bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic affinity ligands as a novel tool to improve protein stability
Authors: Sousa I. T. , Ruiu L. , Lowe C. R. , Taipa M. A.
Published: July 2008

Cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi is the model‐system for a new approach to assess and enhance protein stability based on the use of synthetic triazine‐scaffolded affinity ligands as a novel protein‐stabilizing tool. The active site of cutinase is excluded from the main surface regions postulated to be involved in early protein's thermal unfolding events. Hence, these regions are suitable targets for binding complementary affinity ligands with a potential stabilizing effect. A random solid‐phase combinatorial library of triazine‐bisubstituted molecules was screened for binding cutinase by a rapid fluorescence‐based method and affinity chromatography. The best binding substituents were combined with those previously selected by screening a rationally designed library. A second‐generation solid‐phase biased library was designed and synthesized, following a semi‐rational methodology. A dual screening of this library enabled the selection of ligands binding cutinase with higher affinity while retaining its functionality. These compounds were utilized for thermostability assessment with adsorbed cutinase at 60°C and pH 8.0. When bound to different types of ligands, the enzyme showed markedly distinct activity retention profiles, with some synthetic affinity ligands displaying a stabilizing effect on cutinase and others a clearly destabilizing effect, when compared with the free enzyme. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the promoter region and the 5′‐untranslated exons of the human voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.1 gene (SCN1A) and enhancement of gene expression by the 5′‐untranslated exons
Authors: Long Yue‐Sheng , Zhao Qi‐Hua , Su Tao , Cai Yang‐Lin , Zeng Yang , Shi Yi‐Wu , Yi Yong‐Hong , Chang Hao‐Hui , Liao Wei‐Ping
Published: July 2008

Voltage‐gated sodium channels play critical roles in the excitability of the brain. A decreased level of Nav1.1 has been identified as the cause of severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy. In the present study, we identified the transcription start site and three 5′‐untranslated exons of SCN1A by using 5′‐full RACE. The 2.5‐kb region upstream of the transcription start site was targeted as a potential location of the promoter. The 2.5‐kb genomic fragment (P2.5, from +26 to –2,500) and the 2.7‐kb fragment (P2.7, P2.5 combined with the 227‐bp 5′‐untranslated exons) were cloned to produce luciferase constructs. The P2.5 and the P2.7 drove luciferase gene expression in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y but not in the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK‐293. The 5′‐untranslated exons could greatly enhance gene expression in SH‐SY5Y cells. The P2.7 could be used as a functional unit to study the role of SCN1A noncoding sequences in gene expression. These findings will also help in exploring the possibility of promoter mutant‐induced diseases and revealing the mechanism underlying the regulation of SCN1A expression in the normal brain. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bax shuttling after neonatal hypoxia–ischemia: Hyperoxia effects
Authors: Gill Martin B. , Bockhorst Kurt , Narayana Ponnada , Perez‐Polo J. Regino
Published: July 2008

Perinatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) occurs in 0.2%–0.4% of all live births, with 100% O2 resuscitation (HHI) remaining a standard clinical treatment. HI produces a broad spectrum of neuronal death phenotypes ranging from a more noninflammatory apoptotic death to a more inflammatory necrotic cell death that may be responsible for the broad spectrum of reported dysfunctional outcomes. However, the mechanisms that would account for this phenotypic spectrum of cell death are not fully understood. Here, we provide evidence that Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax) can shuttle to different subcellular compartments in response to HI, thus triggering the different organelle‐associated cell death signaling cascades resulting in cell death phenotype diversity. There was an early increase in intranuclear and total nuclear Bax protein levels followed by a later Bax redistribution to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Associated with the organelle‐specific Bax shuttling time course, there was an increase in nuclear phosphorylated p53, cytosolic cleaved caspase‐3, and caspase‐12. When HI‐treated P7 rats were resuscitated with 100% O2 (HHI), there were increased lesion volumes as determined by T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging with no change in cortical apoptotic signaling compared with HI treatment alone. There was, however, increased inflammatory (cytosolic‐cleaved interleukin‐1β) and necrotic (increased nuclear 55‐kDa‐cleaved PARP‐1 [poly‐ADP‐ribose 1] and decreased nuclear HMGB1 [nuclear high‐mobility group box 1]) after HHI. Furthermore, HHI increased ER calpain activation and ER Bax protein levels compared with HI alone. These data suggest that 100% O2 resuscitation increases Bax‐mediated activation of ER cell death signaling, inflammation, and lesion volume by increasing necrotic‐like cell death. In light of these findings, the use of 100% O2 treatment for neonatal HI should be reevaluated. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of internal control genes for expression studies: Effects of the neurotrophin BDNF on hippocampal neurons
Authors: Santos Ana Rita A. , Duarte Carlos B.
Published: July 2008

The stability of expression of an internal control is required for accurate and reliable normalization in quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) experiments. However, expression of commonly used reference genes can be regulated under specific experimental conditions, particularly in response to stimuli that exert multiple effects on gene expression. The neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates gene expression through activation of multiple signaling cascades, and we have conducted an expression study for the proper validation of internal control genes in BDNF‐stimulated cultured hippocampal neurons. geNorm and NormFinder were applied to eight potential genes to identify the most stable genes to be used in the relative quantification of the effects of BDNF on gene expression. Our data show that Tbp (TATA box binding protein), Ppia (peptidylprolyl isomerase A), Pgk1 (phosphoglycerate kinase 1), and Hprt1 (hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase I) are the most stable genes under the experimental conditions used, contrasting with Tuba1 (tubulin alpha1‐A chain) and Gapdh (glyceraldehydes‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase), two genes widely used as control genes, which showed an unstable expression in hippocampal neurons stimulated with BDNF. Analysis of the BDNF‐induced changes in expression of Sars, Tufm, and Egr3 by using different sets of control genes showed distinct results, with a combination of three to four of the genes Tbp/Ppia/Pgk1/Hprt1 providing the most consistent results. Our data reinforce the need for proper validation of the internal control genes for an accurate quantification of qRT‐PCR results, particularly when analyzing cellular responses to agents (e.g., neurotrophins) that cause multiple changes in gene expression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Joint immobilization reduces the expression of sensory neuropeptide receptors and impairs healing after tendon rupture in a rat model
Authors: Bring Daniel K.‐I. , Reno Carol , Renstrom Per , Salo Paul , Hart David A. , Ackermann Paul W.
Published: July 2008

Healing after mobilization versus immobilization was assessed in a model of rat Achilles tendon rupture, by RT‐PCR at 8 and 17 days and by histological analyses at 14 and 28 days postrupture. The expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules (collagen type I and type III, versican, decorin, and biglycan), and the subjective histological maturation of the healing area were analyzed. Effects of immobilization on healing were related to changes in the peripheral expression of substance P (NK1)‐ and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CRLR and RAMP‐1)‐ receptors. At 8 days postinjury, mRNA levels for ECM molecules were equal in both groups. However, by day 17, the ECM mRNA expression in the mobilized group had increased up to ∼14× that of the immobilized group, which were comparable to intact tendon values. Histological analysis confirmed a higher regenerating activity in the mobilized group, with an increased amount of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and new collagen. The expression of sensory neuropeptide receptors in the mobilized group exhibited a significant increase from 8 to 17 days postinjury similar to the increased ECM mRNA expression, whereas the immobilized group at 17 days exhibited levels comparable to the intact tendon values. Therefore, immobilization postrupture appears to hamper tendon healing, a process which may prove to be directly linked to a downregulated peripheral sensitivity to sensory neuropeptide stimulation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:274–280, 2009
Neuromuscular junction integrity after chronic nerve compression injury
Authors: Mozaffar Tahseen , Strandberg Erika , Abe Kazuko , Hilgenberg Lutz G. , Smith Martin A. , Gupta Ranjan
Published: July 2008

Chronic nerve compression injuries (CNC) are progressive demyelinating disorders characterized by a gradual decline of the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in the affected nerve region. CNC injury induces a robust Schwann cell response with axonal sprouting, but without morphologic evidence of axonal injury. We hypothesize that early CNC injury occurs without damage to neuromuscular junction of motor axons. A well‐established animal model was used to assess for damage to motor axons. As sprouting is considered a hallmark of regeneration during and after axonal degeneration and sprouting was confirmed visually at 2 weeks in CNC animals, we assessed for axonal degeneration in motor nerves after CNC by evaluating the integrity of the neuromuscular junction. NCV exhibited a gradual progressive decline consistent with the human condition. Compound motor action potential amplitudes decreased slightly immediately and plateaued, indicating that there was not sustained and increasing axonal loss. Sprouting was confirmed using immunofluorescence and by an increase in number of unmyelinated axons and Remak bundles. Blind analysis of the neuromuscular junction showed no difference between control and CNC images, indicating that there was no evidence for end‐unit axonal loss in the soleus muscle. Because the progressive decline in NCV was not paired with a similar progressive decline in amplitude, it is likely that axonal loss is not responsible for slowing of action potentials. Blind analysis of the neuromuscular junction provides further evidence that the axonal sprouting seen early after CNC injury is not a consequence of axonal degeneration in the motor nerves. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:114–119, 2009
Quick prediction of the retention of solutes in 13 thin layer chromatographic screening systems on silica gel by classification and regression trees
Authors: Komsta Łukasz
Published: July 2008

The use of classification and regression trees (CART) was studied in a quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) context to predict the retention in 13 thin layer chromatographic screening systems on a silica gel, where large datasets of interlaboratory determined retention are available. The response (dependent variable) was the rate mobility (RM) factor, while a set of atomic contributions and functional substituent counts was used as an explanatory dataset. The trees were investigated against optimal complexity (number of the leaves) by external validation and internal crossvalidation. Their predictive performance is slightly lower than full atomic contribution model, but the main advantage is the simplicity. The retention prediction with the proposed trees can be done without computer or even pocket calculator.
Use of capillary electrophoresis to evaluate protective effects of methylglyoxal scavengers on the activity of creatine kinase
Authors: Ma Jinyu , Peng Xiaofang , Cheng Ka‐Wing , Chen Feng , Yang Dajin , Chen Bo , Wang Mingfu
Published: July 2008

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive α‐oxoaldehyde formed endogenously in numerous enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions. The reactions between MGO and various amino residues in proteins not only result in inactivation of enzymes, but also lead to the formation of different detrimental advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Recently, it was reported that creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.3.2) activity could be reduced or even lost under incubation with MGO in vitro. In this study, an efficient CE analytical method was developed for the evaluation of CK activity. Based on this CE method, the inhibitory effect of MGO on CK activity was confirmed. Several MGO scavengers such as aminoguanidine (AG) and some thiols showed obvious protective effects on CK activity against MGO. Furthermore, tiopronin (TP), a hepatoprotective drug, was found for the first time to counteract MGO‐induced inhibition of CK activity in CK reaction. Meanwhile, TP also retained adenosine diphosphate (ADP) generation level in plasma treated with MGO, which implies that this drug may have potential protective effect on other enzymes which are associated with adenine nucleotide metabolism. Besides, the established CE approach can be utilized as a model for screening effective MGO scavengers by monitoring CK‐catalyzed conversion between adenosine triphosphate and ADP.
Hydrosilylation of Diynes as a Route to Functional Polymers Delocalized Through Silicon
Authors: Sanchez Jason C. , Trogler William C.
Published: July 2008

Polycarbosilanes exhibit desirable physiochemical properties such as high thermal stability, elastomeric behavior, diverse functional group tolerance, electronic delocalization, and ease of synthesis. New ceramic precursors, fire‐retardant materials, and flexible conducting polymers have been created using polycarbosilanes. Catalytic hydrosilylation provides a convenient synthetic route to these materials. With its tolerance of many functional groups, catalytic hydrosilylation offers one‐step syntheses of both aliphatic and olefinic polymers and dendrimers whose electronic properties can be tuned selectively.

Copolymerization of conjugated diynes with compounds that contain the silole chromophore offers a route to new luminescent materials that have been applied to the detection of explosives and may be promising organic light‐emitting diode materials. An important feature of the silole materials is the Lewis acidity at silicon, which offers a function not often present in organic polymers.

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Imaging physical parameters of pre‐breakdown Sites by lock‐in thermography techniques
Authors: Breitenstein O. , Bauer J. , Wagner J.‐M. , Lotnyk A.
Published: July 2008

Local pre‐breakdown sites in solar cells can be studied by lock‐in thermography (LIT). Three new LIT techniques are proposed and demonstrated here, which are TC‐DLIT for studying the local temperature coefficient of pre‐breakdown sites, Slope‐DLIT for measuring the normalized local slope of the I–V characteristics, and MF‐ILIT for imaging the local carrier multiplication factor. First results on multicrystalline silicon cells show that the pre‐breakdown mechanism cannot completely be described by the conventional impact ionization and internal field emission models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the health and well‐being of cancer survivors: past as prologue
Authors: Bloom Joan R.
Published: July 2008

During the past two decades, there have been a number of unsuccessful replication attempts of our finding that group psychotherapy improves cancer survival. One explanation for this failure is that the wrong phenomenon has been studied. Rather than focusing on the effects of the psychotherapeutic relationship, perhaps, the focus should have been on the social support provided and networks developed by these groups. Since the late 1970s, a growing body of research indicates the importance of social networks and social support on reductions in not only all cause mortality, but also disease specific mortality including cancer. We have learned about how the health, well‐being, and ultimate survival of cancer patients is improved by social support and social networks. The social milieu within which we live can provide resources that facilitate reintegration into society. These resources at the individual level, such as one's perception of social and emotional support, at the level of one's social ties with family and friends, and at the community level appear to improve survival across disease conditions including cancer. Even though, the mechanisms by which these endpoints are achieved remain elusive, there is much that can be done. The challenge of our time is to translate what we already know into programs to improve quality of life and to focus research toward increasing our understanding the mechanisms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale©: psychometric properties in a large cancer cohort
Authors: Watson M. , Homewood J.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale is widely used to assess psychological response to cancer. There have been several attempts to replicate independently the original factor structure of the MAC. Evidence from these replication studies is reviewed. A re‐analysis of the MAC Scale was conducted on a substantial new cohort in order to clarify the factor structure.

Methods: 1255 patients with various cancer diagnoses completed the MAC Scale.

Results: Two results emerged: first, that the original MAC dimension of Helplessness/Hopelessness is extremely stable and robust; second, that the original factors can be subsumed within two overarching (first order) factors relating to positive and negative adjustment scores.

Conclusions: The original MAC Scale remains a satisfactory measure of psychological outcome. Two‐higher order factors representing global adjustment are now available to provide an overall summary measure alongside the original specific sub‐scales. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the positive relation between received social support and negative affect: a test of the triage and self‐esteem threat models in women with breast cancer
Authors: Lepore Stephen J. , Glaser Debra B. , Roberts Katherine J.
Published: July 2008

Objective: There is a seemingly paradoxical positive relation between received social support and psychological distress in cancer patients. This study evaluates two models that explain this positive relation: (a) the triage model, which argues that more distressed people receive more support and (b) the self‐esteem threat model, which argues that receiving support increases distress by undermining self‐esteem.

Methods: Longitudinal survey data were collected from 71 women treated for breast cancer at 3‐ (T1) and 18‐months (T2) post‐diagnosis

Results: Analyses did not disconfirm either model. Consistent with the triage model, there was a marginally significant (p=0.052) positive relation between T1 negative affect and T2 received support, controlling for T1‐received support. Consistent with the self‐esteem threat model, a significant positive relation between T1 received support and T2 negative affect, controlling for T1 negative affect, appeared to be mediated by T2 self‐esteem.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that people with cancer who are most distressed may receive the most social support, but the conveyance of support can have negative consequences for self‐esteem and affect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrocephalus as a possible additional contributor to cognitive outcome in survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma
Authors: Hardy Kristina K. , Bonner Melanie J. , Willard Victoria W. , Watral Melody Ann , Gururangan Sridharan
Published: July 2008

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between shunted hydrocephalus and intellectual, memory and academic functioning in a group of survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma.

Methods: Data from measures of cognitive, memory, academic and visual–motor functioning were gathered retrospectively from 35 survivors. Of these survivors, 10 (28.6%) required ventriculoperitoneal‐shunt placement for hydrocephalus posttumor resection.

Results: Results revealed that participants with shunted hydrocephalus demonstrated significantly lower IQs, lower nonverbal intellectual functioning, lower academic skills in writing and math, and impairments in visual–motor abilities when compared with those without shunt.

Conclusions: These results highlight the need to explore other variables—in addition to radiation and chemotherapy—as risk factors for neurocognitive impairments in survivors. Furthermore, identification of physiological substrates underlying these deficits is needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
Psychological distress and its correlates in ovarian cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Arden‐Close Emily , Gidron Yori , Moss‐Morris Rona
Published: July 2008

Objective: Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and consequently high levels of distress are often experienced. It is necessary to understand the factors associated with psychological distress in order to guide interventions to target those factors. The purpose of this systematic review was therefore to identify correlates of psychological distress in ovarian cancer.

Methods: Included studies had to be quantitative and empirical, with standardized measures of psychological distress (anxiety or depression), and to present results for ovarian cancer patients specifically. Standard systematic search methods were used. Information about design, ovarian cancer sample size, disease stage, time since diagnosis, measures of distress used and findings was extracted from each study. The studies were quality assessed using experimenter‐defined criteria as good, average and poor quality. Strength of the evidence (strong, some, inconclusive) was based on the quality and consistency of findings.

Results: Eighteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. There was strong evidence for a relationship between younger age, being diagnosed with more advanced disease, more physical symptoms and shorter time since diagnosis with increased levels of anxiety and/or depression. Additional factors (e.g. immune) tested in a few studies also emerged as correlates of distress.

Conclusions: Demographic, disease and quality of life factors correlated with distress. However, too few studies assessed possible psychological and immunological correlates, which could be potentially modified and should be assessed in future studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a nursing intervention on quality of life outcomes in post‐surgical women with gynecological cancers
Authors: McCorkle Ruth , Dowd Michael , Ercolano Elizabeth , Schulman‐Green Dena , Williams Anna‐leila , Siefert Mary Lou , Steiner Jeanne , Schwartz Peter
Published: July 2008

Objective: Women with gynecological cancers have reported poor health‐related quality of life (QOL), with complex physical and psychological needs post‐surgery and during chemotherapy treatment. There are no studies reporting interventions addressing these needs post‐hospital discharge in this population.

Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received 6 months of specialized care by an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN); in addition, women with high distress were evaluated and monitored by a psychiatric consultation–liaison nurse (PCLN). The attention control group was assisted with symptom management by a research assistant. The effects of the 6‐month intervention were evaluated using self‐report questionnaires at baseline (24–48 h after surgery), 1, 3, and 6 months post‐ surgery. QOL assessments included the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale , the ambiguity subscale of the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale , the Symptom Distress Scale, and the Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12). The sample for the longitudinal analysis included 123 who completed QOL outcome measures across three occasions post‐surgery.

Results: The APN intervention resulted in significantly less uncertainty than the attention control intervention 6 months after surgery. When the sub‐group who received the APN plus PCLN intervention was compared with the total attention control group, the sub‐group had significantly less uncertainty, less symptom distress, and better SF‐12 mental and physical QOL over time.

Conclusion: Nurse tailored interventions that target both physical and psychological aspects of QOL in women recovering from cancer surgery and undergoing chemotherapy produce stronger outcomes than interventions that target solely one QOL aspect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression, distress and positive mood in late‐stage cancer: a longitudinal study
Authors: Rabkin Judith G. , McElhiney Martin , Moran Patricia , Acree Michael , Folkman Susan
Published: July 2008

Objectives: To determine whether new‐onset clinical depression emerges over time, and whether positive and negative mood levels change among patients with terminal cancer.

Methods: In this two‐site study, 58 cancer patients seen at least twice were interviewed monthly until death or study termination. Major measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire—9, Holland System of Beliefs Inventory, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.

Results: At study entry, 7% of patients had major depressive disorder; another 9% had depressive symptoms but no Axis I diagnosis. Twenty‐two percent were taking antidepressants. During visits ranging from 2 to 21 per patient, 76% of patients never had a depression diagnosis, 3% were always depressed, and 14% became depressed for the first time, almost exclusively at their final visit before death. Scores on positive mood were equivalent to or higher than scores on negative mood and did not change over time. Cancer site, hospice, spiritual beliefs, income, and caregiver mood were unrelated to depression. Spiritual beliefs were, however, associated with positive mood, hope, and better quality of life.

Conclusions: In this exploratory study, terminally ill patients approaching death experienced positive as well as negative mood although a significant minority met criteria for major depression at the last visit before death. The findings suggest that major depression is not an inevitable part of the dying process in patients with terminal cancer. Further, the appropriateness of classifying sadness, loss of interest and thoughts that one would be better off dead in the last days of life as psychopathology should be reconsidered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult daughters' reports of breast cancer risk reduction and early detection advice received from their mothers: an exploratory study
Authors: Sinicrope Pamela S. , Patten Christi A. , Clark Lara P. , Brockman Tabetha A. , Frost Marlene H. , Petersen Larra R. , Vierkant Robert A. , Vachon Celine M. , Fredericksen Zachary S. , Janney Carol A. , Sellers Thomas A. , Cerhan James R.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Awareness of cancer family history is dependent upon communication between family members. Communication of this information and related decision‐making could be important factors influencing breast cancer risk reduction and early detection behaviors. Using survey data from 2328 women (mean age 62.5 years) from 372 families enrolled in the Minnesota breast cancer family study, we explored adult daughter's reports of breast cancer risk reduction advice received from their mothers.

Methods and results: Approximately 212 (9%) of respondents reported receiving breast cancer risk reduction advice from their mothers and 130 (89%) reported acting upon such advice. Having a mother or first degree relative (FDR) with a history of breast cancer was significantly correlated with following advice to a higher degree as compared with those not having such family history (p=0.003).

Most frequently reported types of advice were to have mammograms (36%) and to have clinical breast exams (35%). Using multivariable logistic regression and after accounting for non‐independence of the sample, significant independent correlates of receiving advice included younger age, having an affected mother, and having a higher perceived breast cancer risk. Receiving advice was also correlated with engaging in a higher number of health promoting behaviors and ever having received a mammogram.

Conclusions: Our preliminary findings are consistent with social influence theory and suggest that mother–daughter communication about reducing risk, especially among those having a FDR with breast cancer, could be a potential pathway through which breast cancer family history is associated with the adoption of breast cancer screening and risk reduction behaviors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow following definitive radiotherapy for intermediate or high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Berg Arne , Bruland Øyvind S. , Fosså Sophie D. , Nesland Jahn M. , Berner Aasmund , Schirmer Cecilie , Lilleby Wolfgang
Published: July 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) of clinically progression‐free prostate cancer (PC) patients at least 2 years after curatively intended radiotherapy (RT) with or without adjuvant hormone treatment.

Methods

All patients were T1–3N0M0 with intermediate or high risk of progression. Median time from RT to BM sampling was 5 years (2–8). A standardized immunocytochemical method applying the anticytokeratin antibodies AE1/AE3 was used for DTCs detection in 130 patients. Morphological characterization of immunostained cells was performed to exclude false positive cells. The post‐treatment BM was explored in relation to pre‐treatment risk factors, treatment strategy and serum levels of Testosterone and PSA at the time of BM sampling. Longitudinal changes in BM status were studied in a sub‐group of 109 patients who also had donated BM prior to treatment.

Results

Post‐treatment BM‐aspirates were positive for DTCs in 17% of cases without correlation to any of the tested variables. Out of 14 patients who had DTCs in BM prior to treatment, all but one had become post‐treatment negative. Out of 95 patients with pre‐treatment negative BM status, 18 (19%) had become post‐treatment positive.

Conclusions

DTCs in BM were found in 17% of clinically progression‐free PC patients following RT. The detection of these cells may provide PSA‐independent prognostic information remaining to be explored by prolonged follow‐up. Prostate 68: 1607–1614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal data collection for correlated mutation analysis
Authors: Ashkenazy Haim , Unger Ron , Kliger Yossef
Published: July 2008

The main objective of correlated mutation analysis (CMA) is to predict intraprotein residue–residue interactions from sequence alone. Despite considerable progress in algorithms and computer capabilities, the performance of CMA methods remains quite low. Here we examine whether, and to what extent, the quality of CMA methods depends on the sequences that are included in the multiple sequence alignment (MSA). The results revealed a strong correlation between the number of homologs in an MSA and CMA prediction strength. Furthermore, many of the current methods include only orthologs in the MSA, we found that it is beneficial to include both orthologs and paralogs in the MSA. Remarkably, even remote homologs contribute to the improved accuracy. Based on our findings we put forward an automated data collection procedure, with a minimal coverage of 50% between the query protein and its orthologs and paralogs. This procedure improves accuracy even in the absence of manual curation. In this era of massive sequencing and exploding sequence data, our results suggest that correlated mutation‐based methods have not reached their inherent performance limitations and that the role of CMA in structural biology is far from being fulfilled. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure based mechanism of the Ca2+‐induced release of coelenterazine from the Renilla binding protein
Authors: Stepanyuk Galina A. , Liu Zhi‐Jie , Vysotski Eugene S. , Lee John , Rose John P. , Wang Bi‐Cheng
Published: July 2008

The crystal structure of the Ca2+‐loaded coelenterazine‐binding protein from Renilla muelleri in its apo‐state has been determined at resolution 1.8 Å. Although calcium binding hardly affects the compact scaffold and overall fold of the structure before calcium addition, there are easily discerned shifts in the residues that were interacting with the coelenterazine and a repositioning of helices, to expose a cavity to the external solvent. Altogether these changes offer a straightforward explanation for how following the addition of Ca2+, the coelenterazine could escape and become available for bioluminescence on Renilla luciferase. A docking computation supports the possibility of a luciferase‐binding protein complex. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stress‐driven transport in ordered porous anodic films
Authors: Houser Jerrod E. , Hebert Kurt R.
Published: July 2008

Ionic transport in porous anodic alumina (PAA) films during steady‐state growth was simulated, including effects of ionic migration in the electric potential and stress gradients, as well as material flow. The calculated flow patterns display similar characteristics to those revealed by experimental studies. The results indicate that the stress field driving the flow originates from three sources: volume change at the metal–film interface during oxidation, the nonlinear current–electric field relationship governing ionic conduction, and insertion of species at the film–solution interface. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of molecular adsorbates on the structure of electrodeposited nanocrystalline ZnO
Authors: Loewenstein T. , Sann J. , Neumann C. , Meyer B. K. , Schlettwein D.
Published: July 2008

Pure ZnO or ZnOEosinY with adsorbed EosinY molecules was deposited electrochemically from aqueous zinc salt solutions on (0001)GaN and (0001)ZnO. X‐ray diffraction revealed the deposition of crystalline ZnO in all cases, with almost perfect orientation in the c ‐direction. Shifts in the peak positions observed for ZnOEosinY were explained by a lattice expansion by 3.6% in the c ‐direction caused by the strong influence of the EosinY molecules adsorbed during the growth of ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to elucidate the film morphology. Photoluminescence measurements served to determine changes in the electronic structure of these nanocrystalline materials. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of package light transmittance on the vitamin content of milk, part 3: Fortified UHT low‐fat milk
Authors: Saffert Alexander , Pieper Gabriele , Jetten Jan
Published: July 2008

This work is the third and last part of a milk study evaluating the effect of package light transmittance on the vitamin content of milk, in this case on fortified UHT low‐fat milk. The milk was stored under light with an intensity of 700 lux in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with varying light transmittance to monitor the changes in the vitamin A, B2 and D3 contents over a storage period of 12 weeks at 23°C. Milk packed in pigmented PET bottles with the lowest light transmittance, which was stored in the dark under the same experimental conditions, served as the ‘control’ sample. In clear PET bottles, a reduction of 93% of the initial content was observed for vitamin A and 66% for vitamin D3, while the vitamin B2 content was completely degraded. In all pigmented PET bottles, the vitamin retention was only slightly higher; the losses ranged between 70 and 90% for vitamin A, between 63 and 95% for vitamin B2, and between 35 and 65% for vitamin D3 depending on the pigmentation level. In the dark‐stored ‘control’ sample, a 16% loss could be observed for vitamin A, while the level of vitamins B2 and D3 remained almost stable. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relevance of organizational capabilities and its dynamics: what to learn from entrants' product portfolios about the determinants of entry timing
Authors: Lee Gwendolyn K.
Published: July 2008

The resource‐based view of the firm suggests that the timing of market entry by a firm depends on its resources and capabilities, but several important questions remain. First, in a high‐velocity market where capabilities change quickly, how does entry timing depend on the capabilities at varying points in time? Second, how much flexibility does a firm have in altering its capabilities to achieve desirable entry timing? To answer these questions, this study sets out to develop a dynamic, refined version of the resource‐based view that parameterizes a firm by its time‐varying capability relevance with respect to a focal market, and makes predictions on entry timing and future growth of capability relevance. The study develops a novel approach that uses the entrants' product portfolios to infer a potential entrant's capability relevance. The results based on a panel of potential entrants show that the initial and current capability relevance each affect entry timing alone, revealing the persistent effect of the initial condition. However, given the knowledge of the current capability relevance, the initial relevance has no effect on entry timing, suggesting that the initial relevance affects entry timing through its influence on the current relevance. Firms that are in an initially unfavorable position can still achieve early entry, provided that they improve their capability relevance over time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterned Layers of a Semiconducting Polymer via Imprinting and Microwave‐Assisted Grafting
Authors: Moran Isaac W. , Jhaveri Sarav B. , Carter Kenneth R.
Published: July 2008

Enhancements in both the rate and extent of grafting of poly(9,9′‐n‐dihexyl fluorene) (PDHF) onto flat and nanopatterned crosslinked photopolymer films are described. Reactivity of the surfaces toward grafting via the Yamamoto‐type Ni(0)‐mediated coupling reaction is increased by synthesizing and incorporating 2,7‐dibromo‐9‐fluorenyl methacrylate (DBFM, 2) as a new grafting agent. Varying the concentration of surface‐embedded DBFM is shown to control both overall graft formation and fluorescence with a maximum thickness of up to 30 nm and peak emission at 407 nm for 40 wt% loading. In addition, microwave irradiation is introduced as an effective means to drive graft formation and thus allows fabrication of PDHF‐functionalized surfaces in as little as 30 min. Both forms of improvement are extended to DBFM‐embedded, nanocontact‐molded features ranging in size from 100 µm to 100 nm in width and 60 nm in height. Microwave‐assisted grafting from these patterned surfaces produces fluorescent features as imaged by optical microscopy and a corresponding increase in feature height as measured by atomic force microscopy.
Self‐Assembly of Cerium Oxide Nanostructures in Ice Molds
Authors: Karakoti Ajay S. , Kuchibhatla Satyanarayana V. N. T. , Baer Donald R. , Thevuthasan Suntharampillai , Sayle Dean C. , Seal Sudipta
Published: July 2008

The formation of nanorods, driven by the physicochemical phenomena during the freezing and after the aging of frozen ceria nanoparticle suspensions, is reported. During freezing of a dilute aqueous solution of CeO2 nanocrystals, some nuclei remain in solution while others are trapped inside micro‐ and nanometer voids formed within the growing ice front. Over time (2–3 weeks) the particles trapped within the nanometer‐wide voids in the ice combine by an oriented attachment process to form ceria nanorods. The experimental observations are consistent with molecular dynamics simulations of particle aggregation in constrained environments. These observations suggest a possible strategy for the templated formation of nanostructures through self‐assembly by exploiting natural phenomena, such as voids formed during freezing of water. This research suggests a very simple, green chemical route to guide the formation of one‐ and three‐dimensional self‐assembled nanostructures.
A whole sample toxicity assessment to evaluate the sub‐lethal toxicity of water and sediment elutriates from a lake exposed to diffuse pollution
Authors: Abrantes N. , Pereira R. , de Figueiredo D. R. , Marques C. R. , Pereira M. J. , Gonçalves F.
Published: July 2008

The impact of diffuse pollution in aquatic systems is of great concern due to the difficult to measure and regulate it. As part of an ecological risk assessment (ERA), this study aims to use a whole sample toxicity assessment to evaluate the toxicity of water and sediment from Lake Vela, a lake that has been exposed to diffuse pollution. In this way, standard (algae: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata; cladoceran: Daphnia magna) and local species (algae: Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae; cladoceran: Daphnia longispina) were exposed to surface water, and sediment elutriates were collected seasonally from two sites at Lake Vela: one near the east bank (ES), surrounded by agricultural lands; and the other near the west bank (WS), surrounded by a forest. The results confirmed the seasonal contamination of both environmental compartments by pesticides, including organochlorine pesticides, and the presence of high concentrations of nutrients. Although both sites were contaminated, higher levels of pesticides and nutrients were detected in ES, particularly in the sediments. Bioassays showed that water samples (100% concentration) collected in summer and autumn significantly affected the growth rate of P. subcapitata, which could be attributed to the presence of pesticides. Likewise, they revealed an apparent toxicity of elutriates for P. subcapitata and for both daphnids, in summer and autumn. In fact, although pesticides were not detected in elutriates, high levels of un‐ionized ammonia were recorded, which is considered highly toxic to aquatic life. By comparing the several species, P. subcapitata was revealed to be the most sensitive one, followed by the daphnids, and then by A. flos‐aquae. Results obtained in this study underlined the importance of whole samples toxicity assessment for characterizing the ecological effects of complex mixtures from diffuse inputs, in the ERA processes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
The LNS portable PIXE‐alpha system for the examination of gold preparations in the Salerno 492 code miniatures
Authors: Pappalardo L. , Bicchieri M. , Nardone M. , Pappalardo G. , Romano F. P. , Russo P. A. , Sodo A.
Published: July 2008

The gold preparations of the Salerno 492 code were examined by means of the LNS portable PIXE‐alpha spectrometer. Complementary XRF and micro‐Raman techniques were also used. Quantitative data enable to establish the composition of the various gold preparations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A XANES study on the structural role of zinc in ancient tile glazes of Portuguese origin
Authors: Veiga J. P. , Figueiredo M. O.
Published: July 2008

Lead‐rich blue‐and‐white tile glazes (16th to 17th century, Portuguese manufacture) were studied by x‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) to assess the speciation and coordination environment of zinc, a fuser metal commonly used along with lead in ancient glazes. Zincite (ZnO) and smithsonite (ZnCO3) were used as model compounds for Zn2+ ions in tetrahedral and octahedral coordinations, respectively and theoretical simulations of Zn 1s XANES spectra were undertaken using the FEFF code based on the full multiple‐scattering approach. Comparison between calculated and actual spectra collected from the glazes showed differences that are discussed in terms of oxygen‐anion linkages within the silica‐rich glassy matrix. Obtained results support the conclusion that zinc assumes a low‐coordination environment, most probably tetrahedral, in the studied ancient tile glazes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of the resonant Raman cross sections of pure samples and oxides
Authors: Valentinuzzi María Cecilia , Sánchez Héctor Jorge , Abraham José , Pérez Carlos
Published: July 2008

Monochromatic synchrotron radiation was used to study the Raman effect on pure samples of Mn, Fe, and Cu and on oxides such as Mn2O3, Fe2O3, CuO and Cu2O. Energy scannings were carried out for different ranges of energies near the absorption edge of the target element. Theoretical models for the energy distribution of the Raman scattered photons, convoluted with the instrument function, were used to determine the resonant Raman scattering (RRS) cross sections as a function of the incident energy. The results indicate that RRS cross sections for pure samples are similar to those for oxides for the same energy difference from the respective edge, showing that the Raman scattering takes place in the same way in both kinds of samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NDT&E techniques and SEM‐EDS for the assessment of cleaning interventions on Pentelic marble surfaces
Authors: Delegou E. T. , Avdelidis N. P. , Karaviti E. , Moropoulou A.
Published: July 2008

In this work, several non‐destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) techniques along with scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) were applied on Pentelic marble surfaces. The investigated Pentelic marble surface disclosed a representative decay pattern that usually develops in polluted urban atmosphere such as the Athens centre. The applied techniques aimed to collate as much as possible evidence about the physico‐chemical and aesthetical characteristics of the examined surfaces before and after the pilot cleaning treatments, in an attempt to configure an effective assessment methodology of cleaning interventions. The applied NDT&E techniques were fibre‐optic microscopy, colourimetry and laser profilometry. The results were encouraging enough to propose the use of these NDT&E techniques along with SEM‐EDS as an everyday assessment tool of cleaning conservation interventions on Pentelic marble. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat shock protein 27 expression in the human testis showing normal and abnormal spermatogenesis
Authors: Adly Mohamed A. , Assaf Hanan A. , Hussein Mahmoud Rezk A.
Published: July 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones involved in protein folding, assembly and transport, and which play critical roles in the regulation of cell growth, survival and differentiation. We set out to test the hypothesis that HSP27 protein is expressed in the human testes and its expression varies with the state of spermatogenesis. HSP27 expression was examined in 30 human testicular biopsy specimens (normal spermatogenesis, maturation arrest and Sertoli cell only syndrome, 10 cases each) using immunofluorescent methods. The biopsies were obtained from patients undergoing investigations for infertility. The seminiferous epithelium of the human testes showing normal spermatogenesis had a cell type‐specific expression of HSP27. HSP27 expression was strong in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and Leydig cells. Alternatively, the expression was moderate in the spermatocytes, weak in the spermatids and absent in the spermatozoa. In testes showing maturation arrest, HSP27 expression was strong in the Sertoli cells, weak in the spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. It was absent in the spermatids and Leydig cells. In Sertoli cell only syndrome, HSP27 expression was strong in the Sertoli cells and absent in the Leydig cells. We report for the first time the expression patterns of HSP27 in the human testes and show differential expression during normal spermatogenesis, indicating a possible role in this process. The altered expression of this protein in testes showing abnormal spermatogenesis may be related to the pathogenesis of male infertility.