bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late distortion of the original Palmaz stent implanted in postoperative lesions associated with congenital heart disease
Authors: Tomita Hideshi , Yazaki Satoshi , Echigo Shigeyuki , Kimura Kohji , Takamuro Motoki , Horita Norihisa , Fuse Shigeto , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2005

The objective of this study was to report late distortion of a Palmaz stent. Late distortion of an original Palmaz stent, implanted in an extracardiac lesion, is rare. We completed a 1‐year follow‐up of 54 patients who had been implanted with 80 Palmaz stents in extracardiac lesions. Distortion of two stents was detected in two patients. For case 1, we implanted a P188 stent for supravalvar pulmonary stenosis complicating an arterial switch operation in a 14‐year‐old girl. Seven months later, we found compression of the stent. Although we implanted two P308 stents anterior to the distorted stent, distortion of both stents developed after 1 month. Two more P308 stents placed inside each stent were gradually recompressed. A CAT scan showed compression of the stent by a dilated sinus of valsalva. For case 2, we implanted a P308 stent for stenosis of the superior vena cava after Williams operation in an 11‐year‐old boy. A chest X‐ray documented longitudinal compression of the stent 27 months after implantation and a CAT scan showed the ascending aorta was in contact with the stent. A Palmaz stent may be distorted when implanted in a lesion adjacent to a pulsating aorta. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for infections with multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cancer
Authors: Ohmagari Norio , Hanna Hend , Graviss Linda , Hackett Brenda , Perego Cheryl , Gonzalez Virginia , Dvorak Tanya , Hogan Holly , Hachem Ray , Rolston Kenneth , Raad Issam
Published: May 2005

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for a wide range of infections. In immunocompromised patients with cancer, the emergence of multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa may have grave consequences.

METHODS

Patients with cancer who were infected with multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa with polyclonal DNA restriction patterns were used as the case group. Two control groups were used: one group of cancer patients who were infected with multidrug‐susceptible P. aeruginosa and another group of cancer patients who had the same underlying disease and the same intensive care unit exposure as patients in the case group but who were not infected or colonized by P. aeruginosa.

RESULTS

Risk factors that were associated significantly with multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa infection were the use of carbapenem for ≥ 7 days, a history of P. aeruginosa infection during the preceding year, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Carbapenems may need to be used more judiciously as first‐line empirical therapy for cancer patients with prior pseudomonal infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who require hospitalization, and alternative, antipseudomonal antibiotic regimens may need to be considered, especially in this patient population. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Theoretical Study of the Magnetic Behavior of Ferric Wheels
Authors: Ruiz Eliseo , Alvarez Santiago
Published: May 2005

Calculations of exchange coupling constants (J) based on density functional theory for eight complete, nonmodeled ferric wheels have been performed, and a comparison with the values obtained from magnetic susceptibility data is presented. The calculated J values obtained with a generalized‐gradient approximation (GGA) functional are in good agreement with the experiment probably because the inclusion of pseudopotentials partially compensates the overestimation of the spin delocalization. The magnetostructural correlation obtained shows a strong dependence of the exchange coupling on both the FeOFe bond angle and the FeO bond distance. This correlation holds for both the ferric wheels and the alkoxo‐bridged FeIII dinuclear complexes reported in the literature.
Parathyroid hormone stimulation and PKA signaling of latent transforming growth factor‐β binding protein‐1 (LTBP‐1) mRNA expression in osteoblastic cells
Authors: Kwok Sukyee , Qin Ling , Partridge Nicola C. , Selvamurugan Nagarajan
Published: May 2005

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis by acting on osteoblasts. Recently, the gene expression profile changes in the rat PTH (1–34, 10−8M)‐treated rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line, UMR 106‐01, using DNA microarray analysis showed that mRNA for LTBP‐1, a latent transforming growth factor (TGF‐β)‐binding protein is stimulated by PTH. Latent TGF‐β binding proteins (LTBPs) are required for the proper folding and secretion of TGF‐β, thus modifying the activity of TGF‐β, which is a local factor necessary for bone remodeling. We show here by real time RT‐PCR that PTH‐stimulated LTBP‐1 mRNA expression in rat and mouse preosteoblastic cells. PTH also stimulated LTBP‐1 mRNA expression in all stages of rat primary osteoblastic cells but extended expression was found in differentiating osteoblasts. PTH also stimulated TGF‐β1 mRNA expression in rat primary osteoblastic cells, indicating a link between systemic and local factors for intracellular signaling in osteoblasts. An additive effect on LTBP‐1 mRNA expression was found when UMR 106‐01 cells were treated with PTH and TGF‐β1 together. We further examined the signaling pathways responsible for PTH‐stimulated LTBP‐1 and TGF‐β1 mRNA expression in UMR 106‐01 cells. The PTH stimulation of LTBP‐1 and TGF‐β1 mRNA expression was dependent on the PKA and the MAPK (MEK and p38 MAPK) pathways, respectively in these cells, suggesting that PTH mediates its effects on osteoblasts by several intracellular signaling pathways. Overall, we demonstrate here that PTH stimulates LTBP‐1 mRNA expression in osteoblastic cells and this is PKA‐dependent. This event may be important for PTH action via TGF‐β in bone remodeling. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) leads to apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) mediated apoptosis in epithelial breast cancer cells: The lack of effect of ERK in p53 mediated copper induced apoptosis
Authors: Ostrakhovitch Elena A. , Cherian M. George
Published: May 2005

Recent studies have shown that MEK/ERK‐mediated signals play a major role in regulation of activity of p53 tumor suppressor protein. In this study, we investigated whether or not there is functional interaction between p53 and MEK/ERK pathways in epithelial breast cancer cells exposed to copper or zinc. We demonstrated that expression of wild‐type p53 induced by copper or zinc significantly reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in epithelial breast cancer MCF7 cells. Mutation or suppression of p53 in MDA‐MB231 and MCF7‐E6 cells, respectively, resulted in a strong ERK phosphorylation in the presence of metals. Weak ERK phosphorylation in MCF7 cells induced by copper or zinc was linked to mitochondrial disruption and apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK through addition of PD98059 stimulated p53 activation in MCF7 cells and also led to upregulation of p53 downstream targets, p21 and Bax, which is a proapototic member of Bcl‐2 family triggering mitochondrial pore opening. Moreover, blockage of the MEK/ERK pathway caused a breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential accompanied by an elevation in the ROS production. Disruption of p53 expression attenuated the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and ROS generation. Furthermore, PD98059 initiated apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) translocation from mitochondria to the nucleus in MCF7 cells; which are depleted in caspase 3. Interestingly, repression of MEK/ERK pathway did not intensify the cell stress caused by metal toxicity. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that MEK/ERK pathway plays an important role in downregulation of p53 and cell survival. Inhibition of ERK can lead to apoptosis via nuclear relocation of AIF. However, metal‐induced activation of p53 and mitochondrial depolarization appears to be independent of ERK. Our data suggest that copper induces apoptosis through depolarization of mitochondrial membrane with release of AIF, and this process is MEK/ERK independent. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteogenic oxysterols inhibit the adverse effects of oxidative stress on osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal cells
Authors: Shouhed Daniel , Kha Hoa Ton , Richardson Jennifer A. , Amantea Christopher M. , Hahn Theodore J. , Parhami Farhad
Published: May 2005

The osteoporosis that occurs with aging is associated with reduced number and activity of osteoblastic cells. Aging, menopause, and osteoporosis are correlated with increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defense mechanisms. We previously demonstrated that oxidative stress induced by a variety of compounds such as xanthine/xanthine oxidase (XXO) and minimally oxidized LDL (MM‐LDL) inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. Oxysterols are a family of products derived from cholesterol oxidation that have important biological activities. Recently, we reported that a specific oxysterol combination consisting of 22(S)‐ or 22(R)‐hydroxycholesterol and 20(S)‐hydroxycholesterol has potent osteogenic properties in vitro when applied to osteoprogenitor cells including M2‐10B4 (M2) marrow stromal cells. We now demonstrate that this osteogenic combination of oxysterols prevents the adverse effects of oxidative stress on differentiation of M2 cells into mature osteoblastic cells. XXO and MM‐LDL inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of M2 cells, demonstrated by the inhibition of markers of osteogenic differentiation: alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin expression and mineralization. Treatment of M2 cells with osteogenic oxysterol combination 22(S)‐ and 20(S)‐hydroxycholesterol both blocked and reversed the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation produced by XXO and MM‐LDL in these cells. The protective effect of the oxysterols against oxidative stress was dependent on cyclooxygenase 1 and was associated with the osteogenic property of the oxysterols. These findings further demonstrate the ability of the osteogenic oxysterols to positively regulate osteogenic differentiation of cells, and suggests that the use of these compounds may be a novel strategy to prevent the adverse effects of oxidative stress on osteogenesis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical studies on the electronic and optical properties of two new alternating fluorene/carbazole copolymers
Authors: Yang Li , Feng Ji‐Kang , Ren Ai‐Min
Published: May 2005

Poly(fluorene)‐type materials are widely used in polymer‐based emitting devices. During operation there appears, however, an additional emission peak at around 2.3 eV, leading to both a color instability and reduced efficiency. The incorporation of the carbazole units has been proven to efficiently suppress the keto defect emission. In this contribution, we apply quantum‐chemical techniques to investigate two series of alternating fluorene/carbazole oligomers and copolymers poly[2,7‐(N‐(2‐methyl)‐carbazole)‐co‐alt‐2,7‐m(9,9‐dimethylfluorene)], namely, PFmCz (m = 1,2) and gain a detailed understanding of the influence of carbazole units on the electronic and optical properties of fluorene derivatives. The electronic properties of the neutral molecules, HOMO‐LUMO gaps (ΔH‐L), in addition to the positive and negative ions, are studied using B3LYP functional. The lowest excitation energies (Egs) and the maximal absorption wavelength λabs of PFmCz (m = 1,2) are studied, employing the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). The properties of the two copolymers, such as ΔH‐L, Eg, IPs, and EAs were obtained by extrapolating those of the oligomers to the inverse chain length equal to zero (1/n = 0). The outcomes showed that the carbazole unit is a good electron‐donating moiety for electronic materials, and the incorporation of carbazole into the polyfluorene (PF) backbone resulted in a broadened energy gap and a blue shift of both the absorption and photoluminescence emission peaks. Most importantly, the HOMO energies of PF1Cz and PF2Cz are both a higher average (0.4 eV) than polyfluorene (PF), which directly results in the decreasing of IPs of about 0.2 eV more than PF, indicating that the carbazole units have significantly improved the hole injection properties of the copolymers. In addition, the energy gap tends to broaden and the absorption and emission peaks are gradually blue‐shifted to shorter wavelengths with an increase in the carbazole content in the copolymers. This is due to the interruption of the longer conjugation length of the backbone in the (F1Cz)n series. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 969–979, 2005
Gicerin/CD146 is involved in neurite extension of NGF‐treated PC12 cells
Authors: Taira Eiichi , Kohama Keiko , Tsukamoto Yasuhiro , Okumura Shigeki , Miki Naomasa
Published: May 2005

Gicerin/CD146 is a cell adhesion molecule, which belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. We have reported that it has a homophilic binding activity, which participates in the neurite extension from embryonic neurons. To elucidate how gicerin is involved in the neurite extension mechanism, we employed PC12 cells, which expresses gicerin/CD146. PC12 cells extend longer neurites by nerve growth factor (NGF) on gicerin substrate than on without gicerin substrate, which indicates that gicerin participates in neurite extension by NGF. We also found that the expression of gicerin in PC12 cells is induced by NGF. Over‐expression of gicerin also promotes neurite extension by gicerin–gicerin homophilic interaction. These findings suggested that increase of gicerin expression by NGF promotes the gicerin–gicerin homophilic interaction resulting in the neurite extension. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of selenium‐supplement on the calcium signaling in human endothelial cells
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhong Liangwei , Shen Xun
Published: May 2005

Intracellular Ca2+ signaling controls many cellular functions. Understanding its regulation by selenoproteins is essential for understanding the role of selenoproteins in regulating cell functions. The activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), thioredoxin (Trx) content, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the human endothelial cells cultured in selenium‐supplemented medium (refer as Se+ cells) was found 70%, 40%, and 20% higher, respectively than those in the cells cultured in normal medium (refer as Se0 cells). The intracellular Ca2+ signaling initiated by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3), histamine, thapsigargin (TG), carbonyl cyanide p‐(tri‐fluoromethoxy) phenyl‐hydrazone (FCCP), and cyclosporin A (CsA) was investigated in both Se+ and Se0 cells. It was interestingly found that the higher activity of selenoproteins reduced the sensitivity of IP3 receptor to the IP3‐triggered Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, but enhanced activation of the receptor‐coupled phospholipase C in histamine‐stimulated Se+ cells by showing much more generation of IP3 and higher elevation of cytosolic Ca2+. The higher selenoprotein activity also reduced susceptibility of the uniporter to the mitochondrial uncoupler, susceptibility of the permeability transition pore (PTP) to its inhibitor, and the vulnerability of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+‐ATPase to its inhibitor in selenium‐supplementing cells. The results suggest that cell calcium signaling is subjected to thiol‐redox regulation by selenoproteins. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preadipocytes in the human subcutaneous adipose tissue display distinct features from the adult mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Sengenès Coralie , Lolmède Karine , Zakaroff‐Girard Alexia , Busse Rudi , Bouloumié Anne
Published: May 2005

The stroma‐vascular fraction (SVF) of human adipose tissue has recently been described to be composed of endothelial cells identified as CD34+/CD31+ cells, infiltrated/resident macrophages defined as CD14+/CD31+ cells, and a new cell population characterized as CD34+/CD31− cells. To elucidate the cell identity of the adipocyte precursor cells, fluorescent activating cell sorter (FACS) analyses were performed on crude SVF cultured under adipogenic conditions, i.e., serum‐deprived medium containing insulin, cortisol, triiodothyronine, and supplemented with a PPARγ agonist for the first 3 days. The progressive accumulation of lipid droplets was associated with a selective enrichment of the CD34+/CD31− cell population whereas control experiments performed in medium supplemented with 10% serum showed an overall downregulation of the three cell markers without adipogenesis. Among the different cell subsets, the CD34+/CD31− subset was the unique cell fraction able to answer to adipogenic culture conditions. Indeed, a time‐dependent expression of adipocyte markers as well as acquisition of adipocyte‐typical metabolic activities were observed. In parallel, the gene expression of lipogenic and lipolytic enzymes increased. The ability to differentiate into adipocytes was restricted to cells that did not express the mesenchymal stem cell marker CD105. Furthermore, the CD34+/CD31− cells did not respond to culture conditions used for hematopoietic colony assays. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that adipocyte progenitor cells, i.e., the preadipocytes, are included in the CD34+/CD31− cell fraction, which displays distinct features from the adult mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution of mouse egg zona pellucida glycoproteins to gamete recognition during fertilization
Authors: Wassarman Paul M.
Published: May 2005

For sperm to fertilize eggs, they must first bind to the thick zona pellucida (ZP) that surrounds the plasma membrane of all unfertilized mammalian eggs. An extensive literature suggests that mouse sperm recognize and bind to a specific ZP glycoprotein called mZP3. However, the role of individual ZP glycoproteins in binding of mouse sperm to eggs has been called into question by recent transgenic experiments with null mice. Results of such experiments have been interpreted to mean that binding of sperm depends on the supramolecular structure of the ZP, not on an individual ZP glycoprotein. Here, it is argued that results of these transgenic experiments actually are consistent with the prevailing view of gamete recognition that implicates a specific ZP glycoprotein in both binding of mouse sperm to eggs and induction of the acrosome reaction. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic basis for innovations in floral organ identity
Authors: Kramer Elena M. , Jaramillo M. Alejandra
Published: May 2005

Of the many innovations associated with the radiation of the angiosperms, the evolution of a petal identity program is among the best understood from a genetic standpoint. Although the existing data do indicate that similar genetic mechanisms control petal development across diverse taxa, there is also considerable evidence for variability in petal identity programs, likely due to a number of factors. These points are illustrated through a review of our current knowledge on the subject, integrating phylogenetic, morphological, and genetic studies. Comparative studies of petal identity highlight the complex nature of homology in plants and stand as a cautionary tale for the interpretation of gene expression data. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 304B, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic treatment with the mGlu5R antagonist MPEP reduces the functional effects of the mGlu5R agonist CHPG in the striatum of 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats: Possible relevance to the effects of mGlu5R blockade in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Domenici Maria Rosaria , Potenza Rosa Luisa , Martire Alberto , Coccurello Roberto , Pèzzola Antonella , Reggio Rosaria , Tebano Maria Teresa , Popoli Patrizia
Published: May 2005

This study was designed to test whether chronic treatment with the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5R) antagonist MPEP showed antiparkinsonian effects in rats unilaterally lesioned with 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) (a “classic” model of Parkinson's disease, PD), and to evaluate whether chronic MPEP influenced the functional properties and/or the expression of striatal mGlu5Rs. Wistar rats were lesioned with 6‐OHDA and then treated with MPEP (3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or its vehicle over 2 weeks. Chronic MPEP did not induce measurable antiparkinsonian effects, since no differences were found between MPEP‐ and vehicle‐treated animals in the pattern of L‐DOPA‐induced contralateral rotations. In corticostriatal slices taken from animals chronically treated with MPEP, the functional effects of the mGlu5R agonist CHPG were significantly reduced in the lesioned vs. the intact side, while no changes were found in slices taken from vehicle‐treated rats. The binding of [3H]MPEP to striatal membranes showed that neither the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) nor the dissociation constant (Kd) were changed by the lesion and/or by chronic MPEP. While chronic MPEP did not potentiate L‐DOPA‐induced turning in a classical model of PD, its ability to reduce mGlu5R‐associated signal could help to explain the neuroprotective/antiparkinsonian effects observed in other models of PD. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal vulnerability in mouse models of Huntington's disease: Membrane channel protein changes
Authors: Ariano Marjorie A. , Wagle Naveed , Grissell Anne E.
Published: May 2005

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a polyglutamine expansion that results in atrophy of the striatum and frontal cortex during disease progression. HD‐susceptible striatal neurons are affected chronologically with initial degeneration of the striatopallidal neurons then the striatonigral projections, whereas large aspiny striatal interneurons (LAN) survive. Two classes of critical membrane proteins were evaluated in transgenic mouse models to determine their association with HD susceptibility, which leads to dysfunction and death in selected striatal neuron populations. We examined potassium (K+) channel protein subunits that form membrane ionophores conducting inwardly and outwardly rectifying K+ currents. K+ channel protein staining was diminished substantially in the HD striatal projection neurons but was not expressed in the HD‐resistant LAN. Because loss of K+ channel subunits depolarizes neurons, other voltage‐gated ionophores will be affected. N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and their phosphorylation by cyclic AMP were studied as a mechanism contributing to excitotoxic vulnerability in striatal projection neurons that would lose voltage regulation after diminished K+ channels. NR1 subunits showed significant elevation in the HD transgenic projection systems but were expressed at very low levels in LAN. NR1 subunit phosphorylation by cyclic AMP also was enhanced in striatal projection neurons but not in LAN. Cyclic AMP‐driven phosphorylation of NMDA receptors increases the channel open time and elevates neuronal glutamate responsiveness, which may lead to excitotoxicity. Together our data suggest that changes in these proteins and their modification may predispose striatal projection neurons to dysfunction and then degeneratation in HD and provide a mechanism for LAN resistance in the disease. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Limiting iron availability confers neuroprotection from chronic mild carbon monoxide exposure in the developing auditory system of the rat
Authors: Webber Douglas S. , Lopez Ivan , Korsak Rose A. , Hirota Sean , Acuna Dora , Edmond John
Published: May 2005

Iron deficiency and chronic mild carbon monoxide (CO) exposure are nutritional and environmental problems that can be experienced simultaneously. We examined the effects of chronic mild CO exposure and iron availability on auditory development in the rat. We propose that chronic mild CO exposure creates an oxidative stress condition that impairs the spiral ganglion neurons. The CO‐exposed rat pups had decreased neurofilament proteins and increased copper, zinc‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in the spiral ganglion neurons. We conclude that the increased amount of SOD1 causes an increase in hydrogen peroxide production that allows the Fenton reaction to occur. This reaction uses both iron and hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radicals and leads to the development of oxidative stress that impairs neuronal integrity. However, rat pups with decreased iron and CO exposure (ARIDCO) exhibited in their cochlea an up‐regulation of transferrin, whereas their expression of neurofilament proteins and SOD1 were similar to control. Consequently, reduced iron availability and the normal expression of SOD1 do not promote oxidative stress in the cochlea. By using basal c‐Fos expression as a marker for cellular activation we found a significant reduction in c‐Fos expression in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus in iron‐adequate rat pups exposed to CO. By contrast, rather than being reduced, c‐Fos expression in the ARIDCO group is the same as for controls. We conclude that the cochlea of rat pups with normal iron availability is selectively affected by mild CO exposure, causing a chronic oxidative stress, whereas limiting iron availability ameliorates the effect caused by mild CO exposure by averting conditions that facilitate oxidative stress. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear condensation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element‐binding protein in discrete murine brain structures
Authors: Kuramoto Nobuyuki , Kubo Keita , Ogita Kiyokazu , Pláteník Jan , Balcar Vladimir J. , Takarada Takeshi , Nakamichi Noritaka , Yoneda Yukio
Published: May 2005

We have directed a polyclonal antibody against an oligo‐peptide (123–136) of the transcription factor cyclic AMP responsive element‐binding protein (CREB) including the serine residue at 133. Rabbit sera were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by affinity chromatography to homogeneity on one‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified antibody not only induced marked supershift of CREB binding, without affecting binding of activator protein‐1 on gel retardation electrophoresis, but also differentiated between CREB and CREB phosphorylated at serine133 in brain nuclear fractions on Western blotting. Immunoreactive CREB was detected in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions of discrete murine brain structures but was more highly condensed in cerebellum than in neocortex and hippocampus. Incubation of brain nuclear fractions led to a marked export of immunoreactive CREB in a temperature‐dependent manner, whereas the temperature‐dependent export activity was significantly lower in cerebellum than in other brain structures. Suppression of general new protein synthesis by cycloheximide (500 mg/kg, i.p.) in vivo resulted in a significant decrease in the nuclear CREB level, with a concomitant increase in the cytosolic level in hippocampus, but not in cerebellum. These results suggest that the nuclear export activity might vary from region to region in murine brains through a hitherto unidentified mechanism other than the nuclear localization signal, to result in different nuclear condensation ratios for subsequent elicitation of differential transcriptional activities by the constitutive transcription factor CREB in the nucleus. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of microbial growth and rancidity in rabbit carcasses by modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Berruga M Isabel , Vergara Herminia , Linares M Belén
Published: May 2005

Half‐carcasses of rabbit packed under four different modified atmospheres (MA; A: 30% CO2 + 70% O2; B: 30% CO2 + 30% O2 + 40% N2; C: 40% CO2 + 60% N2; D: 80% CO2 + 20% O2) and stored at 1 °C over 20 days, were assessed in relation to bacteria (total viable counts (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas) and rancidity development as 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). None of the MA tested produced mean counts greater than 5 log CFU cm−2 for TVC and LAB, or greater 2 log CFU cm−2 for Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. All MA showed an inhibitory effect on microbial growth, especially on growth of the spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. This inhibition was more relevant in atmospheres with higher CO2 concentrations (types C and D). Significant differences in rancidity levels between MA types (p < 0.01) were observed 10 days post‐packing. In general these values were higher in MA type A, which showed a significant increase in TBARS values (p < 0.05) over time. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of edible eggshell coatings on egg quality and consumer perception
Authors: Caner Cengiz
Published: May 2005

Effects of the various coatings (whey protein isolate, chitosan and shellac) on fresh eggs quality were evaluated based on the interior quality and sensory evaluation during 4 weeks of storage. During storage, all egg weights and albumen heights decreased and albumen pH increased. The lowest weight loss (0.75%) was observed in shellac‐coated eggs. Eggs coated with chitosan and whey protein also had significantly lower weight loss than uncoated (UC) eggs (p < 0.05). The albumen pH of the UC eggs was significantly higher than that of coated eggs and increased during storage time. The Haugh unit and yolk‐index values of all coated eggs were significantly higher than those of UC. Among the coated eggs, the shellac eggs had the highest value of Haugh unit and yolk index. Chitosan and shellac effectively maintained grade ‘A’ eggs for at least 2 weeks more than control and 1 week more than whey protein isolate. On the basis of sensory evaluation, shellac has highest glossiness, but lowest general acceptability. Eggs coated with whey protein had significantly higher general acceptability. Yolk lightness (L*)(a*) and (b*) of coated eggs were not different from UC after 4 weeks. The $\Delta E_{\rm {ab}}^{*}$ values of color differences were similar to controls. The study demonstrated that various coatings improved the shelf life of eggs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Ensiling characteristics and aerobic stability of direct‐cut and wilted grass silages inoculated with Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus buchneri
Authors: Nishino Naoki , Touno Eiko
Published: May 2005

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of wilting and inoculating Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation and aerobic stability of grass silages. Chopped Italian ryegrass (IR) and Festulolium (FE) were ensiled with or without wilting and added L casei (>106 cfu g−1 fresh matter (FM)) or L buchneri (>106 cfu g−1 FM). Silos were opened after 120 days and microbial counts, fermentation products and aerobic stability were determined. Addition of L casei increased lactic acid and decreased acetic acid and dry matter loss regardless of wilting and forage species. Inoculation of L buchneri decreased lactic acid and increased acetic acid and 1,2‐propanediol, while the effects appeared greater in direct‐cut than in wilted grass silages. Although 1,2‐propanediol accumulated in FE silage, the diol was degraded further to propionic acid and 1‐propanol in IR silage. The activity of 1,2‐propanediol degradation was lowered when IR was wilted prior to ensiling; 1,2‐propanediol remained and the production of propionic acid and 1‐propanol was less than one‐third of that in direct‐cut silage. Regardless of forage species, addition of L buchneri increased dry matter loss compared with the untreated control, whereas the loss was not significant in wilted silages. Ammonia production was increased by L buchneri in direct‐cut but not in wilted silages. No heating was observed with or without inoculation in direct‐cut IR silage after exposure to air. Other silages were deteriorated when L buchneri was not inoculated, while the spoilage was accelerated when L casei was added to FE. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative study of the polypeptide profiles and functional properties of Sinapis alba and Brassica juncea seed meals and protein concentrates
Authors: Aluko Rotimi E , McIntosh Tara , Katepa‐Mupondwa Felicitas
Published: May 2005

Defatted meals and protein concentrates from six accessions of Sinapis alba and one accession of Brassica juncea mustard seeds were analysed for their polypeptide profile and functional properties. Two types of protein concentrates were prepared using acid‐induced and calcium‐induced protein precipitations. Meals from the S alba seeds had similar polypeptide composition, which was different from that of the B juncea meal. Non‐reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that two of the major polypeptides (50 and 55 kDa) in S alba seeds were susceptible to acid‐induced precipitation but resistant to calcium‐induced precipitation. The B juncea meal proteins were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more susceptible to heat coagulation than the S alba meal proteins. Emulsifying activity index was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the B juncea meal and protein concentrates when compared with similar products from S alba. It was concluded that the presence of a high‐molecular‐weight (135 kDa) disulfide‐bonded polypeptide could have contributed to the lower emulsifying power of the S alba products when compared with the B juncea proteins that do not have this polypeptide. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening food products for the presence of CaMV 35S promoter and NOS 3′ terminator
Authors: Oraby Hanaa AS , Hassan Amal A , Abou Mossallam Ahlam A
Published: May 2005

Biotechnology has enabled the modification of agricultural materials in a very precise way, thereby improving productivity and yields of economically important crops. There are a number of methods available for detecting genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In the present investigation, a qualitative PCR technique has been adopted in order to discriminate between genetically modified and non‐modified food products. The qualitative PCR assay employs primers specific for genetic elements that are used to generate genetically engineered agricultural crops. Two of the most common primers used for the detection of GMOs, 35S promoter and NOS 3′ terminator, have been tested over a panel of 24 food products purchased from the local market. The results indicated that, out of the 24 food products tested, three products gave positive results with the 35S promoter. The NOS 3′ primers gave negative results with all tested samples. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Kernel texture differences among US soft wheat cultivars
Authors: Morris Craig F , Campbell Kim Garland , King Garrison E
Published: May 2005

Kernel texture is a key factor in the quality and utilization of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L), yet the variation in kernel texture among US soft wheat cultivars is largely unknown. This study evaluated the following hypothesis: soft wheat cultivars differ in kernel texture due to minor genetic factor(s). Once identified, selected contrasting cultivars could serve as candidates for crop improvement and future genetic studies. To test the hypothesis, kernel texture (SKCS, Single Kernel Characterization System), NIR (near‐infrared reflectance) and Quadrumat break flour yield were evaluated for 30 cultivars drawn from the four major US soft wheat regions and sub‐classes (eastern and western soft white winter, soft red winter and Club). Cultivars were grown in replicated trials over 6 site‐years in Washington state. The results clearly indicated that relatively large, consistent genetic differences in kernel texture exist among US soft wheat cultivars. SKCS and NIR were fairly well correlated (r = 0.85) and tended to rank cultivars in the same order. However, individual cultivars deviated from this linear relationship and occasionally rankings changed substantially. Trends were observed among the geographical regions and sub‐classes, eg the first 13 hardest‐ranked positions (SKCS) were held by western cultivars (13 of the 16 total western cultivars). Quadrumat break flour yield provided an independent assessment of kernel texture and was not correlated with SKCS or NIR hardness. Four distinct cultivar groupings were made based on analysis of variance and two‐dimensional graphical assessment. Each group represented contrasting levels of kernel texture (SKCS or NIR) and break flour yield. Identification of the specific underlying gene(s) conferring kernel texture variation among US soft wheats awaits the next phase of research. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Time harmonic acoustic scattering in anisotropic media
Authors: Dassios G. , Karadima K. S.
Published: May 2005

The scattering problem of a plane or a point source generated wave is considered for the case where both the medium of propagation and the interior of the scatterer exhibit their own anisotropies. A particular redirected gradient operator is introduced, which carries all directional characteristics of the anisotropic medium. Once the fundamental solution is obtained, integral representations for the scattered as well as for the interior and the total fields are generated. For such media even the handling of the singularities, in generating integral representations, depends on the characteristics of the particular medium. A modified, also medium dependent, radiation condition is introduced. Detailed asymptotic analysis leads to an integral representation for the scattering amplitude. The associated energy functionals are presented and the relative cross sections are also defined. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and GIAO NMR calculations for some new 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one derivatives: comparison of theoretical and experimental 1H and 13C chemical shifts
Authors: Yüksek Haydar , Gürsoy Ozlem , Cakmak Ismail , Alkan Muzaffer
Published: May 2005

Four novel 3‐alkyl(aryl)‐4‐(4‐methoxycarbonylbenzylidenamino)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ones (2) were synthesized by the reactions of 3‐alkyl(aryl)‐4‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ones (1) with methyl 4‐formylbenzoate and characterized by elemental analyses and IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and UV spectral data. In addition, isotropic 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic shielding constants of 2 were obtained by the gauge‐including‐atomic‐orbital (GIAO) method at the B3LYP density functional level. The geometry of each compound was optimized using the 6–311G basis set. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On two‐grid convergence estimates
Authors: Falgout Robert D. , Vassilevski Panayot S. , Zikatanov Ludmil T.
Published: May 2005

We derive a new representation for the exact convergence factor of classical two‐level and two‐grid preconditioners. Based on this result, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for constructing the components of efficient algebraic multigrid (AMG) methods. The relation of the sharp estimate to the classical two‐level hierarchical basis methods is discussed as well. Lastly, as an application, we give an optimal two‐grid convergence proof of a purely algebraic ‘window’‐AMG method. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfonated poly(ethylene‐ran‐styrene) ionomers
Authors: Shim Sang‐Yeon , Weiss RA
Published: May 2005

Ionomers were prepared by partially sulfonating the styrene units of a poly(ethylene‐ran‐styrene) (ES) copolymer. The metal salt derivatives of sulfonated ES had higher Tg, melt viscosity and rubbery modulus than did the parent ES because of the formation of labile, physical crosslinks from intermolecular dipole–dipole associations between metal sulfonate groups. Microphase separation of ion‐rich aggregates with a characteristic size of 3–9 nm also occurred as a result of the strong intermolecular associations. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Asymmetric penta‐armed poly(ε‐caprolactone)s with short‐chain phosphazene core: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro degradation
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Song Qing , Zhu Lu , Huang Xiaobin , Zheng Sixun , Tang Xiaozhen
Published: May 2005

A novel hydroxyl‐terminated short‐chain penta‐armed phosphazene was prepared. This penta‐armed compound was studied as an initiator for the synthesis of asymmetric penta‐armed poly(ε‐caprolactone)s in the presence of stannous octoate. The effect of molar ratio of monomer to initiator was investigated. Thermal analysis revealed that the penta‐armed poly(ε‐caprolactone)s possessed lower melting point and crystallinity than linear ones. The penta‐armed poly(ε‐caprolactone)s with long chain‐length exhibited higher onset decomposition temperature and maximum decomposition temperature than linear ones owing to the presence of the phosphazene core. The in vitro degradation of linear and penta‐armed PCL was performed in phosphate buffer solution at 37 and 55 °C. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Dependence of the luminescent properties and chain length of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] on the formation of cis‐vinylene bonds during Gilch polymerization
Authors: Fan Yang‐Liang , Lin King‐Fu
Published: May 2005

The presence of cis‐vinylene bonds in Gilch‐polymerized poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] is reported. Through fractionation, species with a weight‐average molecular weight of less than 37,000 exhibited an abnormal blueshift of photoluminescence spectra in toluene solutions, and this was attributed to the presence of cis‐vinylene bonds, as verified by NMR spectroscopy. Surprisingly, the fractionated species (∼1 wt %) with a weight‐average molecular weight of 5000 were mostly linked by the cis‐vinylene bonds. The concentration decreased with the molecular weight until a molecular weight of 37,000 was reached; at that point, the polymer chains contained mainly trans‐vinylene bonds. Obviously, the formation of cis‐vinylene bonds strongly inhibited the growth of polymer chains during Gilch polymerization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2520–2526, 2005
Chain‐end modification of living anionic polybutadiene with diphenylethylenes and styrenes
Authors: Donkers Ellen H. D. , Willemse Robin X. E. , Klumperman Bert
Published: May 2005

The first step in the transformation of poly(butadienyl)lithium into a macromolecular atom transfer radical polymerization initiator or reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer agent is the modification of the anionic chain end into a suitable leaving/reinitiating group. We have investigated three different modification reactions to obtain a styrenic end group at the chain end of poly(butadienyl)lithium. In all cases, we have looked at the influence of a Lewis base on the progress of the reaction. The first modification reaction with α‐methylstyrene leads to partial functionalization and oligomerization. The second reaction with 1,2‐diphenylethylenes, particularly trans‐stilbene, results in monoaddition to the poly(butadienyl)lithium chain ends. Quantitative functionalization is not obtained, possibly because of a hydrogen abstraction reaction, which causes termination. In the third modification reaction, a small polystyrene block is successfully added to the chain ends, as shown by a detailed matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis of the block copolymers. Nearly quantitative block copolymer formation is achieved, with an average styrene block size of four monomer units and a polydispersity index of 1.19 for the polystyrene block. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2536–2545, 2005
High prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in children after lung transplantation
Authors: Benden Christian , Aurora Paul , Curry Joe , Whitmore Pauline , Priestley Lorraine , Elliott Martin J.
Published: May 2005

Bronchiolitis obliterans and its clinical correlate bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be a contributing factor for the development of BOS. Since 2002, all recipients of lung and heart‐lung transplantation at our institution have been routinely investigated for GERD. In this observational study, we report on the prevalence of GERD in this population, including all pediatric patients undergoing single (SLTx) or double (DLTx) lung transplantation or heart‐lung (HLTx) transplantation from January 2003–May 2004. GERD was assessed 3–6 months after transplantation by 24‐hr pH testing. The fraction time (Ft) with a pH < 4 within a 24‐hr period was recorded. Spirometry data, episodes of confirmed acute rejection, and demographic data were also collected. Ten transplant operations were performed: 4 DLTx, 1 SLTx, and 5 HLTx. Nine patients had cystic fibrosis. One patient had end‐stage pulmonary disease secondary to chronic aspiration pneumonia and postadenovirus lung damage. Of 10 patients tested, 2 had severe GERD (Ft > 20%), 5 had moderate GERD (Ft 10–20%), 2 had mild GERD (Ft 5–10%), and 1 had no GERD. The only patient in this group with no GERD had a Nissen fundoplication pretransplant. All study patients were asymptomatic for GERD. All patients with episodes of rejection had moderate to severe GERD posttransplant. There was no association between severity of GERD and peak spirometry results posttransplant. Moderate to severe GERD is common following lung transplantation in children. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optical study of AlGaN/GaN based HEMT structures grown on sapphire and SiC
Authors: Ochalski Tomasz J. , Grzegorczyk Andrzej , Rudzinski Mariusz , Larsen Poul K. , Holtz Per Olof , Bergman Peder , Paskov Plamen P.
Published: May 2005

A detailed photoluminescence (PL), time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), and photoreflectance (PR) analysis of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures grown on different substrates: sapphire and silicon carbide (SiC) is presented in this paper. The properties of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on AlGaN/GaN structures are strongly dependent on the quality of the AlxGa1−xN top layer. We have examined a number of samples, grown on sapphire, in which the thicknesses of the Al0.3Ga0.7N layers vary from 18 to 75 nm. Room temperature PL under pulsed 266 nm excitation allowed for determination of the Al content in the examined thin AlGaN layers. Time‐resolved PL measured at 1.6 K showed huge difference in the emission dynamics for different Al0.3Ga0.7N layer thicknesses. We observed an enormous increase of the emission decay time above the critical thickness of the AlGaN layer. PR spectra (associated with the GaN main layer) measured on AlGaN/GaN systems are discussed in terms of the thickness of the capping layer. The PR modulated by a high power 266 nm pulsed laser measured on a transistor structure exhibited an additional feature placed between signals related to the GaN and AlGaN layers, respectively. Such a transition is possible to monitor only for the structures of the best quality and is accordingly observable only on samples grown on SiC. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Beyond vibrational self‐consistent‐field methods: Benchmark calculations for the fundamental vibrations of ethylene
Authors: Christiansen Ove , Luis Josep M.
Published: May 2005

A number of different methods for calculation of vibrational energies are reviewed and tested for calculation of the fundamental vibrational frequencies for ethylene. The methods tested for the description of the vibrational states are vibrational self‐consistent field (VSCF), vibrational configuration interaction (VCI), vibrational Møller–Plesset theory (VMP), and vibrational coupled cluster (VCC). The convergence of the different methods toward the full vibrational configuration interaction (FVCI) result is discussed for a modest‐sized one‐mode basis. For larger one‐mode basis sets results are presented for selected methods. Different representations of the potential energy surface are compared including full and partial quartic force field as well as expansions using up to sixth derivatives of the potential energy surface. Using MP2 electronic structure theory, the electronic structure basis set convergence is tested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005