bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational Design of In Situ Monolithic Imprinted Polymer Membranes for the Potentiometric Sensing of Diethyl Chlorophosphate – a Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant
Authors: Prathish K. P. , Vishnuvardhan V. , Rao T. Prasada
Published: March 2009

Molecularly imprinted polymer membrane was prepared by semicovalent imprinting strategy wherein i) the template diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP), (a simulant of organophosphorous nerve agents), is covalently linked to the reactive functional monomer vinyl aniline (VA) during imprinting step followed by noncovalent rebinding and ii) in situ polymerization via single pot synthesis in presence of additional functional monomer, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and crosslinking monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) after addition of 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as plasticizer and initiator respectively. The resulting membrane is integrated with a potentiometric transducer while designing a DCP sensor. The fabricated sensor responds over a wider concentration range of 10−6–10−2 M with a lower detection limit of 10−6 M (0.17 ppm). In addition, in situ monolithic membrane based sensor was designed by adopting noncovalent imprinting strategy also. A detailed comparison is made between semicovalent and noncovalent in situ membrane based sensors on the prime sensor performance criteria such as sensitivity, selectivity, working range, response time, reusability and reversibility. Again, the relative merits and demerits of semicovalent vis‐à‐vis noncovalent strategy based in situ monolithic membrane sensors were also highlighted. The probable molecular recognition mechanism is also discussed.
Nerve Agents Assay Using Cholinesterase Based Biosensor
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav , Dobes Petr , Drtinova Lucie , Kuča Kamil
Published: March 2009

Electrochemical biosensor based on electric eel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (EC 3.1.1.7) was performed for assay of nerve agents – tabun, sarin, soman, cyclosarin, and VX. The biosensor used AChE as biorecognition element. The presence of nerve agents was accompanied by a strong inhibition of AChE activity. Enzyme activity is easily measurable by electrochemical oxidation of thiocholine created from acetylthiocholine (ATChCl) by AChE‐catalyzed hydrolysis. The tested nerve agents were successfully assayed. The best limits of detection were achieved for sarin (5.88×10−10 M) and VX (8.51×10−10 M) after one‐minute assay. The biosensor was found long term stable at low as well as laboratory temperature.
IEF in microfluidic devices
Authors: Sommer Greg J. , Hatch Anson V.
Published: March 2009

IEF is one of the most powerful and prevalent techniques used in separation sciences. The power of IEF comes from the fact that it not only separates analytes based on their pI but also focuses them into highly resolved bands. In line with the miniaturization trend spurring the analytical community, the past decade has yielded a wealth of research focused on implementing IEF in microfluidic chip‐based formats (μIEF). Scaling down the separation technique provides several advantages such as reduced sample sizes, assay automation, and significant improvements in assay speed without sacrificing separation performance. Besides presenting microscale adaptations of standard schemes, researchers have also developed improved detection techniques, demonstrated novel μIEF assays, and incorporated μIEF with other analytical methods for achieving on‐chip multidimensional separations. This review provides a brief historical outline of IEF's beginnings, theoretical incentives driving miniaturization of the methodology, a thorough synopsis of μIEF publications to date, and an outlook to the future.
Modeling the separation of macromolecules: A review of current computer simulation methods
Authors: Slater Gary W. , Holm Christian , Chubynsky Mykyta V. , de Haan Hendrick W. , Dubé Antoine , Grass Kai , Hickey Owen A. , Kingsburry Christine , Sean David , Shendruk Tyler N. , Zhan Lixin
Published: March 2009

Theory and numerical simulations play a major role in the development of improved and novel separation methods. In some cases, computer simulations predict counterintuitive effects that must be taken into account in order to properly optimize a device. In other cases, simulations allow the scientist to focus on a subset of important system parameters. Occasionally, simulations even generate entirely new separation ideas! In this article, we review the main simulation methods that are currently being used to model separation techniques of interest to the readers ofElectrophoresis. In the first part of the article, we provide a brief description of the numerical models themselves, starting with molecular methods and then moving towards more efficient coarse‐grained approaches. In the second part, we briefly examine nine separation problems and some of the methods used to model them. We conclude with a short discussion of some notoriously hard‐to‐model separation problems and a description of some of the available simulation software packages.
Analyte focusing by micelle collapse in CZE: Nanopreparation of neutrals
Authors: Quirino Joselito P.
Published: March 2009

Fundamental studies on the nanopreparation of neutral analytes in CZE by analyte focusing by micelle collapse (AFMC) are presented. The background solution (BGS) is prepared using an electrolyte salt (i.e. sodium or ammonium acetate). The sample solution of the neutral analytes (S) is prepared using SDS at a concentration above the cmc. To induce AFMC, the conductivity of the S must be greater than the BGS. This was achieved by the addition of the electrolyte salt to the S. Dilution of the micellar carrier from the injected S occurs at the BGS zone closest to the boundary between the S and BGS (micellar dilution zone). The dilution of SDS below the cmc causes the collapse of the micelles with subsequent release of previously bound analyte molecules. The continued transport and release causes the analytes to be accumulated at the micellar dilution zone. This nanopreparative technique is compatible with detection using mass spectrometry and can be utilized as a sample injection step for microfluidic devices. The disadvantage of this technique is that the neutral analytes are not separated after concentration. Here, the effect of retention factor of the analyte, conductivity ratio of the S and BGS, SDS concentration in the S, electrolyte salt (i.e. sodium acetate) concentration in the BGS, and organic modifier content in the BGS were examined. A study on the effect of the sample matrix injection prior to the sample injection to the performance of AFMC‐CZE to neutral analytes is also presented.
Hybrid modelling for simulation of scour and flow patterns in laboratory flumes
Authors: Guven Aytac , Gunal Mustafa
Published: March 2009

In this study, a hybrid numerical–mathematical model is developed, which simulates the temporal evolution of local scour and flow patterns in laboratory flumes. The mathematical module calculates the shape of the scour hole by solving an integro‐parabolic equation. The numerical module simulates the two‐dimensional laterally averaged flow patterns in the corresponding scour hole. The hybrid model is verified by experimental data taken from the literature. The hybrid model predicted the temporal evolution of local scour and simulated the flow patterns in and around the scoured zone in good agreement with the experimental ones. The proposed hybrid model proved to be efficient when used in complex local scour and turbulent flow problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analyst forecasts and price discovery in futures markets: The case of natural gas storage
Authors: Gay Gerald D. , Simkins Betty J. , Turac Marian
Published: March 2009

We investigate analyst forecasts in a unique setting, the natural gas storage market, and study the contribution of analysts in facilitating price discovery in futures markets. Using a high‐frequency database of analyst storage forecasts, we show that the market appears to condition expectations regarding a weekly storage release on the analyst forecasts and beyond that of various statistical‐based models. Further, we find that the market looks through the reported consensus analyst forecast and places differential emphasis on the individual forecasts of analysts according to their prior accuracy. Also, the market appears to place greater emphasis on analysts' long‐term accuracy than on their recent accuracy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:451–477, 2009
Prevalence of anxiety disorders among elderly people
Authors: Kirmizioglu Yalçın , Doğan Orhan , Kuğu Nesim , Akyüz Gamze
Published: March 2009

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to determine current and lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders and also to explore the relationship, if any, between possible risk factors and anxiety disorders, amongst elderly people living in the Sivas province of Turkey.

Methods

The research sample consisted of 462 persons. A Socio‐demographic Data Form was given to the participants and the Anxiety Module of SCID‐I was applied. Chi‐square and Fischer's exact tests were used to evaluate the data obtained.

Results

The current prevalence for all types of anxiety disorder was found to be 17.1% overall and the lifetime prevalence was found to be 18.6%. The current prevalence rates for particular disorders were found to be 0.4% for panic disorder, 3.2% for obsessive‐compulsive disorder, 1.9% for post‐traumatic stress disorder, 2.8% for social phobia, 11.5% for specific phobia, 6.9% for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Lifetime prevalence rates for these disorders (except GAD) were 1.1%, 3.2%, 3.0%, 2.85%, 11.5% respectively.

Conclusions

Anxiety disorders are more common among elderly people than was previously thought. The lifetime prevalence of specific phobia amongst the elderly is higher than that of general population; the lifetime prevalence ratios of obsessive‐compulsive disorder and social phobia are similar to that of the general population in Sivas. In order to improve the delivery of health services, it is recommended that further studies should be conducted among elderly people, both by applying standardized diagnostic tools, but also taking into account socio‐economic factors and using convenient therapy methods developed specifically for this group. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical differences between late‐onset and early‐onset chronically hospitalized elderly schizophrenic patients in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chao , Zhang Ya‐lin
Published: March 2009

Objectives

To examine the clinical differences between late‐onset schizophrenia (LOS) and early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS) in Taiwanese elderly chronic hospitalized schizophrenic patients.

Methods

By using a cross‐sectional study method, we investigated all the hospitalized elderly schizophrenic patients in a general hospital's psychiatric ward during July–September 2007. All the subjects matched DSM‐IV‐TR diagnostic criteria and were aged 60 years or above. A total of 52 subjects were enrolled (LOS = 23, EOS = 29). Demographic data, illness history, and antipsychotic treatment record were documented; the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES‐D), mini‐mental status examination (MMSE), activities of daily living rating scale for psychiatric patients (ADLRS), community self‐sufficiency test (CST), clinical global impression (CGI), and general assessment of functioning scale (GAF) were administered.

Results

In our samples, a lower educational level was found to be more common in late‐onset patients. In LOS, there was no significant increase in the severity of PANSS psychopathology except for greater thought disorder symptoms. Both LOS and EOS patients had similar cognitive and functioning impairment with poor global outcomes. There was a trend of low antipsychotic drug use in LOS.

Conclusions

In Taiwan, elderly chronic inpatients LOS had greater thought disorders compared to findings in Western studies. Further large‐scale longitudinal studies are needed to understand the factors related to these findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transpiration of a Linze jujube orchard in an arid region of China
Authors: Zhao W. , Chang X. , Zhang Z.
Published: March 2009

As an important source of income in the region's economy, the jujube plantations are very common in arid north‐western China, and their planted areas continue to expand. In the central Heihe River Basin of arid north‐western China, Linze jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. inermis (Bunge) Rehd.) plantations cover more than 10,000 ha, too. Water use by this species is expected to change or modify catchment hydrological process. To our knowledge, there is no information on the transpiration and canopy conductance of the jujube plantations in arid north‐western China. Therefore, Transpiration and canopy conductance were monitored in a 14‐year‐old Linze jujube orchard. The experiment was carried out in the central Heihe River Basin, near Pingchuan Town (Linze County, Gansu Province, China) during growing season of 2006, from May to the first ten days of October. Eight trees were used to measure sap flow using the heat‐pulse‐velocity method. The orchard was irrigated adequately during the study. Transpiration was estimated from the sap flow measurements. During the experiment, the transpiration rate of the orchard ranged from 0·32 to 1·40 mm per day. Canopy conductance was obtained from estimated daily transpiration and climatic variables measured on a half‐hour basis, and canopy conductance for water vapour transfer was between 1·20 to 82·57 mm s−1, with a mean of 11·86 ± 6·84 mm s−1 during the observation period. Air temperature and vapour‐pressure deficit exhibited a linear relationship with sap flow velocity and the relationship between these factors and canopy conductance could be represented by an exponential decay function. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schemes of arrangement as a corporate rescue mechanism: The Singapore experience
Authors: Chan Tracey Evans
Published: March 2009

This paper reviews the use of schemes of arrangement (SOA) in Singapore as a corporate rescue mechanism, and argues that a number of features have contributed to its emergence as a de facto debtor‐in‐possession regime. It also offers some suggestions on how this organic process can be further enhanced without unduly prejudicing the interests of stakeholders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of immunochemical faecal occult blood test in colorectal cancer screening in average‐risk population according to positivity threshold and number of samples
Authors: Guittet Lydia , Bouvier Véronique , Mariotte Nicole , Vallee Jean‐Pierre , Levillain Romuald , Tichet Jean , Launoy Guy
Published: March 2009

Immunochemical faecal occult blood tests (I‐FOBT) detect more effectively advanced neoplasia than guaiac tests (G‐FOBT). The study aim was to compare the performance of an I‐FOBT whilst varying the positivity threshold and considering four analysis modalities: one sample was performed (MG1), two samples were performed and at least one sample was positive (MG2+), both samples were positive (MG2++) or the mean of the two samples' log‐transformed haemoglobin contents exceeded the cutoff (MG2m). Screening for colorectal cancer using both G‐FOBT and two samples' I‐FOBT was performed by an average‐risk population sample of 20,322 subjects. Among the 1,615 subjects with at least one positive test, 1,277 had a satisfactory colonoscopy result; 43 invasive cancers and 270 high‐risk adenomas were detected. The I‐FOBT was reinterpreted under each analysis modality (a random selection of one sample led to MG1). For all modalities, increasing the positivity threshold decreased sensitivity and increased specificity. The relative ROC curves (in reference to G‐FOBT) demonstrated similar performance for MG1 and MG2+, and improved performance for MG2m. MG2++ sensitivity was limited within the range of positivity thresholds evaluated. For any specificity, MG2m provided the highest sensitivity. For any sensitivity, MG2m provided the highest specificity. For any positivity rate, MG2m provided both the highest sensitivity and specificity. This study suggests the replacement of MG2+ by MG1 or, for even better performance, by MG2m provided that two samples are performed with similar participation (which should be explored). The targeted positivity rate could then be achieved by choosing the positivity threshold. © 2009 UICC
Patterns of Freshwater Fishes of the Caribbean Versant of Venezuela
Authors: Rodríguez‐Olarte Douglas , Taphorn Donald C. , Lobón‐Cerviá Javier
Published: March 2009

We delineate local and regional biogeographic provinces that suggest patterns of species richness, and primary and secondary freshwater fish distributions along the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. We use presence‐absence records and classification and ordination models. Patterns at local and regional scales varied markedly such that primary species dominated humid drainages and secondary species dominated arid drainages or transition provinces. Species rich areas, and the presence of narrowly endemic species correlate with patterns of historical isolation and hydrographic refuges. Patterns of species distributions across arid drainages suggest that close proximity of coastal marine drainages allows dispersion and exchange of species. This pattern is particularly evident among secondary species. Hotspots of species richness and endemisms are identified and are recommended as priorities for conservation (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Leaf Decomposition in a Mountain Stream in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Al‐Riyami Maha , Victor Reginald , Seena Sahadevan , Elshafie Abdulkadir E. , Bärlocher Felix
Published: March 2009

Decomposition of Juglans regia leaves was studied in fine and coarse mesh bags in a permanent mountain stream in Oman. A rapid initial mass loss, attributed to leaching, was followed by a more gradual decline. Daily exponential decay rates (k) calculated over 32 days were 0.011 (fine mesh litter bags) and 0.014 (coarse mesh litter bags). The difference between bag types was not significant, suggesting limited impact of leaf‐shredding invertebrates. Ergosterol levels on leaves from fine mesh bags peaked at 0.3 mg g–1 AFDM after 16 days of stream exposure.

During the experimental period, which followed the annual leaf fall, the concentration of aquatic hyphomycete conidia in the stream varied between 82 and 1362 l–1. Based on the morphology of conidia found in the water column or released from leaves, we identified 14 species of aquatic hyphomycetes. Tetracladium apiense was the most common taxon (62.2% of conidia in water column during the field experiment). Three other Tetracladium species contributed another 8%. Plating out leaf particles yielded common epiphytic taxa such as Alternaria sp., Aureobasidium pullulans and Phoma sp.

The measured metrics of leaf decay in this desert stream fall within the range of values observed in temperate and tropical streams, with clear evidence for an early leaching phase, and no evidence of a strong impact of leaf shredders. The community of aquatic hyphomycetes appears impoverished. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diel Changes in Phytoplankton Composition and Abundance in the Surface and Sub‐Surface Strata from a Shallow Eutrophic Pond
Authors: Wilk‐Woźniak Elżbieta , Marshall Harold G.
Published: March 2009

Representative phytoplankton assemblages were identified in a eutrophic pond over a 24 hour period. One assemblage characterized species in the surface (neuston) layer and another consisted of algae from 2, 5, and 20 cm sub‐surface depths. The surface layer (0 cm) included a similar, but less diverse assemblage of species, and a lower abundance of cells per unit volume, than those at the lower depths. At each of the sub‐surface depths (2–20 cm), the major phytoplankton components initially followed similar patterns of abundance in reference to the time and depth of sample collections then later differed in their abundance levels. The dominant algae were chlorophytes, cryptophytes, diatoms, and cyanobacteria. Mean concentrations of total phytoplankton, over the 24 hours for the surface, were 3.3 × 103cells ml–1, compared to 36.9 × 103cells ml–1for depths 2–20 cm. The autotrophic picoplankton abundance was recorded separately from the phytoplankton with mean concentrations of 472.9 × 103cells ml–1in the surface layer and 623.0 × 103cells ml–1for the three sub‐surface depths. Photos of representative species from these surface layers are presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Do randomized‐response designs eliminate response biases? An empirical study of non‐compliance behavior
Authors: Böckenholt Ulf , Barlas Sema , van der Heijden Peter G. M.
Published: March 2009

Out of the toolbox of survey methods for obtaining honest answers to sensitive issues, the method of randomized responses (RR) has proven to be the most effective one. So far, in applications of RR methods it has been assumed that they eliminate response biases. We investigate the validity of this assumption by applying multivariate RR models that allow for different types of response biases. Our data analyses show that RR methods do not eliminate response biases but that they can be modeled in informative ways: accounting for response biases leads to estimates that are at least twice the size of the estimates obtained when response biases are ignored. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frugal IV alternatives to identify the parameter for an endogenous regressor
Authors: Ebbes Peter , Wedel Michel , Böckenholt Ulf
Published: March 2009

A review of the econometric literature on instrumental variables (IV) estimation shows that the performance of traditional IV estimation relies critically on the quality of the instruments. We discuss three different approaches that do not require the availability of observed instrumental variables: the ‘Higher Moments’ (HM) estimator, the ‘Identification trough Heteroscedasticity’ (IH) estimator, and the ‘Latent Instrumental Variable’ (LIV) approach. These methods attempt to identify the regression parameters not through observed instruments but by using other information that enables identifiability. The performance of these methods is illustrated on simulated and empirical data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling category‐level purchase timing with brand‐level marketing variables
Authors: Fok Dennis , Paap Richard
Published: March 2009

Purchase timing of households is usually modeled at the category level. However, many potential explanatory variables are observed at the brand level. To explain interpurchase times one has to either construct category‐level measures of marketing efforts, or integrate the model with a model for brand choice. In this paper we pursue the latter where we use latent brand preferences to capture the relevance of the marketing mix of an individual brand. We compare our new model with several standard approaches on in‐sample and out‐of‐sample fit and on the interpretation of the estimates of key parameters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a quantitative SERS approach – online monitoring of analytes in a microfluidic system with isotope‐edited internal standards
Authors: März Anne , Ackermann Katrin R. , Malsch Daniéll , Bocklitz Thomas , Henkel Thomas , Popp Jürgen
Published: March 2009

In this contribution a new approach for quantitative measurements using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is presented. Combining the application of isotope‐edited internal standard with the advantages of the liquid–liquid segmented‐flow‐based approach for flow‐through SERS detection seems to be a promising means for quantitative SERS analysis.

For the investigations discussed here a newly designed flow cell, tested for ideal mixing efficiency on the basis of grayscale‐value measurements, is implemented. Measurements with the heteroaromatics nicotine and pyridine using their respective deuterated isotopomers as internal standards show that the integration of an isotopically labeled internal standard in the used liquid–liquid two‐phase segmented flow leads to reproducible and comparable SERS spectra independent from the used colloid. With the implementation of an internal standard into the microfluidic device the influence of the properties of the colloid on the SERS activity can be compensated. Thus, the problem of a poor batch‐to‐batch reproducibility of the needed nanoparticle solutions is solved.

To the best of our knowledge these are the first measurements combining the above mentioned concepts in order to correct for differences in the enhancement behaviour of the respective colloid. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Is it quinine TTP/HUS or quinine TMA? ADAMTS13 levels and implications for therapy
Authors: Park Yara A. , Hay Shauna N. , King Karen E. , Matevosyan Karen , Poisson Jessica , Powers Amy , Sarode Ravindra , Shaz Beth , Brecher Mark E.
Published: March 2009

Thrombocytopenia with or without microangiopathy following quinine is often referred to as quinine “hypersensitivity.” When schistocytes are present it is frequently termed “quinine‐associated TTP/HUS.” A severe deficiency of the vWF‐cleaving protease, ADAMTS13, is associated with idiopathic TTP. A previous study of patients with “quinine‐associated TTP/HUS” found that ADAMTS13 activities were not abnormal in 12/12 patients. A retrospective review of TTP patients with quinine‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) for whom ADAMTS13 was measured before plasma exchange was performed. Six patients were identified. All were females (age range: 43 to 73, mean = 61.7 years) and had taken quinine for leg cramps. Four of the six experienced renal failure requiring dialysis. Five of the patients had D‐Dimers levels measured, all were elevated. In four patients the levels were ≥18 times the upper limit of normal. ADAMTS13 was normal in four patients and mildly decreased in two patients. We conclude that while thrombocytopenia and schistocytosis can be seen in quinine‐associated TTP/HUS, the pathophysiology seems to be distinct from that seen in most cases of idiopathic TTP (i.e., severely decreased ADAMTS13 with an inhibitor). We recommend that a TMA in association with quinine be consistently referred to as quinine‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (quinine‐TMA) to better distinguish this entity from idiopathic TTP. The use of plasma exchange in quinine‐TMA is called into question. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergy between anti‐CCL2 and docetaxel as determined by DW‐MRI in a metastatic bone cancer model
Authors: Rozel Stefan , Galbán Craig J. , Nicolay Klaas , Lee Kuei C. , Sud Sudha , Neeley Chris , Snyder Linda A. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Rehemtulla Alnawaz , Ross Brian D. , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: March 2009

Metastatic prostate cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer death in American men with an estimated 28,660 deaths in 2008. Recently, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1, CCL2) has been identified as an important factor in the regulation of prostate metastasis. CCL2, shown to attract macrophages to the tumor site, has a direct promotional effect on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Previous studies have shown that anti‐CCL2 antibodies given in combination with docetaxel were able to induce tumor regression in a pre‐clinical prostate cancer model. A limitation for evaluating new treatments for metastatic prostate cancer to bone is the inability of imaging to objectively assess response to treatment. Diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) assesses response to anticancer therapies by quantifying the random (i.e., Brownian) motion of water molecules within the tumor mass, thus identifying cells undergoing apoptosis. We sought to measure the treatment response of prostate cancer in an osseous site to docetaxel, an anti‐CCL2 agent, and combination treatments using DW‐MRI. Measurements of tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were accomplished over time during a 14‐day treatment period and compared to response as measured by bioluminescence imaging and survival studies. The diffusion data provided early predictive evidence of the most effective therapy, with survival data results correlating with the DW‐MRI findings. DW‐MRI is under active investigation in the pre‐clinical and clinical settings to provide a sensitive and quantifiable means for early assessment of cancer treatment outcome. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 58–64, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GFP‐LC3 labels organised smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes independently of autophagy
Authors: Korkhov Vladimir M.
Published: March 2009

Disruption of autophagy leads to accumulation of intracellular multilamellar inclusions morphologically similar to organised smooth endoplasmic reticulum (OSER) membranes. However, the relation of these membranous compartments to autophagy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test whether OSER plays a role in the autophagic protein degradation pathway. Here, GFP‐LC3 is shown to localise to the OSER membranes induced by calnexin expression both in transiently transfected HEK293 cells and in mouse embryo fibroblasts. In contrast to GFP‐LC3, endogenous LC3 is excluded from these membranes under normal conditions as well as after cell starvation. Furthermore, YFP‐Atg5, a protein essential for autophagy and known to reside on autophagic membranes, is excluded from the calnexin‐positive inclusion structures. In cells devoid of Atg5, a protein essential for autophagy and known to reside on autophagic membranes, colocalisation of calnexin with GFP‐LC3 within the multilamellar bodies is preserved. I show that calnexin, a protein enriched in the OSER, is not subject to autophagic or lysosomal degradation. Finally, GFP‐LC3 targeting to these membranes is independent of its processing and insensitive to drugs modulating autophagic and lysosomal protein degradation. These observations are inconsistent with a role of autophagic/lysosomal degradation in clearance of multilamellar bodies comprising OSER. Furthermore, GFP‐LC3, a fusion protein widely used as a marker for autophagic vesicles and pre‐autophagic compartments, may be trapped in this compartment and this artefact must be taken into account if the construct is used to visualise autophagic membranes. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 86–95, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in contraction‐induced phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinases in skeletal muscle after ovariectomy
Authors: Wohlers Lindsay M. , Sweeney Sean M. , Ward Christopher W. , Lovering Richard M. , Spangenburg Espen E.
Published: March 2009

Recent evidence suggests that ovarian hormones contribute to altered function of skeletal muscle, however the signaling processes thought to regulate muscle function remain undefined in females. Thus, the purpose of this investigation is to determine if ovarian hormone status is critical for contraction‐induced activation of AMPK or MAPK in skeletal muscle. Female mice were divided into two groups, ovariectomy (OVX) and SHAM, which were then subjected to in situ isometric contractile protocols. AMPK, ERK 1/2, p38, and JNK phosphorylation were measured in the control and contracting limb. In the in situ protocol, OVX muscles were significantly more resistant to fatigue compared to the SHAM animals. In addition, the muscles from OVX mice demonstrated significantly lower levels of normalized AMPK phosphorylation at rest. AMPK phosphorylation was not increased in the muscles from SHAM mice after the in situ contractile protocol, while the OVX demonstrated significant increases in AMPK phosphorylation. After contraction, normalized ERK2 phosphorylation was significantly higher in the OVX group compared to the SHAM group. Both p38 and JNK phosphorylation increased in response to contraction; but no group differences were detected. A second set of SHAM and OVX animals were subjected to fatigue stimulated under in vitro conditions. Significant increases in AMPK and ERK2 phosphorylation were detected, but no differences were found between groups. In conclusion, removal of the ovaries results in different responses to contraction‐induced changes in phosphorylation of AMPK and ERK2 in female mice and suggests hormones secreted from the ovaries significantly impacts cellular signaling in skeletal muscle. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 171–178, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Testing the factor structure of a scale to assess african american acculturation: a confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Reid Robert J. , Brown Tiffany L. , Andrew Peterson N. , Snowden Lonnie , Hines Alice
Published: March 2009

Research has pointed to the important role that acculturation plays in understanding a range of physical health behaviors as well as psychological functioning, but only a few studies have attempted to establish reliable and valid measures of African American acculturation. The scale developed by Snowden and Hines (1999) to assess African American acculturation provided an interesting line of inquiry for the present study because no further validation studies have been conducted to assess the underlying factor structure of this measure since its introduction several years ago. Confirmatory factor analysis techniques were used to test the measure's underlying structure and to determine consistency with the results of the original study. Results suggest that this scale represents multiple dimensions of acculturation (i.e., media preferences, social interaction patterns, and attitudes). Findings will assist researchers and practitioners in the future measurement and application of this construct. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An examination of the role of perceptions in neighborhood research
Authors: Roosa Mark W. , White Rebecca M. B. , Zeiders Katharine H. , Tein Jenn‐Yun
Published: March 2009

Accumulating research demonstrates that both archival indicators and residents' self‐reports of neighborhood conditions are useful predictors of a variety of physical health, mental health, substance use, criminal, and educational outcomes. Although studies have shown these two types of measures are often related, no research has systematically examined their relationship. With a sample of Mexican Americans, this study examined this relationship and demographic factors that might account for variations of residents' perceptions of their neighborhoods. Results showed that country of birth, social class, family structure, and gender moderated relations between archival variables and adults' perceptions of danger. Thus using information from both archival data and self‐reports should improve the ability of neighborhood researchers to understand individual differences in responses to neighborhood conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a measure of sense of community for individuals with serious mental illness residing in community settings
Authors: Townley Greg , Kloos Bret
Published: March 2009

The psychological sense of community is one of the most commonly investigated constructs in community psychology. Sense of community may be particularly important for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) because they often face societal barriers to participation in community living, including stigma and discrimination. To date, no published studies have investigated the psychometric qualities of sense of community measures among individuals with SMI. The current study tested a series of confirmatory factor analyses using the Brief Sense of Community Index (Long & Perkins, 2003) in a sample of 416 persons with SMI living in community settings to suggest a model of sense of community for individuals with SMI and other disabilities. The resulting scale, the Brief Sense of Community Index‐Disability, demonstrated good model fit and construct validity. Implications are discussed for how this scale may be used in research investigating community integration and adaptive functioning in community settings. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beyond survival: tracing individual empowerment processes in a poor chilean settlement
Authors: Turró Clàudia , Krause Mariane
Published: March 2009

Based on the life histories of residents from La Victoria, a poor settlement in Santiago, Chile, this study reconstructed the central biographic elements in individual empowerment processes, linking them with the sociocultural context in which they occurred. Results show the following main characteristics related to individual empowerment: identification with struggle, coping with poverty, a positive attitude towards learning throughout life, a perception of meaning in life, the search for intimacy, and the desire to help others. The most empowering contextual elements found are the family models regarding work and the context that the La Victoria settlement offers its inhabitants as a protective space in which a sense of community and participation can develop. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular bases of myelodysplastic syndromes: Lessons from animal models
Authors: Komeno Yukiko , Kitaura Jiro , Kitamura Toshio
Published: March 2009

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disorder of hematopietic stem cells characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, peripheral blood cytopenia, morphologic dysplasia, and susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia. Several mechanisms have been suggested as causes of MDS: unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities reflecting a gain or loss of chromosomal material, point mutations of transcription factors, and inactivation of p53. However, appropriate animal models that mimic MDS have long been lacking. We recently reported a novel murine model of MDS that recapitulates trilineage dysplasia and transformation to AML. In this review, we summarize the animal models of MDS and discuss the molecular bases of MDS as well as those of leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 529–534, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxia stimulates vesicular ATP release from rat osteoblasts
Authors: Orriss Isabel R. , Knight Gillian E. , Utting Jennifer C. , Taylor Sarah E.B. , Burnstock Geoffrey , Arnett Timothy R.
Published: March 2009

Many neuronal and non‐neuronal cell types release ATP in a controlled manner. After release, extracellular ATP (or, following hydrolysis, ADP) acts on cells in a paracrine manner via P2 receptors. Extracellular nucleotides are now thought to play an important role in the regulation of bone cell function. ATP (and ADP), acting via the P2Y1receptor, stimulate osteoclast formation and activity, whilst P2Y2receptor stimulation by ATP (or UTP) inhibits bone mineralization by osteoblasts. We found that rat calvarial osteoblasts released ATP constitutively, in a differentiation‐dependent manner, with mature, bone‐forming osteoblasts releasing up to sevenfold more ATP than undifferentiated, proliferating cells. The inhibitors of vesicular exocytosis, monensin, andN‐ethylmaleimide (1–1,000 µM) inhibited basal ATP release by up to 99%. The presence of granular ATP‐filled vesicles within the osteoblast cytoplasm was demonstrated by quinacrine staining. Exposure to hypoxia (2% O2) for up to 3 min increased ATP release from osteoblasts up to 2.5‐fold without affecting cell viability. Peak concentrations of ATP released into culture medium were >1 µM, which equates with concentrations known to exert significant effects on osteoblast and osteoclast function. Monensin andN‐ethylmaleimide (100 µM) attenuated the hypoxia‐induced ATP release by up to 80%. Depletion of quinacrine‐stained vesicles was also apparent after hypoxic stimulation, indicating that ATP release had taken place. These data suggest that vesicular exocytosis is a key mediator of ATP release from osteoblasts, in biologically significant amounts. Moreover, increased extracellular ATP levels following acute exposure to low O2could influence local purinergic signaling and affect the balance between bone formation and bone resorption. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 155–162, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endogenous IGFBP‐3 is required for both growth factor‐stimulated cell proliferation and cytokine‐induced apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Leibowitz Brian J. , Cohick Wendie S.
Published: March 2009

TNF‐α and IGF‐I exert opposing effects on mammary epithelial cell (MEC) growth and survival. However, both increase IGF binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) expression, a multifunctional protein that plays both IGF‐dependent as well as independent roles in these processes. We have reported that IGF‐I utilizes the PI3‐K and MAPK pathways to induce IGFBP‐3 expression in bovine MEC. Here we show that TNF‐α requires the SAPK pathway p38, but not JNK, to induce IGFBP‐3 expression. Contrary to reports in cancer cell lines, TNF‐α retained its ability to decrease DNA synthesis in cells transfected with IGFBP‐3 siRNA. It also retained its ability to inhibit IGF‐I‐stimulated DNA synthesis in these cells. In contrast, the ability of IGF‐I to increase DNA synthesis was attenuated with IGFBP‐3 knockdown. IGFBP‐3 knockdown also decreased basal DNA synthesis, indicating that a certain level of IGFBP‐3 may be required for cell proliferation. While TNF‐α alone failed to induce apoptosis, it increased cell death when added with the JNK agonist anisomycin (ANS). TNF‐α and ANS were unable to induce apoptosis when either IGFBP‐3 or JNK‐2 was knocked‐down, suggesting that both JNK and IGFBP‐3 may interact with a downstream molecule central to apoptosis. There are reports that IGFBP‐3 promotes either cell proliferation or apoptosis in different cell systems. However, this is the first report that endogenous IGFBP‐3 is required for the action of both stimulatory and inhibitory factors within the same cell line. Therefore, the actions of IGFBP‐3 are not pre‐determined, but instead governed by cellular context such as JNK activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 182–188, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental evaluation of alkaline treatment as a method for enhancing the enzymatic digestibility of autohydrolysed Acacia dealbata
Authors: Yáñez Remedios , Romaní Aloia , Garrote Gil , Alonso José Luis , Parajó Juan Carlos
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Acacia dealbata wood samples were subjected to hydrothermal processing in aqueous media, yielding a liquid phase (containing xylooligosaccharides) and a solid phase, enriched in cellulose, which was treated with alkaline solutions to obtain solids with improved susceptibility towards enzymatic hydrolysis. The effects of the most influential variables involved in the alkaline processing (sodium hydroxide concentration, temperature and reaction time) on solid yield, solid composition and kinetic parameters involved in the modelling of the enzymatic hydrolysis were assessed using the response surface methodology (RSM).

RESULTS: Analysis of the RSM equations allowed selection of operational conditions (temperature = 130 °C, sodium hydroxide concentration = 4.5%, time of alkaline processing = 3 h), leading to selective removal of non‐cellulosic components and to a solid substrate highly susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis. Operating at an enzyme loading of 20 FPU (filter paper units) g−1 autohydrolysed, extracted solids (denoted AES) with a liquor to solid ratio of 30 g liquor g−1 AES, solutions containing 29.7 g glucose L−1 (corresponding to a yield of 47.3 g glucose per 100 g solids from autohydrolysis) were obtained after 48 h.

CONCLUSION: Samples of Acacia dealbata wood were processed by autohydrolysis, sodium hydroxide treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, yielding xylooligomers and processed solids highly susceptible to the enzymatic hydrolysis. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of feed composition on PHB production from methanol by HCDC of Methylobacterium extorquens (DSMZ 1340)
Authors: Mokhtari‐Hosseini Zahra Beagom , Vasheghani‐Farahani Ebrahim , Shojaosadati Seyed Abbas , Karimzadeh Ramin , Heidarzadeh‐Vazifekhoran Ali
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), produced by several species of bacteria, has attracted great attention as a biodegradable and biocompatible compound with similar properties to polypropylene. Unfortunately, its use is currently limited due to high production costs. One of the most common methods for overcoming this constraint is the use of inexpensive substrates, like methanol, in high cell density cultivations (HCDC).

RESULTS: Fermentation was carried out with optimized feed composition (639 g l−1 methanol, 4 g l−1 MgSO4.7H2O, 41 mL L−1 trace elements, 5.6 g L−1 NaH2PO4.H2O and 24.3 g L−1 K2HPO4) and a feeding strategy based on the detection of substrate limitation by dissolved oxygen (DO). After 35 h, at which dry cell weight (DCW) reached a value of 70 g L−1, PHB production was stimulated, and biomass and PHB productivities of 2.8 and 0.98 g L−1 h−1 were obtained, respectively. These results surpassed those reported in the literature for PHB production from methanol by Methylobacterium species.

CONCLUSION: The proposed feed composition and feeding strategy for PHB production from methanol by Methylobacterium extorquens 1340 in fed‐batch cultivation resulted in high biomass and PHB productivity. They can be implemented for recombinant bioproducts (proteins) produced by M. extorquens due to the lack of PHB accumulation in the growth phase. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Mannich‐type reactions of an isobasic isoquinoline
Authors: Iiarsányi KáLmán , Kiss Pál , Korbonits Dezsö
Published: March 2009

Base catalyzed reaction of 1‐cyanomethylene‐6,7‐dimethoxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahyroisoquinoline (I) with 2 moles of formaldehyde gave rise to the 1,3‐oxazino[4,3‐a ]isoquinoline ring system (III). Reaction of I with a primary amine and 2 moles of formaldehyde gave pyrimido[ 6,1‐a ]‐isoquinoline (VI).
Synthescs and some reactions ofN,N'‐diamino‐2,2′‐ and −4,4′‐bipyridinium salts
Authors: Tamura Yasumitsu , Miki Yasuyoshi , Ideda Masazumi
Published: March 2009

The syntheses and some reaetions ofN,N'‐diamino‐2,2′‐ and 4,4′‐bipyridinium salts (IV, V and VI) are described. These compounds are prepared by the reaction of bipyridyls (I‐III) withO‐mesitylenesulfonylhydroxylamine in moderate to good yields. Compounds IV and VI were found to give theN,N'‐diacyl derivatives by the reaction with acyl chlorides and to undergo 1,.3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction with an acetylenic compound to give 1:2 adducts. Photo‐irradiation ofN,N'‐dibenzoylimino‐2,2′‐bipyridinium betaine (IX) isomerizes to a mono diazepine derivative (XVI).
Synthèses en série de la céto‐6 imidazo[4,5,1‐ij] quinoléine
Authors: Kamenka Jean‐Marc , Alam Mohammad N.
Published: March 2009

Une pnéparation, en six étapes, d'hétérocycles du type dihydro‐4,5 céto‐6 imidazo[4,5,1‐ij]‐quinoléine, à partir de l'o‐nitraniline, est décrite. Le groupement carbonyle peut permettre d'introduire par la suite divers substituants dans le cycle hydropyridinique.
Synthetie approaches to steroidal alkaloids III . An attempted synthesis of ring‐e of veratramine
Authors: Huffman J. W. , Singh S. N.
Published: March 2009

In an effort to devise an alternative synthesis of the hydroxypiperidine ring present in the alkaloid veratramine, a model synthesis starting from cis‐6‐phenyl‐4‐heptenoie acid was explored. This acid was converted to the epoxide of cis‐6‐phcnyl‐1‐amino‐4‐hepten which on heating gave 2‐( 1‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylpropyl)pyrrolidine as the only produet. As a reference compound, 2‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐3‐hydroxypiperidine was synthesized using a variation of an established procedure.
Mesoionic purinone analogs. III. The synthesis and properties of mesoionic thiazolo[3,2‐a ] pyrimidine‐5,7‐diones
Authors: Coburn R. A. , Glennon R. A.
Published: March 2009

A number of mesoionic thiazolo[3,2‐a ]pyrimidine‐5,7‐diones, isoconjugate mesoionic analogs of xanthinc, were prepared by the condensation of 2‐alkylaminothiazoles with bis(2,4,6‐trichloro‐phenyl)malonate esters. The ground state molecular properties and reactions of these compounds were found to be consistent with predictions based upon previous SCF molecular orbital treatments of the π‐systems of these analogs.