bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung cancer risk and occupational exposure to meat and live animals
Authors: Durusoy Raika , Boffetta Paolo , Mannetje Andrea 't , Zaridze David , Szeszenia‐Dabrowska Neonila , Rudnai Peter , Lissowska Jolanta , Fabiánová Eleonóra , Cassidy Adrian , Mates Dana , Bencko Vladimir , Salajka Frantisek , Janout Vladimir , Fevotte Joelle , Fletcher Tony , Brennan Paul
Published: December 2005

An increased risk of lung cancer has been reported for butchers and meat workers in several cohort studies, although confounding from tobacco smoking could not be ruled out in any of these studies. These exposures, as well as a potential risk associated with contact with live animals, are addressed here in a large case–control study with full adjustment for smoking. More than 5,900 subjects were included in a case–control study conducted in 7 European countries. For each job they employed local experts who assessed the exposure to a number of occupational agents, including (i) meat aerosols and (ii) live animals, on the basis of detailed occupational questionnaires. Information on tobacco consumption and other risk factors was also collected. A small increased risk of lung cancer was observed with exposure to meat aerosols, after adjusting for smoking, (odds ratio (OR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92, 1.75), which was most apparent for the upper tertile of cumulative exposure (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.92). A similar overall effect was observed for exposure to live animals, with an increased risk observed for a high frequency of exposure, (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.36) and a high intensity of exposure, (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.94), with significant trends for increasing frequency (p = 0.012), intensity (p = 0.015) and cumulative exposure (p = 0.024). In conclusion, this study provides evidence for an association between exposure to meat aerosols and lung cancer apparent in the highest tertile of exposure. The authors identified a more consistent association with exposure to live animals. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro antibacterial and cytotoxicity assay of multilayered polyelectrolyte‐functionalized stainless steel
Authors: Shi Z. , Neoh K.G. , Zhong S.P. , Yung L.Y.L. , Kang E.T. , Wang W.
Published: December 2005

Infection of implanted materials by bacteria constitutes one of the most serious complications following prosthetic and implant surgery. In the present study, a new strategy for confering stainless steel with antibacterial property via the alternate deposition of quaternized polyethylenimine (PEI) or quaternized polyethylenimine‐silver complex and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was investigated. The success of the deposition of the polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) and its chemical nature was investigated by static water contact angle and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The antibacterial activity was assessed using Escherichia coli (E. coli, a gram‐negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, a gram‐positive bacterium). The inhibition of E. coli and S aureus growth on the surface of functionalized films was clearly shown using the LIVE/DEAD Baclight bacterial viability kits and fluorescence microscopy. The cytotoxicity of the PEM to mammalian cells, evaluated by the MTT assay, was shown to be minimal and long‐term antibacterial efficacy can be maintained. These results indicate new possibilities for the use of such easily built and functionalized architectures for the functionalization of surfaces of implanted medical devices. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Electron group functions for the analysis of the electronic structures of molecules
Authors: Tokmachev A. M. , Dronskowski R.
Published: December 2005

The electronic structure of a vast majority of molecular systems can be understood in terms of electron groups and their wave functions. They serve as a natural basis for bringing intuitive chemical and physical concepts into quantum chemical calculations. This article considers the general electron group functions formalism as well as its simple geminal version. We try to characterize the wave function with the group structure and its capabilities in actual calculations. For this purpose we implement a variational method based on the wave function in the form of an antisymmetrized product of strongly orthogonal group functions and perform a series of electronic structure calculations for small molecules and model systems. The most important point studied is the relation between the choice of electron groups and the results obtained. We consider energetic characteristics as well as optimal geometry parameters. In view of practical importance, the structure of variationally optimized local one‐electron states is considered in detail as well as intuitive characteristics of chemical bonds. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 296–308, 2006
1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium neurotoxicity is attenuated by adenoviral gene transfer of human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase
Authors: Barkats Martine , Horellou Philippe , Colin Philippe , Millecamps Stéphanie , Faucon‐Biguet Nicole , Mallet Jacques
Published: December 2005

Oxidative stress has been suggested to be an important mediator of dopaminergic cell death in Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the neuroprotective potential of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) overexpression in the rat substantia nigra (SN) following adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer. Human dopaminergic SK‐N‐SH cells were transduced with adenoviral vectors expressing either human SOD1 (Ad‐SOD1) or β‐galactosidase (Ad‐βgal) before exposure to 1 mM of the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+). A strong neuroprotective effect of SOD1 gene transfer was observed in the SK‐N‐SH cells exposed to MPP+ compared with controls. Adult rats were then given unilateral injections of either Ad‐SOD1 or Ad‐βgal into the striatum, and MPP+ was administered 8 days later at the same location. Strong transgene expression was detected in the SN dopaminergic neurons, a consequence of retrograde axonal transport of the adenoviral particles. The amphetamine‐induced rotational behavior of the rats was markedly lower in Ad‐SOD1‐injected rats than in control animals. Also, behavioral recovery significantly correlated with the number of tyrosine hydrolase‐expressing neurons in the SN of the treated rats. These results are consistent with oxidative stress contributing to the MPP+‐induced neurodegenerative process. They also indicate that SOD1 gene transfer into the nigrostriatal system may be a potential neuroprotective strategy for treating PD. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of lysophosphatidic acid receptor‐2 in intestinal and diffuse type gastric cancer
Authors: Yamashita Hiroharu , Kitayama Joji , Shida Dai , Ishikawa Makoto , Hama Kotaro , Aoki Junken , Arai Hiroyuki , Nagawa Hirokazu
Published: December 2005

Background and Objectives

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a natural phospholipid, can modulate diverse cellular responses through LPA receptor, LPA1–4. Although LPA1 is known to be widely expressed in human tissues, the distribution of other LPA receptors is not characterized in malignant tissues. Recently, it was reported that malignant transformation resulted in aberrant expression of LPA2 in a various type of cancer, suggesting the positive role of LPA2 in tumor development.

Methods

We investigated the expression of the LPA2 receptor immunohistochemically in 204 gastric cancers and analyzed the relationship between the expression of LPA2 and clinicopathological features.

Results

LPA2 was preferentially expressed (67%) in intestinal‐type cancer that was significantly higher than that in diffuse‐type cancer (32%, P < 0.0001). The expression of LPA2 showed correlation with a higher rate of lymphatic and venous invasion, lymphatic metastasis, and resultingly tumor stage in diffuse‐type cancer, but not in intestinal‐type cancer.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the possibility that LPA2 expression is an important process in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer, especially in intestinal‐type cancer. Since LPA can transactivate HGF receptor (c‐Met) as well as EGF‐receptor, LPA may promote the progression of gastric cancer in diffuse‐type with high expression of c‐Met. The development of LPA2‐specific antagonists might have future therapeutic relevance in the treatment as well as prevention of gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:30–35. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Biosci. 12/2005
Authors: Hu Junli , Tang Zhaohui , Qiu Xueyu , Han Yadong , Du Qing , Chen Xuesi , Jing Xiabin
Published: December 2005

Cover: The two left pictures show uniform stereocomplex microparticles of stereo multiblock copoly(rac‐lactide)s with different stereoregularity (88 and 82%, respectively). They are prepared by precipitating the polymers from their solvent/non‐solvent mixtures. The corresponding insulin loaded particles are shown on the right side. The shape and the particle size of the microparticles strongly depend on the stereoregularity of the polymer as well as the insulin loading. Further details can be found in the Full Paper by J. Hu, Z. Tang, X. Qiu, Y. Han, Q. Du, X.Chen,* and X. Jing on page 1193.
Real‐Time NMR. How Fast Can We Do It?
Authors: Litvinov Victor M. , Dias Aylvin A.
Published: December 2005

Network structure development during cross‐linking photopolymerization of polyethylene glycol di‐acrylate and its mixture with a mono‐functional 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate was studied using real‐time proton NMR T2 relaxation analysis. The time resolution of the method is typically in the order of seconds. The results reveal largely heterogeneous origin of network build up at the intermediate stages of photocuring. Domains of nano‐gel are already formed on initial stages of UV‐curing where hardly any change in viscosity is observed. Upon increasing curing time the fraction of gel increases at the expence of sol, the molar mass of network chains decreases and the molar mass of sol increases. The presence of mono‐acrylate slows down the curing rate. The curing continues after UV‐illumination causing a significant increase in the amount of gel and cross‐link density in the gel. Thus, the NMR method is a valuable tool for characterization of the kinetics of photopolymerization, the development of molecular structure and the resultant molecular scale heterogeneity during photocuring.
What are the supportive structures of the female urethra?
Authors: Fritsch Helga , Pinggera Germar Michael , Lienemann Andreas , Mitterberger Michael , Bartsch Georg , Strasser Hannes
Published: December 2005

Aims

Female stress urinary incontinence is thought to result from impairment of the connective tissue “ligaments” of the urethra. Surgical repair of female incontinence mainly involves fixation of the urethra to the pubic bone or other surrounding structures. In the present anatomical‐radiological study, the anatomy of the connective tissue structures around the female urethra was investigated to determine the anatomical structures that support the urethra and the rhabdosphincter.

Materials and Methods

The topography of the anterior compartment of the female pelvis was studied in serial sections and one anatomical preparation of 30 female fetuses and of six adult females. The pelves of 29 female fetuses were processed according to plastination histology technique. The pelves of the six adult specimens were processed according to sheet plastination technique. In addition, the anatomical findings were compared with MR images of 41 adult female volunteers.

Results

The ventro‐lateral aspect of the urethra remains free of fixating ligaments throughout its pelvic course. Ventro‐laterally the urethra is enclosed by the ventral parts of the levator ani, its fasciae and a ventral urethral connective tissue bridge connecting both sides. Dorsally, the urethra is intimately connected to the wall of the vagina.

Conclusions

The female urethra has no direct ligamentous fixation to the pubic bone. Urethral continence after pregnancy and childbirth may be explained by a widening of the hiatus of the levator ani or the anterior vaginal wall, resulting in overstretching of the ventral urethral connective tissue bridge or the disruption of the fixation between urethra and vagina. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal pricing and inventory control policy in periodic‐review systems with fixed ordering cost and lost sales
Authors: Chen Youhua (Frank) , Ray Saibal , Song Yuyue
Published: December 2005

This paper studies a periodic‐review pricing and inventory control problem for a retailer, which faces stochastic price‐sensitive demand, under quite general modeling assumptions. Any unsatisfied demand is lost, and any leftover inventory at the end of the finite selling horizon has a salvage value. The cost component for the retailer includes holding, shortage, and both variable and fixed ordering costs. The retailer's objective is to maximize its discounted expected profit over the selling horizon by dynamically deciding on the optimal pricing and replenishment policy for each period. We show that, under a mild assumption on the additive demand function, at the beginning of each period an (s,S) policy is optimal for replenishment, and the value of the optimal price depends on the inventory level after the replenishment decision has been done. Our numerical study also suggests that for a sufficiently long selling horizon, the optimal policy is almost stationary. Furthermore, the fixed ordering cost (K) plays a significant role in our modeling framework. Specifically, any increase in K results in lower s and higher S. On the other hand, the profit impact of dynamically changing the retail price, contrasted with a single fixed price throughout the selling horizon, also increases with K. We demonstrate that using the optimal policy values from a model with backordering of unmet demands as approximations in our model might result in significant profit penalty. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Upgrading arcs to minimize the maximum travel time in a network
Authors: Campbell Ann Melissa , Lowe Timothy J. , Zhang Li
Published: December 2005

In transportation and telecommunication systems, the performance of the underlying network can often be improved by upgrading some of the arcs in the network. If an arc is upgraded, the travel time along this arc is reduced by a discount factor α, 0 ≤ α < 1. With respect to different minimax network objectives, we define a series of problems that involve finding the best q arcs in a network to upgrade. We show that these problems are NP‐hard on general graphs, but polynomially solvable on trees. Finally, we compare three heuristic solution approaches for complete graphs based on these polynomial results and find one to far outperform the others. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 47(2), 72–80 2006
Performing RVE calculations under constant stress triaxiality for monotonous and cyclic loading
Authors: Lin R. C. , Steglich D. , Brocks W. , Betten J.
Published: December 2005

In the present work the mesoscopic stress, strain rate and strain states of axisymmetric cells under two types of boundary loadings are formulated. Then, the stress triaxiality of axisymmetric cells is expressed in terms of the axial and radial mesoscopic stress components. Based on the formulations of the mesoscopic stress, three strategies for numerical realization of constant stress triaxiality are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of these strategies are discussed. These numerical strategies are implemented on the platform of the general‐purpose finite element programme ABAQUS. They can be applied for representative volume element (RVE) calculations under constant triaxiality, monotonous and cyclic loading controlled by displacement, force, traction and the mesoscopic equivalent strain of the RVE. Several numerical examples are shown to prove the effectivity of these strategies and programme. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The expression of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors in Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Khnykin Denis , Troen Gunhild , Berner Jeanne‐Marie , Delabie Jan
Published: December 2005

The expression of fibroblast growth factors (FGF1 and FGF2) and their receptors has been reported in a variety of human neoplasms, including haematological neoplasia. Fibroblast growth factors can promote tumour growth directly, or indirectly through promoting the growth of vessels. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of FGF1 and FGF2 as well as FGF receptors 1–4 (FGFR1–FGFR4) in 39 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma, including all subtypes, as well as Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines. FGF1 and FGF2 and their receptors FGFR2–FGFR4, but not FGFR1, were found to be expressed by the malignant cells in the majority of cases. Interestingly, only FGFR3, but none of the FGFs or the other FGFRs, was expressed by the Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines. This indicates that only FGFR3 is constitutively expressed by Hodgkin's lymphoma cells, whereas FGFs and the other FGFRs are induced in vivo. Culture of the Hodgkin's cell lines under conditions of hypoxic stress could induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) but not FGF expression. FGFs, in contrast to VEGF, might be expressed in response to paracrine stimuli. In situ hybridization did not reveal FGFR3 gene amplification or translocation as the cause of constitutive FGFR3 expression, as has been shown in a subset of multiple myeloma. FGFR3 might be expressed as part of the Hodgkin's cell phenotype. The demonstration of widespread expression of FGFs and some of their receptors in Hodgkin's lymphoma suggests that FGFs are important for sustaining growth of the lymphoma and suggests that anti‐FGF antibodies could be used as an adjuvant treatment. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression and functional analysis of Bax inhibitor‐1 in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Grzmil Michal , Kaulfuss Silke , Thelen Paul , Hemmerlein Bernhard , Schweyer Stefan , Obenauer Silvia , Won Kang Tae , Burfeind Peter
Published: December 2005

Recently, deregulated expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bax inhibitor‐1 (BI‐1) has been shown in several human cancers. In this report, we show that BI‐1 is expressed at various levels in six different human breast cancer cell lines. In order to investigate the function of BI‐1 in oestrogen‐dependent MCF‐7, T‐47D and oestrogen‐independent MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells, the RNA interference technique was used to knock down BI‐1 expression specifically. Suppression of BI‐1 expression caused a significant increase in spontaneous apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, whereas MCF‐7 and T‐47D cells remained almost unaffected. Furthermore, BI‐1 expression analysis using a cancer profiling array showed up‐regulation of BI‐1 expression in cancer samples of breast, uterus and ovary, whereas down‐regulated BI‐1 expression was identified in stomach, colon, kidney, lung and rectal cancer. In addition, immunohistochemical studies using a BI‐1‐specific antibody on human breast cancer specimens also revealed that BI‐1 is expressed in the majority of cases. Moreover, to analyse whether BI‐1 expression is oestrogen receptor‐dependent, tumour cells were treated with oestradiol, ICI and tamoxifen: this showed no significant changes in BI‐1 expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that BI‐1 expression is differentially deregulated in different cancers and that BI‐1 plays an important role in preventing certain breast cancer cells from undergoing apoptosis. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on targeting BI‐1 gene expression in breast cancer could be restricted to selected individual cancer types. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PIK3CA mutation and histological type in breast carcinoma: high frequency of mutations in lobular carcinoma
Authors: Buttitta Fiamma , Felicioni Lara , Barassi Fabio , Martella Carla , Paolizzi Diego , Fresu Giuseppina , Salvatore Simona , Cuccurullo Franco , Mezzetti Andrea , Campani Daniela , Marchetti Antonio
Published: December 2005

Mutations in the PIK3CA gene have recently been reported in different human neoplasms, including breast cancer. This paper reports the results of a systematic analysis of PIK3CA mutations in different histological types of breast carcinoma. One hundred and eighty invasive breast carcinomas, comprising 74 ductal, 56 lobular, 22 mucinous, 20 medullary, and eight papillary, were selected on the basis of their histological type in a consecutive series of 780 breast cancers. Exons 1–20 of the PIK3CA gene were subjected to SSCP analysis followed by direct sequencing. PIK3CA mutations were observed in 46 (26%) of the 180 tumours examined: 23 (50%) mutations were located in exon 9, and 23 (50%) in exon 20. Mutations were frequent in lobular (46%), less frequent in ductal (22%), and uncommon in medullary (10%), mucinous (5%), and papillary tumours (12%) (p = 0.0002). Mutations in exon 9 were more frequent in lobular carcinomas (30% of cases) than in the other histological types (less than 5% of cases) (p = 0.00014). No significant differences were observed in the distribution of mutations in exon 20. There was no significant correlation between PIK3CA mutations and other clinicopathological and biological variables, including age, tumour size, lymph node metastases, oestrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PgR) status, p53 gene mutations, and p53 protein expression. The findings indicate that in invasive breast carcinomas, PIK3CA alterations are mainly present in lobular and ductal tumours, whereas the other histological types, known to be associated with a favourable prognosis, show a very low incidence of PIK3CA mutations. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the UPPS impulsive behaviour scale: a four‐factor model of impulsivity
Authors: Whiteside Stephen P. , Lynam Donald R. , Miller Joshua D. , Reynolds Sarah K.
Published: December 2005

The current study attempts to clarify the multi‐faceted nature of impulsivity through the use of the four‐factor UPPS Impulsive Behaviour scale. In order to build the nomological network surrounding this scale, the UPPS was administered to individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), pathological gamblers (PG), alcohol abusers (divided into two groups based on the presence of antisocial features), and a control group. Several of the UPPS scales (e.g. Urgency, lack of Premeditation, and Sensation Seeking) differentiated the BPD, PG, and alcohol abusers with antisocial features from a group of non‐antisocial alcohol abusers and a control group. Overall, the UPPS scales accounted for between 7% (pathological gambling) and 64% (borderline personality disorder features) of the overall variance in the psychopathology measures. Individual UPPS scales also made unique contributions to several of these disorders, which may provide insight into which of these personality traits may predispose individuals to behave in maladaptive or problematic ways. The results provide support for the differentiation of impulsivity‐related constructs into the current four‐factor model. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The flow‐through diffusion cell (FTDC) method: a novel approach to in vitro drug release studies
Authors: Bajpai Sunil K , Saxena Sutanjay , Dubey Seema
Published: December 2005

A terpolymeric semi‐interpenetrating network (IPN) has been synthesized by carrying out the aqueous polymerization of methacrylamide in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and natural polysaccharide starch, and its enzymatic degradation has been studied by a newly developed technique, known as the ‘flow‐through diffusion cell’ (FTDC) method, in a phosphate buffer medium of pH 6.8 at the physiological temperature, 37 °C. The hydrogel exhibits different degradation behaviors when studied by the ‘traditional degradation/dissolution test’ (TDT) or the FTDC method. The degradability is suppressed in the FTDC method, owing to the adsorption of amylase molecules onto the filler particles. The nature of the filler particles also affects the degradation behavior of the hydrogels. Finally, the release of the model drug, vitamin B12, from the degrading hydrogels has also been studied by the FTDC method. The results obtained indicated that the release behavior also depends on α‐amylase‐induced degradability. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Domain interactions direct misfolding and amyloid formation of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase
Authors: Osváth Szabolcs , Jäckel Márta , Agócs Gergely , Závodszky Péter , Köhler Gottfried , Fidy Judit
Published: December 2005

There are proteins that are built of two structural domains and are deposited full‐length in amyloid plaques formed in various diseases. In spite of the known differences in the mechanisms of folding of single‐ and multidomain proteins, no published studies can be found that address the role of the domain–domain interactions during misfolding and amyloid formation. By the discovery of the role of domain–domain interactions, here we provide important insight in the submolecular mechanism of amyloid formation. A model system based on yeast phosphoglycerate kinase was designed. This system includes the wild‐type yeast phosphoglycerate kinase and single‐tryptophan mutants of the individual N and C terminal domains and the complete protein. Electron microscopic measurements proved that amyloid fibrils grow from all mutants under identical conditions as for the wild‐type protein. Misfolding and amyloid formation was followed in stopped‐flow and manual mixing experiments on the 1 ms to 4 days timescale. Tryptophan fluorescence was used for selective detection of conformational changes accompanying the formation of the amyloidogenic intermediates and the growth of amyloid fibrils. The interactions between the polypeptide chains of the two domains direct the misfolding process from the early steps to the amyloid formation, and influence the final structure. The kinetics of misfolding is different for the individual domains, pointing to the significance of the amino acid sequence. Misfolding of the domains within the complete protein is synchronized indicating that domain–domain interactions direct the misfolding and amyloid formation mechanism. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physisorption of N2 on graphene platelets: An Ab initio study
Authors: Zhechkov Lyuben , Heine Thomas , Seifert Gotthard
Published: December 2005

The interaction of molecular nitrogen with selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), i.e., benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, pentacene, coronene, and triphenylene, is investigated. The energetically most favorable orientation of N2 is parallel to the PAH, with a distance of 3.2 Å, independent on shape and size of the investigated PAHs. An interaction energy of 10–17 kJ mol−1, depending on PAH size, shape and adsorption position, is calculated using Møller–Plesset perturbation theory. A value of 17.7 kJ mol−1 is obtained by extrapolation to infinite graphene. Hence, N2 is physisorbed 2–3 times stronger than H2 on PAHs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
QSAR and 3D QSAR of inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Pinto‐Bazurco Mariano , Tsakovska Ivanka , Pajeva Ilza
Published: December 2005

This article reports quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) and 3D QSAR models of 134 structurally diverse inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. Free–Wilson analysis was used to derive the QSAR model. It identified the substituents in aniline, the polycyclic system, and the substituents at the 6‐ and 7‐positions of the polycyclic system as the most important structural features. Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) were used in the 3D QSAR modeling. The steric and electrostatic interactions proved the most important for the inhibitory effect. Both QSAR and 3D QSAR models led to consistent results. On the basis of the statistically significant models, new structures were proposed and their inhibitory activities were predicted. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Theoretical study of some verapamil derivatives
Authors: Ionescu Sorana , Diaconu Carmen C. , Hillebrand Mihaela
Published: December 2005

A theoretical study of some sulfur‐containing analogues of verapamil was performed using the AM1 Hamiltonian, together with the SM5.4A solvation model. Lipophilicity and the tendency of H‐bond formation of these drugs were previously correlated with their biologic activity. In the present work they were described theoretically in terms of the calculated energy of solvation and the electrostatic potential on the sulfur and nitrogen atoms, respectively. Experimental data such as the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) retention time were correlated with the calculated solvation energy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Detection of royal jelly adulteration using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis
Authors: Stocker A. , Rossmann A. , Kettrup A. , Bengsch E.
Published: December 2005

Stable isotope ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N) were measured in royal jelly (RJ) samples by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to evaluate authenticity and adulteration. Carbon and nitrogen isotope contents (given as delta values relative to a standard, δ13C, δ15N) of RJ samples from various European origins and samples from commercial sources were analyzed. Uniform δ13C values from −26.7 to −24.9‰ were observed for authentic RJ from European origins. Values of δ15N ranged from −1.1 to 5.8‰ depending on the plant sources of nectars and pollen. High δ13C values of several commercial RJ samples from −20.8 to −13.3‰ indicated adulteration with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sugar source. Use of biotechnologically produced yeast powder as protein source for the adulterated samples was assumed as δ15N values were lower, as described for C4 or CAM plant sources. RJ samples from authentic and from adulterated production were distinguished. The rapid and reliable method is suitable for urgent actual requirements in food monitoring. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiling of ecdysteroids in complex biological samples using liquid chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yutai , Warren James T. , Boysen Gunnar , Gilbert Lawrence I. , Gold Avram , Sangaiah Ramiah , Ball Louise M. , Swenberg James A.
Published: December 2005

A sensitive method using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization source (HPLC/ESI‐MS) was developed for detection of ecdysteroids in biological samples. We report here for the first time that ecdysteroids can be classified into three groups based on ESI full‐scan mass spectra: group 1 (ecdysone (E), 2‐deoxyecdysone (2dE), 2,22‐dideoxyecdysone (3β5β‐KT), and 3α5α[H]‐dihydroxycholest‐7‐en‐6‐one (3α5α‐KD)), in which loss of one molecule of water from the protonated molecular ion ([M+H]+) represents the dominant ion; group 2 (20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E), makisterone A (MakA), 3β5β‐KD, and 3β5α‐KD), in which [M+H]+ is a major ion but some water loss is observed; and group 3 (muristerone A (MurA) and ponasterone A (PonA)), in which [M+H]+ is the dominant ion with no water loss observed. Based on the analytical procedure in combination with structural information from the group classification and with the application of source‐induced dissociation, we identified free ecdysteroids in biological samples: 20,26‐dihydroxyecdysone and ecdysonic acid in the larval hemolymph, and the progressive metabolism of 26‐hydroxyecdysone (26E) to 3α‐26E from day‐1 to day‐3 embryos of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometric analysis of hexamethylenediamine‐modified maltodextrin and dextran
Authors: Sisu Eugen , Bosker Wouter T. E. , Norde Willem , Slaghek Ted M. , Timmermans Johan W. , Peter‐Katalinić Jasna , Cohen‐Stuart Martien A. , Zamfir Alina D.
Published: December 2005

A combined methodology for obtaining at the preparative scale and characterization by nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem MS (MS/MS) of linear polysaccharides modified at the reducing end is presented. Two polydisperse maltodextrins (1000 and 3000 Da) and a high molecular weight polydisperse dextran (6000 Da) were coupled with hexamethylenediamine (HMD). The coupling products were analyzed by nanoESI‐QTOF‐MS in the positive ion mode and MS/MS using collision‐induced dissociation (CID) at low energies. In the HMD‐M1000 mixture, the polysaccharide chains containing from 2 to 8 Glc residues were detected, while in HMD‐M3000 we identified a complete series of chains containing from 8 to 21 Glc moieties. The employed ESI conditions enhanced the detection of chains with up to 46 Glc residues in the HMD‐D6000 sample. By optimized MS/MS, HMD‐modified polysaccharides of 3, 4, 5, 12 and 46 degrees of polymerization yielded product ion spectra exhibiting the whole set of Y‐ and B‐fragment ions. The MS structural data were obtained within a few minutes of signal acquisition, with a sample consumption situating the analysis sensitivity in the picomolar range. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐precision, automated stable isotope analysis of atmospheric methane and carbon dioxide using continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Fisher Rebecca , Lowry David , Wilkin Owen , Sriskantharajah Srimathy , Nisbet Euan G.
Published: December 2005

Small‐scale developments have been made to an off‐the‐shelf continuous‐flow gas chromatography/isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐GC/IRMS) system to allow high‐precision isotopic analysis of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) at ambient concentrations. The repeatability (1σ) obtainable with this system is 0.05‰ for δ13C of CH4, 0.03‰ for δ13C of CO2, and 0.05‰ for δ18O of CO2 for ten consecutive analyses of a standard tank. An automated inlet system, which allows diurnal studies of CO2 and CH4 isotopes, is also described. The improved precision for CH4 analysis was achieved with the use of a palladium powder on quartz wool catalyst in the combustion furnace, which increased the efficiency of oxidation of CH4 to CO2. The automated inlet further improved the precision for both CH4 and CO2 analysis by keeping the routine constant. The method described provides a fast turn‐around in samples, with accurate, reproducible results, and would allow a long‐term continuous record of CH4 or CO2 isotopes at a site to be made, providing information about changing sources of the gases both seasonally and interannually. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the asymptotics of fault probability in least‐recently‐used caching with Zipf‐type request distribution
Authors: Sugimoto Toyoaki , Miyoshi Naoto
Published: December 2005

We consider the least‐recently‐used cache replacement rule with a Zipf‐type page request distribution and investigate an asymptotic property of the fault probability with respect to an increase of cache size. We first derive the asymptotics of the fault probability for the independent‐request model and then extend this derivation to a general dependent‐request model, where our result shows that under some weak assumptions the fault probability is asymptotically invariant with regard to dependence in the page request process. In a previous study, a similar result was derived by applying a Poisson embedding technique, where a continuous‐time proof was given through some assumptions based on a continuous‐time modeling. The Poisson embedding, however, is just a technique used for the proof and the problem is essentially on a discrete‐time basis; thus, it is preferable to make assumptions, if any, directly in the discrete‐time setting. We consider a general dependent‐request model and give a direct discrete‐time proof under different assumptions. A key to the proof is that the numbers of requests for respective pages represent conditionally negatively associated random variables. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Existence, uniqueness, and algorithmic computation of general lilypond systems
Authors: Heveling Matthias , Last Günter
Published: December 2005

The lilypond system based on a locally finite subset φ of the Euclidean space ℝn is defined as follows. At time 0 every point of φ starts growing with unit speed in all directions to form a system of balls in which any particular ball ceases its growth at the instant that it collides with another ball. Based on a more formal definition of lilypond systems given in 1, we will prove that these systems exist and are uniquely determined. Our approach applies to the far more general setting, where φ is a locally finite subset of some space 𝕏 equipped with a pseudo‐metric d. We will also derive an algorithm approximating the system with at least linearly decreasing error. Several examples will illustrate our general results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Impact of gender and generational differences in work values and attitudes in an Arab culture
Authors: Whiteoak John W. , Crawford Norman G. , Mapstone Richard H.
Published: December 2005

In this article, the work values and attitudes of 241 nationals from the United Arab Emirates are examined. Specifically, we assessed the impact of generational member‐ship and gender on the Islamic work ethic, individualism, attitudes toward women at work, and perceptions of the utility of wasta. Results suggest that values and attitudes held by people in the Middle East are changing on the one hand (e.g., individualism) but are also deeply held on the other (e.g., the Islamic work ethic). Results also suggest that the perceptions about the utility of wasta differ across generations. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of a novel Photosystem I–LHCI supercomplex isolated from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under anaerobic (State II) conditions
Authors: Subramanyam Rajagopal , Jolley Craig , Brune Daniel C. , Fromme Petra , Webber Andrew N.
Published: December 2005

A novel supercomplex of Photosystem I (PSI) with light harvesting complex I (LHCI) was isolated from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This novel supercomplex is unique as it is the first stable supercomplex of PSI together with its external antenna. The supercomplex contains 256 chlorophylls per reaction center. The supercomplex was isolated under anaerobic conditions and may represent the State II form of the photosynthetic unit. In contrast to previously reported supercomplexes isolated in State I, which contain only 4 LHC I proteins, this supercomplex contains 10–11 LHC I proteins tightly bound to the PSI core. In contrast to plants, no LHC II is tightly bound to the PSI–LHCI supercomplex in State II. Investigation of the energy transfer from the antenna system to the reaction center core shows that the LHC supercomplexes are tightly coupled to the PSI core, not only structurally but also energetically. The excitation energy transfer kinetics are completely dominated by the fast phase, with a near‐complete lack of long‐lived fluorescence. This tight coupling is in contrast to all reports of energy transfer in PSI–LHCI supercomplexes (in State I), which have so far been described as weakly coupled supercomplexes with low efficiency for excitation energy transfer. These results indicate that there are large and dynamic changes of the PSI–LHCI supercomplex during the acclimation from aerobic (State I) to anaerobic (State II) conditions in Chlamydomonas.
Cathepsin B and its interacting proteins, bikunin and TSRC1, correlate with TNF‐induced apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells OV‐90
Authors: Liu Jianping , Guo Qian , Chen Buxin , Yu Yao , Lu Hong , Li Yu-Yang
Published: December 2005

Increasing evidence suggests that lysosomal cysteine proteases cathepsins contribute to the progression of cell apoptosis. Here we found that apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells OV‐90 triggered by TNF was cathepsin B‐depended. Two cathepsin B binding proteins, bikunin and TSRC1, were identified by yeast two‐hybrid method and the interactions were confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of bikunin could suppress TNF‐induced apoptosis of OV‐90 cells, and TSRC1 overexpression had an opposite effect on apoptosis. The presented results suggest that cathepsin B and its interacting proteins, bikunin and TSRC1, are involved in the apoptotic pathway of ovarian cancer cells.
Paul's Collection and the Book of Acts Revisited
Authors: DOWNS DAVID J.
Published: December 2005

The narrative of Acts has often been mined for historical information about the monetary collection that Paul raised among the Gentile churches of his mission for the saints in Jerusalem. Most scholars have assumed that Acts refers to the Pauline collection, either in 11.27–30 or 24.17. Against this consensus, this paper contends that the narrative of Acts, when read on its own terms and without the imposition of information from the Pauline epistles, neither mentions nor alludes to Paul's collection for Jerusalem. In its narrative context, Acts 24.17, far from being a reference to the collection, identifies Paul before his accusers as a faithful Jew whose individual piety is demonstrated by almsgiving and worship. Information from the book of Acts, therefore, cannot be used to write the final chapter of the historical reconstruction of the Pauline collection.
La sagesse de la vie selon l'épître de Jacques: Lignes de Lecture
Authors: BORGHI ERNESTO
Published: December 2005

L'épître de Jacques montre clairement comment la vie chrétienne doit et peut être sage. À partir d'une perspective enracinée dans le Premier Testament, mais tout à fait renovée par l'incarnation du Fils de Dieu, Jacques donne un fresque des caractères fondamentaux de la vie selon l'évangile de Jésus Christ. La perspective sapientielle paraît la clef de lecture du portrait de l'existence humaine offert par cette épître du Nouveau Testament. Jacques présente la sagesse de Jésus sans offrir des considerations elévées sous un point de vue strictement intellectuel ou esthétique. Il invite ses lecteurs à un choix éthique directe. Savoir pour aimer, aimer pour savoir: celui-ci est le sens de la vie chrétienne selon Jacques.
Preliminary evidence that gonadal hormones organize and activate disordered eating
Authors: KLUMP KELLY L. , GOBROGGE KYLE L. , PERKINS PATRICK S. , THORNE DAVID , SISK CHERYL L. , BREEDLOVE S. MARC
Published: December 2005

Objective. Eating disorders are more common in females than in males. Gender differences may be due to organizational (i.e. prenatal) and activational (i.e. post-natal) gonadal hormone effects that influence sex differences in behavior. This preliminary set of studies examined these effects by investigating relationships between eating disorder symptoms, prenatal testosterone exposure, and adult levels of estrogen in women.

Method. We examined organizational associations by investigating relationships between disordered eating and finger-length ratios, which are known to be somatic markers of prenatal testosterone exposure. Participants included 113 adult female twins drawn from the community. Disordered eating was assessed with the total score from the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS). Finger lengths were hand scored using a ruler and photocopies of both hands. We also investigated activational influences by examining associations between circulating levels of estradiol and disordered eating symptoms. Two independent samples of adult females (n's=24 and 25) drawn from the community were used for this study. Disordered eating was again assessed with the MEBS total score, while saliva samples were used for assessing estradiol.

Results. Positive associations were found between disordered eating and both finger-length ratios and circulating estradiol levels.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that lower levels of prenatal testosterone exposure and higher adult levels of estradiol are associated with increased eating disorder symptoms. We hypothesize that the relatively low level of testosterone before birth in females permits their brains to respond to estrogens at puberty, when the hormones activate the genes contributing to disordered eating in vulnerable girls.
RARE EVENT SIMULATION
Authors: Lagnoux Agnès
Published: December 2005

This article deals with estimations of probabilities of rare events using fast simulation based on the splitting method. In this technique, the sample paths are split into multiple copies at various stages in the simulation. Our aim is to optimize the algorithm and to obtain a precise confidence interval of the estimator using branching processes. The numerical results presented suggest that the method is reasonably efficient.
AN ASYMPTOTIC EXPANSION FOR THE INSPECTION PARADOX
Authors: Angus J. E.
Published: December 2005

Suppose that there arenfamilies with children attending a certain school and that the number of children in these families are independent and identically distributed random variables, each with probability mass functionP{X=j} =pj,j≥ 1, with finite mean μ = [sum ]j≥1jpj. If a child is selected at random from the school andXIis the number of children in the family to which the child belongs, it is known that limn→∞P{XI=j} =jpj/μ,j≥ 1. Here, asymptotic expansions forP{XI=j} are developed under the conditionE|X|3< ∞.
PREDICTION OF WEATHER-RELATED FAILURES OF OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION FEEDERS
Authors: Zhou Yujia , Pahwa Anil , Das Sanjoy
Published: December 2005

This article presents two methods for predicting weather-related overhead distribution feeder failures. The first model is based on linear regression, which uses a regression function to determine the correlation between the weather factors and overhead feeder failures. The second method is based on a one-layer Bayesian network, which uses conditional probabilities to model the correlation. Both methods are discussed and followed by tests to assess their performance. The results obtained using these methods are discussed and compared.
MAINTENANCE OPTIMIZATION OF EQUIPMENT BY LINEAR PROGRAMMING
Authors: Jayakumar Archana , Asgarpoor Sohrab
Published: December 2005

Optimal levels of preventive maintenance performed on any system ensures cost-effective and reliable operation of the system. In this paper a component with deterioration and random failure is modeled using Markov processes while incorporating the concept of minor and major preventive maintenance. The optimal mean times to preventive maintenance (both minor and major) of the component is determined by maximizing its availability with respect to mean time to preventive maintenance. Mathematical optimization programs Maple 7 and Lingo 7 are used to find the optimal solution, which is illustrated using a numerical example. Further, an optimal maintenance policy is obtained using Markov Decision Processes (MDPs). Linear Programming (LP) is utilized to implement the MDP problem.