of hexahistidine (His6)‐tagged proteins to β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) by using the nickel(II) complex of a hetero‐divalent orthogonal adamantyl nitrilotriacetate linker (4) is described. Nonspecific interactions were suppressed by using monovalent adamantyl‐hexa(ethylene glycol) derivative 3. With the mono‐His6‐tagged maltose binding protein (His6‐MBP), thermodynamic modeling based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) titration data showed that the MBP molecules in solution were linked, on average, to Ni⋅4 in 1:1 stoichiometry. On the surface, however, the majority of His6‐MBP was complexed to surface‐immobilized β‐CDs through three Ni⋅4 complexes. This difference is explained by the high effective β‐CD concentration at the surface and is a new example of supramolecular interfacial expression. In a similar adsorption scheme, SPR proved that the α‐proteasome could be attached to β‐CD SAMs in a specific manner. Patterning through microcontact printing of (His6)4‐DsRed‐fluorescent timer (DsRed‐FT), which is a tetrameric, visible autofluorescent protein, was carried out in the presence of Ni⋅4. Fluorescence measurements showed that the (His6)4‐DsRed‐FT is bound strongly through Ni⋅4 to the molecular printboard.
The role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in the survival of women with estrogen and progesterone receptor‐negative, invasive breast cancer: The California Cancer Registry, 1999–2004
Authors: Brown Monica , Tsodikov Alex , Bauer Katrina R. , Parise Carol A. , Caggiano Vincent
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND

Breast cancers that are negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (triple negative [TN]) have been associated with high‐grade histology, aggressive clinical behavior, and poor survival. It has been determined that breast cancers that are negative for ER and PR but positive for HER2 (double negative [DN]) share features with TN breast cancers. In this report, the authors quantified the contribution of HER2 as well as demographic and tumor characteristics to the survival of women with TN tumors, DN tumors, and other breast cancers (OBC).

METHODS

In total, 61,309 women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1999–2004 were identified in the California Cancer Registry. Demographic and tumor characteristics of women with TN tumors were compared with those from women with DN tumors and women with OBC. A compound proportional hazards regression analysis (PHPH) (a generalization of the Cox proportional hazards model) was used to model these characteristics.

RESULTS

Women with TN tumors were younger, African American, Hispanic, and of lower socioeconomic status (SES), whereas women with DN tumors were slightly older; African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander. Women with TN and DN tumors presented with larger, higher grade, and higher stage than women with OBC. Survival among women with TN tumors was poorer compared with that among women with OBC but was nearly the same as that of women with DN tumors. Results of the regression analysis indicated that disease stage, tumor grade, SES, and race/ethnicity were significant risk factors for survival. Negative ER and PR status was associated with an increased risk of death. There was a small but significant difference in both long‐term and short‐term survival patients who had TN tumors compared with patients who had DN tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TN tumors shared many clinical, demographic, and tumor features and had survival that was very similar survival to that of patients with DN tumors, and survival for both groups contrasted greatly with survival for patients with OBC. Disease stage, tumor grade, SES, race/ethnicity, negative ER and PR status, rather than negative HER2 status, were risk factors for survival. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic factors and survival in 1396 patients with uterine leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Kapp Daniel S. , Shin Jacob Y. , Chan John K.
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND

The objectives of the current study were to determine the prognostic factors associated with disease‐specific survival (DSS) and to analyze the role of lymphadenectomy (LND) and oophorectomy in the management of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS).

METHODS

Data were abstracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1988–2003). Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for analyses.

RESULTS

The median age of the 1396 patients was 52 years. There were 951 patients (68.1%) with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I disease, 43 patients (3.1%) with stage II disease, 99 patients (7.1%) with stage III disease, and 303 patients (21.7%) with stage IV disease. Distribution by tumor grade included 87 patients with grade 1 tumors, 208 with grade 2, and 509 patients with grade 3 tumors. The 5‐year DSS rates for patients with stage I, II, III, and IV disease were 75.8%, 60.1%, 44.9%, and 28.7%, respectively. Lymph node metastases were identified in 23 of 348 patients (6.6%) who underwent LND. The 5‐year DSS rate was 26% in patients who had positive lymph nodes compared with 64.2% in patients who had negative lymph nodes (P < .001). Of 341 patients aged <50 years with stage I or II disease, 240 (70.4%) underwent oophorectomy. There was no difference in 5‐year DSS based on oophorectomy. On multivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis, more recent year of diagnosis, African‐American race, higher tumor grade, higher stage of disease, and lack of primary surgical treatment all were associated significantly with worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent predictors of DSS in patients with uterine LMS included age, race, stage, grade, and primary surgery. Oophorectomy was not found to have an independent impact on survival. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
p75NTR expression in rat urinary bladder sensory neurons and spinal cord with cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis
Authors: Klinger Mary Beth , Girard Beatrice , Vizzard Margaret A.
Published: January 2008

A role for nerve growth factor (NGF) in contributing to increased voiding frequency and altered sensation from the urinary bladder has been suggested. Previous studies have examined the expression and regulation of tyrosine kinase receptors (Trks) in micturition reflexes with urinary bladder inflammation. The present studies examine the expression and regulation of another receptor known to bind NGF, p75NTR, after various durations of bladder inflammation induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). CYP‐induced cystitis increased (P ≤ 0.001) p75NTR expression in the superficial lateral and medial dorsal horn in L1–L2 and L6–S1 spinal segments. The number of p75NTR‐immunoreactive (‐IR) cells in the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) also increased (P ≤ 0.05) with CYP‐induced cystitis (acute, intermediate, and chronic). Quantitative, real‐time polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated significant increases (P ≤ 0.01) in p75NTR mRNA in DRG with intermediate and chronic CYP‐induced cystitis. Retrograde dye‐tracing techniques with Fastblue were used to identify presumptive bladder afferent cells in the lumbosacral DRG. In bladder afferent cells in DRG, p75NTR‐IR was also increased (P ≤ 0.01) with cystitis. In addition to increases in p75NTR‐IR in DRG cell bodies, increases (P ≤ 0.001) in pericellular (encircling DRG cells) p75NTR‐IR in DRG also increased. Confocal analyses demonstrated that pericellular p75NTR‐IR was not colocalized with the glial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These studies demonstrate that p75NTR expression in micturition reflexes is present constitutively and modified by bladder inflammation. The functional significance of p75NTR expression in micturition reflexes remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1379–1392, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine structure of the visual dorsolateral anterior thalamic nucleus of the pigeon (Columba livia): A hodological and GABA‐immunocytochemical study
Authors: Miceli Dom , Repérant Jacques , Ward Roger , Rio Jean‐Paul , Jay Bruno , Médina Monique , Kenigfest Natalia B.
Published: January 2008

The ultrastructure of the lateroventral subcomponent of the visual dorsolateral anterior thalamic nucleus of the pigeon (DLLv) was analyzed using hodological techniques and GABA‐immunocytochemistry. Two types of GABA‐immunonegative hyperpalliopetal neurons and a single type of strongly GABA‐immunoreactive (‐ir) interneuron were identified, the latter displaying long dendrites with some containing synaptic vesicles (DCSV). Ten types of axon terminal were identified and divided into two categories. The first, GABA‐immunonegative and making asymmetrical synaptic contact, contain round (RT1, RT2, RT3) or pleiomorphic synaptic and many dense‐core vesicles (DCT). RT1 terminals are retinothalamic and RT2 terminals hyperpalliothalamic; both mainly contact dendrites of projection neurons (72% and 78% respectively), less frequently dendrites of interneurons and sometimes DCSV; RT1 terminals are rarely involved in synaptic triads. The second category are consistently GABA‐immunopositive. Four types (PT1–4), distinguished by their pleiomorphic synaptic vesicles, make symmetrical synaptic contact essentially with dendrites of projection neurons, more rarely on dendrites of interneurons (PT2). PT1 terminals are very probably those of interneurons, whereas the rare PT4 terminals are of retinal origin. A fifth type (RgT) contains round synaptic vesicles and makes asymmetrical synaptic contact with dendrites of projection neurons and interneurons. PT2 and RgT terminals occasionally contact DCSV of interneurons, which are sometimes involved in synaptic triads. Two final subcategories (DCgT1–2) contain many dense‐core vesicles. Our findings are compared with those of previous studies concerning the fine structure and neurochemical properties of the GLd of reptiles and mammals, with special reference to the origin of the extraretinal and extracortical projections to this structure. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1351–1378, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of Atmospheric Particulate: Relationship between Chemical Composition, Size, and Emission Source
Authors: Di Tullio Alessandra , Reale Samantha , Ciammola Margherita , Arrizza Lorenzo , Picozzi Pietro , De Angelis Francesco
Published: January 2008

Physicochemical characterization of particulate matter fractionated into eight samples by size from 10 to 0.43 μm was performed by HS‐SPME/GC‐MS for the organic (semi‐)volatile components and SEM X‐ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) for analysis of the elemental composition. The HS‐SPME technique was shown to be efficient with respect to requiring an extremely low amount of material, being selective and clean and avoiding use of any solvents. Particulate matter was collected at four sites characterized by particular environmental locations and different pollution levels around the city of L′Aquila in central Italy. The results reveal a tight correlation between the particle composition, size, and the emission source. The analyses show also that the finer the particle, the higher its content of elemental carbon and organic compounds. Well‐known carcinogens such as PAHs were detected among the identified organic compounds from both the rural and highly polluted sites.
Expression pattern of Popdc2 during mouse embryogenesis and in the adult
Authors: Froese Alexander , Brand Thomas
Published: January 2008

The Popdc2 gene is a member of the Popeye domain containing gene family encoding membrane proteins with prominent expression in striated and smooth muscle tissue. After introducing a LacZ reporter gene into the Popdc2 locus, expression was studied during embryonic development and postnatal life. At embryonic day (E) 7.5, expression was present in cardiac and extraembryonic mesoderm. At E10.5, expression was found in heart, somites, and mesothelial cells lining the coelom. At E12.5, expression was present in the coelomic mesothelium, pericardial and myocardial layer of the heart, skeletal muscle, bladder, gut, and umbilical vessels. Postnatal expression was found in cardiac and skeletal muscle and in the smooth muscle layer of colon, rectum, and bladder. In the stomach, Popdc2 was exclusively present in the pyloric epithelium. In conclusion, Popdc2 is expressed in various muscle and nonmuscle cell types during embryonic development and in postnatal life. Developmental Dynamics 237:780–787, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P‐Chirogenic Benzo‐Fused Phenoxaphosphane: Synthesis, Resolution and Study of the Stereochemical Properties of the Corresponding Palladium Complexes
Authors: Doro Franco , Lutz Martin , Reek Joost N. H. , Spek Anthony L. , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M.
Published: January 2008

The synthesis and resolution of chiral phenoxaphosphane 3, with the stereogenic center at the phosphorus atom, is described. Compound 3 has been synthesized following a well‐known procedure for trapping a phosphorus atom within a six‐membered ring. The resolution of the racemic mixture of 3 was achieved through separation of its diastereomeric palladacycle derivatives 7a,b and 9a,b. The absolute configuration of enantiopure phosphanes 3a,b was assigned unequivocally by means of X‐ray crystal structure determination for complex 9a and by combination of NOE(1H–1H)/COSY(1H,1H) spectroscopy and DFT calculations for complexes 7a,b, which in both cases led to identical results. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Separation and determination of flavonoids using microemulsion EKC with electrochemical detection
Authors: Yu Li‐Shuang , Xu Xue‐Qin , Huang Lu , Ling Jin‐Ming , Chen Guo‐Nan
Published: January 2008

A selective and sensitive method of microemulsion EKC (MEEKC) with electrochemical detection (ED) was developed for separation and determination of 14 flavonoids. In order to obtain the better stability for the studied flavonoids, oil (ethyl acetate) with low interfacial surface tension was employed as organic solvent. A running buffer composed of 0.9% (w/v, 30 mM) SDS, 0.9% (w/v, 21 mM) sodium cholate (SC), 0.9% (w/v, 121 mM) butan‐1‐ol, 0.6% (w/v, 68 mM) ethyl acetate, and 98.2% v/v 10 mM Na2B4O7–20 mM H3BO3 buffer (pH 7.5) was applied for the separation of flavonoids. Under the optimum conditions, the relationship between peak currents and analyte concentrations was linear over about 1.3 and 1.7 orders of magnitude with detection limits (defined as S/N = 3) ranging from 0.02 to 0.5 μg/mL for all analytes. This method was applied for the determination of flavonoids in real samples with simple extraction procedures, and the assay results were satisfactory.
Improved hydrostatic pressure sample injection by tilting the microchip towards the disposable miniaturized CE device
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Fang , Zhao Liang , Zhang Jian‐Rong , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: January 2008

A simple method of hydrostatic pressure sample injection towards a disposable microchip CE device was developed. The liquid level in the sample reservoir was higher than that in the sample waste reservoir (SWR) by tilting microchip and hydrostatic pressure was generated, the sample was driven to pass through injection channel into SWR. After sample loading, the microchip was levelled for separation under applied high separation voltage. Effects of tilted angle, initial liquid height and injection duration on electrophoresis were investigated. With enough injection duration, the injection result was little affected by tilted angle and initial liquid heights in the reservoirs. Injection duration for obtaining a stable sample plug was mainly dependent on the tilted angle rather than the initial height of liquid. Experimental results were consistent with theoretical prediction. Fluorescence observation and electrochemical detection of dopamine and catechol were employed to verify the feasibility of tilted microchip hydrostatic pressure injection. Good reproducibility of this injection method was obtained. Because the instrumentation was simplified and no additional hardware was needed in this technology, the proposed method would be potentially useful in disposable devices.
On‐column detection of multiphoton‐excited fluorescence in CE using hyphenated cylindrical‐square capillaries
Authors: Xu Youzhi , Chen Sheng , Feng Xiaojun , Du Wei , Luo Qingming , Liu Bi‐Feng
Published: January 2008

Multiphoton‐excited fluorescence (MPEF) is a complementary and useful mode of LIF detection in CE with advantages of ultra‐low mass detectability and spectral excitability, but it is currently quite limited by its end‐column configuration. In this article, we demonstrate a novel strategy of on‐column schemes that can greatly facilitate MPEF detection in CE. FITC‐labeled amine species were used as the model samples for the evaluation and comparison of those detection scenarios. By using the square capillary instead of the conventional cylindrical one, the on‐column MPEF could be readily achieved, with detection sensitivity of 0.72 μM that was comparable with the end‐column mode. However, this strategy unfavorably reduced separation efficiency. The theoretical plate number on averaging all the sample peaks was significantly decreased from 283 000 to 19 000/m. To minimize such an influence, a short square capillary acting as an on‐column MPEF detection cell was then mounted to a long cylindrical capillary responsible for the CE separation. Results indicated that both high separation efficiency (240 000/m) and better detectability (0.42 μM) were realized simultaneously by using this binary‐capillary configuration. Quantitative analysis was performed under the optimized detector configuration and revealed a linear dynamic range of 2 orders of magnitude, with mass detection limit down to the mid‐yottomole level.
Lab‐on‐valve for the automatic determination of the total content and individual profiles of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in water samples
Authors: Jiménez José Ruiz , Luque de Castro María D.
Published: January 2008

Methods for the total content and individual determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) in water samples based on the use of a lab‐on‐valve (LOV) module alone or coupled to CE equipment, respectively, have been developed. The total content of LAS has been determined by intrinsic absorption measurements (DA method) and after reaction with a methyl orange–cetylpyridine chloride mixture (MO method) with detection limits (LODs) of 21 ng/L and 15 μg/L, respectively, quantification limits (LOQs) of 70 ng/L, 50 μg/L, and development times of 100 and 124 s, respectively. The method for individual separation–quantification of LAS at very low concentration is based on automatic SPE preconcentration in the LOV module coupled on‐line with the CE equipment. The LODs and LOQs thus obtained range between 1–21 and 4–70 ng/L, respectively, with linear dynamic ranges from the LOQ to 10 μg/L. Preconcentration factors of 10 000 and high efficiency to eliminate interferents by SPE enable application of the method to treated effluent, waste, surface and sea waters.
Determination of uranium, iron, copper, and nickel from ore samples by MEKC using N,N′‐ethylene bis(salicylaldimine) as complexing reagent
Authors: Mirza Muhammed Aslam , Khuhawar Muhammad Yar , Arain Rafee
Published: January 2008

An analytical procedure has been developed for the separation of dioxouranium(VI), iron(III), copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II), cobalt(III), palladium(II), and thorium(IV) by MEKC using N,N′‐ethylene bis(salicylaldimine) (H2SA2en) as a complexing reagent with total runtime <4.5 min. SDS was used as micellar medium at pH 8 with sodium tetraborate buffer (0.1 M). An uncoated fused‐silica capillary with an effective length of 50 cm×75 μm id was used with an applied voltage of 30 kV with photodiode array detection at 231 nm. Linear calibrations were obtained within 0.111–1000 μg/mL of each element with LODs within 37–325 ng/mL. The developed method was tested for analysis of uranium ore samples indicating its presence within 103–1789 μg/g with RSD within 0.79–1.87%. Likewise copper, nickel, and iron in their combined matrix were also simultaneously determined with RSD 0.4–1.6% (n = 6).
Single nucleotide polymorphism detection in the hMSH2 gene using conformation‐sensitive CE
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ling , Jong Yuh‐Jyh , Ferrance Jerome , Hsien Jan‐Sing , Shih Chi‐Jen , Feng Chia‐Hsien , Wu Ming‐Tsang , Wu Shou‐Mei
Published: January 2008

CE allows for highly reproducible analysis of DNA fragments which can be used to detect DNA mutations including SNPs. We have utilized a simple and direct CE analysis method for SNP analysis called conformation‐sensitive CE (CSCE), based on the principle of single nucleotide different to produce conformational changes in the mildly denaturing solvent system. This method was applied to analysis of a mutation in the promoter region of the hMSH2 gene. This gene belongs to the human DNA mismatch repair system, which is responsible for recognizing and repairing mispaired nucleotides, and mutations in the hMSH2 gene are known to cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). PCR fragments generated from the promoter region of the hMSH2 gene, displaying either a C/C homozygote, C/T heterozygote, or T/T homozygote genotype, did not require further pretreatment before electrokinetic injection. The CE separation, using a 1×Tris‐borate‐EDTA (TBE) buffer containing 3% w/v hydroxylethyl cellulose (HEC) and 6 M urea, was performed under reverse polarity with a separation temperature of 15°C. The genotypes of 204 healthy volunteers and 13 colorectal cancer patients were determined using CSCE, and the results confirmed by DNA sequencing. While the CSCE separations were shown to be highly reproducible and sensitive for screening large populations, no correlation was observed between cancer patients and this hMSH2 gene polymorphism.
Sodium and color removal from treated paper and pulp mill effluent using vermiculite
Authors: Jayabalakrishnan R.M. , Mahimairaja S. , Udayasoorian C.
Published: January 2008

Column studies were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of tertiary treatment of paper and pulp mill effluent through mono and mixed columns (different grades) of vermiculite. It was found that maximum sodium percentage removal was 50% in mixed columns (RVG2 + RVG3) whereas the mono columns was less efficient in removing to the tune of 35.2% of Na in RVG2. Incase of retention of sodium and removal of color it followed a general trend where, maximum adsorption was noticed at the first pore volume and it followed a linear decreasing trend during the second pore volume whereas in the third pore volume it was almost static and there was only a meager adsorption in Na and color. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Linear and threshold forecasts of output and inflation using stock and housing prices
Authors: Tkacz Greg , Wilkins Carolyn
Published: January 2008

This study examines whether simple measures of Canadian equity and housing price misalignments contain leading information about output growth and inflation. Previous authors have generally found that the information content of asset prices in general, and equity and housing prices in particular, are unreliable in that they do not systematically predict future economic activity or inflation. However, earlier studies relied on simple linear relationships that would fail to pick up the potential nonlinear effects of asset price misalignments. Our results suggest that housing prices are useful for predicting GDP growth, even within a linear context. Meanwhile, both stock and housing prices can improve inflation forecasts, especially when using a threshold specification. These improvements in forecast performance are relative to the information contained in Phillips‐curve type indicators for inflation and IS‐curve type indicators for GDP growth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D‐reconstruction and functional properties of GFP‐positive and GFP‐negative granule cells in the fascia dentata of the Thy1‐GFP mouse
Authors: Vuksic Mario , Del Turco Domenico , Bas Orth Carlos , Burbach Guido J. , Feng Guoping , Müller Christian M. , Schwarzacher Stephan W. , Deller Thomas
Published: January 2008

Granule cells of the mouse fascia dentata are widely used in studies on neuronal development and plasticity. In contrast to the rat, however, high‐resolution morphometric data on these cells are scarce. Thus, we have analyzed granule cells in the fascia dentata of the adult Thy1‐GFP mouse (C57BL/6 background). In this mouse line, single neurons in the granule cell layer are GFP‐labeled, making them amenable to high‐resolution 3D‐reconstruction. First, calbindin or parvalbumin‐immunofluorescence was used to identify GFP‐positive cells as granule cells. Second, the dorsal‐ventral distribution of GFP‐positive granule cells was studied: In the dorsal part of the fascia dentata 11% and in the ventral part 15% of all granule cells were GFP‐positive. Third, GFP‐positive and GFP‐negative granule cells were compared using intracellular dye‐filling (fixed slice technique) and patch‐clamp recordings; no differences were observed between the cells. Finally, GFP‐positive granule cells (dorsal and ventral fascia dentata) were imaged at high resolution with a confocal microscope, 3D‐reconstructed in their entirety and analyzed for soma size, total dendritic length, number of segments, total number of spines and spine density. Sholl analysis revealed that dendritic complexity of granule cells is maximal 150–200 μm from the soma. Granule cells located in the ventral part of the hippocampus revealed a greater degree of dendritic complexity compared to cells in the dorsal part. Taken together, this study provides morphometric data on granule cells of mice bred on a C57BL/6 background and establishes the Thy1‐GFP mouse as a tool to study granule cell neurobiology. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of nicotine on spiking activity and Ca2+dynamics of dendritic spines in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Szabo Szilard I. , Zelles Tibor , Vizi E. Sylvester , Lendvai Balazs
Published: January 2008

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) of the hippocampus have been thought to contribute to cognitive enhancement by cigarette smoking. Although positive modulation on cognitive functions is linked to the smoked, low‐dose nicotine, the cellular correlate behind this modulation is unknown. It has been accepted that cellular mechanisms underlying plastic effects on memory involve the association of backpropagating action potentials (bAPs) with synaptic activity in the hippocampus. Here, we show the effects of low‐dose (1 μM) nicotine on bAP‐evoked Ca2+transients in basal dendrites and spines of pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices. Although nicotine application failed to have any direct effect in low concentration, it could significantly enhance bAP‐evoked Ca2+transients through presynaptic nAChRs located on axon terminals innervating pyramidal cells. The activation of these receptors is known to release neurotransmitters and induce postsynaptic currents. High‐dose (250–500 μM) nicotine could induce firing and Ca2+accumulation in spines. Large amplitude currents were observed occasionally (8 out of 18 cells) in voltage clamp recordings in response to pressure application of high‐dose nicotine. This may explain the relatively low incidence of nicotine‐induced firing (7 out of 27 cells) under current clamp. These data indicate that (i) activation of presynaptic nAChRs can modulate backreporting in dendrites of pyramidal neurons and (ii) there is a group of pyramidal neurons with higher nicotine‐sensitivity, producing firing at strong stimulations. Our data revealed a subcellular effect of nicotine through regulation of Ca2+levels in the computational units of pyramidal neurons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of immunomodulation in ABO‐incompatible adult liver transplant recipients
Authors: Urbani Lucio , Mazzoni Alessandro , Bianco Irene , Grazzini Tiziana , De Simone Paolo , Catalano Gabriele , Montin Umberto , Petruccelli Stefania , Morelli Luca , Campani Daniela , Pollina Luca , Biancofiore Gianni , Bindi Lucia , Tascini Carlo , Menichetti Francesco , Scatena Fabrizio , Filipponi Franco
Published: January 2008

Background:

ABO‐incompatible (ABO‐i) liver transplantation (LT) is a high‐risk procedure due to the potential for antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) and cell‐mediated rejection. The aim of the current report is to illustrate the results of a retrospective comparison study on the use of immunomodulation with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) associated to high‐dose immunoglobulins (IVIg) and extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in ABO‐i adult LT patients.

Patients and methods:

Between January 1996 and December 2005, 19 patients underwent ABO‐i LT. The study was designed for a comparison between two groups of ABO‐i LT. Group 1 (control group) consisted of 11 patients treated with TPE only. Group 2 (study group) included eight patients treated with TPE and IVIg. Moreover, all Group 2 patients received acute rejection prophylaxis with ECP.

Results:

The graft survival at 6, 12, and 18 months was 63.6, 54.4, and 45.5% for Group 1 vs. 87.5, 87.5, and 87.5% for Group 2 (P ≤ 0.001). In Group 1 there were 3(27.3%) cases of AMR; 5 (45.4%) biopsy‐proven acute rejections (BPAR); 1 (9.1%) chronic rejection and 3 (27.3%) ischemic‐type biliary lesions (ITBL). In Group 2 there were no cases of AMR, BPAR, chronic rejection, or ITBL (P = 0.013).

Conclusion:

At median follow‐up of 568 days, TPE in combination with IVIg and ECP appears to protect the graft from AMR in ABO‐i liver transplantation. Continued patient enrollment will allow validation of these preliminary observations or the opportunity to devise newer AMR‐avoidance policies. J. Clin. Apheresis 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safflower extract: A novel renal fibrosis antagonist that functions by suppressing autocrine TGF‐beta
Authors: Yang Yu‐Lin , Chang Shan‐Yu , Teng Hsiang‐Chun , Liu Yi‐Shiuan , Lee Tao‐Chen , Chuang Lea‐Yea , Guh Jinn‐Yuh , Chang Fang‐Rong , Liao Tung‐Nan , Huang Jau‐Shyang , Yeh Jeng‐Hsien , Chang Wen‐Teng , Hung Min‐Yuan , Wang Ching‐Jen , Chiang Tai‐An , Hung Chien‐Ya , Hung Tsung‐Jen
Published: January 2008

Progressive renal disease is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the renal interstitium. Hence, developing agents that antagonize fibrogenic signals is a critical issue facing researchers. The present study investigated the blood‐circulation‐promoting Chinese herb, safflower, on fibrosis status in NRK‐49F cells, a normal rat kidney interstitial fibroblast, to evaluate the underlying signal transduction mechanism of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), a potent fibrogenic growth factor. Safflower was characterized and extracted using water. Renal fibrosis model was established both in vitro with fibroblast cells treated with β‐hydroxybutyrate and in vivo using rats undergone unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Western blotting was used to examine protein expression in TGF‐β‐related signal proteins such as type I and type II TGF‐β receptor, Smads2/3, pSmad2/3, Smads4, and Smads7. ELISA was used to analyze bioactive TGF‐β1 and fibronectin levels in the culture media. Safflower extract (SE) significantly inhibited β‐HB‐induced fibrosis in NRK cells concomitantly with dose‐dependent inhibition of the type I TGF‐β1 receptor and its down‐stream signals (i.e., Smad). Moreover, SE dose‐dependently enhanced inhibitory Smad7. Thus, SE can suppress renal cellular fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF‐β autocrine loop. Moreover, remarkably lower levels of tissue collagen were noted in the nephron and serum TGF‐β1 of UUO rats receiving oral SE (0.15 g/3 ml/0.25 kg/day) compared with the untreated controls. Hence, SE is a potential inhibitor of renal fibrosis. We suggest that safflower is a novel renal fibrosis antagonist that functions by down‐regulating TGF‐β signals. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 908–919, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TULA proteins regulate activity of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk
Authors: Agrawal Rachana , Carpino Nick , Tsygankov Alexander
Published: January 2008

TULA belongs to a two‐member family: TULA (STS‐2) is a lymphoid protein, whereas STS‐1/TULA‐2 is expressed ubiquitously. TULA proteins were implicated in the regulation of signaling mediated by protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). The initial experiments did not fully reveal the molecular mechanism of these effects, but suggested that both TULA proteins act in a similar fashion. It was shown recently that STS‐1/TULA‐2 dephosphorylates PTKs. In this study, we analyzed the effects of TULA proteins on Syk, a PTK playing an important role in lymphoid signaling. First, we have shown that TULA‐2 decreases tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk in vivo and in vitro and that the intact phosphatase domain of TULA‐2 is essential for this effect. We have also shown that TULA‐2 exhibits a certain degree of substrate specificity. Our results also indicate that inactivated TULA‐2 increases tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk in cells co‐transfected to overexpress these proteins, thus acting as a dominant‐negative form that suppresses dephosphorylation of Syk caused by endogenous TULA‐2. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that phosphatase activity of TULA is negligible as compared to that of TULA‐2 and that this finding correlates with an increase in Syk tyrosine phosphorylation in cells overexpressing TULA. This result is consistent with the dominant‐negative effect of inactivated TULA‐2, arguing that TULA acts in this system as a negative regulator of TULA‐2‐dependent dephosphorylation. To summarize, our findings indicate that TULA proteins may exert opposite effects on PTK‐mediated signaling and suggest that a regulatory mechanism based on this feature may exist. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 953–964, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TNF‐α receptor 1 deficiency enhances kainic acid–induced hippocampal injury in mice
Authors: Lu Ming‐Ou , Zhang Xing‐Mei , Mix Eilhard , Quezada Hernan Concha , Jin Tao , Zhu Jie , Adem Abdu
Published: January 2008

The exact role of TNF‐α in excitotoxic neurodegeneration of the brain is unclear. To address this issue, the kainic acid (KA)–induced hippocampal injury model, a well‐characterized model of human neurodegenerative diseases, was used in TNF‐α receptor 1 (TNFR1)–knockout (TNFR1−/−) mice in the present study. After nasal application of a single dose of 40 mg of KA per kilogram body weight, TNFR1−/− mice showed significantly more severe seizures than the wild‐type mice. In addition, obvious neurodegeneration, enhanced microglia activation, and astrogliosis in the hippocampus, as well as increased locomotor activity, were found in TNFR1−/− mice compared with the wild‐type controls 8 days after KA delivery. Moreover, CC chemokine receptor 3 expression on activated microglia was increased 3 days after KA treatment in TNFR1−/− mice, as measured by flow cytometry. These data suggest that TNF‐α may play a protective role through TNFR1 signaling. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual roles of the MAPK/ERK1/2 cell signaling pathway after stroke
Authors: Sawe Nik , Steinberg Gary , Zhao Heng
Published: January 2008

Extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), one of the best‐characterized members of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, mediates a range of activity from metabolism, motility, and inflammation to cell death and survival. It is phosphorylated and activated through a three‐tiered MEK mode via cell surface receptors stimulated by growth factors or cytokines. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 level is usually increased after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, but whether an increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation is protective or detrimental is highly debatable. Much of the support for ERK1/2's role as a neuroprotectant against stroke stems from its apparent involvement in the beneficial effects of growth factors, estrogen, preconditioning, and hypothermia on the ischemic brain. Conversely, evidence supporting the detrimental effects of ERK1/2 activity is derived from its activation promoting inflammation and oxidative stress and its inhibition reducing ischemic damage. The dual potential of ERK1/2 actions in the ischemic brain is likely related to its responses to a diverse array of agonists and cell surface receptors. Plausibly, the ERK1/2 activity generated by cytokines and free radicals or other inflammatory factors after stroke may worsen ischemic damage, whereas the ERK1/2 activity produced by exogenous growth factors, estrogen, and preconditioning favors neuroprotection. Future experiments should be conducted to optimize the protective effect of ERK1/2 while blocking its detrimental actions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acid–base interactions between formamide and tetrahydrofuran molecules: Raman investigation of speciation in a binary system of biological interest
Authors: Benevenuto Rodrigo L. , Alves Wagner A.
Published: January 2008

Raman spectra of formamide (FA) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) mixtures at different compositions were obtained. The appearance of new bands at 897 and 1612 cm−1, whose intensities show large dependence on the FA concentration, are assigned to an FA–THF adduct. This assignment is supported by the Lewis acid–base theory, where the two H‐bond donor sites of FA and the strong donor character of THF became the environment propitious for the donor‐acceptor reaction. Quantitative measurements performed in the band envelope at ∼915 cm−1 allowed to determine the stoichiometry of the Lewis acid–base adduct. The experimental evidence of the 2:1 FA–THF adduct is presented for the first time using Raman spectroscopy and our results show an excellent agreement with similar systems. The present work also shows hydrogen interactions which can be involved in systems containing peptide groups and constituents of nucleic acids. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal and molecular structure of 2‐aminopyridinium‐ 4‐hydroxybenzenosulfonate—IR and Raman spectra, DFT calculations and physicochemical properties
Authors: Lorenc J. , Bryndal I. , Marchewka M. , Sasiadek W. , Lis T. , Hanuza J.
Published: January 2008

A new organic–organic salt, 2‐aminopyridinium‐4‐hydroxybenzenosulfonate, has been synthesised and characterised by means of FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. Its vibrational spectra have been discussed on the basis of quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) approach. The role of the intermolecular interactions in this crystal is analysed. The NHċċċO interactions between the hydrogen atoms of the pyridinium cation and oxygen atoms of hydroxybenzenosulfonate anion built the supramolecular arrangement in three‐dimensional space. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Q-switched and mode-locked pulses generation in Nd:GdVO4 laser with dual loss-modulation mechanism
Authors: Lin J-H , Lin K-H , Hsu H-H , Hsieh W-F
Published: January 2008

Regular and robust Q-switched and mode-locked (QML) pulses are produced in Nd:GdVO4 laser by the integration of nonlinear mirror and semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. The threshold of QML operation is increased by putting the SESAM in laser cavity with large beam radius. The nonlinear mirror absorber can further increase nonlinear loss modulation of pulses to produce the stable and periodic QML pulses.
Effects of laser light confinement in periodically poled orthorhombic non-centrosymmetric Ba2NaNb5O15 crystals
Authors: Lamela J , Ródenas A , Lifante G , Jaque D , Jaque F , Kaminskii A A
Published: January 2008

In this paper we report on experimental evidence of laser light confinement between ferroelectric domains in the neodymium doped Ba2NaNb5O15 ferroelectric crystal. High contrast near field optical microscopy images have been obtained as a consequence of the periodic modulation in the refractive index caused by the presence of 2D antiparallel ferroelectric domains.
A linear cavity Brillouin fiber laser with multiple wavelengths output
Authors: Shirazi M R , Shahabuddin N S , Aziz S N , Thambiratnam K , Harun S W , Ahmad H
Published: January 2008

A linear cavity Brillouin fiber laser (BFL) is proposed and demonstrated for multi-wavelength operation. The BFL uses a single mode fiber (SMF) as a non-linear gain medium and an optical circulator to generate a linear cavity resonator. Two couplers are used to inject the Brillouin Pump (BP) and tap the BFL output respectively. The effect of the coupler ratio on the BFL performance is studied by keeping constant the ratio of the first coupler and varying the ratio of the second coupler. 11 simultaneous lines with a line spacing of 0.8 nm are obtained at a BP of 11.7 dBm and a coupler ratio of 95:5. The laser output is stable at room temperature with 5 lines obtained at above – 30 dBm, and has the largest signal to noise ratio observed at the remaining lines. The proposed BFL has the advantage of being able to operate at any wavelength and is only dependent on the available BP wavelength.
Wind Doppler lidar with 1.5 μm fiber laser
Authors: Gordienko V M , Koryabin A V , Kravtsov N V , Firsov V V
Published: January 2008

Compact Doppler lidar with monostatic receiving geometry has been developed and tested. Laser source of the lidar is continuous wave fiber laser ELD-1000 with 1.5 μm wavelength and 1 W output. For distances up to 100 m the range of measurable wind velocities is 1.5 – 20 m/s. Results obtained show that performance conditions for the lidar corresponds to the visibility range up to 1 km. Sonic vibrations with small amplitudes (∼ 10 nm) of remote targets with diffuse reflection has been registered by this device at distances up to 60 m.
A Liquid Crystalline Elastomer with a p‐Pentaphenyl Transverse Rod Laterally Attached to the Main Chain
Authors: Ren Wanting , McMullan Philip J. , Guo Huina , Kumar Satish , Griffin Anselm C.
Published: January 2008

An LCE with a p‐pentaphenyl transverse rod in the main chain was synthesized, in which the rod can be oriented parallel or normal to the main chain under uniaxial tension. DSC and WAXD studies indicate a highly ordered lamellar structure typical of a smectic A phase. Stress‐strain curves showed a large Young modulus at small strains, followed by a yield point, at which necking occurred and the specimen became transparent. An interesting rigid‐soft‐rigid phenomenon was observed in the yield section, which is likely to indicate a self‐assembly‐driven reconstruction process. Two possible arrangements of transverse rods and chain extenders are proposed for the network structure.

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Validity, reliability, and applicability of psychophysiological techniques in marketing research
Authors: Wang Yong Jian , Minor Michael S.
Published: January 2008

A variety of psychophysiological techniques have been used in the measurement of consumer reactions to marketing stimuli since the 60s. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to present a descriptive review of the psychophysiological techniques and (2) to discuss critical concerns about validity, reliability, and applicability of these psychophysiological techniques raised by previous research. The strengths and weaknesses of ten major psychophysiological techniques are analyzed on the basis of the summaries of 67 marketing studies that have employed psychophysiological techniques. This study shows a need for marketing research to establish validity and reliability and to emphasize applicability when psychophysiological techniques are to be used. Meeting such a need requires an understanding of the nuanced psychophysiological process that links particular psychological antecedents and the physiological consequences being measured. A framework for analyzing this psychophysiological process in marketing research is provided. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2/2008
Authors: Michinobu Tsuyoshi , Osako Haruka , Shigehara Kiyotaka
Published: January 2008

Cover: A new class of conjugated carbazole polymers, alkyne‐linked poly(1,8‐carbazole)s, was for the first time synthesized by Sonogashira cross‐coupling and acetylenic oxidative coupling reactions. Poly(1,8‐carbazole)s featured long effective conjugation length, strong fluorescence, and potent electrochemical activities, leading to a variety of optoelectronic applications. Further details can be found in the article by T. Michinobu,* H. Osako, and K. Shigehara* on page 111.
Existence of global attractors for the three‐dimensional Brinkman–Forchheimer equation
Authors: Wang Bixiang , Lin Siyu
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the three‐dimensional Brinkman–Forchheimer equation. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the equation in L2, and then show that the equation has a global attractor in H2 when the external forcing term belongs to L2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplex algorithm for minimum‐cost network‐flow problems in infinite networks
Authors: Sharkey Thomas C. , Romeijn H.Edwin
Published: January 2008

We study minimum‐cost network‐flow problems in networks with a countably infinite number of nodes and arcs and integral flow data. This problem class contains many nonstationary planning problems over time where no natural finite planning horizon exists. We use an intuitive natural dual problem and show that weak and strong duality hold. Using recent results regarding the structure of basic solutions to infinite‐dimensional network‐flow problems we extend the well‐known finite‐dimensional network simplex method to the infinite‐dimensional case. In addition, we study a class of infinite network‐flow problems whose flow balance constraints are inequalities and show that the simplex method can be implemented in such a way that each pivot takes only a finite amount of time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008
The number of spanning trees in a class of double fixed‐step loop networks
Authors: Yong Xuerong , Zhang Yuanping , Golin Mordecai J.
Published: January 2008

In this article, we develop a method to count the number of spanning trees in certain classes of double fixed‐step loop networks with nonconstant steps. More specifically our technique finds the number of spanning trees in$ \overrightarrow{C} _{n}^{p,q} $, the double fixed‐step loop network withnvertices and jumps of sizepandq, whenn=d1m, andq=d2m+pwhered1,d2, andpare arbitrary parameters andmis a variable. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008
Minimum work paths in elevated networks
Authors: Shirabe Takeshi
Published: January 2008

A new variant of the shortest path problem involves a bicycle traveling from an origin to a destination through a network situated on a hilly geography. Determining a path that takes the least amount of pedaling work involves a conservative force, gravity, and a nonconservative force, friction, acting on the bicycle. The cyclist's pedaling work to overcome the friction of each arc varies with the bicycle's kinetic and gravitational potential energies, which transform to one another. Although geometric characteristics of the network are invariable, arc weights representing required pedaling work are variable. This problem is formulated as a quadratic integer program and an approximation procedure is presented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008