bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-(8-Hydroxy-6-Methoxy-1-Oxo-1H-2-Benzopyran-3-yl) Propionic Acid, an Inhibitor of Angiogenesis, Ameliorates Renal Alterations in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ichinose Kunihiro , Maeshima Yohei , Yamamoto Yoshihiko , Kinomura Masaru , Hirokoshi Kumiko , Kitayama Hiroyuki , Takazawa Yuki , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Yamasaki Yasushi , Agata Naoki , Makino Hirofumi
Published: May 2006

One of the mechanisms involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy, the most common cause of end-stage renal failure, is angiogenic phenomenon associated with the increase of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and angiopoietin (Ang)-2, an antagonist of Ang-1. In the present study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of 2-(8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-1-oxo-1H-2-benzopyran-3-yl) propionic acid (NM-3), a small molecule isocoumarin with antiangiogenic activity, using diabetic db/db mice, a model of obese type 2 diabetes. Increases in kidney weight, glomerular volume, creatinine clearance, urinary albumin excretion, total mesangial fraction, glomerular type IV collagen, glomerular endothelial area (CD31+), and monocyte/macrophage accumulation (F4/80+) observed in control db/db mice were significantly suppressed by daily intraperitoneal injection of NM-3 (100 mg/kg, for 8 weeks). Increases in renal expression of VEGF-A, Ang-2, fibrogenic factor transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 but not tumor necrosis factor-α were also inhibited by NM-3 in db/db mice. Furthermore, decreases of nephrin mRNA and protein levels in db/db mice were recovered by NM-3. In addition, treatment of db/db mice with NM-3 did not affect body weight, blood glucose, serum insulin, or food consumption. NM-3 significantly suppressed the increase of VEGF induced by high glucose in cultured podocytes and also suppressed the increase of VEGF and TGF-β induced by high glucose in cultured mesangial cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential use of NM-3 as a novel therapeutic agent for renal alterations in type 2 diabetes.
Obesity Blunts Insulin-Mediated Microvascular Recruitment in Human Forearm Muscle
Authors: Clerk Lucy H. , Vincent Michelle A. , Jahn Linda A. , Liu Zhenqi , Lindner Jonathan R. , Barrett Eugene J.
Published: May 2006

We have previously shown that skeletal muscle capillaries are rapidly recruited by physiological doses of insulin in both humans and animals. This facilitates glucose and insulin delivery to muscle, thus augmenting glucose uptake. In obese rats, both insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment and glucose uptake are diminished; however, this action of insulin has not been studied in obese humans. Here we used contrast ultrasound to measure microvascular blood volume (MBV) (an index of microvascular recruitment) in the forearm flexor muscles of lean and obese adults before and after a 120-min euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic (1 mU · min−1 · kg−1) clamp. We also measured brachial artery flow, fasting lipid profile, and anthropomorphic variables. Fasting plasma glucose (5.4 ± 0.1 vs. 5.1 ± 0.1 mmol/l, P = 0.05), insulin (79 ± 11 vs. 38 ± 6 pmol/l, P = 0.003), and percent body fat (44 ± 2 vs. 25 ± 2%, P = 0.001) were higher in the obese than the lean adults. After 2 h of insulin infusion, whole-body glucose infusion rate was significantly lower in the obese versus lean group (19.3 ± 3.2 and 37.4 ± 2.6 μmol · min−1 · kg−1 respectively, P < 0.001). Compared with baseline, insulin increased MBV in the lean (18.7 ± 3.3 to 25.0 ± 4.1, P = 0.019) but not in the obese group (20.4 ± 3.6 to 18.8 ± 3.8, NS). Insulin increased brachial artery diameter and flow in the lean but not in the obese group. We observed a significant, negative correlation between ΔMBV and BMI (R = −0.482, P = 0.027) in response to insulin. In conclusion, obesity eliminated the insulin-stimulated muscle microvascular recruitment and increased brachial artery blood flow seen in lean individuals.
Adiponectin Genetic Variability, Plasma Adiponectin, and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Qi Lu , Doria Alessandro , Manson JoAnn E. , Meigs James B. , Hunter David , Mantzoros Christos S. , Hu Frank B.
Published: May 2006

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has shown anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects. We assessed the associations of variants in the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) with circulating adiponectin levels and cardiovascular risk among women with type 2 diabetes. Of 989 diabetic women from the Nurses’ Health Study, 285 developed cardiovascular disease (CVD) during follow-up through 2000. We genotyped five ADIPOQ polymorphisms in the CVD case and control subjects. A promoter polymorphism −11365C→G was significantly associated with lower plasma adiponectin levels (P = 0.004). The homozygotes of allele −4034C were significantly associated with ∼60% increased cardiovascular risk (odds ratio 1.62 [95% CI 1.07–2.45]). Adjustment for age, BMI, and other covariates did not appreciably change the associations. In addition, a common haplotype possessing allele +276T (CAATT) was associated with a significantly lower CVD risk than the most common haplotype (CAATG) (0.70 [0.50–0.98]). In our meta-analysis of 827 CVD case and 1,887 CVD-free control subjects, polymorphism +276G→T was significantly associated with ∼45% (20–62%) decreased CVD risk under a recessive inheritance mode in diabetic patients. In conclusion, ADIPOQ promoter polymorphism −11365C→G was associated with plasma adiponectin levels, whereas polymorphisms −4034A→C and +276G→T were associated with CVD risk in diabetic patients.
Metformin Improves Endothelial Vascular Reactivity in First-Degree Relatives of Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Metabolic Syndrome and Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: de Aguiar Luiz Guilherme Kraemer , Bahia Luciana R. , Villela Nivaldo , Laflor Camila , Sicuro Fernando , Wiernsperger Nicolas , Bottino Daniel , Bouskela Eliete
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis seen in type 2 diabetic subjects. Metformin is commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has known vasculoprotective effects beyond its hypoglycemic ones. We aimed to investigate the vascular effects of metformin in first-degree relatives with metabolic syndrome of type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study included 31 subjects (age 38.3 ± 7.6 years and BMI 36.3 ± 5.2 kg/m2), who were first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients and who had metabolic syndrome and normal glucose tolerance. The subjects were randomly assigned 1:1 in a double-blind fashion to receive placebo (n = 15) or metformin (n = 16). Endothelial function was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography, measuring forearm blood flow (FBF) and vascular resistance responses to three intra-arterial infusions of endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine 7.5, 15, and 30 μg/min) and independent (sodium nitroprusside 2, 4, and 8 μg/min) vasodilators. Weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist, and laboratory parameters (lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose [FPG]) were assessed at baseline and after treatment.

RESULTS—The metformin and placebo groups did not differ in anthropometric, clinical, laboratory, and vascular measurements at baseline. The metformin group had decreased weight, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and FPG and improved lipid profile. Endothelium-dependent FBF responses were also improved, without any effect on endothelium-independent responses. There was no correlation between the improvement on FBF responses and the observed changes on anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory parameters.

CONCLUSIONS—We concluded that metformin improved vascular endothelial reactivity in first-degree relatives with metabolic syndrome of type 2 diabetic patients, independently of its known antihyperglycemic effects.
Effect of Rosiglitazone on Endothelial Function and Inflammatory Markers in Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Ciotola Miryam , Carleo Diego , Schisano Bruno , Saccomanno Franco , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , Cozzolino Domenico , Assaloni Roberta , Merante Domenico , Ceriello Antonio , Giugliano Dario
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to assess the effect of rosiglitazone on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. One hundred subjects (54 men and 46 women) with the metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III, were followed for 12 months after random assignment to rosiglitazone (4 mg/day) or placebo. Primary end points were flow-mediated dilation and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels; secondary end points were lipid and glucose parameters, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin sensitivity, endothelial function score, and circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, and adiponectin.

RESULTS—Compared with 60 control subjects matched for age and sex, patients with the metabolic syndrome had decreased endothelial function, raised concentrations of inflammatory markers, and reduced insulin sensitivity. After 12 months, subjects with the metabolic syndrome receiving rosiglitazone showed improved flow-mediated vasodilation (4.2%, P < 0.001) and reduced hs-CRP levels (−0.7 mg/dl, P = 0.04), compared with the placebo group. Moreover, HOMA (−0.8, P = 0.01) and serum concentrations of IL-6 (−0.5 pg/ml, P = 0.045) and IL-18 (−31 pg/ml, P = 0.036) were significantly reduced in subjects receiving rosiglitazone, whereas adiponectin levels showed a significant increment (2.3 μg/ml, P = 0.02). High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels increased more and triglyceride levels decreased more in the rosiglitazone group compared with the placebo group. At 1 year of follow-up, 30 subjects receiving rosiglitazone still had features of the metabolic syndrome, compared with 45 subjects receiving placebo (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS—Rosiglitazone might be effective in reducing the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome.
Proinflammatory Cytokines, Insulin Resistance, and Insulin Secretion in Chronic Hepatitis C patients
Authors: Lecube Albert , Hernández Cristina , Genescà Joan , Simó Rafael
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to explore the initial pathogenic mechanisms of diabetes associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Insulin resistance, proinflammatory cytokines, and β-cell function were evaluated in a case-control study. A total of 28 consecutive nondiabetic patients with chronic hepatitis C were included in the study (anti-HCV+). Fourteen patients with chronic hepatitis other than HCV infection served as the control group (anti-HCV−). Both groups were closely matched by the main clinical variables associated with insulin resistance and the degree of liver fibrosis. In addition, there were no differences between groups regarding hepatic insulin extraction measured by calculating the ratio between C-peptide and insulin. Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, soluble TNF receptor [sTNFR] 1, soluble TNFR2, and interleukin-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA] of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) and insulin secretion at baseline (HOMA-β) and after various stimulus (oral glucose tolerance test, standard food intake, and intravenous glucagon) were determined by previously validated mathematic indexes.

RESULTS—HOMA-IR was higher in anti-HCV+ than in anti-HCV− patients (4.35 ± 2.27 vs. 2.58 ± 1.74; P = 0.01). All the proinflammatory cytokines analyzed were significantly higher in anti-HCV+ patients than in anti-HCV− patients. In addition, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were directly correlated to HOMA-IR. HOMA-β as well as insulin and C-peptide responses after the intravenous glucagon test were significantly higher in anti-HCV+ patients than in anti-HC− patients.

CONCLUSIONS—Insulin resistance mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, but not a deficit in insulin secretion, could be the primary pathogenic mechanism involved in the development of diabetes associated with HCV infection.
Prevalence of Diabetes and Impaired Fasting Glucose in Korea
Authors: Kim S.M. , Lee J.S. , Lee J. , Na J.K. , Han J.H. , Yoon D.K. , Baik S.H. , Choi D.S. , Choi K.M.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and their association with risk factors in the Korean population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2001 was a nationally representative survey with a stratified multistage sampling design. Data from a comprehensive questionnaire, a physical examination, and blood tests were obtained from 5,844 Korean adults (2,513 men and 3,331 women) aged >20 years.

RESULTS—The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes in this Korean population was 7.6%, and the age-adjusted prevalences of previously diagnosed diabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes were 4.4 and 3.3%, respectively (fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/l). Overall, these results indicate that 8.1% or 1.4 million Korean men and 7.5% or 1.3 million Korean women have diabetes. The age-adjusted prevalence of IFG was 23.9%, using the new American Diabetes Association criteria (fasting plasma glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/l). Diabetes prevalence increased with age and peaked in the oldest age-group; however, IFG prevalence did not show the same trend. Diabetes was found to be associated with age, BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, education levels, alcohol consumption, exercise, and a family history of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—This study shows that diabetes and IFG are common in Korea, and about one-half of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed. These results emphasize the need to develop an urgent public program to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of diabetes.
Presence of Diabetes Risk Factors in a Large U.S. Eighth-Grade Cohort
Authors:   The STOPP-T2D Prevention Study Group
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The study was conducted in 12 middle schools to determine the prevalence of diabetes, pre-diabetes, and diabetes risk factors in eighth-grade students who were predominantly minority and evaluate the feasibility of collecting physical and laboratory data in schools.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Anthropometric measurements and fasting and 2-h post-glucose load blood draws were obtained from ∼1,740 eighth-grade students.

RESULTS—Mean recruitment rate was 50% per school, 49% had BMI ≥85th percentile, 40.5% had fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dl, 0.4% had fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, and 2.0% had 2-h glucose ≥140 mg/dl and 0.1% ≥200 mg/dl. Mean fasting insulin value was 30.1 μU/ml, 36.2% had fasting insulin ≥30 μU/ml, and 2-h mean insulin was 102.1 μU/ml. Fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin values increased across BMI percentiles, and fasting glucose was highest in Hispanic and Native American students.

CONCLUSIONS—There was a high prevalence of risk factors for diabetes, including impaired fasting glucose (≥100 mg/dl), hyperinsulinism suggestive of insulin resistance (fasting insulin ≥30 μU/ml), and BMI ≥85th percentile. These data suggest that middle schools are appropriate targets for population-based efforts to decrease overweight and diabetes risk.
Geographic Variations of the International Diabetes Federation and the National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III Definitions of the Metabolic Syndrome in Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Lorenzo Carlos , Serrano-Ríos Manuel , Martínez-Larrad María T. , González-Sánchez José L. , Seclén Segundo , Villena Arturo , Gonzalez-Villalpando Clicerio , Williams Ken , Haffner Steven M.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—We have carried out international comparisons of the metabolic syndrome using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) definitions. This analysis could help to discern the applicability of these definitions across populations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Nondiabetic subjects aged 35–64 years were eligible for analysis in population-based studies from San Antonio (Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites, n = 2,473), Mexico City (n = 1,990), Spain (n = 2,540), and Peru (n = 346). κ Statistics examined the agreement between metabolic syndrome definitions.

RESULTS—Because of the lower cutoff points for elevated waist circumference, the IDF definition of the metabolic syndrome generated greater prevalence estimates than the ATP III definition. Prevalence difference between definitions was more significant in Mexican-origin and Peruvian men than in Europid men from San Antonio and Spain because the IDF definition required ethnic group–specific cutoff points for elevated waist circumference. ATP III and IDF definitions disagreed in the classification of 13–29% of men and 3–7% of women. In men, agreement between these definitions was 0.54 in Peru, 0.43 in Mexico City, 0.62 in San Antonio Mexican Americans, 0.69 in San Antonio non-Hispanic whites, and 0.64 in Spain. In women, agreement between definitions was 0.87, 0.89, 0.86, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS—The IDF definition of the metabolic syndrome generates greater prevalence estimates than the ATP III definition. Agreement between ATP III and IDF definitions was lower for men than for women in all populations and was relatively poor in men from Mexico City.
Antihypertensive Medication Prescribing in 27,822 Elderly Canadians With Diabetes Over the Past Decade
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Campbell Norman R.C. , Duong-Hua Minh , Chen Zhongliang , Tu Karen
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to examine whether prescribing practices for elderly individuals with diabetes and hypertension changed over the past decade.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We linked the Ontario Diabetes Database and four administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, to identify 27,822 patients >65 years of age who had diabetes and were newly treated for hypertension between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2001. All patients were followed for 2 years after their initial antihypertensive medication prescription.

RESULTS—The 27,822 patients in this study (mean age 72 years, 51% men) were treated with oral hypoglycemic agents alone (n = 17,128 patients, 62%), insulin alone (n = 2,346, 8%), both oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin (n = 2,205, 8%), or diet alone (n = 6,143, 22%). Management within the first 2 years of hypertension diagnosis consisted of antihypertensive monotherapy in 20,183 patients (73%), two antihypertensive drugs in 6,207 (22%), and three or more drugs in 1,432 (5%); the most frequently chosen antihypertensive drugs were ACE inhibitors (68%), thiazides (15%), and calcium channel blockers (9%). Between 1995 and 2001, physician prescribing practices changed: the population-adjusted rates of antihypertensive drug prescribing increased by 46% (95% CI 33–55%), the proportion of initial antihypertensive prescriptions for ACE inhibitors increased from 54 to 76% (P < 0.0001), and the use of multiple antihypertensive agents within the first 2 years of diagnosis increased from 21 to 32% (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS—Antihypertensive prescribing patterns in elderly individuals with diabetes changed over the past decade in Ontario in directions consistent with the evolving evidence base.
Cover Picture: Assembly of Wiseana Iridovirus: Viruses for Colloidal Photonic Crystals (Adv. Funct. Mater. 8/2006)
Authors: Juhl S. B. , Chan E. P. , Ha Y.‐H. , Maldovan M. , Brunton J. , Ward V. , Dokland T. , Kalmakoff J. , Farmer B. , Thomas E. L. , Vaia R. A.
Published: May 2006

Assembly of colloids is a versatile tool for micro‐ and nanofabrication. Natural and artificially engineered viruses offer the opportunity to expand the functionality and versatility of such assemblies. The cover shows optically iridescent, thin polycrystalline arrays (background) as well as bulk pellets (inset right) that exhibit reversible hydration‐dependent reflection spectra, as reported by Vaia and co‐workers on p. 1086. The films and pellets were created in vitro with classical colloid‐assembly techniques from Wiseana iridescent virus (inset, center) harvested from infected Wiseana spp larvae (inset, left).

In vitro assembly of Wiseana iridescent virus (WIV) yields iridescent pellets and films with structural color more vivid than in the native insect. WIV is icosahedral in shape, 140 nm in diameter, with 30 nm long fibrils attached to the outer surface, and exhibits a surface charge ca. 1/6th that of a comparable polymer colloid. The low surface charge and tethered chains on the virus surface allow the facile modification of the interparticle distance. Directed sedimentation yields predominantly an amorphous liquid‐like packing of the virus. Such samples exhibit a broad reflection band that is angle independent and for which the broad maximum can be reversibly shifted from blue towards red with increased hydration. Slow sedimentation and flow‐assisted assembly methods produce thin films with a polycrystalline morphology that exhibit narrower, more intense reflectivity peaks, which are hydration and angle dependent. This study points toward the potential of viral particles for photonic crystals where their unique structural features (icosahedral symmetry, extreme monodispersity, precise surface functionalization, and tethered surface chains of low surface‐charge density) may lead to superior control of optical properties of their assembled arrays.
Determination of Absolute Structure of (+)‐Davidiol A
Authors: He Yue‐Hua , Takaya Yoshiaki , Terashima Kenji , Niwa Masatake
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Joining‐chain (J‐chain) negative mice are B cell memory deficient
Authors: Källberg Eva , Leanderson Tomas
Published: May 2006

The systemic immune response of joining‐chain (J‐chain)‐deficient mice (J–/– mice) on a C57BL/6 background against the hapten 4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenyl (NP) was analysed. While primary IgG responses to the hapten were similar to those observed in WT control animals, secondary immune responses were compromised both at the level of serum IgG and the number of responding B cells. The repertoire switch from λ to κ in secondary immune responses was diminished in J–/– mice. The number of somatic mutations introduced in the VH 186.2 gene during the primary immune response was reduced, while the frequency of affinity‐increasing mutations in position 33 was similar. By adoptive transfer experiments it could be shown that the compromised secondary immune response was transferred with T cells from J–/– mice. Thus, J‐chain‐deficient mice have a selective defect in T helper cell function during B cell immune responses, resulting in a deficiency in the formation of B cell memory.
Rearrangement of Electron‐Rich N‐Allyldibenzotetraazafulvalenes –An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Holtgrewe Christian , Diedrich Christian , Pape Tania , Grimme Stefan , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: May 2006

The deprotonation of N‐allylbenzimidazolium halides 9a–d initially results in the formation of the N‐allyldibenzotetraazafulvalenes 10. These electron‐rich olefins rearrange to give 1,1′,2′,3′‐tetraalkyl‐1′,2′‐dihydro‐2,2′‐bibenzimidazoles 13, either by a 3‐aza‐Cope rearrangement or by a homolytic N‐alkyl bond cleavage and addition of the radical at the 2′‐position of the bibenzimidazole. Alternatively, double N‐alkyl bond cleavage gives rise to 1,1′‐dialkyl‐2,2′‐bibenzimidazoles 14. All reaction pathways were studied by use of quantum chemical calculations at the DFT/B3‐LYP/TZVP//DFT/BP86/SV(P) level, by comparison of the activation parameters for the radical and the concerted rearrangement mechanisms with the experimentally obtained products.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Chiral capillary electrophoretic separation of amino acids derivatized with 9‐fluorenylmethylchloroformate using mixed chiral selectors of β‐cyclodextrin and sodium taurodeoxycholate
Authors: Chen Fang , Zhang Shufeng , Qi Li , Chen Yi
Published: May 2006

Chiral separation of 19 pairs of amino acid (AA) enantiomers derivatized with 9‐fluorenylmethylchloroformate (FMOC) was successfully conducted by capillary electrophoresis using the mixture of β‐CD and sodium taurodeoxycholate (STDC) as selectors. Resolution was considerably superior to that obtained by using either β‐CD or STDC alone. After a systematic inspection, a buffer composed of 150 mM borate and 18% v/v isopropanol at pH 8.0, dissolved with 30 mM β‐CD and 30 mM STDC, was adopted and able to generate baseline resolution (>1.50) for 17 pairs of FMOC‐AA enantiomers and somewhat lower resolution for arginine (1.36) and alanine (1.18), respectively. Experimental data revealed that the addition of the second selector did not increase the mobility difference between a pair of enantiomers (Δμ = μD – μL and the number of theoretical plates (N), but decreased the summed apparent mobility of a pair of enantiomers (Σμ = μD − μL), which was mainly due to the decrease of the electroosmotic flow. The variation of Σμ was thus the major reason responsible for the improvement of chiral resolution in this study. The result demonstrated that not only the intrinsic selectivity of the selectors was the basis of the chiral separation, but also the non‐chiral effect of the selectors, the change of the electroosmotic flow, was an important factor in enhancing the enantioseparation resolution. This study could probably help to explain the reasons for resolution improvement in some dual selectors systems, which are not very clear at present.
MLL chimeric protein activation renders cells vulnerable to chromosomal damage: An explanation for the very short latency of infant leukemia
Authors: Eguchi Mariko , Eguchi‐Ishimae Minenori , Knight Deborah , Kearney Lyndal , Slany Robert , Greaves Mel
Published: May 2006

MLL fusion genes are a predominant feature of acute leukemias in infants and in secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with prior chemotherapy with topo‐II poisons. The former is considered to possibly arise in utero via transplacental chemical exposure. A striking feature of these leukemias is their malignancy and remarkably brief latencies implying the rapid acquisition of any necessary additional mutations. We have suggested that these coupled features might be explained if MLL fusion gene encoded proteins rendered cells more vulnerable to further DNA damage and mutation in the presence of chronic exposure to the agent(s) that induced the MLL fusion itself. We have tested this idea by exploiting a hormone regulated MLL‐ENL (MLLT1) activation system and show that MLL‐ENL function in normal murine progenitor cells substantially increases the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in proliferating cells that survive exposure to etoposide VP‐16. This phenotype is associated with an altered pattern of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The association between recreational physical activity and mammographic density
Authors: Siozon Conchitina Chato , Ma Huiyan , Hilsen Marit , Bernstein Leslie , Ursin Giske
Published: May 2006

Physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. However, little is known about the association between recreational physical activity and mammographic density. We examined the association between recreational physical activity and mammographic density using mammograms from 375 white and African American women without breast cancer who served as controls in the Los Angeles component of the Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experiences Study. We used data from 5 time periods of activity in the statistical analysis: from menarche to mammogram screening, the first 3 and 10 years after menarche, the most recent 10 years and the 3 years prior to mammogram screening. Lifetime history of recreational physical activity was obtained through interviews using a structured questionnaire. We used multiple linear regression to estimate least‐squared mean values of absolute and percent mammographic density within categories of physical activity. Overall, we found no statistically significant evidence that physical activity reduced absolute or percent mammographic density. We observed a modest positive association between lifetime physical activity and percent mammographic density (p for trend = 0.04) among younger women, and between recent physical activity and percent density among both younger (<50years, p for trend = 0.09) and older (≥50 years, p for trend = 0.06) women, but these associations diminished after additionally adjusting for body mass index (BMI) (all p ≥ 0.10). However, among women younger than 50 years, we found some evidence for a protective effect of “strenuous” physical activity in the first 3 years after menarche, with a nonstatistically significant inverse association with both absolute (p for trend = 0.07) and percent (p for trend = 0.08) mammographic density after adjustment for BMI. Our results suggest that physical activity is not a strong predictor of mammographic density. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sporadic rippling muscle disease unmasked by simvastatin
Authors: Baker Steven K. , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: May 2006

We report a 53‐year‐old‐man who developed rippling muscle disease (RMD) 2 months after starting simvastatin therapy for hypercholesterolemia. He experienced stiffness, myalgias, and classic rippling, which was confirmed on clinical examination. Discontinuation of the statin improved his symptoms. Simvastatin therapy was resumed and resulted in a prompt and severe return of his symptoms. Approximately 1 year after symptom onset he developed mild seropositive oculobulbar myasthenia gravis, which spontaneously remitted after 5 months. We postulate that an immune‐mediated disruption of caveolar function was exacerbated by statin exposure. We are unaware of any previous cases of statin‐mediated unmasking of RMD. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Femtosecond pulsed laser deposition of CdS thin films onto quartz substrates
Authors: Tong X. L. , Jiang D. S. , Li Y. , Liu Z. M. , Luo M. Z.
Published: May 2006

CdS thin films were grown on quartz substrates using femtosecond pulsed laser deposition. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), photoluminescence (PL) measurements, and optical transmission spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and optical properties of the deposited CdS thin films. The influence of substrate temperature in the range 100–600 °C on the structural and optical characteristics of the CdS thin films was systematically studied. The XRD and AFM results show that the crystalline and surface quality of the CdS thin films can be improved with increasing the substrate temperature to 450 °C, but further increasing the substrate temperature to 600 °C may lead to degradation of the crystallinity and surface quality of the CdS thin films. The corresponding PL and optical transmission results show that the optical properties of the CdS thin films deposited by the femtosecond laser ablation technique can be improved by increasing the substrate temperature from 100 to 450 °C. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Grain size reduction in fully dense nanocrystalline yttria‐stabilized zirconia by Al doping
Authors: Madubuonu Anthony , Drings Harald , Roewer Ralf , Schaefer Hans‐Eckhardt
Published: May 2006

In this work it was shown that the crystallite size of fully dense nanocrystalline yttria‐stabilized zirconia (ZrO2·Y2O3) can be reduced substantially by alumina doping. This could improve the oxygen transport properties and give rise to many technical applications, such as in solid oxide fuel cells. It has been recently shown that the oxygen diffusivity in the grain boundaries of nanocrystalline ZrO2·Y2O3 is strongly enhanced compared to the volume diffusivity. The present experiments show that the diffusion constant in alumina‐doped n‐ZrO2·Y2O3 is reduced compared to that of undoped n‐ZrO2·Y2O3. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermodynamic study on the role of hydrogen during hydride vapor phase epitaxy of Alx Ga1–xN
Authors: Murakami H. , Kikuchi J. , Kumagai Y. , Koukitu A.
Published: May 2006

Thermodynamic study for the hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) of Alx Ga1–x N was performed to realize the thick, large size AlGaN wafers. It was found that the hydrogen (H2) in the carrier gas affected the resulting solid composition of the alloy. The solid composition x in Alx Ga1–x N can be controlled by changing the H2 mole fraction in the carrier gas. These facts would be explained by difference in the growth reactions between AlN and GaN. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Piezoresistive and piezoelectric effects in GaN
Authors: Tilak V. , Vertiatchikh A. , Jiang J. , Reeves N. , Dasgupta S.
Published: May 2006

Gallium nitride is known to have both piezoelectric and piezoresistive properties (A. D. Bykhovski et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 68, 818 (1996) [1] and R. Gaska et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 71, 3817(1997) [2]). GaN's inertness to corrosive chemicals and robustness to high temperature makes it a potential candidate for harsh environment pressure sensor applications. We report piezoresistive and piezoelectric gauge factor measurements done on n‐GaN. Resistor structures were fabricated on 1×1018 cm–3 n‐type doped 250 μm thick GaN and subject to three point bend tests. The gauge factor was measured to be 28 at room temperature. The sample was also heated to 125 °C and the gauge factor was measured to be 17. Metal‐Insulator‐Semiconductor capacitor structures were fabricated on 7×1016 cm–3 n‐typed doped 2 μm thick GaN grown by MOCVD. Three point bend tests were done on the capacitors. The gauge factor was determined at both room temperature to be 167 and at 250 °C to be 104. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Three‐dimensional electroelastic analysis of functionally graded piezoelectric plate via state vector approach
Authors: Fang S. , Shindo Y. , Narita F. , Lin S.
Published: May 2006

Three‐dimensional electroelastic formulation is developed to study the response of functionally graded rectangular piezoelectric structures/plates. The electroelastric properties are assumed to vary linearly and nonlinearly in the thickness direction, and exact expressions for all relevant electroelastic variables are obtained through a state vector methodology. Numerical examples are presented and discussed for simply‐supported bi‐layer actuators with functionally graded piezoelectric layers under surface and/or internal electric potential loads. The results presented in this paper are important in the design and characterization of functionally graded piezoelectric materials in applications as microelectromechanical systems.
Siphula represents a remarkable case of morphological convergence in sterile lichens
Authors: GRUBE Martin , KANTVILAS Gintaras
Published: May 2006

A phylogenetic study using large subunit ribosomal DNA sequence data of several species of Siphula, representing all phenotypically recognized species groups, suggests that Siphula is not monophyletic. One lineage, including the core group related to S. ceratites and the S. decumbens group, is placed with members of the Icmadophilaceae, whereas a second distinct lineage, comprising S. complanata, S. fragilis and their relatives, has evolved within the Coccotremataceae. To accommodate these species, the new genus Parasiphula is described as new to science. Parasiphula consists of species restricted to cool to cold latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. The results show a remarkable case of parallel evolution of lineages that have lost sexual stages and propagate via thallus fragments.
Testing a symptom-based surveillance system at high-profile gatherings as a preparatory measure for bioterrorism
Authors: OSAKA K. , TAKAHASHI H. , OHYAMA T.
Published: May 2006

We tested symptom-based surveillance during the G8 conference in 2000 as a means of detecting outbreaks, including bio-terrorism attacks, promptly. Five categories of symptoms (skin and haemorrhagic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and unexplained) were adopted for the case definition of the surveillance. The surveillance began 1 week before the conference, and continued until 1 week after the conference ended. We could not detect any outbreaks during this surveillance. Compared to the existing diagnosis-based surveillance system, symptom-based surveillance has the advantages of timeliness and simplicity. However, poor specificity and difficulties in determining epidemic threshold were important limitations of this system. To increase the specificity of surveillance, it is essential to incorporate rapid laboratory diagnoses into the system.
Varicella in non-immune persons: incidence, hospitalization and mortality rates
Authors: BOËLLE P. Y. , HANSLIK T.
Published: May 2006

This study was conducted to estimate the varicella morbidity and mortality rates per age group among the non-immune population in France. Morbidity and mortality data for the years 1990–9 were derived from nationwide databases and surveillance systems. An incidence/prevalence model was designed to quantify the non-immune population per age group. The incidence of varicella in the non-immune population peaks during childhood and again in the 25–35 years age group. For children aged 1–4 years, adults aged 25–34 years and those older than 65 years, the hospitalization rates are respectively 235, 1438 and 8154 per 100 000 cases, and the death rates are respectively 7, 104 and 5345 per million cases. Case fatality or case hospitalization rates were not evenly distributed among adults and increased dramatically with age.
Immunity to chickenpox among school adolescents in Lebanon and options for vaccination
Authors: MUSHARRAFIEH U. M. , NUWAYHID I. A. , HAMADEH G. N. , STEITIEH S. W. , BIZRI A. R. N.
Published: May 2006

Varicella infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality in adolescents and adults. The primary infection, chickenpox, results in lifelong immunity to chickenpox. A seroprevalence study carried on adolescents 15–18 years of age attending schools in Lebanon showed 96·6% immunity to varicella. The positive predictive value for immunity to chickenpox based on history alone was 97·4%, whereas the negative predictive value was 4·5%. Coming from a bigger family was a statistically significant predictor of immunity to chickenpox. In a developing country like Lebanon the merits and limitations of implementing universal varicella vaccination is discussed in relation to seroprevalence and socioeconomic factors.
Ikterischer Verlauf einer Epstein-Barr-Virus-Infektion
Authors: Schafroth Török  , Nüesch
Published: May 2006

Wir berichten über eine 37-jährige Patientin mit Ikterus, erhöhten Leber- und Cholestaseparametern und Exanthem. Als Ursache fand sich eine Epstein-Barr-Virus-Infektion, die bei Erwachsenen seltener das klassische Bild des Pfeiffer'schen Drüsenfiebers (Angina tonsillaris/Pharyngitis, Lymphknotenschwellung, Fieber) aufweist. Häufig stehen bei Erwachsenen Fieber, Hepatomegalie und Ikterus im Vordergrund. Die Therapie ist symptomatisch, die Prognose der Erkrankung ist gut.
Biogeography and diversity of ants in Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park and Conservation Reserve, Western Australia
Authors: Barrow Lauren , Parr Catherine L. , Kohen James L.
Published: May 2006

We describe the diversity, composition, functional group organisation and biogeography of ants in Purnululu National Park (128°19′E, 17°19′S) in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, located at a semi-arid/tropical zone boundary. Pitfall trapping collected a representative sample of ants from three main habitats within the park: spinifex, sandplain and gorges. In total, 154 species from 25 genera were collected. The richest genera were Melophorus, Iridomyrmex and Monomorium. Iridomyrmex was the most abundant genus, accounting for 80% of all individuals recorded in traps. Functional group composition was dominated by Dominant Dolichoderinae (41% of individuals collected) and Hot Climate Specialists (26%). Biogeographical composition was typical of semi-arid zone assemblages located on the overlap between Eyrean and Torresian zones: 50% of the species recorded represented Eyrean taxa, followed by 33% with Torresian affinities, and 10% Widespread. Differences in ant species richness, abundance and assemblage composition between the three habitat types were attributed to a combination of variation in vegetation structure and microhabitat composition. This paper provides baseline data on local ant communities in the semi-arid Kimberley, enabling a greater understanding of the conservation value of reserves within the Kimberley, one of Australia’s least studied bioregions.
Skin irritants and contact sensitizers induce Langerhans cell migration and maturation at irritant concentration
Authors: Jacobs John J. L. , Lehé Cynthia L. , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Elliott Graham R. , Das Pranab K.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Skin irritants and contact allergens reduce the number of Langerhans cells (LCs). It has been assumed that this reduction is due their migration to the draining lymph node (LN) for initiating immune sensitization in a host. Skin irritation, however, as opposed to contact allergy is not considered to be an immunological disease. Nevertheless, skin irritants are also known for their adjuvant‐like effects on contact allergy, resulting in skin hypersensitivity reactions like toxic dermatitis. The human organotypic skin explant culture (hOSEC) model is used to study the characteristics of chemical‐induced migration of CD1a+ LCs out of the epidermis in relation to irritancy or toxicity. We analysed cells emigrating out of hOSEC for CD1a+ LCs, CD83+ mature dendritic cells (DCs) and CCR7+ LN homing cells. After exposure to a toxic concentration of a non‐immunogenic irritant, an increase of CD1a+CD83+ LCs was found in the culture medium. A non‐toxic concentration of an sensitizer induced an increase of CD1a+ cells. About 50% of skin emigrating CD1a+ LCs were CD83– (immature) but all were CCR7+. Skin irritation by both non‐allergenic and allergenic compounds induces LC migration and maturation. In contrast, only allergenic compounds induced LC migration with partial maturation at subtoxic concentration. This effectively demonstrates that irritation is physiologically needed stimuli for inducing LC maturation.
A framework of context‐awareness support for peer recommendation in the e‐learning context
Authors: Zheng Yanlin , Yano Yoneo
Published: May 2006

For learners in distributed e‐learning environments, it is difficult, but very important, to locate the right peer for collaboration on the right knowledge, at the right time and in the right way. This paper proposes the use of context awareness (CA) to support peer recommendation in the e‐learning context. For this purpose, this paper explores the e‐learning context that involvesknowledge,socialandtechnical contexts. Accordingly, this paper proposes a three‐dimensional CA model for peer recommendation that includesCA to knowledge potential,social proximityandtechnical access. By matching the peer seeker and the peer candidate with respect to these three dimensions, the CA information is promising as an aid to the peer seeker in finding suitable knowledge collaborators. The importance of activity context is highlighted in CA‐supported peer‐recommendation mechanism. A five‐dimensional (who, what, how, when and where) representation approach is suggested for activity‐context description.
Efficiency and Seasonality in the UK Housing Market, 1991–2001*
Authors: Rosenthal Leslie
Published: May 2006

This paper considers the informational efficiency of the UK owner‐occupied housing market over the period 1991–2001. Original small‐area, monthly, quality‐adjusted house price index series are developed from raw housing transaction observations for a number of UK counties and cities. These series are then tested in an autoregressive setting for characteristics indicative of weak market efficiency and seasonality. The major conclusion drawn is that there exists little evidence to support notions of inefficiency in these markets over the period considered.
Inflation Uncertainty, Output Growth Uncertainty and Macroeconomic Performance
Authors: Fountas Stilianos , Karanasos Menelaos , Kim Jinki
Published: May 2006

We use a bivariate generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (GARCH) model of inflation and output growth to examine the causality relationship among nominal uncertainty, real uncertainty and macroeconomic performance measured by the inflation and output growth rates. The application of the constant conditional correlation GARCH(1,1) model leads to a number of interesting conclusions. First, inflation does cause negative welfare effects, both directly and indirectly, i.e. via the inflation uncertainty channel. Secondly, in some countries, more inflation uncertainty provides an incentive to Central Banks to surprise the public by raising inflation unexpectedly. Thirdly, in contrast to the assumptions of some macroeconomic models, business cycle variability and the rate of economic growth are related. More variability in the business cycle leads to more output growth.
Is the Argument from Marginal Cases Obtuse?
Authors: DOMBROWSKI DANIEL A.
Published: May 2006

abstract  Elizabeth Anderson claims that the argument from marginal cases is ‘the central argument’ behind the claim that nonhuman animals have rights. But she thinks, along with Cora Diamond, that the argument is ‘obtuse’. Two different meanings could be intended here: that the argument from marginal cases is too blunt or dull to dissect the reasons why it makes sense to say that nonhuman animals have rights or that the argument from marginal cases is insensitive regarding nonrational human beings (the marginal cases of humanity). The purpose of the present article is to argue that, despite Anderson's and Diamond's nuanced and perceptive treatments of the argument from marginal cases, this argument is not obtuse in either sense of the term.
Has the SDC Journal catalysed changes in coloration technology?
Authors: Park J , Shore J
Published: May 2006

The authors have been avid readers and regular contributors to the SDC journals over a number of decades. Despite this allegiance, they question whether the large volume of useful technology that has been published was adequately read and implemented. Much more information has been published than can ever be used. Wider exploitation of the literature could have avoided or alleviated many of the problems currently suffered by various sectors of the coloration industry. A number of authors over the decades have questioned the resources devoted to education.