bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry in bioinorganic analytical chemistry
Authors: Łobiński Ryszard , Schaumlöffel Dirk , Szpunar Joanna
Published: November 2005

A considerable momentum has recently been gained by in vitro and in vivo studies of interactions of trace elements in biomolecules due to advances in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) used as a detector in chromatography and capillary and planar electrophoresis. The multi‐isotopic (including non‐metals such as S, P, or Se) detection capability, high sensitivity, tolerance to matrix, and large linearity range regardless of the chemical environment of an analyte make ICP MS a valuable complementary technique to electrospray MS and MALDI MS. This review covers different facets of the recent progress in metal speciation in biochemistry, including probing in vitro interactions between metals and biomolecules, detection, determination, and structural characterization of heteroatom‐containing molecules in biological tissues, and protein monitoring and quantification via a heteroelement (S, Se, or P) signal. The application areas include environmental chemistry, plant and animal biochemistry, nutrition, and medicine. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 25:255–289, 2006
Solution Properties of Partially Hydrolysed Polyacrylamide and Chitosan Mixed Solutions
Authors: Lima Vidal Rosangela Regia , Pereira Fagundes Fábio , Cabral de Menezes Sonia Maria , Machado da Silva Ruiz Naira , Balaban Garcia Rosangela
Published: November 2005

Summary: In this paper, the properties of a partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide with a low charge density and chitosan mixtures were evaluated in an aqueous acid solution. The formation of a soluble complex was followed by conductometry and potentiometry, and the stoichiometry at the titration endpoint was investigated as a function of the polyanion added. The influence of salts on the titration endpoint and on the rheological behavior of the mixed solutions was also studied. The mixture of equal concentration of both polymers, in the absence of salt, presented synergy, with a significant viscosity increase. Nevertheless, in the presence of salts, this mixture presented minimum viscosity. These results were discussed as a function of the polymers structural features and the environment used in the study.
Polymer Blend for Electrolyte and Electrode Coatings
Authors: Lavall Rodrigo L. , Trigueiro João Paulo C. , Borges Raquel S. , Ferlauto André S. , Furtado Clascídia A. , Silva Glaura G.
Published: November 2005

Summary: The thermal and morphological properties of PEO/copolyether electrolyte and carbon black composite have been studied. A copolyether poly(propylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(propylene glycol) bis(2‐aminopropyl ether) was used at 20 wt.‐% in relation to PEO in order the improve the carbon black dispersion through interaction with the amino end capped function. The polymer matrix presented semicrystalline structure and the addition of LiClO4 and carbon black decreases significantly the crystallinity of the system. Sub‐micrometric dispersion of carbon black was observed. The conductivity results as a function of temperature exhibited a typical VTF behaviour for the electrolyte. Almost constant conductivities of 2 × 10−4 S · cm−1 were observed for the composite with 5 wt.‐% of carbon black, in the range of temperature between 35 and 95 °C, which indicates a significantly contribution of electronic conduction.
Nanostructured Proton‐Conducting Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Tan Ai Ren , Magno de Carvalho Luisa , de Souza Gomes Ailton
Published: November 2005

Summary: Composite polymer membranes based on sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPSU) containing benzimidazole derivatives (BIzD) and heteropolyacid for use in fuel cells were prepared. The effects of both the increment in BBIzD component and the procedure of mixing on the morphology and proton conductivity were investigated. The heteropolyacid (HPA) extracted in water decreased with the addition of BBIzD in the composite. The interactions developed among the sulfonate groups, the benzimidazole derivatives and the HPA were verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The network of interactions established in the composite membrane based on SPSU containing benzimidazole derivatives and phosphotungstic acid (HPW) in the ratio of SPSU/BBIzC4(8:1) in equivalents and SPSU/HPW(7:3) in mass resulted in a very high proton conductivity at 110 °C.
Study of [Thienylene‐dialkoxy phenylene] Conjugated Materials
Authors: Silva R. A. , Cury L. A. , Mazzoni M. S. , Soares E. , Guimarães P. S. S. , Serein‐Spirau F. , Löis S. , Moreau J. , Lère‐Porte J.‐P.
Published: November 2005

Summary: In this work we report on the electrochromic and optical studies of thin films of thienylene‐dialkoxyphenylene. The films for the optical measurements were prepared by spin casting on glass and silicon substrates. Photoluminescence and absorption spectra were recorded in the temperature range from 300 K. The differences between the spectra of the polymer and the oligomer can be attributed to a higher mean conjugation length in the polymer than in the oligomer. We present also a first principles theoretical calculation which shows that the conjugated oligomer has an HOMO‐LUMO energy around 2.0 eV, which is consistent with the experimental data.
Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Chitosan Through Immobilization of Complexing Agents
Authors: Justi Karin Cristiane , Fávere Valfredo T. , Laranjeira Mauro C. M. , Neves Ademir , Casellato Annelise
Published: November 2005

Summary: The complexation agents 2[‐bis‐(pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]‐4‐methyl‐6‐formyl‐phenol (BPMAMFF) and 2‐[2‐(hydroxybenzyl)‐2‐(pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]‐4‐methyl‐6‐formyl‐phenol (HBPAMFF) were immobilized on chitosan biopolymer in order to obtain new adsorbent materials for metal ions. The chitosan derivatives were characterized by IR spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, and CHN analysis. The characterization study proved that the chitosan surface was chemically modified with both complexing agents and however, it is expected that these modifications improve the selectivity for metal ions specific in relation to the chitosan.
Thermal Stability of Biodegradable Films Based on Soy Protein and Corn Starch
Authors: Soares Rosane M. D. , Scremin Fernanda F. , Soldi Valdir
Published: November 2005

Summary: In this paper, films were prepared from soy protein and corn starch in different proportions and thermal stability and kinetic parameters were determined through degradation reactions in an inert atmosphere. Solid residues and decomposition products were identified by infrared spectroscopy. Films from corn starch were less thermally stable than soy protein films. The films containing both components had lower thermal stabilities when compared to those of the pure biopolymers. The mechanism of starch thermal degradation seems to occur in a single step, which can be confirmed by the constant E‐values during the thermal degradation reaction. For the pure protein and its mixtures an increase in the activation energy was observed during the reaction. Solid residues for protein at different temperatures showed mainly bands related to CO stretching, angular deformation of NH and CH groups. For starch, absorptions related to free and bound OH, CO stretching of CO2, CO and carbonyl compounds were observed. For the 50/50 mixture bands related to soy protein and corn starch were observed. The gaseous products for soy protein showed absorptions related to CO2, CO, CO, NH3 and CH stretching. For pure starch absorptions related to OH stretching from alcohol, CO from CO2, CO and carbonyl compounds. The 50/50 mixture had the same characteristics as pure soy protein and corn starch.
Isometric and Isotensional Force‐Length Profiles in Polymethylene Chains
Authors: Zemanová Martina , Bleha Tomáš
Published: November 2005

Summary: The force‐length curves and related thermodynamic quantities of single polymethylene (PM) chains in the high‐force region were calculated by the statistical mechanics. Two statistical mechanics ensembles (isometric and isotensional) were used to represent the chain stretching under the conditions, respectively, of the fixed length L or of the fixed force F in single‐chain experiments by AFM and related techniques. The input deformation potentials of highly extended conformations of PM chains were obtained from the molecular‐mechanics calculations. Variations of the energy, entropy, and Helmholtz energy with the end‐to‐end length L of chains were computed under the condition of fixed length. The ensuing isometric profile of the mean force 〈F〉(L) is non‐monotonic, featuring a sawtooth‐like pattern of ascending peaks. In contrast, the mechanical equation under isotensional conditions, given by the variation of the mean length 〈L〉(F), shows a conventional monotonous shape with a distinct plateau region at low temperatures. The considerable difference in the shapes of 〈F〉(L) and 〈L〉(F) curves arises from the large fluctuations of mean values due to the small number of conformers present in molecules at high strains. The computed data should be relevant to the AFM stretching experiments on short polyethylenes or on other soft matter materials involving linear paraffinic chains. It is argued that the dual character of elastic response described by the conjugated force profiles is a universal feature of mechanochemistry of chain molecules whenever the chain length discontinuously increases at a transition.

Force‐length curves of short polymethylene chains at 300 K.

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Force‐length curves of short polymethylene chains at 300 K.
Cleaning versus replacement in power plant air preheaters: a comparison between deterministic and stochastic goal programming models
Authors: Ballestero Enrique , Gonzalez Ignacio
Published: November 2005

Power plants lose efficiency when the air preheater elements are not replaced or cleaned as they deteriorate. Replacing is more expensive than cleaning but more secure to preserve power and lifetime. How many baskets should be then replaced and how many cleaned to achieve ‘satisficing’ goals of cost, power and lifetime? We design deterministic/stochastic goal programming approaches to this problem and develop a decision case for usual preheaters. Some discrepancies in results between both approaches appear, the deterministic model advising to replace less baskets than the stochastic, which is plausible due to the risk variable. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing graphic and symbolic classification in interactive multiobjective optimization
Authors: Miettinen Kaisa , Kaario Katja
Published: November 2005

In interactive multiobjective optimization systems, the classification of objective functions is a convenient way to direct the solution process in order to search for new, more satisfactory, solutions in the set of Pareto optimal solutions. Classification means that the decision maker assigns the objective functions into classes depending on what kind of changes in their values (in relation to the current values) are desirable.

Here we study the role of user interfaces in implementing classification in multiobjective optimization software and how classification should be realized. In this way, we want to pay attention to the usability of multiobjective optimization software. Typically, this topic has not been of interest in the multiobjective optimization literature. However, usability aspect is important because in interactive classification‐based multiobjective optimization methods, the classification is the core of the solution process. We can say that the more convenient the classification is, the more efficient the system or the method is and the better it supports the work of the decision maker.

We report experiments with two classification options, graphic and symbolic ones, which are used in connection with an interactive multiobjective optimization system WWW‐NIMBUS. The ideas and conclusions given are applicable for other interactive classification‐based method, as well. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some remarks on the asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of a class of parabolic problems
Authors: Philippin G. A. , Proytcheva V.
Published: November 2005

This paper deals with a class of semilinear parabolic problems. We establish sufficient conditions on the data forcing the solution to blow up at finite time τ and derive an upper bound for τ. Moreover, we show that if the problem is modified in some way, the solution decays exponentially in time and depends continuously on the data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extinction and permanence of the predator–prey system with stocking of prey and harvesting of predator impulsively
Authors: Dong Lingzhen , Chen Lansun , Sun Lihua
Published: November 2005

In this paper, a predator–prey system with stocking of prey and harvesting of predator impulsively is studied. Here, the prey population is stocked with a constant quantity and the predator population is harvested at a rate proportional to the species itself at fixed moments. Under some conditions, the existence and global asymptotic stability of the boundary periodic solution are proved, which implies that the system will be extinct; and given some different restrictions, ultimate positive upper and lower bounds of all solutions are obtained, showing the system being permanent. At last, two examples are given to illustrate our results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerating cine phase‐contrast flow measurements using k‐t BLAST and k‐t SENSE
Authors: Baltes Christof , Kozerke Sebastian , Hansen Michael S. , Pruessmann Klaas P. , Tsao Jeffrey , Boesiger Peter
Published: November 2005

Conventional phase‐contrast velocity mapping in the ascending aorta was combined with k‐t BLAST and k‐t SENSE. Up to 5.3‐fold net acceleration was achieved, enabling single breath‐hold acquisitions. A standard phase‐contrast (PC) sequence with interleaved acquisition of the velocity‐encoded segments was modified to collect data in 2 stages, a high‐resolution undersampled and a low‐resolution fully sampled training stage. In addition, a modification of the k‐t reconstruction strategy was tested. This strategy, denoted as “plug‐in,” incorporates data acquired in the training stage into the final reconstruction for improved data consistency, similar to conventional keyhole. “k‐t SENSE plug‐in” was found to provide best image quality and most accurate flow quantification. For this strategy, at least 10 training profiles are required to yield accurate stroke volumes (relative deviation <5%) and good image quality. In vivo 2D cine velocity mapping was performed in 6 healthy volunteers with 30–32 cardiac phases (spatial resolution 1.3 × 1.3 × 8–10 mm3, temporal resolution of 18–38 ms), yielding relative stroke volumes of 106 ± 18% (mean ± 2*SD) and 112 ± 15% for 3.8× and 5.3× net accelerations, respectively. In summary, k‐t BLAST and k‐t SENSE are promising approaches that permit significant scan‐time reduction in PC velocity mapping, thus making high‐resolution breath‐held flow quantification possible. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbohydrate mimicry of Campylobacter jejuni lipooligosaccharide is critical for the induction of anti‐GM1 antibody and neuropathy
Authors: Shu Xiao Mei , Cai Fang Cheng , Zhang Xiao Ping
Published: November 2005

The expression of ganglioside‐mimicking structures of Campylobacter jejuni lipooligosaccharides (LOS) is considered essential for the induction of antiganglioside antibodies that lead to Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). The galE gene in C. jejuni is involved in the biosynthesis of the LOS outer‐core oligosaccharide structures. We have demonstrated that the C. jejuni HB9313 (HS:19) parental strain expresses a LOS structure containing GM1‐like epitopes, and the C. jejuni knockout mutant of the galE gene expresses a truncated LOS structure without GM1‐like epitopes. To clarify whether the ganglioside‐like structures in Campylobacteri LOS are crucial for induction of antiganglioside antibody responses and neuropathy, we performed immunization experiments in guinea pig models using the parental strain HB9313 and its galE mutant derivative. The anti‐GM1 IgG antibody responses in immunized animals were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Sciatic nerve specimens were evaluated pathologically. High levels of the anti‐GM1 IgG antibody were induced in guinea pigs immunized with HB9313, but not in those immunized with the galE mutant. The mean percentage of abnormality of sciatic‐nerve teased fibers from animals sensitized with C. jejuni HB9313 was significantly higher than from animals immunized with the galE mutant. Furthermore, significant changes were found in semithin sections of the sciatic nerve from animals inoculated with C. jejuni HB9313. The major pathological finding was axonal degeneration; no significant morphological findings, except for occasional demyelination, were observed in animals immunized with the galE mutant. These results indicate that ganglioside‐mimicry structures in C. jejuni LOS are necessary for induction of antiganglioside antibody response and neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2006
Novel kruppel‐like factor is induced by neuronal activity and by sensory input in the central nervous system of the terrestrial slug Limax valentianus
Authors: Fukunaga Satoshi , Matsuo Ryota , Hoshino Syohei , Kirino Yutaka
Published: November 2005

In the Limax central nervous system, the procerebrum is thought to be the locus of odor information processing and odor memory retention, but little is known about the input pathway of the noxious stimuli used in this learning protocol. To gain insight into the sensory information processing of the noxious stimuli involved in memory formation, we screened genes induced by artificial neuronal activity, and identified one kruppel‐like factor (KLF) family transcription factor gene (Limax KLF; limKLF), which is up‐regulated 30 min after depolarization. The limKLF protein fused to GFP was localized to the nucleus in COS‐7 cells. We also cloned an immediate early gene, CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), of Limax by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Both genes were up‐regulated by dissection of the central nervous system (CNS) out of the slug in a protein synthesis‐independent manner, and also by various noxious stimuli to the slug's body. These genes may be useful as neuronal activity markers in Limax to visualize activated sensory nervous systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
Calbindin‐positive neurons reveal a sexual dimorphism within the songbird analogue of the mammalian auditory cortex
Authors: Pinaud Raphael , Fortes Antonio F. , Lovell Peter , Mello Claudio V.
Published: November 2005

The oscine song system, a set of interconnected brain nuclei involved in song production and learning, is one of the first and clearest examples of brain sexual dimorphism in a vertebrate, being typically well‐developed in males, but not females. Here we present evidence for a sexual dimorphism in the caudomedial nidopallidum (NCM), an auditory area outside of the song system. NCM is thought to correspond to a portion of the auditory cortex of mammals and is involved in the perceptual processing of birdsong. We show that cells immunolabeled for the calcium‐binding protein calbindin are primarily localized to caudal NCM and are almost twice as numerous in males as in females. We demonstrate that calbindin‐positive cells constitute a subset of GABAergic cells in NCM, and show that the sex dimorphism in this cell population does not result from local gender differences in the overall density of neuronal or GABAergic cells. In addition, we demonstrate that calbindin‐positive cells lack song‐induced expression of the activity‐dependent gene ZENK, and that song stimulation does not change the density or distribution of these cells in NCM. Finally, we show that the distribution of calbindin‐positive cells in NCM is strikingly similar to the mRNA expression for the estrogen‐generating enzyme aromatase. Together these results suggest that NCM is likely composed of neurochemically‐distinct domains and presents a marked sex dimorphism in a specific subset of GABAergic neurons, which may confer sex‐specific sensory processing capabilities to this auditory area. Our results also suggest that local sex steroid hormones may play a local role in auditory processing in the songbird telencephalon. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
MR linear contact detection algorithm
Authors: Munjiza A. , Rougier E. , John N. W. M.
Published: November 2005

Large‐scale discrete element simulations, as well as a whole range of related problems, involve contact of a large number of separate bodies and an efficient and robust contact detection algorithm is necessary. There has been a number of contact detection algorithms with total detection time proportional to N ln(N) (where N is the total number of separate bodies) reported in the past. In more recent years algorithms with total CPU time proportional to N have been developed. In this work, a novel contact detection algorithm with total detection time proportional to N is proposed. The performance of the algorithm is not influenced by packing density, while memory requirements are insignificant. The algorithm is applicable to systems comprising bodies of a similar size. The algorithm is named MR (Munjiza–Rougier: Munjiza devised the algorithm, Rougier implemented it). In the second part of the paper the algorithm is extended to particles of different sizes. The new algorithm is called MMR (multi‐step MR) algorithm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods of fundamental solutions for time‐dependent heat conduction problems
Authors: Chantasiriwan S.
Published: November 2005

A time‐dependent heat conduction problem can be solved by the method of fundamental solutions using the fundamental solution to the modified Helmholtz equation or the fundamental solution to the heat equation. This paper presents solutions using both formulations in terms of initial and boundary conditions. Such formulations enable calculation of errors and variance, which indicates sensitivities of solutions to uncertainties in initial and boundary conditions. Both errors and variance of solutions to three test problems by the two methods of fundamental solutions are used to compare performances of the methods. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ILK over‐expression in human colon cancer progression correlates with activation of β‐catenin, down‐regulation of E‐cadherin and activation of the Akt–FKHR pathway
Authors: Bravou V , Klironomos G , Papadaki E , Taraviras S , Varakis J
Published: November 2005

Integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) has been implicated in the development and progression of several human malignancies. However, the role of ILK in human colon cancer progression is not well established, neither have its possible in vivo downstream effectors in the disease been identified. We studied, by immunohistochemistry, ILK, β‐catenin, E‐cadherin, p‐Akt and p‐FKHR protein expression in 125 primary colon carcinomas and 45 corresponding lymph node metastases. ILK was expressed in 98.4% of the primary tumours and in 100% of metastatic lesions. The levels of ILK expression correlated strongly with tumour invasion, tumour grade and stage and were significantly higher in metastatic tumours. Activation of β‐catenin, down‐regulation of E‐cadherin and activation of the Akt–FKHR pathway correlated significantly with both ILK expression and tumour progression parameters. In conclusion, our results suggest that ILK may have an important role in progression of human colon cancer, possibly through in vivo regulation of β‐catenin, E‐cadherin and Akt pathways. Our study also provides some evidence implicating p‐FKHR in human colon carcinogenesis and ILK signalling. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TGF‐β1 drives partial myofibroblastic differentiation in chondromyxoid fibroma of bone
Authors: Romeo Salvatore , Eyden Brian , Prins Frans A , Briaire‐de Bruijn Inge H , Taminiau Antonie HM , Hogendoorn Pancras CW
Published: November 2005

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare benign cartilaginous bone tumour with a lobular architecture containing stellate and myofibroblast‐like spindle cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence, spatial distribution, and extent of myoid differentiation in CMF and to evaluate a possible causative role for TGF‐β1 signalling, which is known to promote smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression. Twenty cases were studied for immunoreactivity for muscle‐specific actin (MSA), SMA, desmin, h‐caldesmon, calponin, TGF‐β1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1). The extent of myofibroblastic differentiation was further investigated ultrastructurally, including immuno‐electron microscopy using antibodies against MSA and SMA, focusing upon the different cell types in CMF. The expression of potential genes driving this process was quantified by Q‐RT‐PCR (TGF‐β1, fibronectin, its EDA splice variant, and PAI‐1). Tumour cells, especially those with a spindled morphology, showed diffuse immunoreactivity for MSA, SMA, TGF‐β1, and PAI‐1, while desmin, h‐caldesmon, and calponin were absent. Ultrastructurally, neoplastic cells showed the presence of myofilaments and rare dense bodies, which were more prominent in spindle cells and less so in chondroblast‐like cells. Immuno‐electron microscopy confirmed the actin nature of these myofilaments. No fibronexus was identified. The functional activity of TGF‐β1 was demonstrated by the identification of PAI‐1, a related downstream molecule both immunohistochemically as well as by Q‐RT‐PCR. There was a linear correlation between TGF‐β1 and PAI‐1 expression. Fibronectin–EDA levels were low. We have therefore substantiated the presence of morphological, immunohistochemical, and immuno‐electron microscopic partial myofibroblastic differentiation in CMF, driven by TGF‐β1 signalling. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Providing psychological services for people with diabetes
Authors: Malone A , Dempster M , Davies M
Published: November 2005

Previous research and service development guidelines have highlighted the importance of psychological issues in diabetes care, and both people with diabetes and diabetes professionals recognise the need for specialist psychological input. This article outlines the development of a service delivery model for psychological services in diabetes care, based on a patient needs assessment and the advice of diabetes professionals. This involved an assessment of the psychological needs of people with diabetes within an urban health trust in Northern Ireland, and the collation of the views of local diabetes professionals.

Questionnaires to assess for depression, anxiety, binge eating behaviour and diabetes‐specific worries were completed by 300 people with diabetes. The participants were accessed through both primary and secondary care diabetes teams. As expected, a high level of psychological distress relative to population norms was illustrated by the patient needs assessment. Particularly high levels of binge eating behaviour were reported, and levels of distress were higher for community‐managed patients than for hospital‐managed patients. The diabetes professionals unanimously agreed that there is a need for specialist psychological input and contributed to the service delivery model which is outlined in this article. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of hyperbranched poly(amine‐ester) films using acetal cross‐linking units
Authors: Zhu Bao‐Ku , Wei Xiu‐Zhen , Xiao Ling , Xu You‐Yi , Geckeler Kurt E
Published: November 2005

Novel films based on cross‐linked hyperbranched poly(amine‐ester) (HPAE) were prepared by cross‐linking the terminal hydroxyl groups of HPAE using glutaraldehyde (GA). The cross‐linking process was monitored by measuring the intrinsic viscosity of HPAE/GA in N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The surface structures of the cross‐linked HPAE films obtained from different HPAE/GA ratios were imaged using atom force microscopy, and their properties were characterized in terms of hydrophilicity, solvent swelling, mechanics, and protein adsorption. It was found that the static contact angle was <32.9°, tensile strength was >0.35 MPa, elongation at break was >9.2%, swelling degree was >63% in water, and bovine serum albumin adsorption was relatively low. The results indicate that cross‐linked HPAE films have a strong application potential in many areas. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic characterization of the cytotoxic mechanism of gold (III) porphyrin 1a, a potential anticancer drug
Authors: Wang Ying , He Qing‐Yu , Che Chi‐Ming , Chiu Jen‐Fu
Published: November 2005

There has been increasing interest in the potential applications of gold (III) complexes as anticancer drugs with higher cytotoxicity and fewer side effects than existing metal anticancer drugs. Our previous findings demonstrated that gold (III) porphyrin 1a preferentially induced apoptosis in a cancer cell line (SUNE1). In this study, we identified differentially expressed proteins related to the drug's cytotoxic action by comparing the protein alterations induced by gold (III) porphyrin 1a and cisplatin treatments. Several clusters of altered proteins were identified, including cellular structure and stress‐related chaperone proteins, proteins involved in reactive oxygen species and enzyme proteins, translation factors, proteins that mediate cell proliferation or differentiation, and proteins participating in the internal degradation systems. Our results indicated that multiple factors leading to apoptosis were involved in drug cytotoxicity in SUNE1 cells. The balance between pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic signals determined the final fate of cancer cells.
Proteomic analysis of chlorosome‐depleted membranes of the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum
Authors: Aivaliotis Michalis , Haase Winfried , Karas Michael , Tsiotis Georgios
Published: November 2005

Green sulfur bacteria are obligate anaerobic phototrophs, which in addition to outer and plasma membranes contain chlorosomes. The analysis of the membrane proteome of Chlorobium tepidum from chlorosome‐depleted membranes is described in this study. The membranes were purified by sucrose density centrifugation and characterized by 1‐DE and 2‐DE coupled with MS, absorption spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. 1‐DE and 2‐DE were employed to analyze the membrane proteins and to characterize the capabilities of the methods. Solubilization of the membrane proteins prior to 2‐DE was improved by using a series of zwitterionic detergents. Based on the resolved spots after 2‐DE, the combination of amidosulfobetaine 14 with Triton X‐100 is more efficient than the combination of CHAPS, N‐decyl‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐ammonio‐1‐propane sulfonate, and Triton X‐100. From the application of 1‐DE and 2‐DE, 167 and 202 unique proteins were identified, respectively, using PMF by MALDI‐TOF MS. Both methods resulted in the detection of 291 different proteins of which only 88 were predicted membrane proteins, indicating the limitation of membrane protein detection after separation with electrophoresis methods. In addition, 53 of these proteins were identified as outer membrane proteins.
Disulfide proteome yields a detailed understanding of redox regulations: A model study of thioredoxin‐linked reactions in seed germination
Authors: Yano Hiroyuki , Kuroda Masaharu
Published: November 2005

Accumulating evidence suggests that redox regulations play important roles in a broad spectrum of biological processes. Recently, Yano et al. developed a disulfide proteome technique that comprehensively visualizes redox change in proteins. In this paper, using the disulfide proteome, we examined rice bran and identified fragments of embryo‐specific protein and dienelactone hydrolase as putative targets of thioredoxin. Also, monitoring of the endogenous and recombinant effects of thioredoxin on rice bran proteins and supporting in vivo observations propose a mechanism of redox regulation in seed germination, in which thioredoxin activates cysteine protease with a concurrent unfolding of its substrate, the embryo‐specific protein. Our findings suggest that thioredoxin controls the lifetime of specific proteins effectively by regulating the redox reactions coordinately. The model study demonstrates that the disulfide proteome technique is useful not only for identifying targets of thioredoxin, but also for clarify the detailed mechanism of redox regulation.
Arabidopsis cell wall proteome defined using multidimensional protein identification technology
Authors: Bayer Emmanuelle M. , Bottrill Andrew R. , Walshaw John , Vigouroux Marielle , Naldrett Mike J. , Thomas Carole L. , Maule Andrew J.
Published: November 2005

With the completion of the sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome and the recent advances in proteomic technology, the identification of proteins from highly complex mixtures is now possible. Rather than using gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting, we have used multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) to analyse the ‘tightly‐bound’ proteome for purified cell walls from Arabidospis cell suspension cultures. Using bioinformatics for the prediction of signal peptides for targeting to the secretory pathway and for the absence of ER retention signal, 89 proteins were selected as potential extracellular proteins. Only 33% of these were identified in previous proteomic analyses of Arabidopsis cell walls. A functional classification revealed that a large proportion of the proteins were enzymes, notably carbohydrate active enzymes, peroxidases and proteases. Comparison of all the published proteomic analyses for the Arabidopsis cell wall identified 268 non‐redundant genes encoding wall proteins. Sixty of these (22%) were derived from our analysis of tightly‐bound wall proteins.
Identification of prion protein binding proteins by combined use of far‐Western immunoblotting, two dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry
Authors: Strom Alexander , Diecke Sebastian , Hunsmann Gerhard , Stuke Andreas W.
Published: November 2005

The cellular prion protein (PrPC), a highly conserved glycoprotein predominantly expressed by neuronal cells, can convert into an abnormal isoform (PrPSc) and provoke a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. In spite of many studies, the physiological function of PrPC remains unknown. Recent findings suggest that PrPC is a multifunctional protein participating in several cellular processes. Using recombinant human PrP as a probe, we performed far‐Western immunoblotting (protein overlay assay) to detect cellular PrPC interactors. Brain extracts of wild‐type and PrP knockout mice were screened by far‐Western immunoblotting for PrP‐specific interactions. Subsequently, putative ligands were isolated by 2‐DE and identified by MALDI‐TOF MS, enabling identification of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 and aldolase C as novel interaction partners of PrPC. These data provide the first evidence of a molecule indicating a mechanism for the predicted involvement of PrPC in nucleic acid metabolisms. In summary, we have shown the successful combination of 2‐DE with far‐Western immunoblotting and MALDI‐TOF MS for identification of new cellular binding partners of a known protein. Especially the application of this technique to investigate other neurodegenerative diseases is promising.
Proteome profile changes that are differentially regulated by lipid and protein phosphatase activities of tumor suppressor PTEN in PTEN‐expressing U‐87 MG human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Shim Jung Hye , Kim Yu Sam , Bahk Young Yil
Published: November 2005

The phosphatase and tensin homolog tumor suppressor (PTEN) belongs to a class of “gatekeeper” tumor suppressors together with p53, retinoblastoma and adenomatous polyposis. It is considered one of the most important tumor suppressors in the post p53 era. Previously to identify the molecules involved in the signaling network regulated by PTEN using proteomic tools, we reported global proteome profiles at different time points using the PTEN inducible NIH3T3 cells (Kim, S.‐y., Kim, Y. S., Bahk, Y. Y.,Mol. Cells2003,15, 396–405). However, the system had a critical limitation that NIH3T3 cell has endogenous wild‐type PTEN and, thus to be exact, the induced PTEN could not give the answer about the real physiological roles of this tumor suppressor. Here, to find out PTEN‐related protein network we have established various PTEN (wild‐type, an activity inert C124G, and a lipid phosphatase deficient G129E)‐expressing cell clones in U‐87 MG human glioblastoma cells lacking detectable PTEN as a result of genetic lesions. In this biological context, we compared their morphological and expression patterns, and proteome images of each PTEN‐expressing cell clone by 2‐DE followed by identification with MALDI‐TOF MS. We obtained some pieces of evidence that morphological change by PTEN expression is mediated by its protein phosphatase activity and their growth rate by the lipid phosphatase activity. The proteomic approaches showed that 30 proteins possibly correlated with PTEN's protein phosphatase activity (13 down‐regulated and 17 up‐regulated) and 20 with the lipid phosphatase activity (14 down‐regulated and 6 up‐regulated) were identified. Taken together, we conclude that the comparative analysis of proteome from various PTEN‐expressing cells has yielded interpretable data to elucidate the protein network directly and/or indirectly caused by individual phosphatase activities of PTENin vivo.
Proteome analysis of human amnion and amniotic fluid by two‐dimensional electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Park Soo‐Jin , Yoon Won‐Gap , Song Jin‐Su , Jung Hyun Sook , Kim Chong Jai , Oh Soo Young , Yoon Bo Hyun , Jung Guhung , Kim Hie‐Joon , Nirasawa Takashi
Published: November 2005

Proteome analysis by 2‐DE and PMF by MALDI‐TOF MS was performed on human amnion and amniotic fluid at term. Ninety‐two soluble and nineteen membrane proteins were identified from amnion. Thirty‐five proteins were identified from amniotic fluid. Calgranulin A and B were found in all patients infected with Ureaplasma urealyticum, but not in any of the patients without infection, indicating that they are potential markers of intrauterine infection. Identity of calgranulin A and B was confirmed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS. This study represents the first extensive analysis of the human amnion and amniotic fluid proteome at term and demonstrates that 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF MS is a useful tool for identifying clinically significant biomarkers of problematic pregnancies.
A protein network for phospholipid synthesis uncovered by a variant of the tandem affinity purification method in Escherichia coli
Authors: Gully Djamel , Bouveret Emmanuelle
Published: November 2005

In prokaryotes, acyl carrier protein (ACP) is a cofactor central to a myriad of syntheses, including fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis. To fulfill its function, ACP must therefore interact with a multitude of different enzymes, which includes the thioesterase YbgC. We found a specific interaction between ACP and YbgC whose thioesterase activity has been demonstrated in vitro on acyl‐CoA derivatives, but whose physiological function in bacteria remains unknown. Therefore, YbgC could be a thioesterase active on some specific acyl‐ACPs. We then assigned a function to the ACP/YbgC pair by employing a proteomic approach derived from tandem affinity purification, the split tag method. This technique allowed us to purify proteins interacting with ACP and YbgC proteins at the same time. Interactions with PlsB, a sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase and PssA, a phosphatidylserine synthase, were identified and validated, showing that YbgC is involved in phospholipid metabolism. Furthermore, using an in vivo bacterial two‐hybrid interaction analysis, we showed for the first time that enzymes of the phospholipid synthesis pathway form a complex in the inner membrane. Taken together, these results describe an integrated protein network that could be involved in the coordination of phospholipid metabolism.
Growth hormone (GH) receptor knockout mice reveal actions of GH in lung development
Authors: Beyea Jason A. , Sawicki Grzegorz , Olson David M. , List Edward , Kopchick John J. , Harvey Steve
Published: November 2005

The presence of growth hormone (GH) and GH receptors (GHRs) in the lung suggests it is an autocrine/paracrine target site for pulmonary GH action and/or an endocrine site of pituitary GH action. Roles for GH in lung growth or pulmonary function are, however, uncertain. The possibility that pituitary and/or pulmonary GH have physiological roles in lung development has therefore been investigated in GHR knockout (KO or ‐/‐) mice, using a proteomics approach to determine if an absence of GH‐signaling affects the proteome of the developing lung. More than 600 proteins were detected by 2‐DE in the lungs of control [GHR (+/+)] and GHR (–/–) mice at the end of the alveolarization period (at day 14 postnatally). Of these, 39 differed significantly in protein content at thep>0.05 level [6 were of higher abundance in the GHR (–/–) group, 33 were of lower abundance] and 17 differed at thep>0.02 level [5 of higher abundance in the GHR (–/–) group, 12 of lower abundance] and 7 were definitively identified by MS. Vimentin, a protein involved in cellular proliferation, was reduced in content by approximately 75% in the lungs of the GHR (–/–) mice. Three proteins involved in oxidative protection [SH3 domain‐binding glutamic acid‐rich‐like protein, peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1] were also of lower content in the GHR (–/–) lungs (by approximately 88%, 81% and 70%, respectively). Prdx6 is also involved in lipid and surfactant metabolism, as is apolipoprotein A‐IV, the lung content of which was reduced by approximately 73% in these mice. Proteasome 26S ATPase subunit 4, a protein involved in the non‐lysosomal degradation of intracellular proteins, and electron flavoprotein alpha subunit , involved in intracellular metabolism, were also reduced in content in the lungs of the GHR (–/–) mice (by approximately 70% and 49%, respectively). These results therefore suggest that these proteins are normally dependent upon GH signaling, and that GH is normally involved in early lung growth, oxidative protection, lipid and energy metabolism and in proteasomal activity. These roles may reflect endocrine actions of pituitary GH and/or local autocrine/paracrine actions of GH produced within the lung.
Study of ring closure reaction of substituted phenyl N‐(2‐thiocarbamoylphenyl)carbamates catalysed by methoxide ion
Authors: Hanusek Jiří , Sedlák Miloš , Jansa Petr , Štěrba Vojeslav
Published: November 2005

Studies were made of the kinetics of methoxide ion‐catalysed reactions of seven substituted phenyl N‐(2‐thiocarbamoylphenyl)carbamates, 4‐methoxyphenyl N‐(2‐thiocarbamoylphenyl)‐N‐(methyl)carbamate and five substituted phenyl N‐(4‐thiocarbamoylphenyl)carbamates, leading to the respective cyclisation products (i.e. 4‐thioxo‐1H,3H‐quinazolin‐2‐one or 1‐methyl‐4‐thioxo‐1H,3H‐quinazolin‐2‐one) and/or methanolysis product, i.e. methyl N‐(4‐thiocarbamoylphenyl)carbamate. The comparison of the rate constants, βlg, and ρ constants of the 2‐thiocarbamoyl derivatives (βlg = −1.15, ρ = 3.1 ± 0.1) and 4‐thiocarbamoyl derivatives (ρ = 4.6 ± 0.2, βlg = −1.55) shows that the ring closure reaction proceeds by the BAc2 mechanism with the splitting off of phenoxide anion being the rate‐limiting step, while the methanolysis follows the E1cB mechanism. The ring closure reaction of 4‐methoxyphenyl N‐(2‐thiocarbamoyl)‐N‐(methyl)carbamate proceeds kinetically in two steps, the respective rate constants differing by one order of magnitude. The NMR spectrum, spectral record and computational calculations of the ring closure reaction indicate that the process involves parallel reactions of two rotamers formed due to hindered rotation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed study of the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene bearing a five‐ or six‐membered ring cyclic carbonate along with volume expansion
Authors: Hino Tetsuo , Inoue Naoto , Endo Takeshi
Published: November 2005

The ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene derivatives bearing five‐ or six‐membered cyclic carbonate (2 or 3) was carried out with a typical ruthenium catalyst [bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)benzylidene ruthenium(IV) dichloride], the so‐called first‐generation Grubbs catalyst, under various reaction conditions, to smoothly obtain the corresponding polyalkenamers (5 and 6) along with volume expansion. The number‐average molecular weights (Mn's), 10% weight loss decomposition temperatures, glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's), and volume expansion ratios of the resulting products depended on the polymerization conditions. The degree of volume expansion was mainly affected by Mn, Tg, and the cis/trans configuration of the exocyclic double bonds of the resulting polymers. The volume expansion was confirmed to specifically occur during the polymerization of the monomer bearing cyclic carbonate moieties, and similar ROMPs of monomers without cyclic carbonate, such as norbornene itself, the monomer 5,5‐bis(methoxymethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene, and the monomer endo‐N‐methylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐2,3‐dicarboxylimide, proceeded along with volume shrinkage. Furthermore, an investigation of another type of polymerization, a vinyl‐type one, of monomer 2 suggested that the volume expansion specifically took place in the ring‐opening type of polymerization. In addition, the Sc(OTf)3‐mediated cationic ring‐opening reaction of the cyclic carbonate moiety of polyalkenamer 5 smoothly proceeded along with volume expansion or nearly zero volume shrinkage to yield the corresponding networked polymer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 395–405, 2006
Atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene using the novel initiator ethyl 2‐N,N‐(diethylamino)dithiocarbamoyl‐butyrate
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin , Zhu Jian , Chen Jianying
Published: November 2005

The atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRPs) of styrene initiated by a novel initiator, ethyl 2‐N,N‐(diethylamino)dithiocarbamoyl‐butyrate (EDDCB), in both bulk and solution were successfully carried out in the presence of copper(I) bromide (CuBr) and N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine at 115 °C. The polymerization rate was first‐order with respect to the monomer concentration, and the molecular weights of the obtained polymers increased linearly with the monomer conversions with very narrow molecular weight distributions (as low as 1.17) up to higher conversions in both bulk and solution. The polymerization rate was influenced by various solvents in different degrees in the order of cyclohexanone > dimethylformamide > toluene. The molecular weight distributions of the produced polymers in cyclohexanone were higher than those in dimethylformamide and toluene. The results of 1H NMR analysis and chain extension confirmed that well‐defined polystyrene bearing a photo‐labile N,N‐(diethylamino)dithiocarbamoyl group was obtained via ATRP of styrene with EDDCB as an initiator. The polymerization mechanism for this novel initiation system is a common ATRP process. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 32–41, 2006