bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple slice culture system for the imaging of nerve development in embryonic mouse
Authors: Brachmann Isabel , Jakubick Vera Catherine , Shakèd Maya , Unsicker Klaus , Tucker Kerry Lee
Published: November 2007

Newborn neurons elaborate an axon that undertakes a complicated journey to find its ultimate target in the brain or periphery. Although major progress in the study of this process has been made by analysis of dissociated neurons in vitro, one would like to observe and manipulate axonal outgrowth and pathfinding as it occurs in situ, as fasciculated nerves growing within the tissue itself. Here, we present a simple technique to do this, through cultivation of embryonic mouse slices expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) specifically in newborn neurons. This system allows for imaging of outgrowth of peripheral nerves into structures such as the developing limb. We demonstrate a reproduction of normal innervation patterns by spinal nerves derived from spinal cord motor neurons and sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. The slices can be manipulated pharmacologically as well as genetically, by crossing the EGFP‐expressing line with lines containing targeted mutations in genes of interest. Developmental Dynamics 236:3514–3523, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apical and lateral cell protrusions interconnect epithelial cells in live Drosophila wing imaginal discs
Authors: Demontis Fabio , Dahmann Christian
Published: November 2007

3D‐rendering of a living Drosophila melanogaster wing imaginal disc expressing CD8‐GFP in the dorsal compartment and stained with the lipophilic dye FM4‐64. See Demontis and Dahmann, Developmental Dynamics 236:3408–3418. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CXCR5+ CCR7– CD8 T cells are early effector memory cells that infiltrate tonsil B cell follicles
Authors: Quigley Máire F. , Gonzalez Veronica D. , Granath Anna , Andersson Jan , Sandberg Johan K.
Published: November 2007

Naive and central memory CD8 T cells use CCR7 to recirculate through T cell zones of secondary lymphoid organs where they can encounter antigen. Here we describe a subset of human CD8 T cells expressing CXCR5 which enables homing in response to CXCL13 produced within B cell follicles. CXCR5+ CD8 T cells were found in tonsil B cell follicles, and isolated cells migrated towards CXCL13 in vitro. They expressed CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD69, and were CD7low, and produced IFN‐γ and granzyme A but lacked perforin, a functional profile suggesting that these cells are early effector memory cells in the context of contemporary T cell differentiation models. Receptors important in the interaction with B cells, including CD70, OX40 and ICOS, were induced upon activation, and CXCR5+ CD8 T cells could to some extent support survival and IgG production in tonsil B cells. Furthermore, CXCR5+ CD8 T cells expressed CCR5 but no CCR7, suggesting a migration pattern distinct from that of follicular CD4 T cells. The finding that a subset of early effector memory CD8 T cells use CXCR5 to locate to B cell follicles indicates that MHC class I‐restricted CD8 T cells are part of the follicular T cell population.
Donor double‐negative Treg promote allogeneic mixed chimerism and tolerance
Authors: He Kathy M. , Ma Yuexia , Wang Shuang , Min Wei‐Ping , Zhong Robert , Jevnikar Anthony , Zhang Zhu‐Xu
Published: November 2007

Bone marrow (BM) transplantation is an efficient approach to develop donor‐specific tolerance and prevent chronic rejection. Allogeneic BM transplantation is limited by donor T cell‐mediated graft‐versus‐host disease, requirement of cytoreduction and high numbers of BM cells. In addition of these drawbacks, recent studies demonstrate that not only T cells, but also NK cells can mediate BM rejection, and long‐term mixed chimerism depends on NK cell tolerance. Thus, NK cell is another potential barrier against engraftment of BM and an important target in efforts to induce transplant tolerance. We have previously identified a novel type of Treg with the phenotype TCRαβ+CD3+CD4–CD8– (double‐negative, DN). We and others have demonstrated that DN‐Treg can effectively suppress anti‐donor T cell responses. In this study, we found that donor‐derived DN‐Treg can suppress NK cell‐mediated allogeneic BM graft rejection in both parent‐to‐F1 and fully MHC‐mismatched BM transplantation models. Perforin and FasL in DN‐Treg play important roles in the suppression of NK cells. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of DN‐Treg can promote a stable mixed chimerism and donor‐specific tolerance without inducing graft‐versus‐host disease. These results demonstrate a potential approach to control innate immune responses and promote allogeneic BM engraftment.
Red‐to‐Yellow Pressure‐Induced Phase Transition in Pt(bpy)Cl2: Spectroscopic Study Supported by DFT Calculations
Authors: Valiente Rafael , García‐Lastra Juan M. , García‐Fernández Pablo , García‐Revilla Sara , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: November 2007

The combination of spectroscopic and computational methods has been employed to explore the origin of the luminescence in the red and yellow forms of Pt(bpy)Cl2. The luminescence of the red (linear‐chain) form of Pt(bpy)Cl2 (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) has been measured as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 65 kbar. The luminescence band maximum is redshifted (–147 cm–1 kbar–1), and the intrachain Pt–Pt distance decreases from 3.46 to 3.25 Å between ambient pressure and 17.7 kbar. Strong discontinuities in the optical properties at 17.7 kbar were interpreted in terms of a crystallographic phase transition from the red to a denser yellow form of Pt(bpy)Cl2. First‐principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to study the red to yellow phase transformation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
2‐DE and MS analysis of interactions between Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 and intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Yang Fang , Wang Junjun , Li Xiaojie , Ying Tianyi , Qiao Shiyan , Li Defa , Wu Guoyao
Published: November 2007

Lactobacillus is a probiotic commonly used for supplementation to human and animal diets. In this study, we used 2‐DE and MS to analyze changes in the proteomes of Lactobacillus and intestinal epithelial cells in two model systems. The in vivo and in vitro models were involved the inoculation of Lactobacillus fermentum I5007 into the rabbit jejunum for 4 h and the culture of the bacterium with Caco‐2 cells for 1 h, respectively. Our results indicate that, after exposure to the intestinal environment, the bacterium exhibited decreases in key enzymes involved in energy metabolism (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, and nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase) and amino acid metabolism (e.g., arginyl‐tRNA synthetase and aspartate‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase), but increases in glycoside hydrolase (an enzyme for mucin degradation) and fructose‐6‐phosphate phosphoketolase (an enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway). In response to an interaction with L. fermentum I5007, Caco‐2 cells showed changes in proteins that were beneficial for gut integrity, including voltage‐dependent anion channel 1, glutathione transferase, and heat shock protein gp96. On the basis of their functions, we suggest that these proteins serve as useful biomarkers for metabolic changes in Lactobacillus and intestinal epithelial cells in response to their interactions.
Design, simulation, and optimization of a miniaturized device for size‐fractioned DNA extraction
Authors: Li Gang , Ran Rui , Zhao Jian‐Long , Xu Yuan‐Sen
Published: November 2007

Fraction collection following electrophoresis has many applications in biology analysis. These assays typically need to identify specific fractions in the separated sample for further processing and require extraction of one or a group of fragments. Unfortunately, the conventional methods involve cumbersome procedures and are not amenable to integration, automation, and extraction of microscale samples. In this work, we present a scheme of chip‐based electroelution for the extraction of DNA fragments, which allows the isolation and collection of target DNA fragments in a single device. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results have shown that there are some cross‐contaminations from adjacent bands and a little loss of DNA recovery during target DNA extraction with the prototype miniaturized device. In order to improve the purity and yield of the extracted DNA fragment, an optimal channel configuration for DNA recovery miniaturized device was proposed. The simulations and the experimental results are in good agreement and confirm that with the optimized device design a high‐efficiency DNA extraction is achieved.
Socio‐Demographic characteristics of eating disorder patients in an outpatient clinic: a descriptive epidemiological study
Authors: Latzer Yael , Vander Shlomit , Gilat Itzhak
Published: November 2007

Objectives

The present study focused on the differential help‐seeking characteristics of eating disorder (ED) patients.

Method

Written reports of 698 ED‐related patients who were referred to the largest outpatient ED clinic in Israel during the period 1991–2002 were retrieved from the patient files.

Results

The typical profile was as follows: female, Israeli‐born, secular, Jewish, urban, Ashkenazi (Western origin) ethnic background and high‐level of parental education. Noteworthy, were the high percentage of kibbutz patients and the low percentages of patients from both the Arab and Jewish religious sectors.

Discussion

The results are discussed in light of the socio‐cultural impact on professional help‐seeking among individuals suffering from ED. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Wavelet‐based adaptive grids as applied to hydrodynamics
Authors: Smith C. W. , Zang J. , Eatock Taylor R.
Published: November 2007

An adaptive, wavelet‐based, multiscale finite‐volume scheme is developed and employed to investigate applications in the simulation of water waves. Firstly, two one‐dimensional, strictly hyperbolic cases are investigated: shallow water and Euler equations. These are followed by two investigations using a finite‐volume formulation of Madsen and Sørensen's Boussinesq equations. Converged results were obtained in all cases, which demonstrate that the adaptive grid scheme is significantly faster than that on a uniform grid. In some cases, one‐seventh of the number of cells is required to obtain the same accuracy as that of the uniform grid. Issues of stability are discussed in the context of the particular problems modelled here with the Boussinesq equations, related to discretization of the high‐order spatial derivatives on a non‐uniform grid. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion‐Controlled Oxygen Reduction on Multi‐Copper Oxidase‐Adsorbed Carbon Aerogel Electrodes without Mediator
Authors: Tsujimura S. , Kamitaka Y. , Kano K.
Published: November 2007

Bioelectrocatalytic reduction of O2 into water was archived at diffusion‐controlled rate by using enzymes (laccase from Trametes sp. and bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria, which belong to the family of multi‐copper oxidase) adsorbed on mesoporous carbon aerogel particle without a mediator. The current density was predominantly controlled by the diffusion of dissolved O2 in rotating‐disk electrode experiments, and reached a value as large as 10 mA cm–2 at 1 atm O2, 25 °C, and 8,000 rpm on the laccase‐adsorbed electrode. The overpotential of the bioelectrocatalytic reduction of O2 was 0.4–0.55 V smaller than that observed on a Pt disk electrode. Without any optimization, the laccase‐adsorbed biocathode showed stable current intensity of the O2 reduction in an air‐saturated buffer at least for 10 days under continuous flow system.
Diacylglycerol acyltranferase 1 anti-sense oligonucleotides reduce hepatic fibrosis in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yamaguchi Kanji , Yang Liu , McCall Shannon , Huang Jiawen , Yu Xing Xian , Pandey Sanjay K. , Bhanot Sanjay , Monia Brett P. , Li Yin-Xiong , Diehl Anna Mae
Published: November 2007

Retinyl ester (RE) stores decrease during hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. Although retinol esterification is mostly catalyzed by lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT)1 also does this. In previous reports, LRAT−/− mice had reduced hepatic RE but neither excessive HSC activation nor liver fibrosis, and DGAT1−/− mice had increased liver levels of RE and retinol. We sought to clarify the role of DGAT1 in liver fibrosis. Expression of DGAT1/2 was compared by real time PCR in freshly isolated, primary mouse HSCs and hepatocytes. To induce nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis, adult male db/db mice were fed methionine choline–deficient (MCD) diets. Half were treated with DGAT1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO); the rest were injected with saline. Results were compared with chow-fed controls. Inhibition of DGAT1 in liver had no effect on hepatic triglyceride content or liver necroinflammation but reduced HSC activation and liver fibrosis in mice with NASH. To evaluate the role of DGAT1 in HSC activation, HSC were isolated from healthy rats treated with DGAT1 ASO or saline. DGAT1 was expressed at relatively high levels in HSCs. HSC isolated from DGAT1 ASO-treated rats had reduced DGAT1 expression and increased messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of LRAT and cellular retinol binding protein-1. During culture, they retained more vitamin A, had repressed collagen a2 (I) transcriptional activity, and expressed less collagen a1 (I) and a2 (I) mRNA.

Conclusion:

DGAT1 may be a therapeutic target in NASH because inhibiting DGAT1 favorably altered. HSC retinoid homeostasis and inhibited hepatic fibrosis in mice with NASH. (Hepatology 2007.)
Scavenger receptor class B type I is a key host factor for hepatitis C virus infection required for an entry step closely linked to CD81
Authors: Zeisel Mirjam B. , Koutsoudakis George , Schnober Eva K. , Haberstroh Anita , Blum Hubert E. , Cosset François-Loïc , Wakita Takaji , Jaeck Daniel , Doffoel Michel , Royer Cathy , Soulier Eric , Schvoerer Evelyne , Schuster Catherine , Stoll-Keller Françoise , Bartenschlager Ralf , Pietschmann Thomas , Barth Heidi , Baumert Thomas F.
Published: November 2007

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) has been shown to bind HCV envelope glycoprotein E2, participate in entry of HCV pseudotype particles, and modulate HCV infection. However, the functional role of SR-BI for productive HCV infection remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of SR-BI as an entry factor for infection of human hepatoma cells using cell culture–derived HCV (HCVcc). Anti–SR-BI antibodies directed against epitopes of the human SR-BI extracellular loop specifically inhibited HCVcc infection in a dose-dependent manner. Down-regulation of SR-BI expression by SR-BI–specific short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) markedly reduced the susceptibility of human hepatoma cells to HCVcc infection. Kinetic studies demonstrated that SR-BI acts predominately after binding of HCV at an entry step occurring at a similar time point as CD81–HCV interaction. Although the addition of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) enhanced the efficiency of HCVcc infection, anti–SR-BI antibodies and SR-BI–specific siRNA efficiently inhibited HCV infection independent of lipoprotein.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that SR-BI (i) represents a key host factor for HCV entry, (ii) is implicated in the same HCV entry pathway as CD81, and (iii) targets an entry step closely linked to HCV–CD81 interaction. (Hepatology 2007.)
Coculture of human liver macrophages and cholangiocytes leads to CD40-dependent apoptosis and cytokine secretion
Authors: Alabraba Edward B. , Lai Vincent , Boon Louis , Wigmore Stephen J. , Adams David H. , Afford Simon C.
Published: November 2007

In the vanishing bile duct syndromes (VBDS), primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic allograft rejection, cholangiocyte apoptosis is associated with sustained macrophage infiltration of the liver, suggesting that these cells may mediate tissue damage and contribute to bile duct destruction. We have previously reported that activation of CD40 on cholangiocytes with either soluble CD154 or cross-linking monoclonal antibody to CD40 induces apoptosis

in vitro

. We have now developed a novel primary human cell coculture model and used it to investigate (1) how macrophages kill cholangiocytes; (2) how paracrine cell interactions can shape the local cytokine milieu within the liver. We report that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN) induce sustained expression of CD154 on liver-derived macrophages (LDM)

in vitro

. Coculture of activated LDM expressing high levels of CD154 (CD40 ligand) with human cholangiocytes resulted in (1) CD40-dependent secretion of proinflammatory cytokines; (2) apoptosis of cholangiocytes that was abolished by antagonistic antibodies directed against human CD40 or human CD154.

Conclusion:

Macrophages are important effector cells in bile duct destruction in VBDS, and this role is dependent on CD40-mediated mechanisms. Thus activation of CD40 on cholangiocytes by activated macrophages provides a molecular mechanism to amplify chronic inflammation and bile duct destruction in liver disease. These data suggest that effective targeting strategies to antagonize CD40/CD154 may have beneficial effects in patients suffering from the VBDS. (Hepatology 2008.)
Navigation skill impairment: Another dimension of the driving difficulties in minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Hafeezullah Muhammad , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Varma Rajiv R. , Franco Jose , Binion David G. , Hammeke Thomas A. , Saeian Kia
Published: November 2007

Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have attention, response inhibition, and working memory difficulties that are associated with driving impairment and high motor vehicle accident risk. Navigation is a complex system needed for safe driving that requires functioning working memory and other domains adversely affected by MHE. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of MHE on navigation skills and correlate them with psychometric impairment. Forty-nine nonalcoholic patients with cirrhosis (34 MHE+, 15 MHE−; divided on the basis of a battery of block design, digit symbol, and number connection test A) and 48 age/education-matched controls were included. All patients underwent the psychometric battery and inhibitory control test (ICT) (a test of response inhibition) and driving simulation. Driving simulation consisted of 4 parts: (1) training; (2) driving (outcome being accidents); (3) divided attention (outcome being missed tasks); and (4) navigation, driving along a marked path on a map in a “virtual city” (outcome being illegal turns). Illegal turns were significantly higher in MHE+ (median 1;

P

= 0.007) compared with MHE−/controls (median 0). Patients who were MHE+ missed more divided attention tasks compared with others (median MHE+ 1, MHE−/controls 0;

P

= 0.001). Similarly, accidents were higher in patients who were MHE+ (median 2.5;

P

= 0.004) compared with MHE− (median 1) or controls (median 2). Accidents and illegal turns were significantly correlated (

P

= 0.001,

r

= 0.51). ICT impairment was the test most correlated with illegal turns (

r

= 0.6) and accidents (

r

= 0.44), although impairment on the other tests were also correlated with illegal turns.

Conclusion:

Patients positive for MHE have impaired navigation skills on a driving simulator, which is correlated with impairment in response inhibition (ICT) and attention. This navigation difficulty may pose additional driving problems, compounding the pre-existing deleterious effect of attention deficits. (Hepatology 2008.)
Ranking of priorities in employees' reward and recognition schemes: from the perspective of UAE health care employees
Authors: Younies Hassan , Barhem Belal , Younis Mustafa Z.
Published: November 2007

A reward and recognition (RR) system is a tool widely applied by organizations to motivate their employees. Outstanding employees expect their effort to be acknowledged by the organization. However, the variety of rewards and recognitions systems used by organizations may be perceived differently by different employees. The diverse workforce structure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) poses various challenges for organization managers. Managers need to implement the shrewd RR system which best fits their diverse workforce. This research studied how medical sector employees in the private and public health sector view the RR systems in the UAE. Two lists, comprising 26 major approaches to RR, were prepared and its items prioritized by taking inputs from 250 employees working in more than 30 varied public and private health care organizations in the UAE. The findings of the research are expected to provide guidelines for developing appropriate RR systems for organizations in general, and UAE health care organizations in particular. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confocal fluorescence microscopy study of interaction between lens MIP26/AQP0 and crystallins in living cells
Authors: Liu Bing‐Fen , Liang Jack J
Published: November 2007

MIP26/AQP0 is the major lens fiber membrane protein and has been reported to interact with many other lens components including crystallins, lipid, and cytoskeletal proteins. Regarding crystallins, many previous reports indicate that MIP26/AQP0 interacts with either only α‐crystallin or some specific γ‐crystallins. Considering the possibly important role of MIP26/AQP0 in the reduction of light scattering in the lenses, we have further investigated its interaction with crystallins using confocal fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy. Specifically, we used MIP26 tagged with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) as a donor and a crystallin (αA‐, αB‐, βB2‐, or γC‐crystallin) tagged with a red fluorescence protein (RFP) as an acceptor. The two plasmids were cotransfected to HeLa cells. After culture, laser scattering microscopy images were taken in each of the three channels: GFP, RFP, and FRET. The net FRET images were then obtained by removing the contribution of spectral bleed‐through. The pixels of net FRET were normalized with those of GFP. The results show the presence of measurable interactions between MIP26 and all crystallins, with the extent of interactions decreasing from αA‐ and αB‐crystallin to βB2‐ and γC‐crystallin. Competitive interaction study using untagged αA‐crystallin shows decreased net FRET, indicating specificity of the interactions between MIP26 and αA‐crystallin. We conclude that all crystallins interact with MIP26, the physiological significance of which may be a reduction in the difference of refractive index between membrane and cytoplasm. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 51–58, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The nuclear actin‐related protein Act3p/Arp4 influences yeast cell shape and bulk chromatin organization
Authors: Georgieva Milena , Harata Masahiko , Miloshev George
Published: November 2007

ACT3/ARP4 is an essential gene, coding for the actin‐related protein Act3p/Arp4 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae located within the nucleus. Act3p/Arp4 is a stoichiometric component of the NuA4, INO80, and SWR1 chromatin modulating complexes, and recruits these complexes onto chromatin for their proper chromatin functions. Mutated Act3p/Arp4 leads to impairment of the functions of these complexes and affects transcription of specific genes. Our results revealed significant disorder in the cell size and shape of act3/arp4 mutant cells, when grown at permissive temperature. act3/arp4 mutants have also demonstrated an increase in their nuclear diameters, thus suggesting that Act3p/Arp4 is a key regulator in the maintenance of cellular shape and nuclear organization. Furthermore, the use of Chromatin Yeast Comet Assay (ChYCA) for assessment of single‐cell bulk chromatin organization in act3/arp4 mutant cells allowed us to detect an elevated sensitivity toward nuclease action, denoting differences in higher‐order chromatin structure of the mutants. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 59–67, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palmitate and oleate induction of acylation stimulating protein resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and preadipocytes
Authors: Wen Yu , Wang HongWei , MacLaren Robin , Wu Jing , Lu HuiLing , Cianflone Katherine
Published: November 2007

Acylation stimulating protein (ASP) stimulates triglyceride synthesis and glucose transport via its receptor C5L2. The aims were (i) to evaluate ASP response under insulin‐resistant conditions and (ii) to identify mechanisms of ASP resistance using 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and preadipocytes. Overnight incubation with palmitate (PAL) or oleate (OLE) induced dose‐dependent inhibition of ASP‐stimulated glucose transport in adipocytes (198 ± 18% +ASP, 100 ± 4% basal, 131 ± 14% + ASP + 1 mmol/L PAL) and preadipocytes (287 ± 21% + ASP, 100 ± 4% basal, 109 ± 13% + ASP + 1 mmol/L PAL). In adipocytes, dose‐dependent maximal C5L2 mRNA decreases were −41 ± 15% and −82 ± 2%, with decreased cell‐surface C5L2 of −55 ± 12% and −39 ± 9% (1 mmol/L PAL and OLE, respectively) with no change in preadipocytes. Adipocytes treated with PAL or OLE evidenced inhibition of ASP stimulation of G proteins: Gβ (−50%), Gαq/11 (−50%) and protein kinase C: PKCα‐P (−52%), PKCζ‐P (−43%). Fatty acid‐induced ASP resistance via C5L2 may contribute to altered adipose tissue function and obesity/insulin resistance phenotype in humans. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 391–401, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reply to “Comment on Aromatic‐Backbone Interactions in Model α‐Helical Peptides”
Authors: Csontos József , Palermo Nicholas Y. , Murphy Richard F. , Lovas Sándor
Published: November 2007

In response to Van Mourik's comments on our paper (J Comput Chem 2007, 28, 1208.) we present an extended version of our rotation method. We also prove that intramolecular interaction energies as well the basis set superposition errors calculated with our rotation method are comparable with those obtained by the counterpoise method of Boys and Bernardi (Mol Phys 1970, 19, 533). In intramolecular interaction energy calculations, if the interacting groups are in proximity, our rotation method is recommended to avoid artificial interactions, which can be induced by fragmentation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.J Comput Chem, 2008
Comparison of suitable drought indices for climate change impacts assessment over Australia towards resource management
Authors: Mpelasoka F. , Hennessy K. , Jones R. , Bates B.
Published: November 2007

Droughts have significant environmental and socio‐economic impacts in Australia. This emphasizes Australia's vulnerability to climate variability and limitations of adaptive capacity. Two drought indices are compared for their potential utility in resource management. The Rainfall Deciles‐based Drought Index is a measure of rainfall deficiency while the Soil‐Moisture Deciles‐based Drought Index is a measure of soil‐moisture deficiency attributed to rainfall and potential evaporation. Both indices were used to assess future drought events over Australia under global warming attributed to low and high greenhouse gas emission scenarios (SRES B1 and A1F1 respectively) for 30‐year periods centred on 2030 and 2070. Projected consequential changes in rainfall and potential evaporation were based on results from the CCCma1 and Mk2 climate models, developed by the Canadian Climate Center and the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) respectively. A general increase in drought frequency associated with global warming was demonstrated by both indices for both climate models, except for the western part of Australia. Increases in the frequency of soil‐moisture‐based droughts are greater than increases in meteorological drought frequency. By 2030, soil‐moisture‐based drought frequency increases 20–40% over most of Australia with respect to 1975–2004 and up to 80% over the Indian Ocean and southeast coast catchments by 2070. Such increases in drought frequency would have major implications for natural resource management, water security planning, water demand management strategies, and drought relief payments. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have opposing effects during stress fracture repair
Authors: Li Jiliang , Waugh Lauren J. , Hui Siu L. , Burr David B. , Warden Stuart J.
Published: November 2007

Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were used to treat stress fracture. Bilateral stress fractures were induced in the ulnas of 48 adult rats. Animals were divided into two groups (NSAID and VEH), and treated 5 days per week with celecoxib (5 mg/kg) mixed in a vehicle solution of polyethylene glycol and saline (NSAID) or vehicle alone (VEH). One‐to‐three hours following drug administration, all animals were treated with unilateral active‐LIPUS and contralateral inactive‐LIPUS. Equal numbers of ulnas from each drug group were histologically evaluated at 2, 4, and 8 weeks following induction of stress fracture. Neither LIPUS nor NSAID influenced bone resorption, but each had significant and opposite effects on intracortical bone formation rate. These effects indicate that LIPUS may be used to facilitate stress fracture repair whereas NSAID may delay tissue level repair of stress fractures. There was no interaction between LIPUS and NSAID, indicating that the beneficial LIPUS effect was not mediated by the cyclooxygenase‐2 pathway. LIPUS accelerated stress fracture healing, whereas the NSAID delayed repair. When used in combination, the beneficial LIPUS effect was not impaired by the detrimental NSAID effect. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1559–1567, 2007
Erratum: Gender‐specific in vivo measurement of the structural and mechanical properties of the human patellar tendon
Authors: Onambélé Gladys N.L. , Burgess Katherine , Pearson Stephen J.
Published: November 2007

The address for the corresponding author, Gladys N.L. Onambélé, should read: Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Hassall Road, Alsager ST7 2HL, United Kingdom.

The article to which this Erratum refers was published in this issue on pages 1635–1642.
Raman spectroscopy of 3‐(pent‐1‐enyl) methyl ether and selected deuterium‐labelled analogues
Authors: Brown Helen C. , Bowen Richard D. , Edwards Howell G. M. , Farwell Dennis W.
Published: November 2007

The Raman spectra of 3‐(pent‐1‐enyl) methyl ether (3‐methoxypent‐1‐ene) and four deuterium‐labelled analogues are reported and discussed. Correlations between specific structural features and the associated Raman bands are developed, with a view to enhancing the analytical application of Raman spectroscopy in investigating materials containing an alkenyl group. Particular attention is given to developing means of distinguishing the methyl group attached to the carbon skeleton from that of the methoxy group, to maximize the analytical utility of the signals associated with ν(sp2 CH), ν(sp2 CH2) and ν(CC) stretching vibrations, and to interpreting in more detail certain δ(sp2 CH) and δ(sp2 CH2) vibrations of the atoms of the double bond. These results establish a definitive spectroscopic protocol for differentiating a methoxy group from a methyl substituent attached directly to a carbon atom in unsaturated ethers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the resonance Raman spectra of polyaniline obtained with near‐IR excitation
Authors: do Nascimento Gustavo M. , Temperini M´rcia L. A.
Published: November 2007

The effects of near‐IR (NIR) laser power over the Raman spectra of poly(aniline) emeraldine salt (PANI‐ES) and base (PANI‐EB) were investigated. The reasons for the existence of several bands from 1324 to 1500 cm−1 in the Raman spectra of poly(aniline) obtained at NIR region were also studied. The bands from 1324 to 1375 cm−1 were associated to νCN of polarons with different conjugation lengths and the bands from 1450 to 1500 cm−1 in Raman spectra of PANI emeraldine and pernigraniline base forms were correlated to νCN modes associated with quinoid units having different conjugation lengths. The increase of laser power at 1064.0 nm causes the deprotonation of PANI‐ES and the formation of cross‐linking segments having phenazine and/or oxazine rings. For PANI‐EB only a small spectral change is observed when the laser power is increased, owing to the low absorption of this form in the NIR region. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic and pulse radiolysis studies of the antioxidant properties of (+)catechin: metal chelation and oxidizing radical scavenging
Authors: Torreggiani Armida , Jurasekova Zuzana , Sanchez‐Cortes Santiago , Tamba Maurizio
Published: November 2007

Catechin (5,7,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxyflavan‐3‐ol, Cat), a compound suggested to give protection to living organisms both by direct scavenging of free radicals and metal chelation, was investigated in the presence of Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions by different techniques.

The UV/vis, Raman and IR studies were useful to assess the chelation sites, the relevant interaction of Cat with Cu(II) ions, as well as the weak affinity with Zn(II). Cat acts as a bidentate ligand through the catechol moiety on B‐ring, but the metal complex structure depends on the metal. In particular, some autoxidation processes may be involved in the formation of the Cu–Cat complexes. The protonation state of the B‐ring plays an important role both in metal chelation and scavenging activity of Cat.

Information on the reactivity of the free Cat towards oxidizing radicals with different redox properties were obtained by pulse radiolysis. In all cases the relatively stable phenoxyl radicals resulted to be formed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra of polaprezinc, a polymeric Zn(II) complex of carnosine
Authors: Wagner Claudia C. , Baran Enrique J.
Published: November 2007

Polaprezinc, the Zn(II) complex of the dipeptide carnosine (β‐alanyl histidine) presents an interesting biological and pharmacological activity, specially as an anti‐ulcer agent. The infrared and Raman spectra of this compound were recorded and briefly discussed. Some comparisons were made with related complexes and with free carnosine. The results confirm the coordination environment of the Zn(II) cation, constituted by the terminal amino N‐atom, the deprotonated amide N‐atom and one carboxylate oxygen of one dipeptide molecule and the N‐atom of the imidazole moiety of a second carnosine molecule. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Raman dispersion spectroscopy in 3‐way multivariate data analysis
Authors: Hedegaard M. , Hassing S.
Published: November 2007

In this paper a new application of Raman dispersion spectroscopy (RADIS) is proposed, namely as a source of 3‐way data in multivariate analysis of classification problems, i.e. problems where different molecular species are identified in a number of samples. Owing to the coherent nature of the absorption–emission sequence in the Raman process, the unpolarized data generated by RADIS are born as 3‐way multivariate data. To demonstrate the potential of RADIS, a series of classification problems have been constructed and analyzed. By using computer‐simulated Raman and RADIS data it is shown that the 3‐way RADIS data obtained from very few samples, using only a few laser frequencies and a few Raman bands, can in general provide highly reliable results in classification problems without any a priori knowledge about the number of different molecular species in the samples. Quantitative comparisons have been made between a principal component analysis (PCA) of the 2‐way Raman data and a Tucker 3 analysis of the corresponding 3‐way RADIS data. It is found that the 3‐way RADIS data will give rise to a recognition ratio equal to 100% even in the worst case where no conclusions about the number of different molecular species in the samples can be drawn from the PCA of the 2‐way Raman data. It is shown that only the raw RADIS data are needed for the multivariate analysis, so that the use of internal standards, corrections for self‐absorption and other corrections necessary in molecular dynamics problems can be avoided. The results do not depend very much on the particular excitation wavenumbers used. Furthermore in most cases the fluorescence background does not influence the results. These facts together with the increased availability of solid state lasers with a variety of wavenumbers makes it easy to implement the proposed application of RADIS in practice. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of some non‐edible vegetable oils of Indian origin for lubricant application
Authors: Joseph P. V. , Saxena Deepak , Sharma D. K.
Published: November 2007

Due to growing environmental concerns, eco‐friendly processes and materials have become one of the key interests of research and in the area of tribology, natural esters are gaining popularity as lubricants. Natural esters are being used in many applications as eco‐friendly lubricant base. In Europe, canola/rapeseed oil and sunflower oil are mainly used, whereas in the USA, soybean oil is in use for formulating environmentally friendly lubricants. Native and genetically modified high oleic varieties of these oils are being widely used. In the Indian scenario, since the above‐mentioned oils are scarcely available for industrial applications, there is a need to look for other viable alternatives. Some candidate non‐edible vegetable oils of Indian origin were selected which were unexplored or less explored in the field of lubricant application, and their suitability in lubricant application focusing mainly on physico‐chemical characteristics, thermo‐oxidative stability and lubrication characteristics was studied. These oils were found to be promising candidates for application in lubricants in view of their physico‐chemical characteristics and better thermo‐oxidative and hydrolytic stability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear translocation of HER‐4/c‐erbB‐4 is significantly correlated with prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Shuangta , Kitayama Joji , Yamashita Hiroharu , Souma Daisuke , Nagawa Hirokazu
Published: November 2007

Background

HER family is an attractive target for the treatment of esophageal cancer. The clinical relevance of HER‐4 has not been yet characterized.

Methods

The expression of HER‐4 was immunohistochemically examined in 61 surgically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC), and the prognostic significance of HER‐4 in ESCC was evaluated.

Results

HER‐4 was positive in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of 51 (84%) tumors, with variable intensity and a heterogeneous distribution, with preferential expression in well or moderately differentiated tumors. Nuclear staining of HER‐4 was observed in 37 (61%) cases as well. The membranous/cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, expression of HER‐4 was positively correlated with the expression of HER‐2 and HER‐3. Survival of the HER‐4‐positive group was significantly better than that of the HER‐4‐negative group (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that extranuclear expression of HER‐4 was independently correlated with increased survival. In contrast, nuclear staining of HER‐4 was correlated with increased T stage, which resulted in a significant reduction in survival in the HER‐4 positive group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Extranuclear HER‐4 may have negative effects on the progression of ESCC, whereas nuclear translocation of HER‐4 may elicit a tumor‐promoting property. Immunohistochemical detection of HER‐4 localization is clinically useful to predict the survival of the patients with ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:44–50. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycerol as a platform chemical: Sweet opportunities on the horizon?
Authors: Kenar James A.
Published: November 2007

Increased global production of biodiesel since the late‐1990s has created an abundance of crude glycerin that has significantly impacted the glycerin market resulting in a decline in glycerin pricing. Because the economic viability of the biodiesel and oleochemical industries are closely linked to glycerol, the deterioration of glycerol prices negatively affects the cost of materials derived from these industries. Although glycerol has many commercial uses, these markets are generally considered mature making it difficult to absorb the glycerin surpluses. The increasing abundance of glycerin, its renewability, and attractive pricing make glycerol (80% crude glycerin spot price December 2005; US $ = 0.12/lb ($264/tonne), Euro = 140/tonne) an appealing platform chemical to derive a family of commercially valued compounds. To this end, new chemistry to convert glycerol into high volume value‐added products is being developed. This article gives a brief historical background of glycerol and examines recent technological developments to exploit glycerol as a versatile primary chemical building block in an effort to expand glycerol applications and utilize surplus stockpiles of glycerin.
Natural plant oils and fats as renewable resources: A sustainable option?
Authors: Askew Melvyn F.
Published: November 2007

Whilst many opportunities for the utilisation of natural oils and fats have been identified in scientific and technical studies there has been little uptake by the marketplace. Recent policy decisions related to climate change have driven a new market development in biodiesel and this development has overshadowed almost all of the other potential market developments that could occur in this sector. A re‐establishment of balance is required. Further, there is a need to develop awareness and promote the uptake of the opportunities available; frequently there are non‐technical barriers to development.
Analysis of biodiesel, diesel and gasoline by NMR spectroscopy – A quick and robust alternative to NIR and GC
Authors: Diehl Bernd , Randel Gabriele
Published: November 2007

1H NMR spectroscopy is presented as a routine analysis for diesel mixed with biodiesel and gasoline. Results of NMR spectroscopy and the orthogonal gas chromatography method show identical results.
Ultrasonic spot welding of aluminum sheet/carbon fiber reinforced polymer – joints
Authors: Balle F. , Wagner G. , Eifler D.
Published: November 2007

Current demands on light weight constructions lead to an increasing use of light weight metals such as aluminum or magnesium alloys as well as fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). Suitable welding methods are necessary to join these dissimilar material groups and to integrate them in engineering structures. At the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering the ultrasonic metal welding technique was successfully applied to realize aluminum sheet/carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) ‐ joints. The welding during this process occurs in two steps: First the ultrasonic shear waves lead to a softening and displacement of the polymer matrix out of the welding zone. In the second step a direct weld between the load bearing carbon fibers of the CFRP and the aluminum alloy sheet is generated. A welding time of less than 5 s and no damage of the carbon fibers are important advantages of the process. Actually tensile shear strengths of about 30 MPa were achieved for the joints. By means of light microscopic and SEM investigations the bonding mechanisms can be described in detail. Possible application fields of such welds can be seen in the automotive or in the aircraft industry.
Nitric oxide reverses prednisolone‐induced inactivation of muscle satellite cells
Authors: Betters Jenna L. , Long Jodi H.D. , Howe Kathleen S. , Braith Randy W. , Soltow Quinlyn A. , Lira Vitor A. , Criswell David S.
Published: November 2007

Long‐term corticosteroid therapy causes myopathy and can inhibit regeneration of skeletal muscle. Therefore, we hypothesized that corticosteroid exposure reduces satellite cell activity in skeletal myofibers. Male Swiss–Webster mice were injected daily for 8 weeks with prednisolone (GC) or vehicle (control). Single myofibers were isolated from the gastrocnemius, centrifuged to mechanically activate satellite cells, and maintained in culture for 48 h. Both constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms were reduced in muscle by GC treatment (nNOS: −30%, eNOS: −34%). Fewer myogenic (myoD+) cells emanated from GC myofibers compared to control (−61%, P < 0.05). Supplementation of culture media with the nitric oxide donor, diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA‐NO; 5–50 μM), caused a dose‐dependent increase in the number of myoD+ cells arising from both control and GC myofibers (P < 0.05), and 10 and 50 μM DETA‐NO eliminated the GC‐induced deficit in myogenic cells (P > 0.05). Therefore, supplementation of GC myofibers with DETA‐NO restores satellite cell activity to control levels. Nitric oxide production could be an important therapeutic target for the prevention of corticosteroid myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
A case of multiple metastasis in Late Holocene hunter‐gatherers from the Argentine Pampean region
Authors: Luna L. H. , Aranda C. M. , Bosio L. A. , Beron M. A.
Published: November 2007

Chenque I site is a prehistoric cemetery located in Lihué Calel National Park (La Pampa province) in the Western Pampean region of Argentina. Hunter‐gatherer societies made use of this site during the Final Late Holocene for at least 700 years (1030–370 BP). Currently 41 burial structures have been excavated, and more than 150 individuals have been recovered. There is great variability in mortuary patterns at the site (simple, multiple, primary, secondary burials, and also a variant not previously observed in the region).

The life‐ways of this population have been investigated through the evaluation of several biological and cultural factors. Several pathological conditions have also been identified in this cemetery. Burial no. 12 contains a skeleton of an adult male that shows multiple pathological lesions, compatible with a neoplastic disease. These lesions have been analysed using several methodological strategies: macroscopic, radiological and microscopic. This is the first time that this kind of disease has been identified from a prehistoric burial in Argentina.

In this paper the location and characteristics of the lesions are evaluated, and the different neoplastic diseases that could have produced them are discussed. Since the people buried in this cemetery belonged to highly mobile societies, a key issue is to infer the consequences that this disease would have had on the dynamics of the group in which this person lived, because of the gradual deterioration of his health and physical strength. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.