bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holtzmann's Life of Jesus according to the ‘A’ Source: Part 1
Authors: Kloppenborg John
Published: January 2006

H.J. Holtzmann's Die synoptischen Evangelien(1863) is not only regarded as having established Markan priority and the basic contours of the Two Source hypothesis; it also offered a sketch of the life of Jesus based on a Mark-like source that represents a starting point for the so-called ‘Liberal Lives of Jesus’ which prevailed from 1863 until the early 1900s. Holtzmann's ‘Life’ portrayed Jesus as an exemplary personality, and posited psychological development in seven stages in the career of Jesus. This essay discusses the intellectual context leading to Holtzmann's book and then offers an annotated English translation of Holtzmann's ‘Life of Jesus’. This is Part 1 of a two-part essay.
New Forms of Intercultural Communication in a Globalized World
Authors: Baraldi Claudio
Published: January 2006

Communication is the basic concept in explaining globalization. Globalization can be observed as the worldwide expansion of a functionally differentiated European society through intercultural communication. In this society, since the 17th century, intercultural communication has assumed the form of a modernist ethnocentrism based on values such as knowledge, pluralism and individualism. During the 20th century, historical changes created the necessity for new forms of intercultural communication. In the last decade of that century, a transcultural form of communication based on dialogue was proposed as a basis for cross-cultural adaptation, a creation of multicultural identities and a construction of a hybrid multicultural society. However, this transcultural form creates paradoxes and difficulties in intercultural communication, mixing the preservation of cultural difference with the search for synthesis. Consequently, a new form of intercultural dialogue, dealing with incommensurable differences and managing conflicts, is needed to create coordination among different cultural perspectives.
Globalized Values and Postcolonial Responses
Authors: Wasserman Herman
Published: January 2006

Globalization has had a far-reaching effect on media technologies worldwide. Concomitant with this global spread of media forms, liberal views of the media’s role in a democracy have been exported to countries outside the West. In scholarly debates, attempts are increasingly made to globalize media ethics on the basis of a search for universal ethics. However, reactions against western, liberal-democratic views of the media’s role in society in postcolonial African countries have indicated that the dominant liberal framework is not universally applicable. Against the background of attempts to globalize media ethics and in the light of African responses against liberal-democratic frameworks, this article provides an illustration of the tension between different normative frameworks in a postcolonial context. It takes the South African media environment as an example of how different normative media frameworks may collide. An overview is given of the development of normative media ethical frameworks during the first decade of democracy in South Africa, as part of the shift towards self-regulation that the media underwent after the era of oppressive state regulation. Against the background of the conflicts that have marked the media’s relationship with government during the first decade after apartheid, as well as critical debates about the media’s roles and responsibilities in a new democratic society marked by continued social polarization and material inequalities, the article argues that the current normative frameworks within which the media operate are in need of revision. The article suggests that such a revisionary project could draw on postcolonial theory in order to renegotiate the orthodox media ethical frameworks inherited from western societies and contextualize it within the current historical, (geo)political and cultural juncture in South Africa. In the debate about global media ethics, this revision of South African normative media frameworks may then serve as an example of how western media ethics should be adapted to local contexts.
XPS in combination with mercurization – incorporation of mercury into different morphological parts of an unbleached softwood kraft pulp
Authors: Thalib Themy , Heijnesson Hultén Anette
Published: January 2006

In this study the rate and extent of mercury incorporation into different morphological fractions, i.e., fibers, mechanically peeled fibers, primary and secondary fines, of an unbleached softwood kraft pulp were evaluated. In addition, the surface coverage of the different morphological pulp fractions by lignin was quantified using XPS in combination with mercurization. Incorporation of approximately one mole of mercury per mole of lignin (C9-unit) was obtained for the different morphological parts after a 10-h reaction. Extractives inhibit the mercurization reaction; however, this effect decreases as the mercurization procedure proceeds and disappears after approximately 10 h. XPS analysis showed that the amount of lignin on the pulp fiber surfaces was approximately twice as high as in the rest of the fibers and that mechanical peeling in a disintegrator removed lignin-rich material from fiber surfaces. The amount of surface lignin on primary and secondary fines was 3.5- and 6.5-fold higher than in the bulk, respectively. The mercurization technique in combination with XPS is well suited for verification of the amount of surface lignin.
Dissolution of fibre material in alkaline pre-treatment and refining of spruce CTMP
Authors: Konn Jonas , Pranovich Andrey , Holmbom Bjarne
Published: January 2006

The chemistry of chemithermomechanical pulping (CTMP) was assessed by chemical pre-treatment of spruce chips, followed by laboratory-scale refining. Pre-treatments with alkali, sulfite, alkaline sulfite and alkaline peroxide liquors were carried out at 40°C, 60°C and 80°C. The sodium hydroxide dosages were 1% and 2% and the sodium sulfite and hydrogen peroxide dosages were 2%, 4% and 6% on a dry wood basis. Process water samples were taken before and after refining. Alkali consumption in the pre-treatments and the amount and composition of released wood components were determined. A major part of the alkali was consumed in the alkaline and alkaline sulfite pre-treatments. In the alkaline peroxide pre-treatments, however, alkali consumption was considerably lower. Acetic acid was the main wood component released to the process waters in alkaline pre-treatments. Pectins, determined as galacturonic acid and rhamnose by acid methanolysis, were also released to some extent, as well as easily soluble polysaccharides. After fibre separation in refining, more hemicelluloses and pectins were released. There was a significant difference between the degree of demethylation for pectins and the degree of deacetylation for galactoglucomannans after the pre-treatments. The diffusion of chemicals into the secondary wall layers seemed to be slower than the liquor penetration into the porous middle lamella through the pit pores. Up to 10% of the pectins were dissolved in the process waters as a result of depolymerisation and extensive demethylation. The residual amount of pectins in the fibres, however, was determined to be as low as 65–70% of the initial pectin content.
Diffusion of tritiated water into water-saturated wood particles
Authors: Jacobson Aaron J. , Banerjee Sujit
Published: January 2006

The diffusion rate of tritiated water into pine and aspen particles follows a Fickian mechanism. The tortuosity for the diffusion of water into wood is quite low, at approximately 1.6, and increases with decreasing particle size. The tortuosity for aspen is higher than that for pine because the shorter fiber structure in aspen gives rise to a more extensive network of pores. Diffusion into free and bound water occurs at the same rate. Also, diffusion into and out of the particles is nearly identical, demonstrating that diffusion of water into saturated wood particles is completely reversible. No hysteresis was evident, in contrast to behavior for water adsorption on unsaturated wood. The implications of these findings for pulping and wood drying are discussed.
Machinability investigation of medium-density fibreboard
Authors: Lin Richard J.T. , van Houts Jeroen , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: January 2006

For many applications, the perceived quality of a medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is influenced by the appearance of its machined surface. The behaviour of MDF has been studied by passing a cutting tool through it at a relatively low speed. A digital camera was used that travels synchronously with the tool and the deformation occurring in front of the tool tip was recorded. The magnification of approximately 30× also allows the individual fibres or bundles to be clearly observed. Photographic images have also been taken of the same machining process at a much higher speed, producing similar results and thus establishing the slow-speed study as a viable option. The machining of different MDF samples has been recorded using a cutting speed of 1.6 mm s−1 and varying depths of cut (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mm). The video recordings of various panels permit the identification of their peculiar machining characteristics. Unrefined particles play a major role during machining. The trends of results have also been confirmed by scanning electron micrographs. The board densities were found to have a major influence on the machinability characteristics of the boards.
Rolling shear modulus and damping factor of spruce and decayed spruce estimated by modal analysis
Authors: Schubert Sandy Isabelle , Gsell Daniel , Dual Jürg , Motavalli Masoud , Niemz Peter
Published: January 2006

Modal analysis was used to determine the rolling shear modulus of Norway spruce samples that were either untreated or inoculated with fungi. The resonance frequencies of centimeter-range cuboids were measured using contact-less laser interferometry. A three-dimensional theoretical model describing the orthotropic behavior of the material was used to calculate the resonance frequencies. Using an iterative scheme based on the least-squares method, the value of the rolling shear modulus was then extracted. In this first investigation, the decrease in the rolling shear modulus and the weight loss of Norway spruce inoculated with white-rot fungiHeterobasidion annosumandGanoderma lipsiensewere studied for three different exposure times ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Comparison of measured and theoretical resonance frequencies confirmed that operation was in the applicable range of the theoretical model for the inoculated specimens. A decrease in rolling shear modulus of up to 10% (H. annosum) and 50% (G. lipsiense) was found.
Structural changes in activated wood-based carbons: correlation between specific surface area and localization of molecular-sized pores
Authors: Herzog Andreas , Reznik Boris , Chen Tengfei , Graule Thomas , Vogt Ulrich
Published: January 2006

Samples of maple were pyrolyzed and subsequently activated by carbon dioxide at different temperatures for various dwell times. The changes in wood structure were characterized by nitrogen adsorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing pyrolysis temperatures promoted increased crystallization of graphitic wood components and mineral-like phases. The average pore diameter derived from nitrogen adsorption isotherms approximately correlated with the results obtained by high-resolution SEM and TEM. The highest surface area was found for samples containing considerable amounts of nanoperforated pit membranes located in intervascular pitting. High-resolution TEM examinations of membrane regions showed foam-like clusters with an average size of 1.7 nm, which are attributed to the selective influence of CO2 activation on pyrolyzed cellulose and lignin.
Distribution and characterisation of discolouring substances in Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) pulp wood stored under water sprinkling
Authors: Hildén Lars , Zhang Jing , Persson Erik , Johansson Gunnar , Brändström Jonas
Published: January 2006

Discolouration of wood raw material during wet storage has a notable negative effect on the quality of the final product. In this study, fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate the spatial distribution of discolouring substances in water-sprinkled Norway spruce pulpwood. Water-sprinkled wood was characterised by the presence of discolouring substances on the pit membranes of wood cells. In vitro model studies on the interaction between a model bark substance (tannic acid) and torus constituents support the hypothesis that pectic structures facilitate the allocation of bark substances on pit membranes. Applied pectinase or tannase could not remove the discolouring substances from pit membranes. Manganese peroxidase had a minor but documented effect. The effect of manganese peroxidase, as well as HCl/vanillin labelling, indicated that the discolouring substance may be condensed tannins.
Distribution and Ecology of Dreissena Polymorpha (Pallas) and Dreissena Bugensis (Andrusov) in the Upper Volga Basin
Authors: Shcherbina GK , Buckler DR
Published: January 2006

This paper presents data on contemporary distribution patterns of two species of Dreissenidae, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), and their role in ecosystem processes in the Ivan'kovo, Uglich, Rybinsk, and Gorky Reservoirs of the Upper Volga River basin. The role of zebra mussel was also studied in experimental mesocosms of 15 m3. Maximum abundance and species diversity of macroinvertebrates, especially of leeches, polychaetes, crustaceans, and heterotopic insects, were attained in the portions of reservoirs where Dreissenidae were present and in experimental mesocosms where zebra mussel biomass was the highest. In the mesocosm studies, the presence of zebra mussel druses (colonies) provided shelter for macroinvertebrates, reducing their vulnerability to predation by perch (Perca fluviatilis) larvae and yearlings, thereby increasing macroinvertebrate species diversity. It was shown that in addition to its role in aquatic biocenosis (ecological community) formation and water purification, Dreissenidae are important food objects for benthophagous fishes, especially roach (Rutilus rutilus). Examination of intestines of benthophagous fishes showed that the length of Dreissenidae ranged from 5 to 20 mm in roach; from 4 to 14 mm in silver bream (Blicca bjoerkna), and from 2 to 10 mm in bream (Abramis brama). The largest mussels consumed were Quagga mussels up to 30 mm, noted in the predatory cyprinid. ide (Leuciscus idus).
Tracking the Onset of Damage Mechanism in Ceria-based Solid Oxide Fuel Cells under Simulated Operating Conditions
Authors: Sato K , Omura H , Hashida T , Yashiro K , Yugami H , Kawada T , Mizusaki J
Published: January 2006

A simple mechanical damage testing method, combined with Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring was developed in order to investigate the mechanical performance of solid oxide fuel cells under simulated environments. The damage testing method was applied to ceria electrolyte-supported single cells. The damage process was shown to involve vertical cracking and de lamination in the cathode, and vertical cracking in the electrolyte, and the fracture damage was most likely due to chemical expansion-induced stresses. It was demonstrated that the AE method enabled us to detect the above-mentioned damage process and to determine the condition for the onset of the damage in the single cell.
Presenilin-Based Genetic Screens in Drosophila melanogaster Identify Novel Notch Pathway Modifiers
Authors: Mahoney Matt B , Parks Annette L , Ruddy David A , Tiong Stanley Y K , Esengil Hanife , Phan Alexander C , Philandrinos Panos , Winter Christopher G , Chatterjee Runa , Huppert Kari , Fisher William W , L'Archeveque Lynn , Mapa Felipa A , Woo Wendy , Ellis Michael C , Curtis Daniel
Published: January 2006

Presenilin is the enzymatic component of γ-secretase, a multisubunit intramembrane protease that processes several transmembrane receptors, such as the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Mutations in human Presenilins lead to altered APP cleavage and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Presenilins also play an essential role in Notch receptor cleavage and signaling. The Notch pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that functions during the development of multicellular organisms, including vertebrates, Drosophila, and C. elegans. Recent studies have shown that Notch signaling is sensitive to perturbations in subcellular trafficking, although the specific mechanisms are largely unknown. To identify genes that regulate Notch pathway function, we have performed two genetic screens in Drosophila for modifiers of Presenilin-dependent Notch phenotypes. We describe here the cloning and identification of 19 modifiers, including nicastrin and several genes with previously undescribed involvement in Notch biology. The predicted functions of these newly identified genes are consistent with extracellular matrix and vesicular trafficking mechanisms in Presenilin and Notch pathway regulation and suggest a novel role for γ-tubulin in the pathway.
Maize Adaptation to Temperate Climate: Relationship Between Population Structure and Polymorphism in the Dwarf8 Gene
Authors: Camus-Kulandaivelu Létizia , Veyrieras Jean-Baptiste , Madur Delphine , Combes Valérie , Fourmann Marie , Barraud Stéphanie , Dubreuil Pierre , Gouesnard Brigitte , Manicacci Domenica , Charcosset Alain
Published: January 2006

To investigate the genetic basis of maize adaptation to temperate climate, collections of 375 inbred lines and 275 landraces, representative of American and European diversity, were evaluated for flowering time under short- and long-day conditions. The inbred line collection was genotyped for 55 genomewide simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Comparison of inbred line population structure with that of landraces, as determined with 24 SSR loci, underlined strong effects of both historical and modern selection on population structure and a clear relationship with geographical origins. The late tropical groups and the early “Northern Flint” group from the northern United States and northern Europe exhibited different flowering times. Both collections were genotyped for a 6-bp insertion/deletion in the Dwarf8 (D8idp) gene, previously reported to be potentially involved in flowering time variation in a 102 American inbred panel. Among-group D8idp differentiation was much higher than that for any SSR marker, suggesting diversifying selection. Correcting for population structure, D8idp was associated with flowering time under long-day conditions, the deletion allele showing an average earlier flowering of 29 degree days for inbreds and 145 degree days for landraces. Additionally, the deletion allele occurred at a high frequency (>80%) in Northern Flint while being almost absent (<5%) in tropical materials. Altogether, these results indicate that Dwarf8 could be involved in maize climatic adaptation through diversifying selection for flowering time.
Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci in Noninbred Mosquito Crosses
Authors: Wang Shuang , Huang Song , Zheng Liangbiao , Zhao Hongyu
Published: January 2006

The identification of genes that affect quantitative traits has been of great interest to geneticists for many decades, and many statistical methods have been developed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL). Most QTL mapping studies in experimental organisms use purely inbred lines, where the two homologous chromosomes in each individual are identical. As a result, many existing QTL mapping methods developed for experimental organisms are applicable only to genetic crosses between inbred lines. However, it may be difficult to obtain inbred lines for certain organisms, e.g., mosquitoes. Although statistical methods for QTL mapping in outbred populations, e.g., humans, can be applied for such crosses, these methods may not fully take advantage of the uniqueness of these crosses. For example, we can generally assume that the two grandparental lines are homozygous at the QTL of interest, but such information is not be utilized through methods developed for outbred populations. In addition, mating types and phases can be relatively easy to establish through the analysis of adjacent markers due to the large number of offspring that can be collected, substantially simplifying the computational need. In this article, motivated by a mosquito intercross experiment involving two selected lines that are not genetically homozygous across the genome, we develop statistical methods for QTL mapping for genetic crosses involving noninbred lines. In our procedure, we first infer parental mating types and use likelihood-based methods to infer phases in each parent on the basis of genotypes of offspring and one parent. A hidden Markov model is then employed to estimate the number of high-risk alleles at marker positions and putative QTL positions between markers in each offspring, and QTL mapping is finally conducted through the inferred QTL configuration across all offspring in all crosses. The performance of the proposed methods is assessed through simulation studies, and the usefulness of this method is demonstrated through its application to a mosquito data set.
A Role for the Septation Initiation Network in Septum Assembly Revealed by Genetic Analysis of sid2-250 Suppressors
Authors: Jin Quan-Wen , Zhou Mian , Bimbo Andrea , Balasubramanian Mohan K , McCollum Dannel
Published: January 2006

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe the septation initiation network (SIN) is required for stabilization of the actomyosin ring in late mitosis as well as for ring constriction and septum deposition. In a genetic screen for suppressors of the SIN mutant sid2-250, we isolated a mutation, ace2-35, in the transcription factor Ace2p. Both ace2Δ and ace2-35 show defects in cell separation, and both can rescue the growth defects of some SIN mutants at low restrictive temperatures, where the SIN single mutants lyse at the time of cytokinesis. By detailed analysis of the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring and septum in the sid2-250 mutant at low restrictive temperatures, we show that the lysis phenotype of the sid2-250 mutant is likely due to a weak cell wall and septum combined with enzymatic activity of septum-degrading enzymes. Consistent with the recent findings that Ace2p controls transcription of genes involved in cell separation, we show that disruption of some of these genes can also rescue sid2-250 mutants. Consistent with SIN mutants having defects in septum formation, many SIN mutants can be rescued at the low restrictive temperature by the osmotic stabilizer sorbitol. The small GTPase Rho1 is known to promote cell wall formation, and we find that Rho1p expressed from a multi-copy plasmid can also rescue sid2-250 at the low restrictive temperature. Together these results suggest that the SIN has a role in promoting proper cell wall formation at the division septa.
A Novel Forward Genetic Screen for Identifying Mutations Affecting Larval Neuronal Dendrite Development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Medina Paul Mark B , Swick Lance L , Andersen Ryan , Blalock Zachary , Brenman Jay E
Published: January 2006

Vertebrate and invertebrate dendrites are information-processing compartments that can be found on both central and peripheral neurons. Elucidating the molecular underpinnings of information processing in the nervous system ultimately requires an understanding of the genetic pathways that regulate dendrite formation and maintenance. Despite the importance of dendrite development, few forward genetic approaches have been used to analyze the latest stages of dendrite development, including the formation of F-actin-rich dendritic filopodia or dendritic spines. We developed a forward genetic screen utilizing transgenic Drosophila second instar larvae expressing an actin, green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein (actin∷GFP) in subsets of sensory neurons. Utilizing this fluorescent transgenic reporter, we conducted a forward genetic screen of >4000 mutagenized chromosomes bearing lethal mutations that affected multiple aspects of larval dendrite development. We isolated 13 mutations on the X and second chromosomes composing 11 complementation groups affecting dendrite outgrowth/branching, dendritic filopodia formation, or actin∷GFP localization within dendrites in vivo. In a fortuitous observation, we observed that the structure of dendritic arborization (da) neuron dendritic filopodia changes in response to a changing environment.
Genetically Engineered Underdominance for Manipulation of Pest Populations: A Deterministic Model
Authors: Magori Krisztian , Gould Fred
Published: January 2006

We theoretically investigate the potential for introgressing a desired engineered gene into a pest population by linking the desired gene to DNA constructs that exhibit underdominance properties. Our deterministic model includes two independently segregating engineered constructs that both carry a lethal gene, but suppress each other. Only genotypes containing both or neither construct are viable. Both constructs also carry the desired gene with an independent regulatory mechanism. We examine the minimal number of individuals of an engineered strain that must be released into a natural population to successfully introgress the desired gene. We compare results for strains carrying single and multiple insertions of the constructs. When there are no fitness costs associated with the inserted constructs (when the lethal sequences are not expressed), the number of individuals that must be released decreases as the number of insertions in the genome of the released strain increases. As fitness costs increase, the number of individuals that must be released increases at a greater rate for release strains with more insertions. Under specific conditions this results in the strain with only a single insertion of each construct being the most efficient for introgressing the desired gene. We discuss practical implications of our findings.
Origin and Evolution of Processed Pseudogenes That Stabilize Functional Makorin1 mRNAs in Mice, Primates and Other Mammals
Authors: Kaneko Satoko , Aki Ikuko , Tsuda Kaoru , Mekada Kazuyuki , Moriwaki Kazuo , Takahata Naoyuki , Satta Yoko
Published: January 2006

We investigate the origin and evolution of a mouse processed pseudogene, Makorin1-p1, whose transcripts stabilize functional Makorin1 mRNAs. It is shown that Makorin1-p1 originated almost immediately before the musculus and cervicolor species groups diverged from each other some 4 million years ago and that the Makorin1-p1 orthologs in various Mus species are transcribed. However, Mus caroli in the cervicolor species group expresses not only Makorin1-p1, but also another older Makorin1-derived processed pseudogene, demonstrating the rapid generation and turnover in subgenus Mus. Under this circumstance, transcribed processed pseudogenes (TPPs) of Makorin1 evolved in a strictly neutral fashion even with an enhanced substitution rate at CpG dinucleotide sites. Next, we extend our analyses to rats and other mammals. It is shown that although these species also possess their own Makorin1-derived TPPs, they occur rather infrequently in simian primates. Under this circumstance, it is hypothesized that already existing TPPs must be prevented from accumulating detrimental mutations by negative selection. This hypothesis is substantiated by the presence of two rather old TPPs, MKRNP1 and MKRN4, in humans and New World monkeys. The evolutionary rate and pattern of Makorin1-derived processed pseudogenes depend heavily on how frequently they are disseminated in the genome.
Hos2 and Set3 Promote Integration of Ty1 Retrotransposons at tRNA Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mou Zhongming , Kenny Alison E , Curcio M Joan
Published: January 2006

The yeast LTR retrotransposon Ty1 integrates preferentially into regions upstream of tRNA genes. The chromatin structure of transcriptionally active tRNA genes is known to be important for Ty1 integration, but specific chromatin factors that enhance integration at tRNA genes have not been identified. Here we report that the histone deacetylase, Hos2, and the Trithorax-group protein, Set3, both components of the Set3 complex (Set3C), enhance transposition of chromosomal Ty1 elements by promoting integration into the upstream region of tRNA genes. Deletion of HOS2 or SET3 reduced the mobility of a chromosomal Ty1his3AI element about sevenfold. Despite the fact that Ty1his3AI RNA, total Ty1 RNA, and total Ty1 cDNA levels were not reduced in hos2Δ or set3Δ mutants, transposition of endogenous Ty1 elements into the upstream regions of tRNAGly genes was substantially decreased. Furthermore, when equivalent numbers of Ty1HIS3 mobility events launched from a pGAL1:Ty1his3AI plasmid were analyzed, only one-quarter to one-half as many were found upstream of tRNAGly genes in a hos2Δ or set3Δ mutant than in a wild-type strain. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Hos2 is physically associated with tRNA genes. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that Hos2 and Set3 function at tRNA genes to promote Ty1 integration.
Overview of Signal Transduction
Authors: Esbenshade Timothy A. , Duzic Emir
Published: January 2006

Receptor‐ and ion channel‐coupled signal transduction mechanisms are downstream communication processes used by regulatory molecules to modulate the essential cell processes of growth, differentiation and survival. Knowledge of signal transduction processes has dramatically increased in the past decade, and the basic principles of intracellular signaling are now quite well established. Cell signaling in higher organisms is a major, highly complex, phenomena that occupies a central position in current biomedical research. The complex machinery of intracellular signaling also has the potential to provide a wealth of novel drug discovery targets, from protein kinases, adaptor proteins, lipases, and cytoskeletal proteins, to nuclear effectors. This overview describes common features of cellular signaling pathways, including their interactions and responses to environmental stimuli. In particular, the overview focuses on the regulation of signaling pathways by protein functional‐domain interactions as well as the intracellular proteins that mediate signal transduction.
Nucleoside Phosphoramidites Containing Cleavable Linkers
Authors: Pon Richard T.
Published: January 2006

Phosphoramidite reagents (linker phosphoramidites) containing a cleavable 3′‐ester linkage between the nucleoside and the phosphoramidite group can be used to attach the first nucleoside to a solid‐phase support. Inexpensive underivatized supports such as LCAA‐CPG can then be used as universal supports for oligonucleotide synthesis. No modifications to synthesis coupling conditions and no 3′‐dephosphorylation are required. Only oligonucleotides with terminal 3′‐OH ends are produced. Phosphoramidites containing both a succinate and a sulfonyldiethanol linkage are particularly useful and create oligonucleotides with both a 3′‐OH and 5′‐phosphate. In addition, by using these reagents, one oligonucleotide sequence can be added onto the 5′‐end of another (tandem synthesis) to produce a string of multiple oligonucleotides linked end‐to‐end. Deprotection releases the oligonucleotides from each other to yield a mixture of oligonucleotides. This approach is particularly useful for making pairs of PCR primers or both strands of a double‐stranded sequence in a single operation.
Microwave‐Assisted Functionalization of Solid Supports for Rapid Loading of Nucleosides
Authors: Iyer Radhakrishnan P. , Padmanabhan Seetharamaiyer , Coughlin John E.
Published: January 2006

Ultra‐fast and efficient functionalization of solid supports such as controlled‐pore glass (CPG), amino methyl polystyrene, and Tentagel has been achieved using microwave‐assisted procedures. Both amino‐ and carboxy‐terminated supports are easily prepared within minutes, in a reproducible manner, using microwave‐assisted methodologies. The resulting functionalized supports are efficiently coupled to nucleosides using dimethylformamide as a solvent in conjunction with a specially designed reactor and workstation called LOTUS. Using these improved protocols, CPG with loadings of 75 to 85 µmol/g can be prepared on a large scale within 3 to 4 days starting from native CPG, as opposed to traditional methods that require 10 to 15 days to achieve the same objective. In addition, the methods described here can potentially be employed for rapid functionalization of other solid matrices such as beads, slides, and pins for applications in microarrays or combinatorial chemistry.
Nucleoside‐5′‐Phosphoimidazolides: Reagents for Facile Synthesis of Dinucleoside Pyrophosphates
Authors: Chen Liqiang , Rejman Dominik , Bonnac Laurent , Pankiewicz Krzysztof W. , Patterson Steven E.
Published: January 2006

A facile method is presented for preparation of dinucleoside pyrophosphate derivatives based on reaction of a nucleoside 5′‐monophosphate with carbonyldiimidazole followed by treatment of the resulting nucleoside 5′‐phosphoimidazolide with a nucleoside 5′‐phosphate. This method is suitable for preparation of pyrophosphates analogous to NAD, FAD, and related natural pyrophosphates. The resulting compounds are useful for mechanistic studies of enzymes that use natural pyrophosphates as co‐factors or substrates, and in development of inhibitors that have potential applications as therapeutic agents.
Detection Assays for HIV Proteins
Authors: Ostrowski Mario A. , Chun Tae‐Wook , Cheseboro Bruce , Stanley Sharilyn K. , Tremblay Michel
Published: January 2006

This updated unit describes four assays for detection of HIV proteins including: (1) a quantitative ELISA, (2) a quantitative immunoblotting assay, (3) a qualitative immunofluorescence assay, and (4) a functional assay to measure virus‐associated reverse transcriptase activity as an indicator of viral production.
Immunoisolation of Centrosomes from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lehmann Verena , Müller Hannah , Lange Bodo M.H.
Published: January 2006

Classical protocols for the isolation of centrosomes from higher eukaryotic cells are based on enrichment of cell organelles by density gradient centrifugation. Various successful protocols have been described that isolate centrosomes from mammalian tissue culture cells, tissue, clam oocytes, Drosophila, and yeast, to mention only some of the more frequently used sources. The material produced is subsequently used in various assays. These include functional tests such as the microtubule nucleation assay, electron microscopic study of centrosome morphology, and antigen localization; the organelles may also be used for the generation of antibodies. Furthermore, centrosomal preparations have been used for the characterization of their protein composition. The method described here focuses on the isolation of centrosomes from the syncytial stages of the early Drosophila embryo. This is a particularly attractive system because these organelles are not bounded by cellular membranes. Moreover, the abundance of pericentriolar material of these centrosomes produces excellent total protein yields.
Using Apollo to Browse and Edit Genome Annotations
Authors: Misra Sima , Harris Nomi
Published: January 2006

An annotation is any feature that can be tied to genomic sequence, such as an exon, transcript, promoter, or transposable element. As biological knowledge increases, annotations of different types need to be added and modified, and links to other sources of information need to be incorporated, to allow biologists to easily access all of the available sequence analysis data and design appropriate experiments. The Apollo genome browser and editor offers biologists these capabilities. Apollo can display many different types of computational evidence, such as alignments and similarities based on BLAST searches (UNITS & ), and enables biologists to utilize computational evidence to create and edit gene models and other genomic features, e.g., using experimental evidence to refine exon‐intron structures predicted by gene prediction algorithms. This protocol describes simple ways to browse genome annotation data, as well as techniques for editing annotations and loading data from different sources.
Eye and respiratory symptoms in poultry processing workers exposed to chlorine by‐products
Authors: King Bradley S. , Page Elena H. , Mueller Charles A. , Dollberg Donald D. , Gomez Katherine E. , Warren Angela M.
Published: January 2006

Background

CDC/NIOSH responded to a request to investigate complaints of eye and respiratory irritation among workers in a poultry processing facility's evisceration department.

Methods

Investigators administered symptom questionnaires and sampled for chlorine and chloramines. Spirometry was performed on workers before and after their work shift.

Results

Symptoms were significantly more prevalent in evisceration workers than in dark meat workers (a control group). Air concentrations of chloramine compounds (i.e., trichloramine and ‘soluble chlorine’) were significantly higher in the evisceration area than the dark meat area. Exposure levels were significantly higher for employees reporting various symptoms compared to employees not reporting those symptoms. Mean trichloramine exposure concentrations were significantly higher in workers with significant cross‐shift declines in lung function; air concentrations of ‘soluble chlorine’ were higher as well, however, not significantly so.

Conclusions

Results of this evaluation suggest a health hazard may exist from exposure to chloramines. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:119–126, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymeric Sensor Materials: Toward an Alliance of Combinatorial and Rational Design Tools?
Authors: Potyrailo Radislav A.
Published: January 2006

Increased selectivity, response speed, and sensitivity in the chemical and biological determinations of gases and liquids are of great interest. Particular attention is paid to polymeric sensor materials, which are applicable to sensors exploiting various energy transduction principles, such as radiant, electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy. Ideally, numerous functional parameters of sensor materials can be tailored to meet specific needs using rational design approaches. However, increasing the structural and functional complexity of polymeric sensor materials makes it more difficult to predict the desired properties. Combinatorial and high‐throughput methods have had an impact on all areas of research on polymer‐based sensor materials including homo‐ and copolymers, formulated materials, polymeric structures with engineered morphology, and molecular shape‐recognition materials. Herein we report on the state‐of‐the‐art, the development trends, and the remaining knowledge gaps in the area of combinatorial polymeric sensor materials design.
Central visual system of the naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Crish Samuel D. , Dengler‐Crish Christine M. , Catania Kenneth C.
Published: January 2006

Naked mole‐rats are fossorial rodents native to eastern Africa that spend their lives in extensive subterranean burrows where visual cues are poor. Not surprisingly, they have a degenerated eye and optic nerve, suggesting they have poor visual abilities. However, little is known about their central visual system. To investigate the organization of their central visual system, we injected a neuronal tracer into the eyes of naked mole‐rats and mice to compare the neural structures mediating vision. We found that the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus were severely atrophied in the naked mole‐rat. The olivary pretectal nucleus was reduced but still retained its characteristic morphology, possibly indicating a role in light detection. In addition, the suprachiasmatic nucleus is well innervated and resembles the same structure in other rodents. The naked mole‐rat appears to have selectively lost structures that mediate form vision while retaining structures needed for minimal entrainment of circadian rhythms. Similar results have been reported for other mole‐rat species. Taken together, these data suggest that light detection may still play an important role in the lives of these “blind” animals: most likely for circadian entrainment or setting seasonal rhythms. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow‐injection chemiluminescence determination of catecholamines based on their enhancing effects on the luminol–potassium periodate system
Authors: Yao Hong , Sun Yuan Yuan , Lin Xinhua , Cheng Jinghua , Huang Liying
Published: January 2006

A rapid and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method using flow injection analysis is described for the determination of four catecholamines, dopamine, adrenaline, isoprenaline and noradrenaline, based on their greatly enhancing effects on the CL reaction of luminol–potassium periodate in basic solutions. The optimized chemical conditions for the chemiluminescence reaction were 1.0 × 10−4 mol/L luminol and 1.0 × 10−5 mol/L potassium periodate in 0.2 mol/L sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Under the optimized conditions, the calibration graphs relating the CL signal intensity (peak height) to the concentration of the analytes were curvilinear and they were suitable for determining dopamine, adrenaline, isoprenaline, and noradrenaline in the range 0.1–10 ng/mL, 0.1–100 ng/mL, 1–100 ng/mL and 5–50 ng/mL, respectively, with the relative standard deviations of 0.8–1.7%. The detection limits of the method are 0.02 ng/mL for dopamine, 0.01 ng/mL for adrenaline, 0.1 ng/mL for isoprenaline and 2.0 ng/mL for noradrenaline. The sampling frequency was calculated to be about 60/h. The selectivity of the method was good, because a series of common ions or excipients, such as K+, Ba2+, CO32−, NO3−, SO42−, PO43−, sodium citrate, sodium bisulphite, oxidate dopamine, starch, lactose, carbamide and gelatin, could not produce interference when their concentrations were 1000‐fold than those of dopamine. The present method was successfully applied to the determination of the four catecholamines in pharmaceutical injections. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competition of cytarabine and aspirin in binding to serum albumin in multidrug therapy
Authors: Sułkowska Anna , Bojko Barbara , Równicka Joanna , Sułkowski Wiesław W.
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to describe a competition between cytarabine (araC) and aspirin (ASA) in binding with bovine serum albumin (BSA). High‐affinity binding sites for both drugs were determined using a spectrofluorimetric method. Cytarabine as well as aspirin binds in the IIA hydrophobic subdomain of the transporting protein. Binding constants for araC–BSA and ASA–BSA were calculated by the Scatchard method. Analysis of ultraviolet (UV) difference spectra showed that araC, which has a higher affinity to BSA in comparison to ASA [Ka(araC) > Ka(ASA)] displaces ASA in high‐affinity binding sites.

The competition between drugs in low‐affinity binding sites was investigated using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C‐NMR spectra. We concluded that in the low‐affinity binding sites cytarabine decreases the affinity of albumin toward aspirin. However, the interaction between araC and BSA becomes more difficult in the presence of aspirin. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 464–472, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Percutaneous edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair: 2‐year follow‐up in the first human case
Authors: Condado José Antonio , Acquatella Harry , Rodriguez Leonardo , Whitlow Patrick , Vélez‐Gimo Manuel , St. Goar Frederick G.
Published: January 2006

We report the first‐in–human mitral valve repair using percutaneous technology that creates a “surgical‐like” edge‐to‐edge repair. A catheter‐delivered clip was introduced transseptally from the femoral vein, advanced through the mitral orifice, retracted to grasp the leaflets, and detached to create a functional double‐orifice valve. The patient had an uncomplicated post‐procedural course. Echocardiography at 1‐ and 2‐years post procedure showed mild mitral regurgitation and positive ventricular remodeling. The success of this case suggests that percutaneous mitral valve repair may be a feasible therapy for certain patients suffering from mitral regurgitation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scope and Mechanism of the PdII‐Catalyzed Arylation/Carboalkoxylation of Unactivated Olefins with Indoles
Authors: Liu Cong , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: January 2006

Treatment of 1‐methyl‐2‐(4‐pentenyl)indole (5) with a catalytic amount of [PdCl2(MeCN)2] (2; 5 mol %) and a stoichiometric amount of CuCl2 (3 equiv) in methanol under CO (1 atm) at room temperature for 30 min gives methyl (9‐methyl‐2,3,4,9‐tetrahydro‐4‐carbazolyl)acetate (6), which was isolated in 83 % yield. A number of 2‐ and 3‐alkenyl indoles undergo a similar palladium‐catalyzed cyclization/carboalkoxylation to give the corresponding polycyclic indole derivatives in moderate to excellent yields with excellent regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. Under similar conditions, vinyl arenes undergo intermolecular arylation/carboalkoxylation with indoles to give 3‐(1‐aryl‐2‐carbomethoxyethyl) indoles in moderate yield with high regioselectivity. Stereochemical analyses of the palladium‐catalyzed cyclization/carboalkoxylation of both 2‐ and 3‐alkenyl indoles are in agreement with mechanisms involving outer‐sphere attack of the indole on a palladium–olefin complex followed by α‐migratory insertion of CO and methanolysis of the resulting acyl palladium intermediate. CuCl2 functions as the terminal oxidant in this palladium‐catalyzed cyclization/carboalkoxylation of alkenyl indoles and also significantly increases the rate of reaction of 2 with the alkenyl indole to form the corresponding acyl palladium complex. Spectroscopic studies are in agreement with the intermediacy of a heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complex as the active catalyst in this reaction.
Atropisomeric Discrimination in New RuII Complexes Containing the C2‐Symmetric Didentate Chiral Phenyl‐1,2‐bisoxazolinic Ligand
Authors: Sala Xavier , Plantalech Elena , Romero Isabel , Rodríguez Montserrat , Llobet Antoni , Poater Albert , Duran Miquel , Solà Miquel , Jansat Susanna , Gómez Montserrat , Parella Teodor , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi
Published: January 2006

A new family of RuII complexes containing the tridentate meridional 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (trpy) ligand, a C2‐symmetric didentate chiral oxazolinic ligand 1,2‐bis[4′‐alkyl‐4′,5′‐dihydro‐2′‐oxazolyl]benzene (Phbox‐R, R = Et or iPr), and a monodentate ligand, of general formula [Ru(Y)(trpy)(Phbox‐R)]n+ (Y = Cl, H2O, py, MeCN, or 2‐OH‐py (2‐hydroxypyridine)) have been prepared and thoroughly characterized. In the solid state the complexes have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and by X‐ray diffraction analysis in two cases. In solution, UV/Vis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy techniques have been used. We have also performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations with these complexes to interpret and complement experimental results. The oxazolinic ligand Phbox‐R exhibits free rotation along the phenyloxazoline axes. Upon coordination this rotation is restricted by an energy barrier of 26.0 kcal mol−1 for the case of [Ru(trpy)(Phbox‐iPr)(MeCN)]2+ thus preventing its potential interconversion. Furthermore due to steric effects the two atropisomers differ in energy by 5.7 kcal mol−1 and as a consequence only one of them is obtained in the synthesis. Subtle but important structural effects occur upon changing the monodentate ligands that are detected by NMR spectroscopy in solution and interpreted by using their calculated DFT structures.