bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of desalting that occurs during isoelectric trapping separations
Authors: Hruška Vlastimil , Gaš Bohuslav , Vigh Gyula
Published: January 2009

Simul 5, the simulation program based on the 1‐D model of electrophoresis has been extended to simulate isoelectric trapping (IET) separations that take place in recirculating multicompartmental electrolyzers (MCEs). In the extended Simul 5, the simulated separation space between the anode and cathode can be divided into multiple segments to represent the anode compartment, separation compartment(s) and the cathode compartment. The compartments may have identical or different cross sections. A new algorithm simulates convective mixing that occurs in the recirculating MCEs where the distances between the buffering membranes are short and the velocities of tangential flows through the compartments, orthogonal to the electric field, are high. The intensity of simulated mixing can be independently controlled in each compartment. pH transients that were reported to occur during the desalting step in IET separations were simulated with the extended Simul 5 program: the main features of the experimental results were reproduced by the simulations. The simulations shed light on the possible causes of uneven anion and cation removal rates, pH transients and the transient invasion of the separation compartment by components of the electrode solutions that might occur during the desalting step.
Application of Click‐chemistry‐based perphenylcarbamated β‐CD chiral stationary phase in CEC
Authors: Wang Yong , Xiao Yin , Tan Timothy Thatt Yang , Ng Siu‐Choon
Published: January 2009

A novel chiral stationary phase (CSP) was prepared by anchoring mono‐6‐azido‐6‐deoxyperphenylcarbamated β‐CD onto ω‐alkynyl functionalized silica (5 μm) via organic soluble Cu(I)‐catalyzed Click chemistry. The obtained CSP was thereafter packed into fused‐silica capillary (100 μm id) with an effective length of 9 cm and tested in aqueous CEC to separate a series of racemic aryl alcohols. High separation factors with good resolution were achieved using the current novel CSP. Some pharmaceutical compounds could also be well resolved on this newly derived CSP. The analytical results demonstrate that Click‐chemistry‐based perphenylcarbamated CSP affords high stability in high electric field and depicts excellent enantioseparation in CEC. The effects of pH value, buffer concentration, applied voltage, concentration of organic modifier and analyte structure on the enantioseparation are also discussed.
A rapid MEKC method for the simultaneous determination of creatinine, 1‐ and 3‐methylhistidine in human urine
Authors: Ferrari Fabio , Fumagalli Marco , Viglio Simona , Aquilani Roberto , Pasini Evasio , Iadarola Paolo
Published: January 2009

The present report describes the use of MEKC in the presence of 35 mM sodium tetraborate, pH 9.0, containing 60 mM SDS for the complete separation and identification of creatinine, 1‐methylhistidine (1‐MeH) and 3‐MeH in human urine. Their simultaneous quantification in urine of healthy controls and subjects submitted to elective surgery to their lower limbs allowed to use 3‐MeH as a reliable measure of skeletal protein breakdown. Simplicity, sensitivity and low running costs are the main advantages of this method that is suitable for the routine analysis in clinical laboratories of a large number of samples per day.
Development of a moving artificial compressibility solver on unified coordinates
Authors: Niu Yang‐Yao , Lin Yi‐Hsun , Hui W. H. , Chang Chien C.
Published: January 2009

Based on the unified Eulerian and Lagrangian coordinate transformations, the unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with artificial compressibility effects are developed. As we know, the Eulerian coordinates cause excessive numerical diffusion across flow discontinuities, slip lines in particular. The Lagrangian coordinates, on the other hand, can resolve slip lines sharply but cause severe grid deformation, resulting in large errors and even breakdown of the computation. Recently, Hui et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 1999; 153:596–637) have introduced a unified coordinate system that moves with velocity hq, q being the velocity of the fluid particle. It includes the Eulerian system as a special case when h=0, and the Lagrangian when h=1, and was shown for the two‐dimensional unsteady Euler equations of compressible flow to be superior than both Eulerian and Lagrangian systems. In the framework of unified coordinates, our work will derive the unsteady incompressible flow equations and moving geometry equations, when hq equals grid velocity in conservation form and is updated simultaneously during each time step. Thus, the accurate estimation of geometry conservation and controlling the grid velocity or the h value based on the unified approach can keep numerical stability and avoid computation breakdown caused by moving body or boundary layers (considered as slip lines in Lagrangian coordinates). Also, the existing high‐resolution Riemann solver can be extended to discretize the current unified incompressible flow equations. Our benchmark tests including the lid‐driven cavity flow and backward step flow, oscillating flat plat and pulsating stenotic tube are used to validate the computations. The results verify the accuracy and robustness of the unified artificial compressibility solver on the moving body simulation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical characterization of MLH3 missense mutations does not reveal an apparent role of MLH3 in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Ou Jianghua , Rasmussen Merete , Westers Helga , Andersen Sofie D. , Jager Paul O. , Kooi Krista A. , Niessen Renée C. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Nielsen Finn C. , Kleibeuker Jan H. , Sijmons Rolf H. , Rasmussen Lene J. , Hofstra Robert M. W.
Published: January 2009

So far 18 MLH3 germline mutations/variants have been identified in familial colorectal cancer cases. Sixteen of these variants are amino acid substitutions of which the pathogenic nature is still unclear. These substitutions are known as unclassified variants or UVs. To clarify a possible role for eight of these MLH3 UVs identified in suspected Lynch syndrome patients, we performed several biochemical tests. We determined the protein expression and stability, protein localization and interaction of the mutant MLH3 proteins with wildtype MLH1. All eight MLH3 UVs gave protein expression levels comparable with wildtype MLH3. Furthermore, the UV‐containing proteins, in contrast to previous studies, were all localized normally in the nucleus and they interacted normally with wildtype MLH1. Our different biochemical assays yielded no evidence that the eight MLH3 UVs tested are the cause of hereditary colorectal cancer, including Lynch syndrome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct genomic aberrations associated with ERG rearranged prostate cancer
Authors: Demichelis Francesca , Setlur Sunita R. , Beroukhim Rameen , Perner Sven , Korbel Jan O. , LaFargue Christopher J. , Pflueger Dorothee , Pina Cara , Hofer Matthias D. , Sboner Andrea , Svensson Maria A. , Rickman David S. , Urban Alex , Snyder Michael , Meyerson Matthew , Lee Charles , Gerstein Mark B. , Kuefer Rainer , Rubin Mark A.
Published: January 2009

Emerging molecular and clinical data suggest that ETS fusion prostate cancer represents a distinct molecular subclass, driven most commonly by a hormonally regulated promoter and characterized by an aggressive natural history. The study of the genomic landscape of prostate cancer in the light of ETS fusion events is required to understand the foundation of this molecularly and clinically distinct subtype. We performed genome‐wide profiling of 49 primary prostate cancers and identified 20 recurrent chromosomal copy number aberrations, mainly occurring as genomic losses. Co‐occurring events included losses at 19q13.32 and 1p22.1. We discovered three genomic events associated with ERG rearranged prostate cancer, affecting 6q, 7q, and 16q. 6q loss in nonrearranged prostate cancer is accompanied by gene expression deregulation in an independent dataset and by protein deregulation of MYO6. To analyze copy number alterations within the ETS genes, we performed a comprehensive analysis of all 27 ETS genes and of the 3 Mbp genomic area between ERG and TMPRSS2 (21q) with an unprecedented resolution (30 bp). We demonstrate that high‐resolution tiling arrays can be used to pin‐point breakpoints leading to fusion events. This study provides further support to define a distinct molecular subtype of prostate cancer based on the presence of ETS gene rearrangements. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss,Inc.
Cholesterol‐promoted synaptogenesis requires the conversion of cholesterol to estradiol in the hippocampus
Authors: Fester Lars , Zhou Lepu , Bütow Andrea , Huber Cornelia , von Lossow Richard , Prange‐Kiel Janine , Jarry Hubertus , Rune Gabriele M.
Published: January 2009

Cholesterol of glial origin promotes synaptogenesis (Mauch et al., (2001) Science 294:1354–1357). Because in the hippocampus local estradiol synthesis is essential for synaptogenesis, we addressed the question of whether cholesterol‐promoted synapse formation results from the function of cholesterol as a precursor of estradiol synthesis in this brain area. To this end, we treated hippocampal cultures with cholesterol, estradiol, or with letrozole, a potent aromatase inhibitor. Cholesterol increased neuronal estradiol release into the medium, the number of spine synapses in hippocampal slice cultures, and immunoreactivity of synaptic proteins in dispersed cultures. Simultaneous application of cholesterol and letrozole or blockade of estrogen receptors by ICI 182 780 abolished cholesterol‐induced synapse formation. As a further approach, we inhibited the access of cholesterol to the first enzyme of steroidogenesis by knock‐down of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, the rate‐limiting step in steroidogenesis. A rescue of reduced synaptic protein expression in transfected cells was achieved by estradiol but not by cholesterol. Our data indicate that in the hippocampus cholesterol‐promoted synapse formation requires the conversion of cholesterol to estradiol. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heat transfer on tube bundles embedded horizontally in a liquid‐fluidized bed: 2nd report: On tube bundles of fundamental layouts including in‐line layouts
Authors: Hashizume Kenichi , Onji Ryosuke , Niiki Shinpei , Tsukuda Hideaki , Yoshida Ryota
Published: January 2009

Heat transfer coefficients were measured on tube bundles of fundamental layouts including in‐line layouts embedded horizontally in a liquid‐fluidized bed. Tested tube layouts were single tubes, transverse single tube rows, longitudinal single tube rows, and in‐line arranged tube bundles. A total of 7 kinds of particles were used. Comparisons of the experimental data showed a good agreement with the heat transfer correlation developed for staggered layouts, when the average liquid velocity through each tube bundle was used as the reference velocity for the particle Reynolds number. Distribution of the local heat transfer coefficient was also investigated around tubes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20245
Study on heat transfer characteristics of porous metallic heat sink with conductive pipe under bypass effect
Authors: Tzeng Sheng‐Chung , Jeng Tzer‐Ming , Chou Po , Tang Feng‐Zhang , Chen Yi‐Chen
Published: January 2009

The work investigated the forced convection heat transfer of the heat sink situated in a rectangular channel by considering the bypass effect. The fluid medium was air. The relevant parameters were the Reynolds number (Re), the relative top by‐pass gap (C/H), and the relative side by‐pass gap (S/L). The size of the heat sink was 60 mm (L)×60 mm(W)×24 mm(H). Two heat sinks were employed as test specimens: (A) the 0.9‐porosity aluminum foam heat sink and (B) the 0.9‐porosity aluminum foam heat sink with a 20 mm diameter copper cylinder. The copper cylinder was used as a conductive pipe of heat sink. The average Nusselt number was examined under various forced convection conditions. Experimental results demonstrate that increasing by‐pass space decreased the Nusselt number. Besides, the average Nusselt number of mode B heat sink was higher than that of mode A heat sink by 30% for the case without by‐pass flow. The heat transfer enhancement by the copper cylinder would decline as the by‐pass space grew. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20247
Sweep‐out flow of film condensation on vertical plates with horizontal grooves
Authors: Adachi Takahiro , Yoshida Satoshi , Hamada Tetsuro
Published: January 2009

We have investigated fluid flow characteristics of film‐wise condensation on vertical plates with horizontal periodic grooves. Condensate stays at the edge of the grooves due to the surface tension. The condensate starts to flow, however, when the balance between the surface tension and the condensate's own weight is broken. It is found that the condensate flows downward successively and periodically from the top part of the plate as a group. In addition, we have obtained the relation between the frequencies of the periodic flow and the degree of sub‐cooling for two different pitches of the grooves. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20249
Lack of association between antipsychotic‐induced Parkinsonism or its subsymptoms and rs4606 SNP of RGS2 gene in African‐Caribbeans and the possible role of the medication: The Curacao extrapyramidal syndromes study X
Authors: Al Hadithy Asmar F. , Wilffert Bob , Bruggeman Richard , Stewart Roy E. , Brouwers Jacobus R. , Matroos Glenn E. , Hoek Hans W. , van Harten Peter N.
Published: January 2009

Recent studies demonstrate an association between antipsychotic‐induced parkinsonism (AIP) and rs4606 SNP of RGS2 gene in Jewish and African‐Americans. The current study investigates the association between rs4606 and AIP or its subsymptoms (rest tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia) in 112 psychiatric inpatients of African‐Caribbean origin. Presence of AIP, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tremor was measured by the UPDRS. We applied χ2 (or Fisher Exact) and logistic regression analyses in several models including rs4606, age, gender, dose of antipsychotics, and anticholinergics, and two other putatively functional SNPs in DRD2 (−141CIns/Del) and HTR2C (Cys23Ser) genes. In contrast to recent literature, we find no evidence for an association between rs4606 and AIP or any of its subsymptoms. We hypothesize that the observed lack of association is due probably to differences in serotonin 2A‐receptor affinities of the antipsychotics utilized (in contrast to the other published studies, the majority of our patients utilized typical antipsychotics). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunoadsorption with tryptophan columns: A therapeutic option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with septic complications
Authors: Thomaidis Thomas , Schorn Corinna , Flaig Wolfram , Lingg Gerwinn , Schönhals Elke , Klingel Reinhard , Galle Peter R. , Schwarting Andreas
Published: January 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs and tissues. Although there is a wide range of therapeutic applications, the coexistence of severe side effects and contraindications outlines the necessity of new therapeutic options in the treatment of severe RA. We report on the case of a 71‐year‐old patient with successful treatment of a complicated RA with tryptophan immunoadsorption combined with low‐dose steroids. Bacterial spondylitis developed in this patient during long‐term treatment with infliximab and methotrexate. Weekly immunoadsorption sessions with tryptophan columns resulted in continuous suppression of RA activity over a period of more than 5 months, as indicated by laboratory findings, the disease activity score, and the visual analog scale. This is the first report of successful treatment of a refractory and complicated RA using tryptophan immunoadsorption columns. In conclusion, immunoadsorption is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative, which should be considered to bridge infectious complications in patients with severe RA. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the communication between human osteoprogenitors and endothelial cells
Authors: Grellier Maritie , Ferreira‐Tojais Nancy , Bourget Chantal , Bareille Reine , Guillemot Fabien , Amédée Joëlle
Published: January 2009

Proper bone remodeling requires an active process of angiogenesis which in turn supplies the necessary growth factors and stem cells. This tissue cooperation suggests a cross‐talk between osteoblasts and endothelial cells. This work aims to identify the role of paracrine communication through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in co‐culture between osteoblastic and endothelial cells. Through a well defined direct contact co‐culture model between human osteoprogenitors (HOPs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we observed that HUVECs were able to migrate along HOPs, inducing the formation of specific tubular‐like structures. VEGF165 gene expression was detected in the HOPs, was up‐regulated in the co‐cultured HOPs and both Flt‐1 and KDR gene expression increased in co‐cultured HUVECs. However, the cell rearrangement observed in co‐culture was promoted by a combination of soluble chemoattractive factors and not by VEGF165 alone. Despite having no observable effect on endothelial cell tubular‐like formation, VEGF appeared to have a crucial role in osteoblastic differentiation since the inhibition of its receptors reduced the co‐culture‐stimulated osteoblastic phenotype. This co‐culture system appears to enhance both primary angiogenesis events and osteoblastic differentiation, thus allowing for the development of new strategies in vascularized bone tissue engineering. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 390–398, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors and nitric oxide modulate the baroreflex cardiac component in unanesthetized rats
Authors: Alves Fernando H.F. , Crestani Carlos C. , Resstel Leonardo B.M. , Correa Fernando M.A.
Published: January 2009

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) plays a tonic role modulating the baroreflex bradycardiac response. In the present study, we verified whether local BST glutamatergic receptors and nitric oxide (NO) system modulate baroreflex bradycardiac responses. Bilateral BST‐ N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor inhibition by treatment with the selective NMDA receptor antagonist LY235959 increased bradycardiac response to mean arterial pressure increases. Treatment with the selective non‐NMDA antagonist NBQX did not affect reflex bradycardia. These results suggest an involvement of local NMDA receptors in the BST‐related tonic inhibitory modulation of baroreflex bradycardiac response. BST treatment with the nonselective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L‐NAME or the selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor Nω‐propyl‐L‐arginine increased bradycardiac response, indicating that NO generated by nNOS activation modulates baroreflex. The NO involvement was further reinforced by observation that BST treatment with the NO scavenger carboxy‐PTIO caused an effect similar to that observed after NMDA receptor blockade or treatment with NOS inhibitors. Additionally, it was observed that LY235959 effects on baroreflex bradycardiac response were reverted by BST treatment with the NO‐donor sodium nitroprusside, suggesting an NMDA receptor–NO interaction. Baroreflex bradycardiac responses observed before and after BST treatment with LY235959 or Nω‐propyl‐L‐arginine were no longer different when animals were pretreated intravenously with the anticholinergic drug homatropine methyl bromide. These results indicate that parasympathetic activation accounts for the effects observed after BST pharmacological manipulation. In conclusion, our data point out that local NMDA and nNOS interaction mediates the tonic inhibitory influence of the BST on the baroreflex bradycardiac response, modulating the parasympathetic cardiac activity. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibition augments dopamine release in the rat brain in vivo
Authors: Witten Louise , Sager Thomas , Thirstrup Kenneth , Johansen Jens Leander , Larsen Dorrit Bjerg , Montezinho Liliana P. , Mørk Arne
Published: January 2009

The transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is essential for the activation of several genes that promote the survival of cells exposed to oxidative stress. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the dopamine (DA) synthesis, is one of the genes that are positively regulated by HIF. Accordingly, HIF induction results in elevated DA release in various cell lines in vitro. HIF prolyl hydroxylase (HPH) is critically involved in the negative regulation of HIF levels. We investigated the in vivo effects of the HPH inhibitor FG0041 on brain DA function in rats by microdialysis in freely moving rats, locomotor activity, and Western blot analysis. Administration of FG0041 (10 mg/kg i.p.), as an acute (single injection), or as subchronic (once daily for 6 days) treatment and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) (60 mg/kg s.c.) potentiated potassium (K+) induced increases in extracellular levels of DA levels in the rat striatum. The increase in extracellular DA of freely moving rats was sought in relationship to locomotor activity in rats. A significant increase in locomotor activity was observed in FG0041‐treated rats compared with vehicle on a cocaine challenge. In support of these findings, protein levels of TH in the rat brain stem were increased after treatment with FG0041. These data indicate that FG0041 augments DA function in the rat brain. Inhibition of HPH enhances DA function by increasing DA release, which has implications for the use of HIF induction in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differentiated P19 cells express N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor 1 mRNA bindingtrans‐acting proteins and four N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor 1 splice variants comparable to those in cultured fetal cortical neurons
Authors: Anji Antje , Kumari Meena
Published: January 2009

Differentiated P19 cells naturally express N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and serve as a good in vitro model system with which to study NMDA receptor regulation. Here we examined expression of NR1 mRNA bindingtrans‐acting proteins and NR1 splice variants in P19 cells. After exposure to retinoic acid, P19 cells were differentiated for 2, 4, 6, and 8 days in vitro (DIV). Total RNA and protein extracts from differentiated P19 cells were utilized to examine NR1 and NR2B expression. A steady increase in NR1 and NR2B mRNA and protein levels was observed with respect to days of differentiation. NR2B mRNA was detected within 2 DIV. However, NR2B protein appeared only at 4 DIV. By contrast, minimal expression of NR1 mRNA could be detected in undifferentiated P19 cells, whereas NR1 protein was detected at 4 DIV. RT‐PCR analysis identified expression of four of eight full‐length NR1 splice variants, similar to the expression pattern seen in fetal cortical neurons (FCN). These data were confirmed by ribonuclease protection assays. RNA gel shift assays and Northwestern analysis revealed the expression of NR1 mRNA bindingtrans‐acting proteins in P19 neurons comparable to those expressed in FCN. RNA super gel shift assays confirmed the presence of the NR1 mRNA bindingtrans‐acting protein GIIβ in the NR1–3′UTR–P19 protein complex. Levels of GIIβ polypeptide increased with increase in days of differentiation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that differentiated P19 cells are comparable to FCN and hence provide an excellent in vitro model for studying NR1 mRNA regulation at the posttranscriptional level. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct properties of murine α5 γ‐aminobutyric acid type a receptors revealed by biochemical fractionation and mass spectroscopy
Authors: Ju Young H. , Guzzo Angelina , Chiu Mary W. , Taylor Paul , Moran Michael F. , Gurd James W. , MacDonald John F. , Orser Beverley A.
Published: January 2009

γ‐Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) that contain the α5 subunit are expressed predominantly in the hippocampus, where they regulate learning and memory processes. Unlike conventional postsynaptic receptors, GABAARs containing the α5 subunit (α5 GABAARs) are localized primarily to extrasynaptic regions of neurons, where they generate a tonic inhibitory conductance. The unique characteristics of α5 GABAARs have been examined with pharmacological, immunostaining, and electrophysiological techniques; however, little is known about their biochemical properties. The aim of this study was to modify existing purification and enrichment techniques to isolate α5 GABAARs preferentially from the mouse hippocampus and to identify the α5 subunit by using tandem mass spectroscopy (MS/MS). The results showed that the detergent solubility of the α5 subunits was distinct from that of α1 and α2 subunits, and the relative distribution of the α5 subunits in Triton X‐100‐soluble fractions was correlated with that of the extracellular protein radixin but not with that of the postsynaptic protein gephyrin. Mass spectrometry identified the α5 subunit and showed that this subunit associates with multiple α, β, and γ subunits, but most frequently the β3 subunit. Thus, the α5 subunits coassemble with similar subunits as their synaptic counterparts yet have a distinct detergent solubility profile. Mass spectroscopy now offers a method for detecting and characterizing factors that confer the unique detergent solubility and possibly cellular location of α5 GABAARs in hippocampal neurons. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
All‐trans retinoic acid inhibits cobalt chloride‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells: Role of the dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase/asymmetric dimethylarginine pathway
Authors: Wang Shan , Hu Chang‐Ping , Jiang De‐Jian , Peng Jun , Zhou Zhi , Yuan Qiong , Nie Sheng‐Dan , Jiang Jun‐Lin , Li Yuan‐Jian , Huang Ke‐Long
Published: January 2009

Previous studies have shown that the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its specific hydrolase dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) are involved in the regulation of apoptosis in different cell types. In the present study, we investigated the role of the DDAH/ADMA pathway in cobalt chloride (CoCl2)–induced apoptosis and the antiapoptotic effect of all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA) in undifferentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Treatment of CoCl2 (125 μM) for 48 hr significantly induced the apoptosis of PC12 cells, concomitantly with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and caspase‐3 activity. CoCl2 treatment also decreased the activity of DDAH and the expression of DDAH2 (mRNA and protein), resulting in an increased level of ADMA. All these alterations induced by CoCl2 were attenuated by atRA (0.1, 1, or 10 μM). Interestingly, the antiapoptotic effects of atRA were inhibited by DDAH2 small RNA interference. In contrast, DDAH2 overexpression inhibited the proapoptotic effects of CoCl2. We also found that treatment of exogenous ADMA (3, 10, or 30 μM) induced the apoptosis of PC12 cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, which was inhibited by the antioxidant or the caspase‐3 inhibitor. These findings suggest that the modulation of the DDAH/ADMA/ROS pathway plays an important role in CoCl2‐induced apoptosis and the antiapoptotic effects of atRA in undifferentiated PC12 cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparative purification of salidroside from Rhodiola rosea by two‐step adsorption chromatography on resins
Authors: Ma Chaoyang , Tang Jian , Wang Hongxin , Tao Guangjun , Gu Xiaohong , Hu Liming
Published: January 2009

Salidroside is an effective adaptogenic drug extracted from Rhodiola species. In the present study, a simple and efficient method for preparative separation and purification of salidroside from the Chinese medicinal plant Rhodiola rosesa was developed by adsorption chromatography on macroporous resins. The static adsorption isotherms and kinetics of some resins have been determined and compared for preparative separation of salidroside. According to our results, HPD‐200 resin is the most appropriate medium for the separation of salidroside and its adsorption data fit the Langmuir isotherm well. Dynamic adsorption and desorption were carried out in glass columns packed with HPD‐200 to optimize the separation process. After two adsorption and desorption runs, a product with a salidroside content of 92.21% and an overall recovery of 48.82% was achieved. In addition, pure lamellar crystals of salidroside with a purity of 99.00% could be obtained from this product. Its molecular weight was determined by an ESI‐MS method. The simple purification scheme avoids toxic organic solvents used in silica gel and high‐speed counter‐current chromatographic separation processes and thus increases the safety of the process and can be helpful for large‐scale salidroside production from Rhodiola rosea or other plant extracts.
Enrichment of the thymoquinone content in volatile oil from Satureja montana using supercritical fluid extraction
Authors: Grosso Clara , Figueiredo Ana Cristina , Burillo Jesus , Mainar Ana M. , Urieta José S. , Barroso José G. , Coelho José A. , Palavra António M. F.
Published: January 2009

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of the volatile oil from Satureja montana L. was performed under different conditions of pressure (90 and 100 bar), temperature (40 and 50°C), mean particle sizes (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mm) and CO2 flow rate (0.8, 1.1 and 1.3 kg/h) to understand the influence of these parameters on the composition and yield of this oil. The results were compared with those obtained for the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation (HD). The volatile and the essential oil were analysed by GC and GC‐MS. The main compounds are carvacrol (52.2–62.0% for HD vs. 41.7–64.5% for SFE), thymol (8.6–11.0% for HD vs. 6.0–11.3% for SFE), p‐cymene (6.9–12.8% for HD vs. 6.0–17.8% for SFE), γ‐terpinene (6.4–9.4% for HD vs. 2.3–6.0% for SFE) and β‐bisabolene (2.0–2.7% for HD vs. 2.2–3.5% for SFE). The major difference between SFE and HD was the relative amount of thymoquinone, an oxygenated monoterpene with important biological activities, which can be ten‐fold higher in volatile oil (1.6–3.0 for SFE vs. 0.2% for HD). The morphology of the glandular trichomes of S. montana and the effect of the grinding process on them was also evaluated by SEM.
Comparative analysis of volatile constituents between recipe jingfangsan and its single herbs by GC‐MS combined with alternative moving window factor analysis method
Authors: Li Xiao‐Ru , Liang Yi‐Zeng , Zhou Tao , Zhang Liang‐Xiao , Hu Chun‐Di
Published: January 2009

Comparative analysis of volatile constituents between recipe jingfangsan and its single herbs was performed by GC‐MS combined with alternative moving window factor analysis (AMWFA), a new chemometric resolution method. Identification of the compounds was also assisted by comparison of temperature‐programmed retention indices (PTRIs) on the OV‐1 column with authentic samples. In total, 36, 29, and 42 volatile components in essential oil of Herba schizonepetae (HS), Radix saposhnikoviae (RS), and the recipe were respectively determined qualitatively and quantitatively, accounting for 81.80, 82.62 and 85.98% total contents of volatile oil of HS, RS, and the recipe respectively. Analysis by the method of AMWFA indicates that there are 22 common volatile constituents between the recipe and single herbal medicine HS, and 14 common volatile constituents between the recipe and single herb medicine RS. The experimental results also show that the volatile components of the recipe in number are almost addition of that of two single herbal medicines HS and RS, and are mainly from the single herbal medicine HS.
On the correspondence between arithmetic theories and propositional proof systems – a survey
Authors: Beyersdorff Olaf
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this paper is to survey the correspondence between bounded arithmetic and propositional proof systems. In addition, it also contains some new results which have appeared as an extended abstract in the proceedings of the conference TAMC 2008 [11].

Bounded arithmetic is closely related to propositional proof systems; this relation has found many fruitful applications. The aim of this paper is to explain and develop the general correspondence between propositional proof systems and arithmetic theories, as introduced by Krajíček and Pudlák [46]. Instead of focusing on the relation between particular proof systems and theories, we favour a general axiomatic approach to this correspondence. In the course of the development we particularly highlight the role played by logical closure properties of propositional proof systems, thereby obtaining a characterization of extensions of EF in terms of a simple combination of these closure properties (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A lexicographic path order with slow growing derivation bounds
Authors: Eguchi Naohi
Published: January 2009

This paper is concerned with implicit computational complexity of the exptime computable functions. Modifying the lexicographic path order, we introduce a path order EPO. It is shown that a termination proof for a term rewriting system via EPO implies an exponential bound on the lengths of derivations. The path order EPO is designed so that every exptime function is representable as a term rewrite system compatible with EPO (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bernstein–Nikolskii and Plancherel–Polya inequalities in Lp ‐norms on non‐compact symmetric spaces
Authors: Pesenson Isaac
Published: January 2009

By using Bernstein‐type inequality we define analogs of spaces of entire functions of exponential type in Lp (X), 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞, where X is a symmetric space of non‐compact. We give estimates of Lp ‐norms, 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞, of such functions (the Nikolskii‐type inequalities) and also prove the Lp ‐Plancherel–Polya inequalities which imply that our functions of exponential type are uniquely determined by their inner products with certain countable sets of measures with compact supports and can be reconstructed from such sets of “measurements” in a stable way (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Starlike and convex rational mappings on infinite dimensional domains
Authors: Chu Cho‐Ho , Hamada Hidetaka , Honda Tatsuhiro , Kohr Gabriela
Published: January 2009

We give starlike criteria for a class of rational mappings on the open unit ball of a complex Banach space. We also give a sufficient condition for these mappings to be convex when they are defined in Hilbert spaces. These criteria facilitate the construction of concrete examples of starlike and convex mappings on infinite dimensional domains (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Gauss map of pseudo‐algebraic minimal surfaces in R4
Authors: Kawakami Yu
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we prove effective estimates for the number of exceptional values and the totally ramified value number of the Gauss map for pseudo‐algebraic and algebraic minimal surfaces in Euclidean four‐space and give a kind of unicity theorem (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The convergence of q ‐Bernstein polynomials (0 < q < 1) in the complex plane
Authors: Ostrovska Sofiya
Published: January 2009

The paper focuses at the estimates for the rate of convergence of the q ‐Bernstein polynomials (0 < q < 1) in the complex plane. In particular, a generalization of previously known results on the possibility of analytic continuation of the limit function and an elaboration of the theorem by Wang and Meng is presented (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Composite Polyamide 6/Polypyrrole Conductive Nanofibers
Authors: Granato Flavio , Bianco Andrea , Bertarelli Chiara , Zerbi Giuseppe
Published: January 2009

Conductive Polyamide 6 (PA‐6) nanofibers were prepared by making a conductive polypyrrole coating obtained by a polymerization of pyrrole molecules directly on the fiber surface. A solution of PA‐6 added with ferric chloride in formic acid has been electrospun and the fibers obtained showed an average diameter of 260 nm with a smooth surface. The fibers have been then exposed to pyrrole vapours and a compact coating of polypyrrole was formed on the fiber surface. The growth of the coating was monitored by measuring the increment of the fiber diameter and by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The same technique was used to study the interaction between the ferric chloride and the polyamide chains. The polypyrrole coating on the fibers turned out to be conductive with a pure resistive characteristic and the stability of the conductivity was evaluated in air at room temperature.

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Polymers and Sulfur: what are Organic Polysulfides Good For? Preparative Strategies and Biological Applications
Authors: Vo Cong Duan , Kilcher Giona , Tirelli Nicola
Published: January 2009

Sulfur(II)‐containing polymers (polysulfides) combine flexible synthetic and processing techniques with a unique responsiveness to oxidants. Here, the polysulfide oxidative sensitivity is put into the biological context of the development of new anti‐inflammatory therapies – the development of new anti‐inflammatory methodologies, adopted interactions and the minimisation of foreign‐body reactions – through the review of 50 years of research on polysulfide synthetic methodologies. Attention is paid to the identification of the most flexible and robust preparative techniques.

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Ileal and faecal digestibility of daidzein and genistein and plasma bioavailability of these isoflavones and their bioactive metabolites in the ovariectomised rat
Authors: Poulsen Raewyn C. , Loots Du Toit , Moughan Paul J. , Kruger Marlena C.
Published: January 2009

Consumption of the soya isoflavones genistein and daidzein may provide protection against postmenopausal bone loss. The purpose of this study was to determine ileal and faecal digestibility of daidzein and genistein and the extent of formation of metabolites in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the ovariectomised rat, a model for postmenopausal bone loss. Twenty female rats were ovariectomised and fed either genistein or daidzein (0.026% of diet) for 4 wks. Genistein, daidzein and their GI‐derived metabolites were quantitatively determined in plasma, urine, faeces and ileal digesta using GC/MS. Ileal and faecal digestibility of genistein (93 and 99.9%, respectively) were significantly greater than that of daidzein (32 and 77.5%, respectively). In genistein‐supplemented animals, 4‐ethylphenol was present in plasma in relatively high concentrations. The bioactivity of 4‐ethylphenol may contribute to the physiological effects attributed to genistein consumption. The daidzein metabolite equol, was present in relatively high amounts in ileal digesta indicating substantial biotransformation of daidzein occurred in the small intestine presumably as a result of the activity of the resident microbiota. Further studies are required to determine whether 4‐ethylphenol is a major metabolite of genistein in humans and the extent of biotransformation of daidzein to equol in the small intestine in humans.
Characterization and potential function of a novel pre‐implantation embryo‐specific RING finger protein: TRIML1
Authors: Tian Liyuan , Wu Xiaojie , Lin Yanli , Liu Zhuguo , Xiong Fuyin , Han Zhengbin , Zhou Yanrong , Zeng Qiangcheng , Wang Yumin , Deng Jixian , Chen Hongxing
Published: January 2009

Members of the super‐class of zinc finger proteins are key regulators in early embryogenesis. Utilizing in silico mining of EST Databases for pre‐implantation Embryo‐Specific Zinc Finger Protein Genes, we characterized a novel zygotic mouse gene—tripartite motif family‐like 1 (TRIML1), which expresses in embryo before implantation. Knocking down of TRIML1 resulted in the fewer cell number of blastocysts and failture to give rise to neonates after embryo transfer. The binding partner of TRIML1, Ubiquitin‐specific protease 5 (USP5), was identified by yeast two‐hybrid screening assay. The interaction was confirmed by GST pull‐down and coimmunoprecipitation analysis. The role of TRIML1 in ubiquitin pathway during the development stage of mouse blastocyst was further discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 656–664, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance and properties ofQ‐Statistic monitoring schemes
Authors: Zantek Paul F. , Nestler Scott T.
Published: January 2009

In this article, we study the Shewhart chart ofQstatistics proposed for the detection of process mean shifts in start‐up processes and short runs. Exact expressions for the run‐length distribution of this chart are derived and evaluated using an efficient computational procedure. The procedure can be considerably faster than using direct simulation. We extend our work to analyze the practice of requiring multiple signals from the chart before responding, a practice sometimes followed with Shewhart charts. The results show that waiting to receive multiple signals severely reduces the probability of quickly detecting shifts in certain cases, and therefore may be considered a risky practice. Operational guidelines for practitioners implementing the chart are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2009
Modulation of choline kinase activity in human cancer cells observed by dynamic 31P NMR
Authors: Gabellieri Cristina , Beloueche‐Babari Mounia , Jamin Yann , Payne Geoffrey S. , Leach Martin O. , Eykyn Thomas R.
Published: January 2009

Choline metabolites are widely studied in cancer research as biomarkers of malignancy and as indicators of therapeutic response. However, endogenous phosphocholine levels are determined by a number of processes that confound the interpretation of these measurements, including membrane transport rates and a series of enzyme catalysed reactions in the Kennedy pathway. Employing a dynamic 31P NMR assay that is specific to choline kinase (ChoK) we have measured the rates of this enzyme reaction in cell lysates of MDA‐MB‐231 breast, PC‐3 prostate and HeLa cervical cancer cells and in solutions of purified human ChoK. The rates are sensitive to inhibition by hemicholinium‐3 (HC‐3), a competitive ChoK inhibitor, and to N‐[2‐bromocinnamyl(amino)ethyl]‐5‐isoquinolinesulphonamide (H‐89), an agent commercialized as a specific cyclic‐AMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Institutional learning and adaptation: Developing state audit capacity in China
Authors: Gong Ting
Published: January 2009

In recent decades, the Chinese state has been confronted by a dual challenge: to monitor and regulate the country's rapid socioeconomic development and, at the same time, to reform itself, as centrally planned state, in order to adapt to market‐driven changes. This has made it an imperative for the state to remake as well as strengthen its capacity. How has the Chinese state taken up the challenge? To what extent has state capacity been shaped or reshaped in the process? Is the state's endeavour to strengthen and institutionalise its capacity successful? This article examines China's experience with building a powerful audit regime to answer these questions. It explores the driving forces behind institutional change and capacity development. As the findings show, the evolution of the state audit capacity in China is not a simple, linear process, but rather it is associated with multiple changes in the legal and regulatory framework, inter‐institutional relations and the norms guiding the behaviour of institutional actors. The development of the state audit in China reveals both the dynamics and dilemmas of state capacity development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of patients with FA and high risk features using fludarabine without radiation
Authors: Baker Jillian M. , Lewis Victor A. , Fernandez Conrad V. , Duval Michel , Crooks Bruce N. , Yuille Kim , Freedman Melvin H. , Doyle John J. , Dror Yigal
Published: January 2009

Several factors unique to Fanconi anemia (FA) limit the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in this population. In this report, we describe a multi‐center pilot study of five consecutive FA patients with high‐risk features for transplant prepared with fludarabine, without radiation. Four patients engrafted quickly, experienced minimal toxicity and are well at 43–65 months post‐transplant. One patient had a C‐mismatched unrelated donor transplant and had unsustained engraftment. This fludarabine based regimen without radiation was safe and effective for four high‐risk patients, suggesting that eliminating radiation should be further studied as an approach to HSCT in children with FA. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:683–685. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utilisation of cardiovascular medicines in Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5 years study
Authors: Markovic‐Pekovic Vanda , Stoisavljevic‐Satara Svjetlana , Skrbic Ranko
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The objective of this study was to analyse cardiovascular medicines utilisation patterns in Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) over the 2002–2006 period.

Methods

A retrospective study was taken to analyse utilisation medicines reimbursed by the Health Insurance Fund (HIF), with a focus on cardiovascular medicines utilisation. ATC/DDD methodology was used to monitor utilisation of medicines. Drug utilisation 90% (DU90%) method was used to determine the prescribing quality of cardiovascular medicines.

Results

Utilisation of cardiovascular medicines accounted for more than one half of the total medicines utilisation, with an increasing trend. Most prescribed were antihypertensive medicines i.e. ACE inhibitors, both plain and in combination with thiazide diuretics, and calcium channel blockers (CCB). Utilisation of β‐blockers and thiazide diuretics remains rather low despite an overall increase in utilisation. Re‐introduction of statins in 2004 instantly led to high utilisation. The number of cardiovascular medicines within DU90% segment varies from 8 in 2002 to 12 in 2006.

Conclusions

This study showed a constant increase in total medicines utilisation with the cardiovascular medicines as the most prescribed. DU90% is shown as a simple method for assessing general quality of medicines prescribing, which indicated that better adherence to the guidelines is needed in order to practice a more rational use of medicines and a cost‐efficient use of all resources. More stratified routinely performed analyses are also needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.