bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptionally mediated inhibition of telomerase of fungal immunomodulatory protein from Ganoderma tsugae in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line
Authors: Liao Chien‐Huang , Hsiao Yi‐Min , Hsu Chung‐Ping , Lin Meei‐Yn , Wang James Chun‐Huan , Huang Yu‐Lu , Ko Jiunn‐Liang
Published: January 2006

Telomerase expression is the hallmark of tumor cells, and activation of this ribonucleoprotein complex may be a rate‐limiting or critical step in cellular immortalization and oncogenesis. Fungal immunomodulatory protein, FIP‐gts, has been isolated from Ganoderma tsugae. In the present study, we expressed and purified the recombinant fungal immunomodulatory protein reFIP‐gts in E. coli. We found that reFIP‐gts significantly and selectively inhibits the growth of A549 cancer cells while not affecting the growth of normal MRC‐5 fibroblasts. The reFIP‐gts suppression of telomerase activity is concentration‐dependent, due to the downregulation of the telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT). It also happens at the mRNA level. These results were confirmed by transient transfections of A549 cells with pGL3‐Basic plasmid constructs containing the functional hTERT promoter and its E‐box‐deleted sequences cloned upstream of a luciferase reporter gene. With electrophoretic mobility shift assays and Western blotting, we demonstrated that in response to reFIP‐gts, binding of c‐myc transcriptional factor to the E‐box sequence on the hTERT promoter is inhibited. These results show that reFIP‐gts suppresses telomerase activity and inhibits transcriptional regulation of hTERT via a c‐myc‐responsive element‐dependent mechanism. Our findings provide new insight into both the anticancer function of reFIP‐gts and the regulation of hTERT/telomerase expression, which may be valuable in the development of a promising chemopreventive agent. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibitory effects of black tea theaflavin derivatives on 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced inflammation and arachidonic acid metabolism in mouse ears
Authors: Huang Mou‐Tuan , Liu Yue , Ramji Divya , Lo Chih‐Yu , Ghai Geetha , Dushenkov Slavik , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: January 2006

Tea has been shown to possess several health beneficial properties primarily due to its polyphenolic content. The major polyphenolic compounds in black tea leaves are theaflavins (TFs) formed by oxidative coupling of catechins in tea leaves during its processing. In this paper, we report the characterization of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced mouse ear inflammatory model and the inhibitory effects of major black tea TFs derivatives on this inflammation. In addition, the effect on inflammatory biomarkers, such as proinflammatory cytokines and arachidonic acid metabolites, are reported as well. A single topical application of TPA to ears of CD‐1 mice induced a time‐ and dose‐dependent increase in edema as well as formation of proinflammatory cytokine proteins interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in mouse ears. A single topical application of equimolar of black tea constituents (TF, theaflavin‐3‐gallate, theaflavin‐3′‐gallate, and theaflavin‐3,3′‐digallate) strongly inhibited TPA‐induced edema of mouse ears. Application of TFs mixture to mouse ears 20 min prior to each TPA application once a day for 4 days inhibited TPA‐induced persistent inflammation, as well as TPA‐induced increase in IL‐1β and IL‐6 protein levels. TFs also inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via both cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways. This observation was substantiated by decreased amounts of AA metabolites prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels. Combined application of TF and sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug resulted a significant synergetic anti‐inflammatory effect. Oral administration of TFs or the hot water extract of black tea leaves also significantly inhibited TPA‐induced edema in mouse ears. In conclusion, proinflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β and IL‐6, as well as the intermediated metabolites of AA, PGE2, and LTB4 are good biomarkers for inflammation. Black tea constituents, TF and its derivatives, had strongly anti‐inflammatory activity in vivo which may be due to their ability to inhibit AA metabolism via lipoxygenase and COX pathways.
Mechanisms of hypolipidemic and anti‐obesity effects of tea and tea polyphenols
Authors: Lin Jen‐Kun , Lin‐Shiau Shoei‐Yn
Published: January 2006

Among the health‐promoting effects of tea and tea polyphenols, the cancer‐chemopreventive effects in various animal model systems have been intensively investigated; meanwhile, the hypolipidemic and antiobesity effects in animals and humans have also become a hot issue for molecular nutrition and food research. It has been demonstrated that the body weights of rats and their plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL‐cholesterol have been significantly reduced by feedings of oolong, black, pu‐erh, and green tea leaves to the animals. It has been suggested that the inhibition of growth and suppression of lipogenesis in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells may be through down‐regulation of fatty acid synthase gene expression in the nucleus and stimulation of cell energy expenditure in the mitochondria. The experimental data indicated that the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid synthase gene suppression by tea polyphenols (EGCG, theaflavins) may invite down‐regulation of EGFR/PI3K/Akt/Sp‐1 signal transduction pathways.
Turboprop: Improved PROPELLER imaging
Authors: Pipe James G. , Zwart Nicholas
Published: January 2006

A variant of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) MRI, called turboprop, is introduced. This method employs an oscillating readout gradient during each spin echo of the echo train to collect more lines of data per echo train, which reduces the minimum scan time, motion‐related artifact, and specific absorption rate (SAR) while increasing sampling efficiency. It can be applied to conventional fast spin‐echo (FSE) imaging; however, this article emphasizes its application in diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). The method is described and compared with conventional PROPELLER imaging, and clinical images collected with this PROPELLER variant are shown. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real‐time imaging of regional myocardial function using fast‐SENC
Authors: Pan Li , Stuber Matthias , Kraitchman Dara L. , Fritzges Danielle L. , Gilson Wesley D. , Osman Nael F.
Published: January 2006

A technique for fast imaging of regional myocardial function using a spiral acquisition in combination with strain‐encoded (SENC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented in this paper. This technique, which is termed fast‐SENC, enables scan durations as short as a single heartbeat. A reduced field of view (FOV) without foldover artifacts was achieved by localized SENC, which selectively excited the region around the heart. The two images required for SENC imaging (low‐ and high‐tuning) were acquired in an interleaved fashion throughout the cardiac cycle to further shorten the scan time. Regional circumferential contraction and longitudinal shortening of both the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) were examined in long‐ and short‐axis views, respectively. The in vivo results obtained from five human subjects and five infarcted dogs are presented. The results of the fast‐SENC technique in a single heartbeat acquisition were comparable to those obtained by conventional SENC in a long acquisition time. Therefore, fast‐SENC may prove useful for imaging during stress or arrhythmia. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coil setup optimization for 2D‐SENSE whole‐heart coronary imaging
Authors: Buehrer Martin , Huber Michael E. , Wiesinger Florian , Boesiger Peter , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: January 2006

Accelerated “whole‐heart” coronary imaging with sensitivity encoding applied in both phase encoding directions (2D‐SENSE) was investigated. In order to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), coil configuration optimization was performed. To this end, 10 practical coil configurations each consisting of six standard coil elements were investigated and the local SNR was assessed by means of phantom experiments. Based on the experimental data, a symmetric configuration was found to yield the highest SNR. In a volunteer study, 2D‐SENSE coronary images were obtained with total reduction factors of 3 and 4. Excellent depiction of the right and left coronary systems was possible in all cases. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of bladder dysfunction in Parkinsons disease
Authors: Winge Kristian , Skau Anne‐Marie , Stimpel Hans , Nielsen Kurt K. , Werdelin Lene
Published: January 2006

Background and Aims

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Parkinsons disease (PD) is reported as 27%–39% based on validated questionnaires which do not consider the degree of bother. To estimate the prevalence of LUTS in patients with PD, the severity of symptoms, the volume of postmicturitional urine, and to estimate differences compared to non‐PD patients referred for urological evaluation.

Methods

One hundred seven patients with PD were evaluated using two sets of validated questionnaires (Dan‐PSS and IPSS) about LUTS; postmicturitional residual urine was recorded, and compared to 61 patients without PD presenting at an urological clinic for examination.

Results

Bothersome LUTS measured using Dan‐PSS scores correlated significantly with Hoehn and Yahr stage of disease (P = 0.02), but not with duration of disease or age. IPSS scores did not correlate to stage of disease, duration of disease or age. Two arbitrary cut‐offs were applied, identifying patients with significant LUTS, Dan‐PSS > 10 and IPSS > 10. There were no significant differences between the age or duration of disease of patients with and without significant LUTS. The most frequent symptom was nocturia (IPSS: 86%) followed by frequency (IPSS: 71%) and urgency (IPSS: 68%). The most frequently reported bothersome bladder symptom was urgency (Dan‐PSS: 61%), followed by nocturia (Dan‐PSS: 50%) and urge incontinence (Dan‐PSS: 44%). The prevalence of bothersome frequency is low (Dan‐PSS: 37%). The postmicturitional volumes (PMV) did not correlate to stage of disease, duration of disease or age, or to scores on questionnaires. Mean PMV was 34 ml. Seven patients (6%) with PD had a PMV larger then 100 ml.

Discussion

The prevalence of severe LUTS was similar with other studies, but the correlation between Dan‐PSS and stage of disease, and not IPSS indicates that despite seeing no increase in frequency and severity of LUTS as PD progresses, patients find symptoms more bothersome. This may be due to progression in gait difficulties or a decreasing ability to separate and integrate sensory input, or both. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systematic processes for successful, sustainable practice development
Authors: Barrett Catherine , Angel Jenni , Gilbert Mary , Bouras Christina , Thompson Kerryn , Singleton Elizabeth
Published: January 2006

Despite reports that a systematic approach to practice development is desirable, few practice developers describe the application of a systematic process. In the present study a practice development programme was implemented with limited systematic supports. At a mid‐programme review it became apparent that these supports needed to be consolidated to ensure programme success and sustainability. In this paper we describe how the need for a systematic approach was identified, what strategies were implemented and their effects. Additionally we reflect on how, as a result of these actions, we came to rethink how we defined and valued systematic processes. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Developing a vision for teamwork
Authors: Wilson Valerie
Published: January 2006

This paper presents the findings of one component of a research study focusing on the implementation and evaluation of emancipatory practice development strategies in a special care nursery. The aim of this phase of the study was to reflect critically on the differences that existed within the team in order to create a vision for how team members wished to work together. Findings from a previous study of the culture of the unit were used to illustrate the tensions that existed between differing values and beliefs about teamwork and the resultant effects this had on teamwork in the unit. Staff indicated a desire to develop effective teamwork within the unit in order to improve the delivery of patient care. A seven step approach was used beginning with a values clarification activity and ending with a shared vision for working together and formation of teamwork statements. Doing the groundwork on teamwork has enabled the members of the ‘team’ to move forward. They are now happier in their workplace environment and more willing to reflect on their clinical practice thereby enabling changes in practice to occur. Cultivating a shared vision to underpin the cultural development of the special care nursery team was an essential step in the overall strategy of improving patient care. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Ethnic differences in population approach and experience regarding complementary‐alternative medicine (CAM)
Authors: Krivoy Norberto , Habib Manhal , Azzam Zaher S.
Published: January 2006

Purpose

The aim of this survey was to characterize one urban Arab population who turns to complementary‐alternative medicine (CAM).

Methods

Outpatient participants were selected randomly by their ethnical affiliation. The questionnaire was filled during patient visit to their assigned urban outpatient clinic. The answers to the first two questions determined whether the questionnaire was to be completed or not (if at least one answer was Yes, the questionnaire was completed).

Results

More males (19%) seek for CAM in the Arab group in comparison to more females in the Jewish population (27%). Fifteen per cent and 7% of the individuals in the Jewish and Arab groups who used CAM have academic education. Fifty‐two per cent and 27% of the Jewish and Arab populations declared themselves seculars, 72% of the Arab individuals declared to be traditionalists‐religious‐orthodox in their believes in comparison to 47% in the Jewish population. Twenty‐eight per cent and 0% in the Jewish and Arab populations, respectively, preferred a conventional doctor (MD) in CAM practice. More than 30% in both populations preferred CAM to be delivered in medical and nursing schools.

Conclusions

Forty per cent and 31% in the Jewish and Arab groups experienced complementary medicine intervention at least once. When comparing people who used complementary medicine to those who did not, it is observed that the percentage of individuals holding academic degrees in the Jewish group is higher than in the Arab interviewed in the group utilizing complementary medicine. Traditionalist‐religious‐orthodox individuals seek more complementary medicine in the Arab population (72%) in comparison to 47% in the Jewish individuals. Only 17% of the Arab individuals and 19% in the Jewish group knew about the adverse reactions caused by CAM therapies. More than 30% in both ethnic groups were in favor of ‘legalizing’ complementary medicine. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization behaviour of cellulose acetate butylate/poly(butylene succinate)‐co‐(butylene carbonate) blends
Authors: Lee Seung‐Hwan , Wang Siqun
Published: January 2006

The kinetics of the isothermal crystallization process from the melt of pure poly(butylene succinate)‐co‐(butylene carbonate) (PBS‐co‐BC) and its blends with cellulose acetate butylate (CAB) (10–30 wt%) was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the well‐known Avrami equation. In the blends, the overall crystallization rate of PBS‐co‐BC became slower with increasing CAB content. The equilibrium melting temperature ($T_{\rm {m}}^{\rm {eq}}$) of PBS‐co‐BC decreased with increasing CAB content, which was similar to that with other miscible crystalline/amorphous polymer blends. The slower crystallization kinetics of PBS‐co‐BC in the blends was explicable in terms of a diluent effect of the CAB component. By application of Turnbull–Fisher kinetic theory for polymer–diluent blend systems, the surface free energy (σe) of pure PBS‐co‐BC and of the blends was obtained, indicating that the blend with CAB resulted in a decrease in the surface free energy of folding of PBS‐co‐BC lamellar crystals. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamical and structural behavior of hydroxyethylcellulose hydrogels obtained by chemical gelation
Authors: Maleki Atoosa , Kjøniksen Anna‐Lena , Knudsen Kenneth D , Nyström Bo
Published: January 2006

Rheological, dynamical, de‐swelling, turbidity, and structural features during gelation with a chemical cross‐linking agent of semi‐dilute aqueous solutions of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) were investigated at different cross‐linker concentrations. A higher level of cross‐linker leads to faster gelation and stronger incipient hydrogel. The rheological results favor the percolation model. The cross‐linking reaction proceeds over a long time in the post‐gel region, and this produces gels with a solid‐like response. Dynamic light‐scattering experiments reveal a fast and a slow relaxation mode. The slow relaxation time increases and the sample becomes more heterogeneous in the course of gelation. In the post‐gel region, the gels shrink during a long period of time and this phenomenon is accompanied by strong turbidity enhancement. Small‐angle neutron scattering results from samples quenched at a certain stage in the post‐gel regime disclose growth of heterogeneity in the gel with increasing level of cross‐linker addition. At smaller length scales, no effect of cross‐linker addition could be detected on the structural organization, and scattered intensity in this domain suggests that the HEC chains are locally stretched. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of the tetraspanin web using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and MALDI‐FTICR‐MS
Authors: André Magali , Le Caer Jean‐Pierre , Greco Céline , Planchon Sébastien , El Nemer Wassim , Boucheix Claude , Rubinstein Eric , Chamot‐Rooke Julia , Le Naour François
Published: January 2006

Tetraspanins are integral membrane proteins involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In cancer, clinical and experimental studies have reported a link between tetraspanin expression levels and metastasis. Tetraspanins play a role as organizers of a molecular network of interactions, the “tetraspanin web”. Here, we have performed a proteomic characterization of the tetraspanin web using a model of human colon cancer consisting of two cell lines derived from primary tumor and metastasis from the same patient. The tetraspanin complexes were isolated after immunoaffinity purification and the proteins were identified by MS using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and MALDI‐FTICR. The high resolution and mass accuracy of FTICR MS allowed reliable identification using mass finger printing with only two peptides. Thus, it could be used to resolve the composition of complex peptide mixtures from membrane proteins. Different types of membrane proteins were identified, including adhesion molecules (integrins, Lu/B‐CAM, GA733 proteins), receptors and signaling molecules (BAI2, PKC, G proteins), proteases (ADAM10, TADG15), and membrane fusion proteins (syntaxins) as well as poorly characterized proteins (CDCP1, HEM‐1, CTL1, and CTL2). Some components were differentially detected in the tetraspanin web of the two cell lines. These differences may be relevant for tumor progression and metastasis.
Identification of S‐nitrosylated proteins after chronic exposure of colon epithelial cells to deoxycholate
Authors: Dall'Agnol Monique , Bernstein Carol , Bernstein Harris , Garewal Harinder , Payne Claire M.
Published: January 2006

Apoptosis resistance, a condition favoring genomic instability, is associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer. Deoxycholate (DOC) is a hydrophobic bile salt found in high concentrations in colon cancer patients, and induces apoptosis in cultured colonic cells and ex vivo in colonic biopsies. We showed previously that the chronic exposure of colon cancer cells to increasing concentrations of DOC leads to apoptosis resistance, and the suggested mechanism involves oxidative/nitrosative stress. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule that regulates cell function in a variety of physiologic and pathophysiologic states. In part, NO exerts its actions by S‐nitrosylation of target thiols, and several proteins are regulated through this PTM, including the caspases, the main effectors of apoptosis. Here, we performed a proteomics study in the DOC‐induced apoptosis‐resistant colon cell line, HCT‐116RC. Its profile of S‐nitrosylated proteins was compared to a control cell line not exposed to DOC. Eighteen differentially S‐nitrosylated proteins were identified in the HCT‐116RC cell line, 14 of these are novel targets of S‐nitrosylation not previously reported. These proteins include cytoskeletal and signaling proteins, metabolic enzymes, chaperones, and redox‐ and differentiation‐related proteins. These results broaden our knowledge of potential signal transduction pathways that may lead to the development of new biomarkers and therapy targets.
Searching for aging‐related proteins in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells treated with anti‐aging agents
Authors: Lee Ju Hee , Chung Kee Yang , Bang Dongsik , Lee Kwang Hoon
Published: January 2006

Endothelial cells constitute an interface between blood and tissue and act as a medium for active interaction between plasma and the intracellular environment for homeostasis. Aging of endothelial cells plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of age‐related vascular diseases; however, precise mechanisms for senescence have not been elucidated. Proteomics allows identification of protein structures, functions, and characteristics, and can be applied to the study of aging processes. Using cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and two‐dimensional proteomic mapping, we studied the effects of kinetin, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, all‐trans‐retinoic acid, and selenium on their senescence and searched for the aging‐related proteins. The treatments resulted in 68 qualitative changes and 172 quantitative changes, and we were able to identify 46 spots among them. All of the agents indicated above induced changes in the expression of moesin, rho guanosine‐5'‐diphosphate‐dissociation inhibitor, and actin, confirmed by immunoblotting and confocal laser microscopy. As these proteins were associated with cell cycle and cytoskeleton, immunoblotting of the proteins related to cell cycle was performed. Although practical significance remains to be confirmed by in vivo research, this fundamental discovery may provide a basis for understanding the mechanism of aging and age‐related diseases.
Comparative proteomic analysis of Helicobacter pylori strains associated with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Park Shin Ae , Lee Hyang Woo , Hong Myung Hee , Choi Young Wook , Choe Yon Ho , Ahn Bo Young , Cho Yang Je , Su Kim Dong , Lee Na Gyong
Published: January 2006

Helicobacter pylori is known to cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer, and has also been linked to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). To determine whether H. pylori clinical isolates correlate with the prevalence of H. pylori‐associated IDA, we compared the proteomic profiles of H. pylori strains isolated from antral biopsy specimens of H. pylori‐positive patients with or without IDA. Fifteen strains, including eight non‐IDA and seven IDA strains, were cultured under iron‐rich and iron‐depleted conditions and then analyzed for protein expression profiles by 2‐DE. The distances between two H. pylori strains were determined on the basis of similarities between their expression patterns of 189 protein spots, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The results revealed that the IDA strains formed a cluster separate from that of six non‐IDA strains, with two non‐IDA strains between the clusters. H. pylori strain 26695 was located in the non‐IDA cluster. Protein spots displaying similar expression patterns were clustered, and 18 spots predominantly expressed in IDA strains were identified by MALDI‐TOF analysis. These data indicate that the non‐IDA and IDA strains can be distinguished by their protein expression profiles, suggesting that the polymorphism of H. pylori strains may be one of the factors determining the occurrence of H. pylori‐associated IDA.
Mass spectrometric sequencing of endotoxin proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. konkukian extracted from polyacrylamide gels
Authors: Lee Kwang Yong , Kang Eun Young , Park Sooil , Ahn Seong Kyu , Yoo Kwan Hee , Kim Jin Young , Lee Hyung Hoan
Published: January 2006

The amino acid sequences of the crystal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. konkukian strain HL‐47 are unknown. We used 1‐D denaturing polyacrylamide electrophoresis, nano‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS, and protein database searching to analyze these proteins. On SDS‐PAGE gels, a preparation of purified crystal proteins exhibited 110, 102, 76, 55, 37, and 30 kDa protein bands. Immunoblotting of the gel with antiserum raised to this preparation revealed that four crystal proteins, of 110, 102, 55, and 37 kDa, reacted with the specific antiserum. The 102‐kDa major protein reacted strongly. The other crystal proteins showed weak immunoreactivity. The 102 and 55 kDa proteins were analyzed by ESI‐MS. The internal amino acid sequence of the 102‐kDa major protein has similarity to the sequences of the surface layer protein of B. thuringiensis ssp. finitimus and B. anthracis. However, the internal amino acid sequences of the 55 kDa protein did not show any homology to proteins in the databases. Proteomic analysis of these proteins leads to the conclusion that the sequence data provided the protein databases of the crystal proteins of the konkukian ssp.
Profiling of differential protein expression in angiogenin‐induced HUVECs using antibody‐arrayed ProteoChip
Authors: Ahn Eun‐Hee , Kang Dong‐Ku , Chang Soo‐Ik , Kang Chang Soo , Han Moon‐Hi , Kang In‐Cheol
Published: January 2006

ProteoChip has been developed as a novel protein microarray technology. So far it has been applied in new lead screening and molecular diagnosticsand we expect its role to grow in the field of biology. Here, we investigated the application of ProteoChip for the study of differential protein expression profiles in angiogenin‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Antibody microarrays constructed by immobilizing 60 distinct antibodies against signal‐transducing proteins on ProteoChip base plates were used to analyze the expression pattern of cell‐signaling proteins in HUVECs treated with angiogenin. The antibody microarray approach showed that angiogenin induced the up‐ and down‐regulation of several cellular regulators related with cell proliferation. Changes in the expression of signaling proteins determined by antibody microarray were validated by Western blot analysis. In this experiment, ten up‐regulated proteins and six down‐regulated proteins were identified and confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Taken together, these data suggest that antibody microarrays using ProteoChip technology can be a powerful tool for high‐throughput analysis of proteomes in biological samples.
Identification of immunodominant excretory–secretory cysteine proteases of adult Paragonimus westermani by proteome analysis
Authors: Lee Eung‐Goo , Na Byoung‐Kuk , Bae Young‐An , Kim Seon‐Hee , Je Eun‐Young , Ju Jeong‐Won , Cho Shin‐Hyeong , Kim Tong‐Soo , Kang Shin‐Yong , Cho Seung‐Yull , Kong Yoon
Published: January 2006

Paragonimus westermani causes inflammatory lung disease in humans. The parasite excretes a host of biologically active molecules, which are thought to be involved in pathophysiological and immunological events during infection. Analyses of the 2‐DE protein profiles of the excretory–secretory products (ESP) of adult P. westermani revealed approximately 147 protein spots, at least 15 of which were identified as cysteine proteases (CPs), at pHs between 4.5 and 8.5, and molecular weights (MWs) between 27 and 35 kDa. An additional three CPs (designated as PwCP‐3, ‐8 and ‐11) were newly recognized by TOF/TOF MS. Their molecular biological information, which shared a high level sequence homology, was elucidated. The majority of the CPs reacted strongly with sera from paragonimiasis patients. When we observed the chronological changes in the antibody responses of the respective CPs against canine sera collected serially at 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14 wk after experimental infection, these molecules exhibited a multiplicity of distinct immune recognition patterns. Our results clearly showed that P. westermani adult ESP were principally composed of excretory–secretory CPs, and that these CPs may exert effects not only on host tissue degradation and nutrient uptake, but also on the immune‐regulating cells via synergistic and independent interactions.
Identification of target proteins of N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase V in human colon cancer and implications of protein tyrosine phosphatase kappa in enhanced cancer cell migration
Authors: Kim Yong‐Sam , Kang Hye‐Yeon , Kim Jin‐Young , Oh Sejeong , Kim Cheorl‐Ho , Ryu Chun Jeih , Miyoshi Eiji , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Ko Jeong Heon
Published: January 2006

To gain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying colon cancer and to search for potential markers of colon cancer prognosis, a comparative proteomic analysis of colon cancer WiDr cells was conducted using 2‐DE and lectin blot, followed by identification based on ESI‐MS. Through these approaches 14 proteins were identified as candidate target proteins for N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase V (GnT‐V) that would be expected to be implicated in the progression of colon cancer. We selected protein tyrosine phosphatase kappa (PTPκ) as a model protein to validate this approach to the discovery of novel biomarkers in colon cancer. PTPκ underwent an aberrant glycosylation in GnT‐V‐overexpressing WiDr cells, and the aberrantly glycosylated PTPκ was vulnerable to proteolytic cleavage. The enhanced cleavage of PTPκ in GnT‐V‐overexpressing cells was responsible for the mitigation of the homophilic binding capacity, resulting in an increase in cancer cell migration.
Reactivity of silicon‐based epoxy monomers as studied by near‐infrared spectroscopy and multivariate curve resolution methods
Authors: Mercado L. A. , Galià M. , Reina J. A. , Garrido M. , Larrechi M. S. , Rius F. X.
Published: January 2006

The reaction of glycidyloxydimethylphenyl silane with aniline was used as a model system to study the reactivity of silicon‐based epoxy monomers. The reaction was monitored online by near‐infrared spectroscopy, and the evolution of the concentration of each species throughout the reaction was determined by the application of multivariate curve resolution/alternating least squares to the set of recorded spectra. The reactivity was evaluated by a comparison of the concentration profiles obtained for the glycidyloxydimethylphenyl silane/aniline system with those of phenylglycidyl ether/aniline as a reference system. The results confirmed that the reactivity of the silicon‐based epoxy monomer was higher and that its ring opening reaction was faster because of electronic effects. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1447–1456, 2006
Effect of temperature on the frictional forces between polystyrene brushes
Authors: Forster Aaron M. , Mays Jimmy W. , Kilbey S. Michael
Published: January 2006

Normal and shear forces between opposing polystyrene (PS) brushes made from preferentially assembled PS–polyvinylpyridine diblock copolymers were measured in toluene and in near‐theta cyclohexane at 32, 40, and 50 °C, using a modified surface forces apparatus. In cyclohexane, over the temperature window probed, the normal forces of interaction are repulsive and the range of those force profiles changes only slightly; however, for both of the PS brushes studied, the onset of shear forces in near‐theta cyclohexane is strongly influenced by changes in temperature: As the temperature is increased, the onset of the frictional interactions between the brushes in cyclohexane shifts to smaller distances, approaching the distances where frictional forces are observed for brushes in the good solvent toluene. The pattern of behavior seen in the frictional response between the limits of good and theta condition is attributed to composition fluctuations, which increase near the theta condition because of the decrease in excluded volume interactions. These fluctuations may give rise to increased drag during shearing motion because of interfacial roughness or interchain coupling across the brush–brush interface. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 649–655, 2006
Independence of the brittle–ductile transition from the rubber particle size for impact‐modified poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Zhao Chengzhe , Wu Guangfeng , Zhou Chao , Yang Haidong , Zhang Huixuan
Published: January 2006

A series of acrylic impact modifiers (AIMs) with different particle sizes ranging from 55.2 to 927.0 nm were synthesized by seeded emulsion polymerization, and the effect of the particle size on the brittle–ductile transition of impact‐modified poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated. For each AIM, a series of PVC/AIM blends with compositions of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 phr AIM in 100 phr PVC were prepared, and the Izod impact strengths of these blends were tested at 23 °C. For AIMs with particle sizes of 55.2, 59.8, 125.2, 243.2, and 341.1 nm, the blends fractured in the brittle mode when the concentration of AIM was lower than 10 phr, whereas the blends showed ductile fracture when the AIM concentration reached 10 phr. It was concluded that the brittle–ductile transition of the PVC/AIM blends was independent of the particle size in the range of 55.2–341.1 nm. When the particle size was greater than 341.1 nm, however, the brittle–ductile transition shifted to a higher AIM concentration with an increase in the particle size. Furthermore, the critical interparticle distance was found not to be the criterion of the brittle–ductile transition for the PVC/AIM blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 696–702, 2006
The effect of angle and oscillation on mucous simulant speed in flexible tubes
Authors: van Vliet Peter W. , Ellis Elizabeth R , Hila Julie
Published: January 2006

Background and Purpose.

The aim of this study was to investigate, in a tube model, how the speed of a mucous simulant was influenced by angle and different types of oscillations.

Method.

Using a repeated‐measures study design, the primary outcome measure was the mucous simulant speed calculated from the time taken for the mucous simulant to travel a distance of 10 cm. Ultrasonic gel diluted to a viscosity (113 Poise), approximating human sputum, was introduced into a flexible tube similar in diameter to the human adult trachea. The tube was subjected to discrete angles of 0° and 30°, 60° and 90° downward. Symmetrical oscillation was applied in both the transverse and longitudinal directions with frequencies of 5, 15 and 25 Hz at amplitudes of 1 mm and 2 mm peak‐to‐peak using a commercially available oscillator. Asymmetrical oscillation was applied using repeated cycles of slow acceleration and fast deceleration in the longitudinal direction at 0° and 30° downward and up a 5° incline using a custom‐built apparatus.

Results.

Each 30° angle increment of the tube from 0° to 90° significantly increased mucous simulant speed (p<0.001). Symmetrical oscillation did not provide an advantage over angle in terms of mucous simulant speed; however, asymmetrical oscillation increased mucous simulant speed beyond that caused by angle for all angles tested (p<0.001) and was able to drive mucous simulant up a small incline (5°) in this tube model. It was found that certain types of longitudinal oscillation elongated the mucous simulant.

Conclusions.

The present study supports the use of gravity to assist in secretion clearance. Asymmetrical oscillation is a novel technique which warrants further investigation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiovascular responses to short‐term head‐down positioning in healthy young and older adults
Authors: Naylor Justine M , Chow Chin‐Moi , McLean Anthony S , Heard Robert C , Avolio Albert
Published: January 2006

Background and Purpose.

Isolated head‐down postural drainage is assumed to acutely load the cardiovascular system. Consequently, it is considered a relative contraindication in the presence of severe cardiovascular disease. Evidence demonstrating that the head‐down manoeuvre as used by physiotherapists does significantly load the cardiovascular system is lacking. The present study documents the cardiovascular responses to short‐term 30° head‐down positioning in healthy subjects. The results are a point of reference for respiratory patients with and without cardiovascular disease.

Method.

A quasi‐experimental research design was used, with multiple measurements obtained at rest (long sitting) and in the head‐down position. Twenty‐one young subjects (mean age 25 years (standard deviation, (SD) 3 years)) and 19 older subjects (mean age 66 years (SD 6 years)) were studied. Applanation tonometry and sphygmocardiography were used to measure temporal and pressure variables, and indices that estimate myocardial work and coronary blood flow.

Results.

Absolute differences existed between the two age groups for all variables at rest (p< 0.001). No age–time interaction was observed for any variable in the head‐down position (p>0.05). Serial measures in the head‐down position did not vary across time (p>0.05). Small (<9%) but significant (p ≤ 0.02) decreases in heart rate, relative diastolic duration, mean arterial blood pressure and diastolic time indices, and small (<12%) but significant (p ≤ 0.002) increases in cardiac cycle time, ejection duration (relative and absolute) and absolute diastolic duration were observed in the head‐down position compared with rest. A small (9%) but significant (p< 0.001) fall in the sub‐endocardial viability ratio occurred in the head‐down position.

Conclusion.

The findings have little consequence in health, but they suggest that head‐down postural drainage may be of concern for chest physiotherapy recipients with reduced cardiac reserve or impaired baroreflex function. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Postural instability during reaching tasks in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stack Emma , Ashburn Ann , Jupp Kate
Published: January 2006

Background and Purpose.

Reaching, like turning and rising from sitting, is an activity commonly associated with falls by people with Parkinson's disease. We set out to: (a) identify how people with moderate and severe Parkinson's disease performed high and low reaches and (b) to explore in detail the standard functional reach (functional reach) test and the fall histories of those who appeared unstable when reaching.

Method.

In this cross‐sectional study, people with moderate or severe Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr Grade III or IV) were video‐recorded at home, reaching above shoulder height and below knee level. Blinded observers rated stability, alignment, foot position, floor contact, use of support and reach type. Functional reach was also measured and participants were interviewed about falls.

Results.

Of 51 participants, 33 (65%) had moderate Parkinson's disease and 18 (35%) severe. A greater proportion of the latter used support when reaching high (p = 0.029) and aligned forward when reaching low (p = 0.015); otherwise, strategies were similar across groups. Six people (all with severe Parkinson's disease) appeared unstable when reaching: they had a shorter functional reach than the others (median 10 cm versus 18 cm; p = 0.042) and had fallen frequently (median five falls in a year), although rarely when reaching.

Conclusions.

Reaching tasks challenge postural stability in severe Parkinson's disease. People who appear unstable when reaching are likely to be repeat‐fallers and at risk of further falls during more demanding activities. Research should address whether discouraging potentially destabilizing manoeuvres (such as squatting and toe‐standing) and promoting safety‐enhancing strategies (such as using support and facing forward), with or without balance retraining, reduces the risk of falling among people with severe Parkinson's disease. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Re‐admission to intensive care: identification of risk factors
Authors: Paratz Jennifer , Thomas Peter , Adsett Julie
Published: January 2006

Background and Purpose.

The re‐admission of patients to intensive care is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, loss of morale for patients and family, and increased health costs. The aim of the present study was to identify factors which place patients at a higher risk of re‐admission to intensive care.

Method.

A prospective study of patients who were re‐admitted to a 22‐bed tertiary level intensive care facility within a 12‐month period. Data were kept on every patient re‐admitted to intensive care, including standard demographic data, initial admission diagnosis, co‐morbidities, re‐admission diagnosis, mobility on discharge, secretions, airway, chest X‐ray, PaCO2, PaO2, PaO2/FiO2and time of discharge. Subjects included 74 patients who had been re‐admitted to intensive care in a 12‐month period and a comparison group of patients who were not re‐admitted to intensive care. A cross‐tabs procedure was initially used to estimate maximum likelihood. Significant factors with an α value of <0.10 were entered into a backward conditional binary logistic regression to determine independent factors.

Results.

The overall percentage of patients who were re‐admitted to intensive care compared with total admissions was 7.7%. Significant independent factors for re‐admission were found to be age >65 years (p<0.05), colonization (p<0.001), weakness (p<0.001), co‐morbidities of cardiac and/or respiratory disease (p<0.001) and depression (p<0.001).

Conclusions.

A certain profile of patients has been established who are at increased risk of re‐admission to intensive care. These patients could be provided with increased intervention and surveillance on discharge from intensive care. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventing incidents at newly acquired facilities: Implementation of lessons learned
Authors: Dunbobbin Brian R. , Paxton C. Lorn , Peters Glen A. , Dennehy Martin A.
Published: January 2006

The large number of acquisitions taking place in the chemical industry has increased the need to efficiently assess the process safety risks at such facilities so that they meet the requirements of the acquiring company. This can be difficult if the technology issues are not fully disclosed during the “Due Diligence” phase of an acquisition.

This paper describes a tiered approach to ensuring that the acquiring company identifies as quickly as possible key process safety risks so that employee, community, and company interests are adequately protected. In particular, three aspects of the work process for identifying process safety risks at an acquired facility are shown to be important. The first is the method used to identify process safety risks during the “Due Diligence” phase. This involves the selection of appropriate team members and development of comprehensive checklists that the acquisition team can use to identify potential risks at an early stage. The second is the ability of the acquiring company to focus its own technical and process safety experience on the technologies being acquired; this experience is often in the form of standards that are used in the design and operation of similar facilities. Whether to retrofit these standards becomes an important issue when the newly acquired facility is operated by the new company. Finally, a Process Safety Assessment work process, with defined protocols, has been developed so that senior Process Safety, Operations, and Engineering personnel can assess the potential process safety risks at a facility quickly and consistently in the first few months of operation after an acquisition. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006
Rare earth doped CaSO4 luminescence phosphors for applications in novel displays – new recipes
Authors: Lakshmanan Arunachalam , Kim Seon‐Bae , Kum Byung Gon , Jang Hyun Myung , Kang Bong Koo
Published: January 2006

New Recipes for rare earth doped CaSO4 luminescence phosphors which give high photoluminescence efficiency combined with high thermal stability desired for noval display applications are described. The influence of cooling rate, thermal treatments and water washing as well as crystal size and morphology on the luminescence efficiency are described. While a modified co‐precipitation technique was found best suited for preparing thermostimulated luminescence phosphors required for radiation dosimetry, those made by solid state diffusion reactions at high temperatures were found best suited to achieve the high photoluminescence efficiency required for lighting and display applications. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of III–V nano‐ and microtubes using MOVPE grown materials
Authors: Paetzelt H. , Gottschalch V. , Bauer J. , Herrnberger H. , Wagner G.
Published: January 2006

We fabricated III–V nano‐ and microtubes with a diameter in the range of 140 nm to 6 µm using strained heterostructures with high quality interfaces, which were grown by metal‐organic vapor‐phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Investigations of the two‐layer system BGaAs/InGaAs which forms tubes by selective etching of an AlAs sacrificial layer are presented. Calculations of the tube diameter and the internal strain using continuum strain theory dependent on the layer thickness and composition were made. We also fabricated AlGaAs/InGaAs microtubes containing a GaAs quantum well (QW) in different sections of the AlGaAs barrier material and studied the optical properties of this embedded QW using photo‐ and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy at different temperatures. By measuring the luminescence peak‐shift of the QW caused by uniaxially stress, we were able to verify our calculations of the radial profile of the strain within the microtube wall. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spectroscopic studies of the effect of addition of Y3+ on structural characteristics of Ni–Zn ferrites
Authors: Salah L. M.
Published: January 2006

Three groups of Ni–Zn ferrite samples of the general formula; Ni1–xZnxYyFe2–iyO4, were prepared by a double‐sintering ceramic method, in an attempt to examine the solubility of yttrium ions on Ni–Zn ferrite. The theoretical values of the tetrahedral and the octahedral bond lengths, the oxygen parameters and the lattice parameters were calculated. X‐ray diffraction was used to analyze the relationship between structural characterization and Zn2+ ion concentration, indicating good agreement with theoretical calculations. It was observed that the lattice parameters of cubic spinel of the investigated samples are not functions of Y3+ ion concentration, i.e. the process of dissolution of any ratio of yttrium in the lattice never occurs. It is proved that the nonstoichiometric system can redistribute itself to produce a single phase of cubic spinel under a suitable sintering process. The IR spectra obtained at room temperature in the range 1000–300 cm–1 for all compositions show splitting of the two bands υ2 and υ3 and an excessive number of bands besides three fundamental absorption bands υ1 (601–549 cm–1), υ2 (512–406 cm–1), and υ3 (380–305 cm–1). Most of the bands were assigned on the basis of the analysis of structural characterization properties. The splitting of the two bands υ2 and υ3 was discussed as being due to the nature of the octahedral site in the ferrite in general. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)