bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microtubule‐damaging agents enhance RASSF1A‐induced cell death in lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Whang Young Mi , Park Kyong Hwa , Jung Hae‐Yun , Jo Uk Hyun , Kim Yeul Hong
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Tumor suppressor gene product RASSF1A has been reported to induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis through its interaction with microtubule and binding to the Ras effector NORE1. Despite this promising antitumor action of microtubule‐targeted drugs, clinical studies demonstrated that paclitaxel (TXL) and vincristine (VCS) have differential antitumor effects, depending on the status of microtubule‐related genes in lung cancer patients. In this study, to provide effective chemotherapeutic treatment for lung cancer patients with the microtubule‐targeted drugs, the authors investigated whether RASSF1A could enhance sensitivity to TXL and VCS, as an intrinsic microtubule modulator, in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

METHODS:

The growth inhibitory effects of TXL and VCS on RASSF1A‐transfected cells were assessed using clonogenic and flow cytometry–based propidium iodide–labeled assay. The levels of mitosis‐related proteins in RASSF1A‐transfected cells after treatment with TXL or VCS were examined by Western blot analysis and in vitro kinase assay.

RESULTS:

RASSF1A enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of TXL and VCS on NSCLC cells and bronchial epithelial transformed cells (BEAS‐2B) by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M‒phase. Accumulation of cyclin B1, G2/M‐phase–related protein, was observed when RASSF1A‐transfected H1299 cells were treated with TXL or VCS, accompanied with an increase of cyclin A. Inhibition of the activity of cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex by RASSF1A and TXL or VCS was confirmed by kinase assay and knockdown of RASSF1A expression by using small interfering RNA.

CONCLUSIONS:

RSAAF1A protein has a cooperative growth inhibitory effect with microtubule‐targeted drugs through cyclin B1 accumulation on NSCLC cells, suggesting novel insights for the selection of chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Targeted therapies in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Gold Kathryn A. , Lee Ho‐Young , Kim Edward S.
Published: January 2009

Head and neck cancer is a challenging disease that is expected to account for greater than 500,000 new cases worldwide in 2008. Toxicity has impeded advances in chemotherapy and radiation for head and neck cancer, and the prognosis for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic disease remains poor. Over the past decade, clinical research in head and neck cancer has focused on improving the efficacy of current multimodal approaches by targeting cellular pathways associated with carcinogenesis. Blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) have emerged as primary strategies that account for the success of current targeted therapies in cancer. Recent studies with cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of the EGFR, have demonstrated survival benefits across the range of treatment settings in advanced head and neck cancer, and it is the only targeted therapy approved for use in this malignancy. In this review, the authors present the current development status of targeted therapies, focusing on those that have potential to impact the management of head and neck cancer in the near‐term future. Trials are ongoing in all stages of disease and with a variety of modalities and agents, and those trials should provide critical insight into the best way to use these agents to improve patient outcomes. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Glucose as a prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Lamkin Donald M. , Spitz Douglas R. , Shahzad Mian M. K. , Zimmerman Bridget , Lenihan Daniel J. , DeGeest Koen , Lubaroff David M. , Shinn Eileen H. , Sood Anil K. , Lutgendorf Susan K.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Research suggests that glucose levels in cancer patients may be an important prognostic indicator. In ovarian tumors, increased expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), a transmembrane protein responsible for glucose uptake, is related to shorter survival time in ovarian cancer patients. This study tested the hypothesis that higher presurgical glucose levels predict shorter disease‐specific survival time and time to recurrence in ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS:

Nonfasting plasma glucose levels were determined for 74 patients with ovarian cancer at the time of their presurgical consultation and for 125 ovarian cancer patients in an independent validation set. Survival time and time to recurrence (disease‐free interval [DFI]) were ascertained from medical records. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for survival time and DFI in relation to glucose level, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), stage, grade, and cytoreduction as appropriate.

RESULTS:

Higher glucose levels were associated with shorter survival times in univariate analyses (HR, 1.88;P= .05). Multivariate analysis adjusting for stage showed that higher glucose levels were associated with shorter survival times (HR, 2.01;P= .04) and DFI (HR, 2.32;P= .05). In the validation set, higher glucose levels were associated with shorter survival times (HR, 2.01;P= .02) and DFI (HR, 2.48;P= .001) in univariate analysis, although glucose was not independent of the effect of cytoreduction when predicting survival time in this latter set.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings contribute to mounting evidence that glucose levels have prognostic value in ovarian carcinoma. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy: A series from the Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Collaboration
Authors: Margulis Vitaly , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Matin Surena F. , Kamat Ashish M. , Zigeuner Richard , Kikuchi Eiji , Lotan Yair , Weizer Alon , Raman Jay D. , Wood Christopher G. ,   the Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Collaboration
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

The literature on upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has been limited to small, single center studies. A large series of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy for UTUC were studied, and variables associated with poor prognosis were identified.

METHODS:

Data on 1363 patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy at 12 academic centers were collected. All pathologic slides were re‐reviewed by genitourinary pathologists according to strict criteria.

RESULTS:

Pathologic review revealed renal pelvis location (64%), necrosis (21.6%), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (24.8%), concomitant carcinoma in situ (28.7%), and high‐grade disease (63.7%). A total of 590 patients (43.3%) underwent concurrent, lymphadenectomy and 135 (9.9%) were lymph node (LN) ‐positive. Over a mean follow‐up of 51 months, 379 (28%) patients experienced disease recurrence outside of the bladder and 313 (23%) died of UTUC. The 5‐year recurrence‐free and cancer‐specific survival probabilities (±SD) were 69% ± 1% and 73% ± 1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, high tumor grade (hazards ratio [HR]: 2.0, P < .001), advancing pathologic T stage (P‐for‐trend <.001), LN metastases (HR: 1.8, P < .001), infiltrative growth pattern (HR: 1.5, P < .001), and LVI (HR: 1.2, P = .041) were associated with disease recurrence. Similarly, patient age (HR: 1.1, P = .001), high tumor grade (HR: 1.7, P = .001), increasing pathologic T stage (P‐for‐trend <.001), LN metastases (HR: 1.7, P < .001), sessile architecture (HR: 1.5, P = .002), and LVI (HR: 1.4, P = .02) were independently associated with cancer‐specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

Radical nephroureterectomy provided durable local control and cancer‐specific survival in patients with localized UTUC. Pathologic tumor grade, T stage, LN status, tumor architecture, and LVI were important prognostic variables associated with oncologic outcomes, which could potentially be used to select patients for adjuvant systemic therapy. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Bin , Wang Jian‐Hua , Yan Zhi‐Pin , Qian Sheng , Du Shi‐Suo , Zeng Zhao‐Chong
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTT) is often associated with poor prognosis. We retrospectively assessed the effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting and transarterial chemoembolization (PTPVS‐TACE) combined with or without 3‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3‐DCRT) for HCC with MPVTT.

METHODS:

Forty‐five patients with HCC complicated by MPVTT were treated with PTPVS‐TACE. Among them, 16 patients (group A) received 3‐DCRT with 30‐60Gy as daily 2Gy fractions. The remaining 29 patients (group B) received no radiotherapy. The tumor responses, complications, stent patency rates, and cumulative survival rates were evaluated, and the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS:

No severe complications were associated with PTPVS‐TACE and 3‐DCRT. The objective response rate (CR and PR) was 35.6%. The 60‐, 180‐, and 360‐day cumulative stent patency rates were 93.3%, 62.2%, and 34.6% in group A, and 58.6%, 21.7%, and 10.8% in group B, respectively, showing significant difference between the 2 groups (P < .01). The mean patency time was 475.20 ± 136.97 and 199.58 ± 61.40 days, respectively. The 60‐, 180‐, and 360‐day cumulative survival rates were 93.8%, 81.3%, and 32.5%, respectively, for group A, 86.2%, 13.8%, and 6.9%, respectively, for group B. Significant statistical differences were detected between the 2 groups (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest that sequential therapy by PTPVS‐TACE‐3‐DCRT is possibly an effective treatment modality for HCC complicated by main portal vein tumor thrombus. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Deletion of the citron kinase gene selectively affects the number and distribution of interneurons in barrelfield cortex
Authors: Muzzi Patrizia , Camera Paola , Di Cunto Ferdinando , Vercelli Alessandro
Published: January 2009

Citron kinase (CIT‐K), a ser/thr kinase, is required during neurogenesis for cytokinesis of neuronal precursors. Deletion of the cit‐k gene in mice (cit‐k−/− mice) leads to a severe malformative central nervous system syndrome characterized by microencephaly, ataxia, and epileptic seizures; affected mice die by the third week of postnatal life. We have used NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry, immunostaining for calbindin, calretinin, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), and histological staining to undertake qualitative and quantitative analyses of the morphology and distribution of interneurons in the barrelfield cortex of cit‐k−/− mice. By postnatal day 13, lack of CIT‐K results in profoundly altered cortical cell morphology: the infragranular layers are populated by large, binucleate interneurons bearing many more dendrites than in control mice, an anatomical profile that has also been reported for the cortex of humans with cortical dysplasias and epilepsy. Tessellation analyses reveal that a clustered distribution of interneurons is maintained in cit‐k−/− mice, but that their nearest neighbor distance is significantly increased, and thus their density is reduced; the overall number of interneurons is more dramatically decreased in the absence of CIT‐K than would be predicted on the basis of the reduced brain size of affected mice. This reduction of inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons likely underlies the occurrence of epileptic seizures in the cit‐k−/− mice. Furthermore, the altered distribution of NADPH‐diaphorase‐positive interneurons could be responsible for an impaired coupling of cortical activity to blood flow, also affecting cortical growth and functioning. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:249–264, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Monomer Functionality on Switchable Holographic Gratings Formed in Polymer‐Dispersed Liquid‐Crystal Cells
Authors: Ramsey Robert A. , Sharma Suresh C.
Published: January 2009

Switching characteristics:The 633 nm wavelength of an He–Ne laser is used to fabricate holographic transmission gratings in polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal cells. The microstructure and diffraction efficiency (η) both improve with increasing functionality (see figure). For functionalities of 2.5 or more,ηapproaches 34 % and can be switched off with electric fields of about 20 MV m−1.

magnified image

We investigate the effects of monomer functionality on the formation and switching characteristics of holographic transmission gratings in polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal cells fabricated by using the 633 nm wavelength of an He–Ne laser. We present results for the microstructure, diffraction efficiencyη, and switching characteristics of gratings formed with acrylate monomers of functionalities ranging from 2 to 4. The microstructure and diffraction efficiency are sensitive to functionality; both improve with increasing functionality. For functionalities of 2.5 or more,ηapproaches 34 % and can be switched off with electric fields of about 20 MV m−1.
Autothermal Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Glycerol to Syngas and to Non‐Equilibrium Products
Authors: Rennard David C. , Kruger Jacob S. , Schmidt Lanny D.
Published: January 2009

Glycerol, a commodity by‐product of the biodiesel industry, has value as a fuel feedstock and chemical intermediate. It is also a simple prototype of sugars and carbohydrates. Through catalytic partial oxidation (CPOx), glycerol can be converted into syngas without the addition of process heat. We explored the CPOx of glycerol using a nebulizer to mix droplets with air at room temperature for reactive flash volatilization. Introducing this mixture over a noble‐metal catalyst oxidizes the glycerol at temperatures over 600 °C in 30–90 ms. Rhodium catalysts produce equilibrium selectivity to syngas, while platinum catalysts produce mainly autothermal non‐equilibrium products. The addition of water to the glycerol increases the selectivity to H2 by the water gas shift reaction and reduces non‐equilibrium products. However, water also quenches the reaction, resulting in a maximum in H2 production at a steam/carbon ratio of 2:3 over a Rh‐Ce catalyst. Glycerol without water produces a variety of chemicals over Pt, including methylglyoxal, hydroxyacetone, acetone, acrolein, acetaldehyde, and olefins.
Vibrational spectroscopy—A powerful tool for the rapid identification of microbial cells at the single‐cell level
Authors: Harz M. , Rösch P. , Popp J.
Published: January 2009

Rapid microbial detection and identification with a high grade of sensitivity and selectivity is a great and challenging issue in many fields, primarily in clinical diagnosis, pharmaceutical, or food processing technology. The tedious and time‐consuming processes of current microbiological approaches call for faster ideally on‐line identification techniques. The vibrational spectroscopic techniques IR absorption and Raman spectroscopy are noninvasive methods yielding molecular fingerprint information; thus, allowing for a fast and reliable analysis of complex biological systems such as bacterial or yeast cells. In this short review, we discuss recent vibrational spectroscopic advances in microbial identification of yeast and bacterial cells for bulk environment and single‐cell analysis. IR absorption spectroscopy enables a bulk analysis whereas micro‐Raman‐spectroscopy with excitation in the near infrared or visible range has the potential for the analysis of single bacterial and yeast cells. The inherently weak Raman signal can be increased up to several orders of magnitude by applying Raman signal enhancement methods such as UV‐resonance Raman spectroscopy with excitation in the deep UV region, surface enhanced Raman scattering, or tip‐enhanced Raman scattering. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cells treated with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (AZA)
Authors: Bai Shujun , Tong Aiping , Lau Quek Choon , Liu Rui , Tang Minghai , Chen Lijuan , Huang Canhua
Published: January 2009

5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (AZA) is a potent inhibitor of DNA methylation that exhibits anti‐tumor activity in a variety of tumor cells via reactivation of tumor suppressor genes. However, few studies have been done on the biological and clinical significance of AZA in human hepatocellular carcinoma. To identify potential genes that may be aberrantly methylated and confer growth advantage to neoplastic cells and to better understand the molecular mechanism(s) underlying AZA anti‐tumor activity, a proteomics approach was used to annotate global gene expression changes of HepG2 cell line pre‐ and post‐treatment with AZA. A total of 56 differentially expressed proteins were identified by 2D gel analysis, 48 of which were up‐regulated while the remaining 8 were down regulated. Among the identified proteins, eight of these showed marked changed proteins, including seven up‐regulated proteins: glutathione S‐transferase P, protein DJ‐1, peroxiredoxin‐2, UMP‐CMP kinase, cytochrome c‐type heme lyase, enhancer of rudimentary homolog, profilin‐1, and one down‐regulated protein, heat‐shock protein β−1. The possible implication of these proteins in hepatocarcinogenesis is discussed. We tested two up‐regulated proteins, glutathione S‐transferase P and peroxiredoxin‐2, using RT‐PCR and their expression was consistent with the results obtained in the protein level. Both of these genes were methylated when methylation‐specific PCR was used against their promoter regions. Following treatment with AZA, the gene promoter regions were found to be unmethylated, concomitant with overexpression of the proteins compared to HepG2 cells without treatment. These data provide useful information in evaluating the therapeutic potential of AZA for the treatment of HCC. Drug Dev Res 69, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanistic studies of blood pressure in rats treated with a series of cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors
Authors: DePasquale Michael , Cadelina Gregory , Knight Delvin , Loging William , Winter Steven , Blasi Eileen , Perry David , Keiser Joan
Published: January 2009

ILLUMINATE, the Phase 3 clinical trial of morbidity and mortality (M&M) with the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor (CETPi), torcetrapib (CP‐529,414), was terminated in December 2006 due to an imbalance in all cause mortality. The underlying cause of the M&M remains undetermined. While torcetrapib produced dose‐related increases in blood pressure in clinical trials, the mechanism of the increase in blood pressure is also undetermined. The pressor effects of torcetrapib and structurally related compounds were studied in several pathways involved in blood pressure control. Studies were conducted in rats treated with a series of structurally related molecules (CP‐529,414, CP‐532,623, PF‐868,348, CP‐746,281, CP‐792,485, PF‐868,343, and CE‐308,958). CP‐529,414, CP‐532,623, CP‐868,343, and CP‐792,485 are potent CETP inhibitors; PF‐868,348 is weakly potent and CP‐746,281 and CE‐308,958 are CETP‐inactive. Changes in blood pressure were determined in conscious animals in conjunction with pharmacologic blockade of numerous pressor agents/pathways. Torcetrapib and CP‐532,623 increased blood pressure following both chronic PO and acute IV administration. The CETP‐inactive enantiomer of CP‐532,623, CP‐746,281 failed to raise blood pressure. PF‐868,348, a structural analogue with ∼50‐fold lower CETPi activity also displayed pressor activity. Blockade of adrenergic, cholinergic, angiotensin, endothelin, NOS, Rho kinase, and thromboxane pathways failed to attenuate the pressor response. These data demonstrate that the blood pressure activity seen with torcetrapib can be dissociated from CETP inhibitor pharmacology and numerous pharmacology pathways can be discounted in the attempt to understand the molecular basis of the pressor pharmacology. Drug Dev Res 70:2009 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determining the cytotoxicity of methotrexate‐loaded microemulsion on human breast, ovarian, and prostate carcinoma cell lines: a new modality for an old drug
Authors: Karasulu H.Y. , Kantarcı G. , Karaca B. , Armagan V. , Güneri T. , Göker E.
Published: January 2009

The main objective of this study was to develop an optimal methotrexate (MTX) microemulsion (M‐MTX) and to evaluate the suppressive effect of MTX‐loaded microemulsion on human breast, ovarian, and prostate carcinoma cell lines. The microemulsion was made up of corn‐oil as the oil phase, a mixture of Cremophore EL and Span 80 as surfactants, and isopropyl alcohol as co‐surfactant and 0.1 N NaOH as the aqueous phase. MTX (0.1 mg/mL MTX ) was added into the microemulsion at the last stage. The pH of M‐MTX was adjusted to pH 8±0.1 and the physicochemical stability of the formulation was observed. The particle size distribution was measured by Zetasizer 3000 HSA. The mean droplet diameters of M‐MTX were determined as 13.3±0.1 nm (poly dispersity index=530±0.01). The antitumor effects of M‐MTX were examined on human breast (MCF‐7), ovarian (OVCAR), and prostate (DU 145) carcinoma cell lines. It was clearly demonstrated that M‐MTX had a significant cytotoxic effect on different carcinoma cell lines and the cytotoxic effect of M‐MTX was significantly more than that of commercial preparation (C‐MTX) (P<0.05). According to the in vitro cytotoxicity studies, it can be concluded that when MTX was incorporated into the microemulsion (M‐MTX), which is a new drug carrier system, it suppresses tumour cell growth on multiple tumor lines. These results indicate that M‐MTX may be effective as an antitumor agent that induces apoptosis. Drug Dev Res 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between HbA1c and hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with different insulin regimens in combination with metformin
Authors: Chan John Y. C. , Leyk Malgorzata , Frier Brian M. , Tan Meng H.
Published: January 2009

Background

To examine the relationship between glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin (Met) and either insulin lispro mixtures, given twice or thrice daily (LM + Met), or insulin glargine, given once daily (G + Met).

Methods

Data from three randomized clinical trials were pooled to compare effects of LM + Met with G + Met.

Results

The LM + Met group achieved lower mean HbA1c (mean ± SE, 7.2 ± 0.1 vs. 7.7 ± 0.1%, p < 0.0001) and all meals combined post‐prandial blood glucose (BG) (8.9 ± 0.1 vs. 10.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L, p < 0.0001) compared with the G + Met group, but had higher fasting blood glucose (8.1 ± 0.1 vs. 6.8 ± 0.1 mmol/L, p < 0.0001) and insulin requirement (0.7 ± 0.01 vs. 0.6 ± 0.01 U/kg, p < 0.0001). Over the entire study period, daytime hypoglycaemia was higher for the LM + Met group (10.3 vs. 3.5 episodes/patient/year, p < 0.0001) than for the G + Met group; however, nocturnal hypoglycaemia was lower (3.4 vs. 6.6 episodes/patient/year, p = 0.003). At endpoint, daytime hypoglycaemia was higher for the LM + Met group (6.2 vs. 1.4 episodes/patient/year, p < 0.0001); however, nocturnal hypoglycaemia was similar in both groups (1.9 vs. 3.0 episodes/patient/year). An inverse relationship was observed between all confirmed hypoglycaemia and HbA1c at endpoint; for every 1% reduction in HbA1c, the increase (in slope) was 1.4 episodes/patient/year (p = 0.04). Patients with confirmed hypoglycaemia had lower HbA1c than patients without hypoglycaemia (7.39 vs. 7.64%, respectively; decrement = 0.26%, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

These studies demonstrated an inverse relationship between HbA1c and 24‐h and daytime hypoglycaemia. Lispro insulin mixtures provided lower HbA1c and post‐prandial blood glucose values than glargine, but caused more daytime hypoglycaemia. Frequency of nocturnal hypoglycaemia was similar and severe hypoglycaemia was rare with both insulin regimens. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of Iron(II/III) Complexes with N2O22– Coordinating Schiff Base Like Ligands (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 4/2009)
Authors: Weber Birgit , Jäger Ernst‐G.
Published: January 2009

The cover picture shows the general formula of the iron complexes presented in the Microreview by B. Weber and E.‐G. Jäger on p. 465ff with single crystals of one of the complexes in the background. The application of this system ranges over model compounds for biological systems to molecular magnets or molecular switches. The examples show the reversible binding of the biomolecule nitric oxide, a spin‐crossover complex with a 70 K wide thermal hysteresis loop around room temperature and an example for spontaneous magnetic ordering below 10 K.
Characterization of volatile compounds and triacylglycerol profiles of nut oils using SPME‐GC‐MS and MALDI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Bail Stefanie , Stuebiger Gerald , Unterweger Heidrun , Buchbauer Gerhard , Krist Sabine
Published: January 2009

Several nut oil varieties mainly used as culinary and overall healthy food ingredients were subject of the present study. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was employed in order to determine the qualitative composition of volatile compounds. Furthermore, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used in order to assess the profiles and relative composition of the prevalent triacylglycerols (TAG) within the oils. The headspace of the majority of oil samples was dominated by high contents of acetic acid (up to 42%) and hexanal (up to 32%). As nut oils are typically gained by cold‐pressing from previously roasted nuts, characteristic pyrazine derivatives as well as degradation products of long‐chain fatty acids were detected. TAG analysis of these oils revealed a quite homogeneous composition dominated by components of the C52 and C54 group composed mainly of oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), stearic (18:0) and palmitic (16:0) acid residues representing together between 65 and 95% of the investigated nut oils. The TAG profiles showed characteristic patterns which can be used as ‘fingerprints’ of the genuine oils. Nut oils exhibiting quite similar fatty acid composition (e.g. hazelnut, pistachio and beech oil) could be clearly discriminated based on TAG showing significant differences between the oils.
Lipase/acyltransferase‐catalysed interesterification of fat blends containing n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Osório Natália Melo , Dubreucq Eric , da Fonseca Maria Manuela R. , Ferreira‐Dias Suzana
Published: January 2009

The lipase/acyltransferase from Candida parapsilosis is an original biocatalyst that preferentially catalyses alcoholysis over hydrolysis in biphasic aqueous/organic media. In this study, the performance of the immobilised biocatalyst in the interesterification in solvent‐free media of fat blends rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) was investigated. The interesterification activity of this biocatalyst at a water activity (aw) of 0.97 was similar to that of commercial immobilised lipases at aw values lower than 0.5. Thus, the biocatalyst was further used at an aw of 0.97. Response surface modelling of interesterification was carried out as a function of medium formulation, reaction temperature (55–75 °C) and time (30–120 min). Reaction media were blends of palm stearin (PS), palm kernel oil and triacylglycerols (TAG) rich in n‐3 PUFA (“EPAX 4510TG”; EPAX AS, Norway). The best results in terms of decrease in solid fat content were observed for longer reaction time (>80 min), lower temperature (55–65 °C), higher “EPAX 4510TG” content and lower PS concentration. Reactions at higher temperature led to final interesterified fat blends with lower free fatty acid contents. TAG with high equivalent carbon number (ECN) were consumed while acylglycerols of lower ECN were produced.
Functional and nutritional value of the Chilean seaweeds Codium fragile, Gracilaria chilensis and Macrocystis pyrifera
Authors: Ortiz Jaime , Uquiche Edgar , Robert Paz , Romero Nalda , Quitral Vilma , Llantén Catherine
Published: January 2009

The nutritional composition of the edible seaweeds Codium fragile, Gracilaria chilensis and Macrocystis pyrifera was determined, including amino acid and fatty acid contents along with tocol and carotenoid contents. The results indicated that the three algae C. fragile, G. chilensis and M. pyrifera showed a high range of protein contents (13.7–10.8%), amino acid contents (1879.6–1417.7 mg/100 g dry algae) and a low content in lipids (0.7–15.0%). The most abundant fatty acids in C. fragile and G. chilensis were linolenic, oleic, and linoleic acid. δ‐Tocopherol and α‐tocopherol (677.8 and 453.5 µg/g lipid, respectively) were found in C. fragile, while in G. chilensis and M. pyrifera, γ‐tocotrienol and α‐tocopherol (263.5 and 1327.7 µg/g lipid, respectively) were found. In addition, in C. fragile and G. chilensis β‐carotene was the principal carotenoid found (197.9 and 113.7 µg/g dry algae, respectively) compared with M. pyrifera (17.4 µg/g dry algae). The composition of macronutrients (minerals, carbohydrate‐type dietetic fiber, proteins; low in lipids) and micronutrients (essential amino acids, PUFA of balanced n‐6/n‐3 proportion, β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol as source of vitamins A and E), corroborate the nutritional and biological potential of the studied algae, which constitute useful raw materials for the development of diets or ingredients for human and animal nutrition.
Triacylglycerol migration and bloom in filled chocolates: Effects of low‐temperature storage
Authors: Depypere Frédéric , De Clercq Nathalie , Segers Martien , Lewille Benny , Dewettinck Koen
Published: January 2009

This study investigated the effect of storage temperature on triacylglycerol (TAG) migration, visual fat bloom and taste of industrially produced milk chocolates with a hazelnut‐based filling. The chocolates were stored for up to 10 months at 18 °C, either directly after production or with the inclusion of a variable time at –20 or 4 °C immediately after production and prior to further storage at 18 °C. TAG migration from the filling through the chocolate shell was quantified by HPLC analysis of chocolate sampled from the chocolates' surface. Both [OOO/SOS] and [LOO/SOS] were used as markers for oil migration. Compared to storage at 18 °C only, chilling or freezing of the chocolates for part of the storage time was found to reduce the amount of TAG migration. Effects on diffusion, capillary transport and TAG immobilization during the thermal treatment can be raised as possible reasons for this decrease. Furthermore, storage at –20 °C decreased oil migration during subsequent storage at 18 °C. This suggests a crystallization effect during the storage at –20 °C, leading to permanent (micro)structural changes. Although a thermal treatment at 4 °C compared to –20 °C was less effective in retarding TAG migration, storage at low positive temperatures immediately after production appears already beneficial in the prevention of visual fat bloom. Adverse effects of the thermal treatments on the chocolates' taste were not observed.
Influence of shear flow on polymorphic behavior and microstructural development during palm oil crystallization
Authors: De Graef Veerle , Van Puyvelde Peter , Goderis Bart , Dewettinck Koen
Published: January 2009

The influence of shear on the crystallization of palm oil was studied at four different crystallization temperatures (18, 20, 22 and 25 °C). Time‐resolved X‐ray analyses were carried out to study the effect of continuous shear on the crystallization kinetics of the fat. Rheological measurements were used to assess the effect of a shear step on crystallization, and finally polarized light microscopy was used to follow changes in microstructure due to the applied initial shear step. It was shown that shear enhanced the primary crystallization, even when low shear rates were applied for a short period. Furthermore, a shear step prior to crystallization without shear has a marked influence on the microstructural development.
Complexation Behavior of a Supramolecular Organic Fluorophore Prepared by Solid‐State Co‐Grinding Crystallization Using 2‐Anthracenecarboxylic Acid and (R)‐1‐(2‐Naphthyl)ethylamine and Its Optical Properties
Authors: Imai Yoshitane , Murata Katuzo , Kawaguchi Kakuhiro , Harada Takunori , Nakano Yoko , Sato Tomohiro , Fujiki Michiya , Kuroda Reiko , Matsubara Yoshio
Published: January 2009

A novel crystalline supramolecular organic fluorophorehaving a 21‐helical columnar structure has been prepared by solid‐state co‐grinding crystallization using crystals of 2‐anthracenecarboxylic acid and (R)‐1‐(2‐naphthyl)ethylamine. Although many organic fluorophores lose their fluorescence in the solid state, this supramolecular organic fluorophore exhibits fluorescence even in the solid state.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Electrolyte systems for on‐line CE–MS: Detection requirements and separation possibilities
Authors: Pantůčková Pavla , Gebauer Petr , Boček Petr , Křivánková Ludmila
Published: January 2009

In contemporary analytical practice, the on‐line CE–MS technique has established as a powerful separation and identification analytical tool. Its major instrumental aspects can be considered as solved and its routine use with specific applications to be implemented is the typical task at present. In that context, the chemical (wet, electrophoretic) part of the technique becomes very important as here the separation battle of the overall success of the developed method is fought. The review brings an overview of the electrolyte systems used in the CE part of the CE–MS technique together with a detailed insight into their pros and cons from the electrophoretist's viewpoint. Advanced electrophoretic approaches including sample stacking, ITP and use of non‐aqueous solvents are also discussed. An overview of the electrolyte systems used in over 200 selected applications is given, sorted according to the analytes of interest.
Recent developments in capillary EKC based on carbon nanoparticles
Authors: Moliner‐Martínez Yolanda , Cárdenas Soledad , Simonet Bartolome M. , Valcárcel Miguel
Published: January 2009

This paper provides an overview of the use of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as pseudo‐stationary phases (PSPs) in EKC. Specifically, it describes the characteristics and properties of the major types of CNPs used as PSPs in EKC separations, namely C60 fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and covalently modified carbon nanotubes. Based on such properties, a plausible mechanism for the interactions governing EKC separation with these materials is proposed. Also, the most salient uses of CNPs as PSPs are outlined. Finally, CNPs are compared in terms of performance with other well‐established types of nanostructures used to enhance selectivity in EKC over the past decade.
Neurotrophin 3/TrkC‐regulated proteins in the human medulloblastoma cell line DAOY
Authors: Gruber‐Olipitz Mariella , Ströbel Thomas , Kang Sung Ung , John Julius Paul Pradeep , Grotzer Michael A. , Slavc Irene , Lubec Gert
Published: January 2009

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor and high neurotrophin (NP) receptor TrkC mRNA expression was identified as a powerful independent predictor of favorable survival outcome. In order to determine downstream effector proteins of TrkC signaling, the MB cell line DAOY was stably transfected with a vector containing the full‐length TrkC cDNA sequence or an empty vector control. A proteomic approach was used to search for expressional changes by two mass spectrometric methods and immunoblotting for validation of significant results. Multiple time points for up to 48 h following NP‐3‐induced TrkC receptor activation were chosen. Thirteen proteins from several pathways (nucleoside diphosphate kinase A, stathmin, valosin‐containing protein, annexin A1, dihydropyrimidinase‐related protein‐3, DJ‐1 protein, glutathione S‐transferase P, lamin A/C, fascin, cofilin, vimentin, vinculin, and moesin) were differentially expressed and most have been shown to play a role in differentiation, migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, drug resistance, or oncogenesis. Knowledge on effectors of TrkC signaling may represent a first useful step for the identification of marker candidates or reflecting probable pharmacological targets for specific treatment of MB.
Two‐dimensional phosphate‐affinity gel electrophoresis for the analysis of phosphoprotein isotypes
Authors: Kinoshita Eiji , Kinoshita‐Kikuta Emiko , Matsubara Mamoru , Aoki Yuri , Ohie Shiori , Mouri Yuka , Koike Tohru
Published: January 2009

Herein, we describe three kinds of 2‐DE using phosphate‐affinity PAGE for the analysis of phosphoprotein isotypes. The first dimension is a urea‐PAGE, IEF/NEPHGE, or SDS‐PAGE, which are widely used. The second dimension is a phosphate‐affinity SDS‐PAGE using a phosphate‐binding tag molecule, Phos‐tag (Mn2+–Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE). The first 2‐D procedure coupling urea‐PAGE and Mn2+–Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE was applied to the separation of β‐casein phosphoisotypes. A typical protein sample containing multiple phosphoisotypes from β‐casein (with five phosphorylation sites) was prepared by partial dephosphorylation with alkaline phosphatase. The second procedure coupling IEF/NEPHGE and Mn2+–Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE was applied to the separations of phosphoisotypes of caseins and in vitro kinase reaction products of Tau. The third procedure coupling normal SDS‐PAGE and Mn2+–Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE was applied to the separation of A431 cell lysates before and after stimulation with an epidermal growth factor. This procedure followed by immunoblotting with anti‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase(MAPK) and anti‐Shc antibodies demonstrated the detection of phosphoisotypes in each protein isoform of MAPK1/2 (44 and 42 kDa) and Shc (66, 52, and 46 kDa) after the stimulation. By these novel 2‐D procedures, the separations of phosphoprotein isotypes should be improved relative to those by current gel electrophoresis methods, including 1‐D Mn2+–Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE.
Recent advances in capillary and microfluidic platforms with MS detection for the analysis of phosphoproteins
Authors: Lazar Iulia M.
Published: January 2009

Reversible protein phosphorylation represents a key regulatory mechanism that triggers essential cellular signaling events. The large‐scale characterization of protein phosphorylation in a cell represents, therefore, the objective of many biological studies that aim at elucidating the complex signaling pathways that are involved in the progression and/or regression of a disease. The recent implementation of novel MS detection strategies has significantly advanced the capabilities for interrogating the complex cellular phosphoproteome. Simultaneously, the current advent of miniaturized technologies has clearly demonstrated the superior performance of microfluidic instrumentation for bioanalytical and biological applications that cope with speed, sensitivity and throughput‐related demands. This review aims at providing an update on the latest developments regarding the interfacing of microfluidic devices with MS detection for exploring the challenging area of phosphoproteomics.
Recent advances in enhancing the sensitivity of electrophoresis and electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips (2006–2008)
Authors: Breadmore Michael C. , Thabano Jonathan R. E. , Dawod Mohamed , Kazarian Artaches A. , Quirino Joselito P. , Guijt Rosanne M.
Published: January 2009

Poor sensitivity is still considered to be one of the major limitations of electrophoresis, which is surprising given the power, flexibility and versatility of many of the approaches to on‐line concentration that have developed over the last 20 years. This is still a very active area of interest and this review will cover developments in the field over the last two years since the last review (Electrophoresis 2007, 28, 254–281) through to June 2008. It includes developments in the fields of stacking, covering all methods from field‐amplified sample stacking and large volume sample stacking, through to ITP, dynamic pH junction and sweeping. Attention is also given to on‐line or in‐line extraction methods that have been used for electrophoresis.
18‐crown‐6 as a class I organic modifier in MEKC
Authors: Burks Raychelle M. , Hage David S.
Published: January 2009

The use of 18‐crown‐6 as a class I organic modifier for SDS MEKC is described. Two positional isomer series, one neutral (nitrotoluenes) and one anionic (nitrophenols), are used to demonstrate different effects of 18‐crown‐6 on analyte retention in SDS MEKC.
Vegetation and topographic controls on sediment deposition and storage on gully beds in a degraded mountain area
Authors: Molina Armando , Govers Gerard , Cisneros Felipe , Vanacker Veerle
Published: January 2009

Active gully systems developed on highly weathered or loose parent material are an important source of runoff and sediment production in degraded areas. However, a decrease of land pressure may lead to a return of a partial vegetation cover, whereby gully beds are preferred recolonization spots. Although the current knowledge on the role of vegetation on reducing sediment production on slopes is well developed, few studies exist on the significance of restoring sediment transport pathways on the total sediment budget of degraded mountainous catchments. This study in the Ecuadorian Andes evaluates the potential of vegetation to stabilize active gully systems by trapping and retaining eroded sediment in the gully bed, and analyses the significance of vegetation restoration in the gully bed in reducing sediment export from degraded catchments. Field measurements on 138 gully segments located in 13 ephemeral steep gullies with different ground vegetation cover indicate that gully bed vegetation is the most important factor in promoting short‐term (1–15 years) sediment deposition and gully stabilization. In well‐vegetated gully systems ( ≥ 30% of ground vegetation cover), 0.035 m3 m–1 of sediment is deposited yearly in the gully bed. Almost 50 per cent of the observed variance in sediment deposition volumes can be explained by the mean ground vegetation cover of the gully bed. The presence of vegetation in gully beds gives rise to the formation of vegetated buffer zones, which enhance short‐term sediment trapping even in active gully systems in mountainous environments. Vegetation buffer zones are shown to modify the connectivity of sediment fluxes, as they reduce the transport efficiency of gully systems. First calculations on data on sediment deposition patterns in our study area show that gully bed deposition in response to gully bed revegetation can represent more than 25 per cent of the volume of sediment generated within the catchment. Our findings indicate that relatively small changes in landscape connectivity have the potential to create strong (positive) feedback loops between erosion and vegetation dynamics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High impedance fault detection in distribution feeders using extended kalman filter and support vector machine
Authors: Samantaray S. R. , Dash P. K.
Published: January 2009

The paper presents an intelligent technique for high impedance fault (HIF) detection using combined extended kalman filter (EKF) and support vector machine (SVM). The proposed approach uses magnitude and phase change of fundamental, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th and 13th harmonic component as feature inputs to the SVM. The Gaussian kernel based SVM is trained with input sets each consists of ‘12’ features with corresponding target vector ‘1’ for HIF detection and ‘−1’ for non‐HIF condition. The magnitude and phase change are estimated using EKF. The proposed approach is trained with 300 data sets and tested for 200 data sets including wide variations in operating conditions and provides excellent results in noisy environment. Thus, the proposed method is found to be fast, accurate, and robust for HIF detection in distribution feeders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PID adaptive control of incremental and arclength continuation in nonlinear applications
Authors: Valli A. M. P. , Elias R. N. , Carey G. F. , Coutinho A. L. G. A.
Published: January 2009

A proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) control approach is developed, implemented and investigated numerically in conjunction with continuation techniques for nonlinear problems. The associated algorithm uses PID control to adapt parameter stepsize for branch—following strategies such as those applicable to turning point and bifurcation problems. As representative continuation strategies, incremental Newton, Euler–Newton and pseudo‐arclength continuation techniques are considered. Supporting numerical experiments are conducted for finite element simulation of the ‘driven cavity’ Navier–Stokes benchmark over a range in Reynolds number, the classical Bratu turning point problem over a reaction parameter range, and for coupled fluid flow and heat transfer over a range in Rayleigh number. Computational performance using PID stepsize control in conjunction with inexact Newton–Krylov solution for coupled flow and heat transfer is also examined for a 3D test case. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computation of head–disk interface gap micro flowfields using DSMC and continuum–atomistic hybrid methods
Authors: John Benzi , Damodaran M.
Published: January 2009

This paper discusses computational modeling of micro flow in the head–disk interface (HDI) gap using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Modeling considerations are discussed in detail both for a stand‐alone DSMC computation and for the case of a hybrid continuum–atomistic simulation that couples the Navier–Stokes (NS) equation to a DSMC solver. The impact of the number of particles and number of cells on the accuracy of a DSMC simulation of the HDI gap is investigated both for two‐ and three‐dimensional configurations. An appropriate implicit boundary treatment method for modeling inflow and outflow boundaries is used in this work for a three‐dimensional DSMC micro flow simulation. As the flow outside the slider is in the continuum regime, a hybrid continuum–atomistic method based on the Schwarz alternating method is used to couple the DSMC model in the slider bearing region to the flow outside the slider modeled by NS equation. Schwarz coupling is done in two dimensions by taking overlap regions along two directions and the Chapman–Enskog distribution is employed for imposing the boundary condition from the continuum region to the DSMC region. Converged hybrid flow solutions are obtained in about five iterations and the hybrid DSMC–NS solutions show good agreement with the exact solutions in the entire domain considered. An investigation on the impact of the size of the overlap region on the convergence behavior of the Schwarz method indicates that the hybrid coupling by the Schwarz method is weakly dependent on the size of the overlap region. However, the use of a finite overlap region will facilitate the exchange of boundary conditions as the hybrid solution has been found to diverge in the absence of an overlap region for coupling the two models. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.