bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of lentiviral vector titration methods
Authors: Geraerts Martine , Willems Sofie , Baekelandt Veerle , Debyser Zeger , Gijsbers Rik
Published: July 2006

Background

Lentiviral vectors are efficient vehicles for stable gene transfer in dividing and non-dividing cells. Several improvements in vector design to increase biosafety and transgene expression, have led to the approval of these vectors for use in clinical studies. Methods are required to analyze the quality of lentiviral vector production, the efficiency of gene transfer and the extent of therapeutic gene expression.

Results

We compared lentiviral vector titration methods that measure pg p24/ml, RNA equivalents/ml, transducing units (TU/ml) or mRNA equivalents. The amount of genomic RNA in vector particles proves to be reliable to assess the production quality of vectors encoding non-fluorescent proteins. However, the RNA and p24 titers of concentrated vectors are rather poor in predicting transduction efficiency, due to the high variability of vector production based on transient transfection. Moreover, we demonstrate that transgenic mRNA levels correlate well with TU and can be used for functional titration of non-fluorescent transgenes.

Conclusion

The different titration methods have specific advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the experimental set-up one titration method should be preferred over the others.
Purchasing online journal access for a hospital medical library: how to identify value in commercially available products
Authors: Carter Thomas P , Carter Anne O , Broomes Gwendolyn
Published: July 2006

Background

Medical practice today requires evaluating large amounts of information which should be available at all times. This information is found most easily in a digital form. Some information has already been evaluated for validity (evidence based medicine sources) and some is in unevaluated form (paper and online journals). In order to improve access to digital information, the School of Clinical Medicine and Research at the University of the West Indies and Queen Elizabeth Hospital decided to enhance the library by offering online full text medical articles and evidence based medicine sources. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relative value of online journal commercial products available for a small hospital and medical school library.

Methods

Three reference standards were chosen to represent the ideal list of core periodicals for a broad range of medical care: 2 Brandon/Hill selected lists of journals for the small medical library (BH and BH core) and the academic medical library core journal collection chosen for the Florida State University College of Medicine Medical Library. Six commercially available collections were compared to the reference standards and to the current paper journal subscription list as regards to number of journals matched and cost per journal matched. Ease of use and presence of secondary sources were also considered.

Results

The cost per journal matched ranged from US $ 3194 to $ 81. Because of their low subscription prices, the Biomedical Reference Collection and Proquest products were the most cost beneficial. However, they provided low coverage of the ideal lists (12 – 17% and 21–32% respectively) and contained significant embargoes on current editions, were not user friendly and contained no secondary sources. The Ovid Brandon/Hill Plus Collection overcame these difficulties but had a much higher cost-benefit range while providing higher coverage of the ideal lists (14–47%).

Conclusion

After considering costs, benefits, ease of use, embargoes, presence of secondary sources (ACP Journal Club, DARE), the Ovid Brandon/Hill Plus Collection was the best choice for our hospital considering our budget. However, the option to individually select our own journal list from Ovid and pay per journal has a certain appeal as well.
Attractin, a dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26-like enzyme, is expressed on human peripheral blood monocytes and potentially influences monocyte function
Authors: Wrenger Sabine , Faust Jürgen , Friedrich Daniel , Hoffmann Torsten , Hartig Roland , Lendeckel Uwe , Kähne Thilo , Thielitz Anja , Neubert Klaus , Reinhold Dirk
Published: July 2006

The ectoenzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV; CD26) was shown to play a crucial role in T cell activation. Several compounds inhibiting DP IV-like activity are currently under investigation for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis ulcerosa, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. In the present study, we show that human peripheral blood monocytes express a DP IV-like enzyme activity, which could be inhibited completely by the synthetic DP IV inhibitor Lys[Z(NO2)]-thiazolidide. DP IV immunoreactivity was not detectable on monocytes, and DP IV transcript levels of monocytes were near the detection limit of quantitative polymerase chain reaction. However, monocytes exhibit a strong mRNA expression of the multifunctional DP IV-like ectoenzyme attractin and were highly positive for attractin in flow cytometric analysis. Fluorescence microscopy clearly demonstrated that attractin is located on the cell surface of monocytes. Attractin immunoprecipitates hydrolyzed Gly-Pro-pNA, indicating that monocyte-expressed attractin possesses DP IV-like activity. Inhibitor kinetic studies with purified human plasma attractin revealed that Lys[Z(NO2)]-thiazolidide not only inhibits DP IV but also attractin (50% inhibition concentration=8.45×10−9 M). Studying the influence of this inhibitor on monocyte functions, we observed a clear reduction of cell adhesion to fibronectin-coated culture plates in the presence of Lys[Z(NO2)]-thiazolidide. Moreover, this inhibitor significantly modulates the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, IL-6, and transforming growth factor-β1 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte cultures. In summary, here, we demonstrate for the first time expression of attractin on monocytes and provide first data suggesting that drugs directed to DP IV-like enzyme activity could affect monocyte function via attractin inhibition.
Reflective and Impulsive Determinants of Consumer Behavior
Authors: Strack Fritz , Werth’ Lioba , Deutsch Roland
Published: July 2006

This article describes a dual‐system model of consumer behavior. This model is based on the assumption that all human behaviors are a joint function of reflective and impulsive mechanisms. Those mechanisms have different principles of operation but contribute to the act of buying. However, the relative contribution of impulsive and reflective processes depends on personal and contextual circumstances. The operation and interaction of the 2 systems at different stages of information processing is described and applied to the dynamics of consumer behavior, with a special emphasis on impulse buying.
Country‐of‐Origin Influences on Product Evaluations: The Impact of Animosity and Perceptions of Industriousness Brutality on Judgments of Typical and Atypical Products
Authors: Hong Sung‐Tai , Kang Dong Kyoon
Published: July 2006

When a product's country of origin has a reputation for manufacturing high‐quality products, there may be a positive impact on product judgments. If people feel animosity toward a country as a result of its political or social policies, they may react negatively to the products it produces. These opposing effects may depend in part on the subset of country‐relevant knowledge that is accessible in memory at the time of judgment. When a product was not one on which Germany or Japan had built its reputation for manufacturing high‐quality products, associating the product with these countries increased its evaluations when industriousness had been activated as part of an unrelated experiment. However, when concepts associated with brutality had been primed, the product's country of origin had a negative effect on judgments. When the product was typical of those manufactured in the country, however, identifying its country of origin increased product evaluations regardless of whether industriousness or brutality had been primed. Thus, animosity toward a product's country of origin had an adverse effect on reactions to it only if the product was not one on which the country's reputation was based.
Individuality or Conformity? The Effect of Independent and Interdependent Self‐Concepts on Public Judgments
Authors: Torelli Carlos J.
Published: July 2006

When both independent and interdependent self‐concepts are available, priming either self‐concept will increase the accessibility in memory of the motivations and cognitions associated with it. Thus, priming the interdependent self may activate motivation to maintain harmony and conform to others’ opinions, whereas priming the independent self is likely to activate motivation to be independent and to withstand social pressure. Two experiments investigated implications of these possibilities for judgments of risk when participants anticipated (or not) explaining their judgments to others. Participants relied on others’ beliefs only when their interdependent self was primed and they expected they might have to explain their judgments to others. When their independent self was primed, expectations to communicate theirjudgments had no effect. Culture‐based differences in individualism vs. collectivism had no impact on these effects.
Effects of Parent‐Extension Similarity and Self Regulatory Focus on Evaluations of Brand Extensions
Authors: Yeo Junsang , Park Jongwon
Published: July 2006

Research has shown that a similar extension of a brand is evaluated more favorably than a dissimilar one. In this research we demonstrate that self‐regulatory focus (promotion vs. prevention focus) significantly moderates the effect. Four experiments demonstrated that similar extensions were evaluated more favorably than less similar extensions when participants were chronically or momentarily prevention focused, whereas such effect was eliminated and sometimes even reversed when participants were chronically or situationally promotion focused. This discrepancy was attributed to different weights attached to the perceived risk and to the perceived hedonic value of the extension by promotion‐focused vs. prevention‐focused individuals.
Thyrotropin Receptor Autoantibodies Are Independent Risk Factors for Graves’ Ophthalmopathy and Help to Predict Severity and Outcome of the Disease
Authors: Eckstein Anja K. , Plicht Marco , Lax Hildegard , Neuhäuser Markus , Mann Klaus , Lederbogen Sebastian , Heckmann Christian , Esser Joachim , Morgenthaler Nils G.
Published: July 2006

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether TSH-receptor antibody [TSH binding inhibitory antibodies (TBII)] levels are associated with the severity of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) over the entire course of the disease.

Methods and Patients: A total of 159 patients with GO were followed for 12–24 months. One year after the first symptoms of GO, all patients were classified into mild or severe GO according to their clinical manifestations. TBII were measured every 3 months after onset of GO. Receiver operating characteristic plot analysis was performed to assess the power to discriminate both patient groups by TBII (specificity >90%).

Results: TBII levels and prevalence at each time point during follow-up were significantly higher in patients with a severe course of GO compared with patients with a mild course of GO. Prognostic statements on the course of the disease were possible for about half of the GO patients at all time points (except the first). If at first presentation and at consecutive time points TBII levels were less than 5.7, 2.6, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, and 1.5 IU/liter, the patients had a 2.3- to 15.6-fold higher chance of a mild course. If 5–8 months after GO onset and at consecutive time points TBII levels were above 8.8, 5.1, 4.8, 2.8, and 2.8 IU/liter, the patients had a 8.7- to 31.1-fold higher risk of a severe course. This relationship of TBII to the severity was independent from age and smoking.

Conclusion: Follow-up measurements of TBII allow, in half of the patients, assessment of the prognosis of GO and, therefore, could be of additional help for the disease management.
Fis1p and Caf4p, but not Mdv1p, determine the polar localization of Dnm1p clusters on the mitochondrial surface
Authors: Schauss Astrid C. , Bewersdorf Jörg , Jakobs Stefan
Published: July 2006

The mitochondrial division machinery consists of the large dynamin-related protein Dnm1p (Drp1/Dlp1 in humans), and Fis1p, Mdv1p and Caf4p. Proper assembly of Dnm1p complexes on the mitochondrial surface is crucial for balanced fission and fusion events. Using quantitative confocal microscopy, we show that Caf4p is important for the recruitment of Dnm1p to the mitochondria. The mitochondrial Dnm1p assemblies can be divided into at least two morphologically distinguishable fractions. A small subset of these assemblies appear to be present as Dnm1p-spirals (or rings) that encircle tubule constrictions, with seldom more than seven turns. A larger fraction of the Dnm1p assemblies is primarily present at one side of the mitochondrial tubules. We show that a majority of these mitochondria-associated Dnm1p clusters point towards the cell cortex. This polarized orientation is abolished in fis1Δ and caf4Δ yeast cells, but is maintained in mdv1Δ cells and after disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. This study suggests that Caf4p plays a key role in determining the polarized localization of those Dnm1p clusters that are not immediately involved in the mitochondrial fission process.
Deregulation of Cdt1 induces chromosomal damage without rereplication and leads to chromosomal instability
Authors: Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Sugimoto Nozomi , Yugawa Takashi , Narisawa-Saito Mako , Kiyono Tohru , Fujita Masatoshi
Published: July 2006

The activity of human Cdt1 is negatively regulated by multiple mechanisms. This suggests that Cdt1 deregulation may have a deleterious effect. Indeed, it has been suggested that overexpression of Cdt1 can induce rereplication in cancer cells and that rereplication activates Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase and/or ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase-dependent checkpoint pathways. In this report, we highlight a new and interesting aspect of Cdt1 deregulation: data from several different systems all strongly indicate that unregulated Cdt1 overexpression at pathophysiological levels can induce chromosomal damage other than rereplication in non-transformed cells. The most important finding in these studies is that deregulated Cdt1 induces chromosomal damage and activation of the ATM-Chk2 DNA damage checkpoint pathway even in quiescent cells. These Cdt1 activities are negatively regulated by cyclin A/Cdks, probably through modification by phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that deregulated Cdt1 induces chromosomal instability in normal human cells. Since Cdt1 is overexpressed in cancer cells, this would be a new molecular mechanism leading to carcinogenesis.
An essential role for endocytosis of rhodopsin through interaction of visual arrestin with the AP-2 adaptor
Authors: Orem Nicholas R. , Xia Luxi , Dolph Patrick J.
Published: July 2006

Previously, we have identified a class of retinal degeneration mutants in Drosophila in which the normally transient interaction between arrestin2 (Arr2) and rhodopsin is stabilized and the complexes are rapidly internalized into the cell body by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The accumulation of protein complexes in the cytoplasm eventually results in photoreceptor cell death. We now show that the endocytic adapter protein AP-2 is essential for rhodopsin endocytosis through an Arr2-AP-2β interaction, and mutations in Arr2 that disrupt its interaction with the β subunit of AP-2 prevent endocytosis-induced retinal degeneration. We further demonstrate that if the interaction between Arr2 and AP-2 is blocked, this also results in retinal degeneration in an otherwise wild-type background. This indicates that the Arr2-AP-2 interaction is necessary for the pathology observed in a number of Drosophila visual system mutants, and suggests that regular rhodopsin turnover in wild-type photoreceptor cells by Arr2-mediated endocytosis is essential for photoreceptor cell maintenance.
Identification of SRC as a key PKA-stimulated tyrosine kinase involved in the capacitation-associated hyperactivation of murine spermatozoa
Authors: Baker Mark A. , Hetherington Louise , Aitken R. John
Published: July 2006

Fertilization of the mammalian oocyte depends on the ability of spermatozoa to undergo a process known as capacitation as they ascend the female reproductive tract. A fundamental feature of this process is a marked increase in tyrosine phosphorylation by an unusual protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated pathway. To date, the identity of the intermediate PKA-activated tyrosine kinase driving capacitation is still unresolved. In this study, we have identified SRC as a candidate intermediate kinase centrally involved in the control of sperm capacitation. Consistent with this conclusion, the SRC kinase inhibitor SU6656 was shown to suppress both tyrosine phosphorylation and hyperactivation in murine spermatozoa. Moreover, SRC co-immunoprecipitated with PKA and this interaction was found to lead to an activating phosphorylation of SRC at position Y416. We have also used difference-in-2D-gel-electrophoresis (DIGE) in combination with mass spectrometry to identify a number of SRC substrates that become phosphorylated during capacitation including enolase, HSP90 and tubulin. Our data further suggest that the activation of SRC during capacitation is negatively controlled by C-terminal SRC kinase. The latter was localized to the acrosome and flagellum of murine spermatozoa by immunocytochemistry, whereas capacitation was associated with an inactivating serine phosphosphorylation of this inhibitory kinase.
Melanoma cell adhesion molecule is a novel marker for human fetal myogenic cells and affects myoblast fusion
Authors: Cerletti Massimiliano , Molloy Michael J. , Tomczak Kinga K. , Yoon Soonsang , Ramoni Marco F. , Kho Alvin T. , Beggs Alan H. , Gussoni Emanuela
Published: July 2006

Myoblast fusion is a highly regulated process that is important during muscle development and myofiber repair and is also likely to play a key role in the incorporation of donor cells in myofibers for cell-based therapy. Although several proteins involved in muscle cell fusion in Drosophila are known, less information is available on the regulation of this process in vertebrates, including humans. To identify proteins that are regulated during fusion of human myoblasts, microarray studies were performed on samples obtained from human fetal skeletal muscle of seven individuals. Primary muscle cells were isolated, expanded, induced to fuse in vitro, and gene expression comparisons were performed between myoblasts and early or late myotubes. Among the regulated genes, melanoma cell adhesion molecule (M-CAM) was found to be significantly downregulated during human fetal muscle cell fusion. M-CAM expression was confirmed on activated myoblasts, both in vitro and in vivo, and on myoendothelial cells (M-CAM+ CD31+), which were positive for the myogenic markers desmin and MyoD. Lastly, in vitro functional studies using M-CAM RNA knockdown demonstrated that inhibition of M-CAM expression enhances myoblast fusion. These studies identify M-CAM as a novel marker for myogenic progenitors in human fetal muscle and confirm that downregulation of this protein promotes myoblast fusion.
Magnetic Phase Transition of the 1,3-Bis(2,2′-biphenylene)-2-phenylallyl (BDPA) Complex with Acetone
Authors: Yamauchi Jun
Published: July 2006

The magnetic susceptibility of the 1,3-bis(2,2′-biphenylene)-2-phenylallyl (BDPA) complex with acetone exhibited a broad maximum at around 10 K, characterized by a linear Heisenberg-type magnetic interaction; a discontinuity in dχ/dT at ca. 2.8 K was observed, suggesting an antiferromagnetic spin-ordering. The magnetic behavior in the paramagnetic region is discussed in terms of the Weiss temperature, exchange interaction parameters, and a divergent character in the ESR linewidth and g-value. The spin-ordered state was ascertained by antiferromagnetic resonance, in which one of the resonance branches showed a rapid temperature dependence, indicating a transition temperature of 3.1 K. Compared with the magnetic data of the BDPA–benzene complex, it was concluded that the magnetic characteristics were greatly influenced by solvent complexation and that the magnetic parameters in both the paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic regions were enhanced by changing the incorporated solvent from benzene to acetone.
NQR and X-Ray Study of Bis(4-methylpyridinium) Pentabromoantimonate(III), (4-CH3C5H4NH)2SbBr5
Authors: Ishihara Hideta , Dou Shi-qi , Weiss Alarich
Published: July 2006

The crystal structure of the title compound was determined (T = 300 K): , Z = 2, a = 1085.8, b = 1064.3, c = 929.0 pm, α = 97.83, β = 108.86, γ = 99.24°, R(F) = 0.047, Rw(F) = 0.041. Characteristic for the structure is the dimer structure of SbBr52− ion. The atomic coordination around the Sb atom is a distorted octahedron. The 81Br NQR spectrum was studied in the temperature range 77 ≤ T/K ≤ 350. The 81Br NQR frequencies are spread out over a wide range at 77 K: 37 ≤ ν(81Br)/MHz ≤ 111. The temperature dependence of the NQR frequencies and of their spread is given as is an assignment of 81Br NQR lines to the positions of Br atoms in the anion.
Monte-Carlo Simulation Taking Account of Solvent Effects for a Conformation Analysis of Peptides in Solution
Authors: Kuroda Masataka , Yamazaki Kazuto , Kobayashi Tetsu , Fujii Nobutaka , Taga Tooru
Published: July 2006

Solvent effects were introduced into a Monte-Carlo simulation of peptide conformations by the use of a new potential function for evaluating the nonbonding interactions between solute and solvent molecules. The Monte-Carlo program, which included the electrostatic and nonbonding interactions of the solvent, was tested for a conformation analysis of the zwitterionic tetragastrin in DMSO. The theoretical coupling constants were in good agreement with the NMR data. The conformation of the zwitterion was a folded compact form at the lowest energy, which was different from those obtained from a simulation in vacuo and that without nonbonding solvent effects.
Sol–Gel Preparation and Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Hashimoto Tadanori , Yoko Toshinobu , Sakka Sumio
Published: July 2006

Rutile and anatase thin films have been prepared by the sol–gel method using Ti(OC3H7i)4. Third-order nonlinear optical properties of both TiO2 thin films have been investigated by the third-harmonic generation (THG) method and the effect of the polymorph of TiO2 on the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility, χ(3), has been examined. The measured χ(3) values of rutile and anatase thin films were 1.4 × 10−12 and 9.7 × 10−13 esu, respectively. The χ(3) values corrected for the porosity of the film were 4.0 × 10−12 (rutile) and 2.4 × 10−12 esu (anatase), which are about 100 times as high as that of SiO2 glass used as standard sample (2.8 × 10−14 esu). The measured and corrected χ(3) values were discussed in comparision with those calculated on the basis of several models.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Style of Water-Soluble Glycosylated Porphyrins as a Spectrophotometric Reagent for Metal Ions
Authors: Kohata Katsunori , Higashio Hisao , Yamaguchi Yuichi , Koketsu Mamoru , Odashima Tsugikatsu
Published: July 2006

Six new styles of water-soluble glycosylated porphyrins (5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis[2-, 3- or 4-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)phenyl]porphine) were synthesized and studied concerning their structures by 1H and 13C NMR. Tetrakis (o-substituted phenyl)porphine, consisting of four atropisomers (αβαβ, ααββ, αααβ, and αααα), was clearly assigned based on the 13C NMR peak-splitting pattern. It was especially noteworthy that water-soluble picket-fence porphyrin (αααα) was obtained. Furthermore, their characterization as a chromogenic reagent for metal ions was investigated. The introduction of highly water-soluble glucose successfully improved the aggregration and adsorption characteristics of the anionic or cationic porphyrins so far prepared without any marked change in the other important analytical properties.
Theoretical Estimation of the Redox Potentials Involving Organic and Inorganic Free Radicals
Authors: Abe Takehiro
Published: July 2006

A simple theoretical expression for the redox potential of a redox couple (X/X−• or X•/X−) has been presented by using a modified Born equation and has been successfully applied to the organic and inorganic redox couples the reliable standard redox potentials of which are directly measured electrochemically, and to polarographic half-wave redox potentials of organic compounds. The expression has also been applied to inorganic redox couples the provisional standard redox potentials of which are estimated indirectly by using thermodynamic cycles, to examine the validity of the provisional potentials. At least, the provisional redox potentials, with which the potentials calculated approximately agree, seem to be reliable.
Complexation Behavior of Heterocyclic Hydrazones. II. Effects of Steric Factors on Formation Constants for Nickel(II) Complexes with Heterocyclic Hydrazones
Authors: Taya Toshiki , Mukouyama Yukinobu , Doi Kunio , Otomo Makoto
Published: July 2006

The equilibria of nickel(II) ion with thirteen nitrogen-heterocyclic hydrazones (neutral form: HL) with and without blocking group(s) have been investigated spectrophotometrically in 28% aqueous dioxane solution at 25 °C and an ionic strength of 0.2 (KCl). For a series of 2-pyridinecarbaldehyde 5-substituted-2-pyridylhydrazones, the following linear free energy relationships (LFER) were derived between the overall formation constants, β1, β1′, and β2, of Ni(HL)2+, NiL+, and Ni(HL)22+ complexes, respectively, and the dissociation constants, Ka1 and Ka2, of H3L2+ and H2L+, respectively: log β1 = 0.95 (pKa1 + pKa2)/2 + 4.60, 1/2 log β2 = 0.95 × (pKa1 + pKa2)/2 + 4.82, and log β1′ = 1.40 (pKa1 + pKa2)/2 + 9.73.

The steric effects of the 6-methyl group in pyridine and the quinolyl ring in place of pyridyl group on the complex formation were evaluated on the basis of LFER. The complex stabilization effect of the pyridyl group substituted for formyl hydrogen was also evaluated for Ni(HL)22+, Ni(HL)2+, and NiL+ complexes. These results together with LFER were discussed in conjunction with the thermodynamic parameters for the formation of Ni(HL)2+ complex and the ligand field parameters, Dq, for Ni(HL)2+ and Ni(HL)22+ complexes.
Photoproduction and Quenching of Hydrated Electrons from Dissolved Organic Matter in Natural Waters
Authors: Kumamoto Yu-ichiro , Wang Jian , Fujiwara Kitao
Published: July 2006

Laser photolysis was used to investigate the production and quenching of hydrated electrons formed after absorption of 355 nm light by dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural waters. Correlation between the hydrated electrons generated and dissolved organic carbon in seawaters was found. The DOM in land waters ejected more hydrated electrons than seawater DOM did. Land waters contained much natural fluorescent organic matter, so the DOM in the land waters was rich in photochemically sensitive chromophores. Quenching of the hydrated electrons by the inorganic ions, nitrite, nitrate, Cd2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and [Co(NH3)6]3+ were investigated by a first-order function and the Stern–Volmer model. With the former, the quenching rate constants were 10−9 to 10−10 dm3 mol−1 s−1, which was close to reported values. No regional differences were found among the seawater samples. This result suggested similar quenching mechanisms for hydrated electrons generated in the different seawaters. With the Stern–Volmer model, primary quenching was estimated. Quenching studies of land waters suggested that DOM had an aggregate nature in such waters.
Novel Synthesis of Mercaptopurine and Pentaaza-as-Indacene Analogues: Reaction of [Bis(methylthio)methylene]malononitrile and Ethyl 2-Cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylate with 5-Aminopyrazoles
Authors: Elgemeie Galal Eldin Hamza , El-Ezbawy Samia E , Ali Hosny A , Mansour Abdel-Kader
Published: July 2006

A novel synthesis of 7-methylthiopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines via reaction of [bis(methylthio)methylene]malononitrile and ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylate with 5-aminopyrazoles is reported and the synthetic potential of the method is demonstrated.
Footprint Catalysis. IX. Molecular Footprint Catalytic Cavities Imprinted with Chiral Hydantoins; Enantioselective Hydantoinase Mimics
Authors: Matsuishi Tamae , Shimada Toyoshi , Morihara Kensaku
Published: July 2006

Imprinting using chiral 5-phenyhydantoins ((5R)- and (5S)-5-pheny-2,4-imidazolinedione) as templates could mark chiral molecular footprint-like cavities on a silica (alumina) gel surface. These cavities displayed evident enantioselective catalyses in reactions of (R)- and (S)-N-carboxyphenylglycine anhydrides, and (R)- and (S)-5-phenylhydantoins with 2,4-dinitrophenolate, respectively. A proposed mechanism and temperature effects on catalysis suggested that the enantioselectivities depended on the binding step of the catalysis.
Positional Reactivity of Acylpolymethylbenzenes in Electrophilic Substitution
Authors: Matsuura Kazunori , Kimura Yasuo , Takahashi Hisakazu , Morita Toshio , Takahashi Ichiro , Kitajima Hidehiko , Keumi Takashi
Published: July 2006

Friedel–Crafts acylation, bromination, deuteration, and nitration of acetylpentamethylbenzene (APMB), 1-acetyl-2,3,4,6-tetramethylbenzene (ATMB), and 1-benzoyl-2,3,4,6-tetramethylbenzene (BTMB) and the resulting product distributions were investigated. Friedel–Crafts acylation, bromination, and deuteration of APMB and Friedel–Crafts acylation of ATMB gave deacetylation-substitution products. On the other hand, bromination and deuteration of ATMB (or BTMB) and Friedel–Crafts acylation of BTMB gave 5-substituted products. In both cases, the positional reactivities were in accordance with the relative σ-complex stability. Conversely, except for Friedel–Crafts-type nitration, the positional reactivities in the nitration of these substrates were strikingly different from those of the above three reactions. Thus, side-chain functionalization at the 6-methyl group occurred in nitration with fuming nitric acid, depending on the solvents in use. The MNDO calculations and the reaction of APMB with single-electron transfer reagents such as tetranitromethane-hν or cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate suggest that the product distribution in nitration can be explained in terms of a single-electron transfer mechanism.
Interaction between an α-Helical Polypeptide Containing Side-Chain Pyridyl Groups and Poly(4-vinylpyridine) in the Ternary Cu2+ Ion Complex
Authors: Nagata Yoshitomo , Kinoshita Takatoshi , Takizawa Akira , Tsujita Yoshiharu , Yoshimizu Hiroaki
Published: July 2006

Interaction between a Cu2+-α-helical polypeptide containing side-chain pyridyl groups, poly(Nω-2-pyridylmethyl-l-glutamine) (P2PG), and poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) as a macromolecular guest was investigated by absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopies in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol solutions. P4VP was added to the Cu2+-one pyridyl side chain complex system prepared in advance. One or two P4VP nitrogens could bind to the remaining coordination sites of the Cu2+ ion in the host system, yielding ternary Cu2+ complexes. The circular dichroism spectra of Cu2+-P2PG with P4VP indicated that P4VP might bind to the α-helix of P2PG in such a manner as to form a left-handed superhelix around the α-helical core resulting from the formation of ternary Cu2+ complexes. The structure of the interpolymer complex system was also investigated by a monolayer method. The surface pressure–area isotherm of a Cu2+-P2PG-P4VP monolayer and its hysteresis supported the formation of the supramolecular structure suggested by the spectroscopic methods.
Synthesis and Properties of a Bisdehydro[14]annuleno[c]furan and an Ortho-Annelated Tetrakisdehydro[14]annuleno[14]annulene
Authors: Iyoda Masahiko , Nakagawa Tsutomu , Ebe Hajime , Oda Masaji , Nakagawa Masazumi , Yamamoto Koji , Higuchi Hiroyuki , Ojima Juro
Published: July 2006

A bisdehydro[14]annuleno[c]furan and a tetrakisdehydro[14]annuleno[14]annulene have been synthesized; their properties and effects of annelation on annulene rings are discussed on the basis of 1H NMR and electronic spectra. Attempts to synthesize the related [14]annuleno[16]annuleno[14]annulene are also described.
Calixarene-Catalyzed Generation of Dichlorocarbene and Its Application to Organic Reactions: The Catalytic Action of Octopus-Type Calix[6]arene
Authors: Nomura Eisaku , Taniguchi Hisaji , Otsuji Yoshio
Published: July 2006

The dichlorocarbene generation reaction from CHCl3 and solid KOH in CH2Cl2 was catalyzed by the p-t-butylcalix[6]arene derivative 1 which bears six 3,6,9-trioxadecyl substituents on the phenolic oxygens. Dichlorocarbene generated by this method reacted efficiently with alkenes and amides to give dichlorocyclopropane derivatives and nitriles, respectively, in high yields. The reaction with alkadiene having isolated double bonds gave mixtures of the mono- and bis-dichlorocarbene adducts, but the monoadduct formation always predominated. The catalytic action of the calixarene and the reactivity features of dichlorocarbene generated by the above procedure are discussed on the basis of kinetic measurements. They are also compared with those of the 18-crown-6-catalyzed reactions.
Electrocatalytic Epoxidation of Cyclohexene by Manganese(III) Porphyrin Using Electron Mediator
Authors: Suzuki Yoshihiro , Koseki Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Kohshin , Matsui Syuichi , Komura Teruhisa
Published: July 2006

For an electrocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexene in an air-equilibrated acetonitrile solution containing (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)manganese(III) as a catalyst, benzoic anhydride as an acylating reagent and 1-methylimidazole as a ligand to Mn porphyrin, the addition of the compounds such as Methylene Blue, Safranine-T, and viologens promotes the production of cyclohexene oxide. The result implies that these compounds act effectively as mediators for the electron transfer from electrode to Mn porphyrin because they have more negative reduction potential than Mn porphyrin. The faradaic efficiency reaches about 100% by the use of benzylviologen under an optimum condition. But, in the presence of methylene blue, the maximum faradaic efficiency gives low values of about 30%. On the other hand, cyclohexene oxide is also produced by the use of zinc powder as a reductant, but the utilization efficiency of zinc gives relatively low values of 30—40% regardless of the kind of the mediator. This result is ascribed to the irreversible reduction of the mediator and the direct reaction of oxomanganese complex, which is an intermediate in this epoxidation reaction, with zinc powder.
Evaporation and Condensation as a Unimolecular Chemical Reaction: Does the Potential Barrier Exist at a Molecular Liquid Surface ?
Authors: Yasuoka Kenji , Matsumoto Mitsuhiro , Kataoka Yosuke
Published: July 2006

A particle insertion method is applied to investigate the local chemical potential near a liquid free surface of argon and methanol. Although methanol has a significant ordering of molecular orientation, the chemical potential is constant for both cases, which is contrary to the prediction of a transition state theory.
Packing State and Stability of Self-Assembled Monolayers of 11-Ferrocenyl-1-undecanethiol on Platinum Electrodes
Authors: Shimazu Katsuaki , Sato Yukari , Yagi Ichizo , Uosaki Kohei
Published: July 2006

Self-assembled monolayers of 11-ferrocenyl-1-undecanethiol on Pt have been characterized with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Well-packed monolayers were defect-free, but less compact than on Au. The high affinity of Pt for oxygen made the monolayer relatively unstable compared with monolayers on Au.
Dimer of S-100 Proteins
Authors: Matsuda Sadayuki
Published: July 2006

The association of the S-100 protein was studied by the HPLC of gel filtration in the presence of 0.5 mM Zn2+. To avoid any association of the proteins, it was necessary for the dissoving buffer to contain urea of 6 M concentration. This conclusion was confirmed by fluorescence measurements of S-100a.a′.
Creating Change Agents
Authors: Marcus Marianne T. , Brown Richard L. , Straussner S. Lala A. , Schoener Eugene , Henry Rebecca , Graham Antonnette V. , Madden Theresa , Saunders Laura A.
Published: July 2006

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of a national interdisciplinary faculty development program, Project MAINSTREAM, on creating curriculum enhancement in health professional education.

Method

Thirty-nine faculty completed a two-year, part-time fellowship program featuring interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring, training meetings, and Internet-based instructional materials. The main vehicle for curricular change was a required collaborative education project to develop trainees’ core competencies in substance abuse prevention services.

Results

Fellows used a variety of approaches to implement 123 curricula and provide 66,995 hours of training to 10,170 trainees. Ninety percent of the training hours occurred in required courses, a potential indication of sustainability. Fellows indicated that a majority of the offerings would be sustained beyond the fellowship.

Conclusion

Project Mainstream shows promise as a model for achieving durable curriculum change in response to the public health crisis associated with a workforce untrained to deliver substance abuse services.
Substance Abuse Prevention Program for Children and Adolescents in a Community-Based Clinic
Authors: Shelton Andrea , Harvin Sheila , White Janeana
Published: July 2006

This paper describes a community-based substance abuse prevention program utilizing a cognitive-behavioral curriculum to children and adolescents affected by a substance use disorder in a parent or caretaker.
Training Providers at a University Health Center in Substance Use Screening
Authors: Eckert-Norton Margaret , Baez Annecy , Morrison Ann
Published: July 2006

NYU Mainstream fellows collaborated with a student health center. An objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) was conducted by the fellows for the center's personnel.
Interdisciplinary Service Learning and Substance Abuse Screening in Free Clinic Settings
Authors: Martin Peggy M. , Pilon-Kacir Christine , Wheeler Mare
Published: July 2006

Interdisciplinary groups of students learned screening tools for substance use and practiced skills of brief intervention while serving needs of a local free clinic.
Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol Problems in an Underserved Population
Authors: Hogan Beth , Adams Susie , Wahid Zia , Wilson Susan
Published: July 2006

This case reports the implementation of post-care patient interviews to determine whether or not patients received screening and brief intervention (when needed) for alcohol problems.
Comparison of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Cockcroft–Gault Equations for Antimicrobial Dosage Adjustments
Authors: Wargo Kurt A , Eiland Edward H , Hamm Wayne , English Thomas M , Phillippe Haley M
Published: July 2006

Background:

Direct measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered to be the most accurate method of assessing kidney function, albeit difficult and costly. With the derivation of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation to estimate GFR in patients with chronic kidney disease, questions exist as to whether this method should be preferred over the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) equation when making dosage adjustments for renally eliminated antimicrobials.

Objective:

To determine whether a difference exists when making antimicrobial dosage adjustments in patients with chronic kidney disease based on estimation of GFR using the MDRD and CG equations.

Methods:

We conducted an observational analysis of 409 patients with chronic kidney disease who were admitted to a tertiary care facility with an inpatient dialysis center and nephrology unit. GFR was calculated using both the 4- or 6-variable MDRD equation and the CG equation and compared using correlation and Bland–Altman methodology. Dosage discordance rates of the selected antimicrobials were determined on the basis of manufacturer renal dose recommendations.

Results:

Average ± SD GFR for all patients using the CG equation was 34.8 ± 12 mL/min and, using the MDRD equation, was 40.2 ± 12 mL/min (absolute mean difference 5.40; 95% CI 4.66 to 6.15; p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between the 2 estimations, among all patients, was excellent (r=0.80). The Bland–Altman plot yielded limits of agreement of -9.8 and 20.6; thus, the MDRD estimation may range from 9.8 mL/min below to 20.6 mL/min above the CG estimation for 95% of the cases. A discordance rate of 21–37% (p < 0.001) existed among the recommended dosing adjustments of the selected antimicrobials.

Conclusions:

This analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences between the CG and MDRD equations, resulting in different dosing recommendations in 21–37% of patients. The clinical significance of these differences is uncertain in the absence of data regarding clinical outcomes that would result from the use of the discordant doses.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in Raynaud's Phenomenon
Authors: Levien Terri L
Published: July 2006

Objective:

TO evaluate the efficacy of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Data Sources:

Searches of MEDLINE (1966–March 2006) and Web of Science (1980–March 2006) were conducted; search terms were sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, phosphodiesterase, and Raynaud. Studies and case reports published in English were retrieved. Additional references were identified in bibliographic reviews.

Data Synthesis:

Several small studies and a number of case reports have described the use of PDE5 inhibitors in patients with either primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. The data from the best designed study show a reduced attack frequency and duration, reduced Raynaud Condition Score, and increased capillary blood flow in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

Conclusions:

Available evidence suggests that sildenafil may be associated with improved microcirculation, symptomatic relief, and ulcer healing in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Limited information suggests similar effects with tadalafil and vardenafil. Improved blood flow and clinical improvements have also been observed in some patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon treated with PDE5 inhibitors; however, studies have yielded conflicting results.
Distribution of Endothelin Receptor Subtypes ETAand ETBin the Rat Kidney
Authors: Wendel Martina , Knels Lilla , Kummer Wolfgang , Koch Thea
Published: July 2006

The endothelin (ET) receptor system is markedly involved in the regulation of renal function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The present study determined the detailed cellular localization of both ET receptor subtypes, ETAand ETB, in the vascular and tubular system of the rat kidney by immunofluorescence microscopy. In the vascular system we observed both ETAand ETBreceptors in the media of interlobular arteries and afferent and efferent arterioles. In interlobar and arcuate arteries, only ETAreceptors were present on vascular smooth muscle cells. ETBreceptor immunoreactivity was sparse on endothelial cells of renal arteries, whereas there was strong labeling of peritubular and glomerular capillaries as well as vasa recta endothelium. ETAreceptors were evident on glomerular mesangial cells and pericytes of descending vasa recta bundles. In the renal tubular system, ETBreceptors were located in epithelial cells of proximal tubules and inner medullary collecting ducts, whereas ETAreceptors were found in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts. Distribution of ETAand ETBreceptors in the vascular and tubular system of the rat kidney reported in the present study supports the concept that both ET receptor subtypes cooperate in mediating renal cortical vasoconstriction but exert differential and partially antagonistic effects on renal medullary function. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:1193-1203, 2006)
Pancreatitis-Associated Protein-III Is a Novel Macrophage Chemoattractant Implicated in Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Namikawa Kazuhiko , Okamoto Takashi , Suzuki Akinobu , Konishi Hiroyuki , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: July 2006

Circulating macrophages are recruited to degenerating nerves in response to nerve injury to remove myelin and axonal debris, a process that is crucial for successful nerve regeneration. In this study, we demonstrate that pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP)-III is a macrophage chemoattractant that is induced in and released from injured nerves.In vitroexperiments revealed that PAP-III possessed a strong macrophage chemoattractant activity that was comparable with that of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. In addition, gene knockdown via adenovirus-mediated small interference RNA expression in isolated sciatic nerves successfully suppressed PAP-III expression and its macrophage chemoattractant activity. Furthermore, overexpression or knockdown of the PAP-III gene in crushed sciatic nerves in rats resulted in acceleration or retardation of macrophage recruitment and subsequent nerve regeneration, respectively. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PAP-III is a novel macrophage chemoattractant that is involved in peripheral nerve regeneration and further provide new insights into Schwann cell–macrophage interactions and therapeutic interventions.
Converging Language Streams in the Human Temporal Lobe
Authors: Spitsyna Galina , Warren Jane E. , Scott Sophie K. , Turkheimer Federico E. , Wise Richard J. S.
Published: July 2006

There is general agreement that, after initial processing in unimodal sensory cortex, the processing pathways for spoken and written language converge to access verbal meaning. However, the existing literature provides conflicting accounts of the cortical location of this convergence. Most aphasic stroke studies localize verbal comprehension to posterior temporal and inferior parietal cortex (Wernicke’s area), whereas evidence from focal cortical neurodegenerative syndromes instead implicates anterior temporal cortex. Previous functional imaging studies in normal subjects have failed to reconcile these opposing positions. Using a functional imaging paradigm in normal subjects that used spoken and written narratives and multiple baselines, we demonstrated common activation during implicit comprehension of spoken and written language in inferior and lateral regions of the left anterior temporal cortex and at the junction of temporal, occipital, and parietal cortex. These results indicate that verbal comprehension uses unimodal processing streams that converge in both anterior and posterior heteromodal cortical regions in the left temporal lobe.