bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Modelling Low‐Potential [Fe4S4] Clusters in Proteins
Authors: Koay Melissa S. , Antonkine Mikhail L. , Gaertner Wolfgang , Lubitz Wolfgang
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Action Mechanism of Insulin‐Mimetic Vanadyl—Allixin Complex
Authors: Hiromura Makoto , Sakurai Hiromu
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Possible Involvement of Insulin and Oxidative Stress in Vascular Dysfunction of Diabetic Mellitus
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuneo
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Modeling Self‐Assembly Processes Driven by Nonbonded Interactions in Soft Materials
Authors: McCullagh Martin , Prytkova Tatiana , Tonzani Stefano , Winter Nicolas D. , Schatz George C.
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Quantum Dynamics of Chemical Reactions
Authors: Clary David C.
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ligand‐pKa Shifts Through Metals: Potential Relevance to Ribozyme Chemistry
Authors: Lippert Bernhard
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Development and Evaluation of a Novel Placenta‐Specific Gene Manipulation Method Using Lentiviral Vectors
Authors: Okada Yuka
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sensitive Determination of Reactive Oxygen Species by Chemiluminescence Methods and Their Application to Biological Samples and Health Foods
Authors: Wada Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
The Screening for Occult Renal Disease (SCORED) value is associated with a higher risk for having or developing chronic kidney disease in patients treated for small, unilateral renal masses
Authors: Lucas Steven M. , Nuss Geoffrey , Stern Joshua , Lotan Yair , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. , Raj Ganesh V.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

Patients with renal masses are at risk for having or developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] <60 mL per minute/1.73 m2). In this study, the authors investigated whether the Screening for Occult Renal Disease (SCORED) model could identify patients with renal masses who were at risk for having or developing CKD.

METHODS.

Two hundred forty‐two consecutive patients with unilateral T1a renal masses who underwent treatment were reviewed retrospectively. The GFR was estimated by using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. SCORED values were stratified as low (<4) or high (≥4). Kaplan‐Meier survival curves (with log‐rank comparison) were used to compute the risk of developing CKD.

RESULTS.

Before intervention, 65 of 242 patients (27%) with T1a renal masses had CKD, including 10 of 98 patients (10%) with low SCORED values and 55 of 144 patients (38%) with high SCORED values. Interventions included radical nephrectomy (RN) in 71 patients (29%) and nephron‐sparing approaches (NSA) in 171 patients (71%). Among patients with normal preoperative renal function, those with low SCORED values were less likely to develop CKD than those with high SCORED values, whether they underwent RN (38% vs 82%; P < .001) or NSA (14% vs 22%; P = .01). Multivariate analyses revealed that high SCORED values (hazard ratio [HR], 2.9; P = .02) and RN (HR, 7.0; P < .001) were significant predictors of developing CKD.

CONCLUSIONS.

High SCORED values were associated with a higher risk for having or developing CKD in patients who underwent intervention for small, unilateral renal masses. These data suggest that NSA should be used whenever possible, and SCORED risk stratification should be used in counseling patients regarding their potential risk of CKD. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Durable complete responses from therapy with combined epratuzumab and rituximab
Authors: Leonard John P. , Schuster Stephen J. , Emmanouilides Christos , Couture Felix , Teoh Nick , Wegener William A. , Coleman Morton , Goldenberg David M.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

In this international, multicenter trial, the authors evaluated rituximab (anti‐CD20) plus epratuzumab (anti‐CD22) in patients with postchemotherapy relapsed/refractory, indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including long‐term efficacy.

METHODS.

Forty‐nine patients with follicular NHL (FL) (N = 41) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) (N = 7) received intravenous epratuzumab 360 mg/m2 and then intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly ×4. The regimen was tolerated well.

RESULTS.

Twenty‐two of 41 patients with FL (54%) had an objective response (OR), including 10 (24%) complete responses (CR) (CR/unconfirmed CR [CRu]), whereas 4 of 7 patients with SLL (57%) had ORs, including 3 (43%) with CR/CRu. Rituximab‐naive patients (N = 34) had an OR rate of 50% (26% CR/CRu rate), whereas patients who previously responded to rituximab (N = 14) had an OR rate of 64% (29% CR/CRu rate). An OR rate of 85% was observed in patients with FL who had Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) risk scores of 0 or 1 (N = 13), whereas 28 patients with intermediate or high‐risk FLIPI scores (≥2) had an OR rate of 39% (18% CR/CRu rate). In patients with FL, the median response duration was 13.4 months, and that duration increased to 29.1 months for 10 patients who had a CR/CRu, including 4 patients who had durable responses with remissions that continued for >4 years. In patients with SLL, the median response duration was 20 months, including 1 patient who had a response that continued for >3 years.

CONCLUSIONS.

The combination of epratuzumab and rituximab induced durable responses in patients with recurrent, indolent NHL. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Switching in discoid domain receptor expressions in SLUG‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Maeyama Michiko , Koga Hironori , Selvendiran Karuppaiyah , Yanagimoto Chikatoshi , Hanada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Eitaro , Kawaguchi Takumi , Harada Masaru , Ueno Takato , Sata Michio
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

Acquired features of cells under epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) have not yet been fully identified. The current study was conducted to assess alterations in both the proliferative potential and the responsiveness to extracellular matrices (ECMs) in EMT.

METHODS.

MDCK cells and SLUG‐transfected MDCK clones (SLUG‐MDCK) were used in this study. The cell cycle was analyzed by using flow cytometry and Western blotting. ECM‐stimulated cell proliferation was examined by using the following ECMs, type I collagen, type IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. Protein phosphorylation was detected by immunoprecipitation‐Western by using the 4G10 antibody.

RESULTS.

Both G1 and G2/M arrest were found in the SLUG‐MDCK cells, and the responsible molecules for the cell‐cycle arrests were, at least in part, p21WAF1/Cip1 and Wee1. Once in contact with type I collagen, the SLUG‐MDCK cells, showing the Wee1 degradation, dramatically started to proliferate up to 6‐fold in cell number at Day 5, in contrast to only a 2‐fold increase in the control. The analysis of the collagen receptors in the SLUG‐MDCK cells disclosed a striking increase in the discoid domain receptor (DDR) 2 expression and a clear decrease in the DDR1 expression. The immunoprecipitated DDR2 protein extracted from SLUG‐MDCK cells, which were cultured on collagen for 30 minutes, was tyrosine‐phosphorylated, indicating valid functionality of the up‐regulated receptor. The altered expression from DDR1 to DDR2 was also found in the naturally dedifferentiated sister cell lines of human liver cancer.

CONCLUSIONS.

Collectively, SLUG‐induced EMT may alter the expression profile of receptor tyrosine kinases, including DDRs. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Microfluidics for Miniaturized Laboratories on a Chip
Authors: Franke Thomas A. , Wixforth Achim
Published: October 2008

Microfluidic systems promise solutions for high throughput and highly specific analysis for biology, medicine and chemistry while consuming only tiny amounts of reactants and space. On these lab‐on‐a‐chip platforms often multiple physical effects such as electrokinetic, acoustic or capillary phenomena from various disciplines are exploited to gain the optimal functionality. The fluidics on these small length scales differ significantly from our experience of the macroscopic world. In this Review we survey some of the approaches and techniques to handle minute amounts of fluid volumes in microfluidic systems with special focus on surface acoustic wave driven fluidics, a technique developed in our laboratory. Here, we outline the basics of this technique and demonstrate, for example, how acoustic mixing and fluid actuation is realized. Furthermore we discuss the interplay of different physical effects in microfluidic systems and illustrate their usefulness for several applications.
Easily Accessible Mono‐ and Polytopic ­β‐Cyclodextrin Hosts by Click Chemistry
Authors: Mourer Maxime , Hapiot Frédéric , Tilloy Sébastien , Monflier Eric , Menuel Stéphane
Published: October 2008

A great variety of mono‐ and polytopic β‐cyclodextrin hosts have been easily synthesized by using the CuI‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Of particular interest for their multibinding properties, dimeric and trimeric CD compounds were obtained by “clicking” mono‐6‐azido‐β‐cyclodextrin derivatives with flexible or rigid dialkynyl spacers. The reaction is general, high‐yielding for some of the synthesized molecules (>80 %) and proceeds under mild conditions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Advances in separation science applied to metabonomics
Authors: Xiayan Li , Legido‐Quigley Cristina
Published: October 2008

Metabonomics focuses on metabolite profile changes in diverse living systems caused by a biological perturbation. These metabolite signatures can be achieved with techniques such as gas chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography (ultra‐high‐performance/pressure liquid chromatography and capHPLC), capillary electrophoresis, and capillary electrochromatography normally hyphenated with MS. In this review we present the latest developments of the abovementioned techniques applied in the field of metabonomics, with applications covering phytochemistry, toxicology and clinical research.
Evaluation of a molecularly imprinted polymer as in‐line concentrator in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Lara Francisco J. , Lynen Fréderic , Sandra Pat , García‐Campaña Ana M. , Alés‐Barrero Fermín
Published: October 2008

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been evaluated as sorbent for the construction of an in‐line solid phase extraction concentrator in capillary electrophoresis to be applied in the monitoring of triazine herbicides: atrazine and its three metabolites, desethylatrazine, desisopropylatrazine and desethyldesisopropylatrazine. Initially, the electrophoretic separation of these compounds was optimized. The electrolyte consists of an aqueous solution of 75 mM phosphoric acid (H3PO4) adjusted to pH 2.1 and containing 0.7 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. After the fabrication and assembly of the concentrator into the capillary, these optimal CE conditions were applied to evaluate the performance of this device. Efficiencies of 40 000–55 000 plates could be achieved and the separation time was around one hour. Different parameters affecting the in‐line molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction in capillary electrophoresis such as composition and volume of the elution plug were optimized. The method was evaluated in terms of linearity, precision and limits of detection and quantification. MIPs were compared with Oasis® hydrophilic‐lipophilic‐balance (HLB) particles for the in‐line coupling of solid‐phase extraction and capillary electrophoresis. The superior selectivity of MIPs is demonstrated through direct injection of a urine sample spiked with 10 μg/mL atrazine, desethylatrazine, desisopropylatrazine and desethyldesisopropylatrazine. Recoveries were between 92 and 102% compared with an aqueous solution.
Preparation and evaluation of butyl acrylate‐based monolithic columns for CEC using ammonium peroxodisulfate as a chemical initiator
Authors: Cantó‐Mirapeix Amparo , Herrero‐Martínez José Manuel , Mongay‐Fernández Carlos , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto F.
Published: October 2008

Acrylate‐ester‐based monoliths for CEC using peroxodisulfate as a chemical initiator were prepared. The influence of two ternary porogenic solvents on the physical and chromatographic properties of butyl acrylate monolithic stationary phases was investigated. The composition and the ratio of porogenic solvent were adjusted to obtain highly permeable rigid monoliths with adequate column efficiency. Among the prepared butyl acrylate monoliths, those polymerized from a ternary porogenic solvent of acetonitrile/ethanol/water exhibited the most promising performance with a minimum plate height for naphthalene of 10.5 µm and a bed permeability of 7.3×10−14 m2. A comparison in terms of efficiency and permeability with thermal and UV initiation using α,α′‐AIBN was also performed. The resulting monolithic stationary phases were evaluated in terms of reproducibility, giving RSD values below 5.1% in the electrochromatographic properties studied.
Sample stacking for the analysis of penicillins by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Huang Hsi‐Ya , Hsieh Shih‐Huan
Published: October 2008

In this study, on‐line sample concentration methods, which coupled field‐amplified sample injection and sweeping technology with MEEKC, were used to detect and analyze eight common penicillin antibiotics (nafcillin, dicloxacillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, penicillin V, cloxacillin, penicillin G, and amoxicillin). During the optimization of field‐amplified sample injection‐sweeping MEEKC, the composition of sample matrix and the length of acidic plug were found to be the predominant influences for penicillin stacking. Both zwitterionic ampicillin and amoxicillin could only be stacked through cation‐selective‐exhaustive‐injection sweeping, whereas the other six penicillin compounds were found to be concentrated by anion‐selective‐exhaustive‐injection sweeping. Hence, in order to simultaneously concentrate the eight penicillins in a single‐run sweeping step, a combination of successive anion‐ and cation‐selective injections was used. When compared with previous CE‐UV methods, the proposed on‐line concentration MEEKC method provided better detection sensitivity and faster separation for these penicillins either in single ion‐selective injection or in successive anion‐/cation‐selective injection where the LODs were in the range of 0.2–2.8 µg/L and 0.5–5.8 µg/L, respectively.
A mesoporous silica nanoparticles immobilized open‐tubular capillary column with a coating of cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenyl‐carbamate) for enantioseparation in CEC
Authors: Dong Xiaoli , Wu Ren'an , Dong Jing , Wu Minghuo , Zhu Yan , Zou Hanfa
Published: October 2008

An approach of immobilizing mobile crystalline material (MCM)‐41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the inner wall of an open‐tubular (OT) capillary as the support for coating chiral selector of cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenyl‐carbamate) (CDMPC) was carried out. By taking advantage of the improved phase ratio of OT capillary with the immobilization of MCM‐41 mesoporous material, the cellulose derivative of CDMPC as the chiral selector was simply coated on the MCM‐41 nanoparticle layer via the hydrogen‐bonding interaction, and the enantioseparation was successively carried out. Eight pairs of acidic, neutral and basic enantiomers were resolved in capillary electrochromatography or capillary liquid chromatography mode. The concentration of CDMPC for coating was systematically investigated to obtain the optimized chromatographic properties on enantioseparation by controlling the supposed film thickness of CDMPC on MCM‐41 nanoparticle layer. Comparing with a bare fused silica capillary column coated with CDMPC under the same coating procedure as MCM‐41‐modified capillary did, the MCM‐41‐modified capillary column offered much higher enantioselectivity. This result indicated the significance of using the mesoporous nanoparticles as the electrochromatographic support to enhance the phase ratio of OT capillary column in capillary electrochromatography and capillary liquid chromatography. For investigating the effect of experimental conditions on the enantioseparation with this prepared OT capillary column, the content of organic modifier acetonitrile in the mobile phase was thus extensively evaluated to achieve a better chiral separation.
Stacking enhanced determination of steroids by CE
Authors: Bykova Liliya , Holland Lisa A.
Published: October 2008

This study outlines a simple method for pH‐mediated stacking of natural and synthetic steroids facilitated with carboxymethyl‐β‐CD. Sample stacking (10 kV, 60 s) is accomplished with 23 mM carboxymethyl‐β‐CD in 50 mM 3‐[cyclohexylamino]‐1‐propanesulfonic acid buffered at pH 10. Following stacking, steroidal compounds are separated in less than 5 min with a running buffer of 13 mM hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD, 30 mM SDS in 200 mM phosphate buffered at pH 2.5. Using a 60 s electrokinetic injection, the limits of detection of estradiol, ethynyl estradiol, estrone, hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and 11‐ketotestosterone range from 2 to 14 nM. For all steroids, the within‐day and day‐to‐day reproducibility in migration time is ≤1 and ≤2% RSD, respectively. The within‐day and day‐to‐day reproducibility in peak area is ≤9 and ≤22% RSD, respectively. The method is applied to fish plasma and holds potential to profile multiple steroids in a single biological sample.
Using multiple PCR and CE with chemiluminescence detection for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified organism
Authors: Guo Longhua , Qiu Bin , Chi Yuwu , Chen Guonan
Published: October 2008

In this paper, an ultrasensitive CE–CL detection system coupled with a novel double‐on‐column coaxial flow detection interface was developed for the detection of PCR products. A reliable procedure based on this system had been demonstrated for qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified organism—the detection of Roundup Ready Soy (RRS) samples was presented as an example. The promoter, terminator, function and two reference genes of RRS were amplified with multiplex PCR simultaneously. After that, the multiplex PCR products were labeled with acridinium ester at the 5′‐terminal through an amino modification and then analyzed by the proposed CE–CL system. Reproducibility of analysis times and peak heights for the CE–CL analysis were determined to be better than 0.91 and 3.07% (RSD, n=15), respectively, for three consecutive days. It was shown that this method could accurately and qualitatively detect RRS standards and the simulative samples. The evaluation in terms of quantitative analysis of RRS provided by this new method was confirmed by comparing our assay results with those of the standard real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐QPCR) using SYBR® Green I dyes. The results showed a good coherence between the two methods. This approach demonstrated the possibility for accurate qualitative and quantitative detection of GM plants in a single run.
Size‐based characterization of nanometric cationic maghemite particles using capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: d'Orlyé Fanny , Varenne Anne , Gareil Pierre
Published: October 2008

Size‐sorted maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) particle populations of number mean solid diameters ranging from 6 to 10 nm were suspended and directly characterized in their stabilizing acidic, citrated or basic aqueous media using CZE coupled with UV detection. Analytical conditions were optimized in order to ensure reliable mobility measurements of these ferrofluids in their anionic and cationic forms. Particular interest has been paid to the investigation of the positively charged ferrofluids since cationic colloids have received little attention so far. A strategy for capillary wall modification was chosen in order to prevent particle adsorption while preserving high analytical performances. The influence of experimental conditions such as particle volume fraction, injection volume, electric field strength and electrolyte nature on electrophoretic profiles and measured electrophoretic mobilities was evaluated. A size‐dependent electrophoretic mobility was demonstrated and discussed in terms of the ratio of the particle radius to Debye length with reference to existing models (Henry, etc.). Although these nanometric particle distributions lie in a very narrow size range, partial separation was obtained with selectivity varying as a function of electrolyte ionic strength.
Chiral separation of dansyl amino acids by ligand exchange capillary electrochromatography in a low molecular weight organogel
Authors: Mizrahi Shaul , Rizkov Dan , Shames Alexander I. , Lev Ovadia
Published: October 2008

Chiral electroseparation is demonstrated, for the first time, by a low molecular weight organogel filled capillary. Five pairs of dansylated amino acids were separated by copper ligand exchange on a trans‐(1S,2S)‐1,2‐bis‐(dodecylamido) cyclohexane (1) gel in methanol. Low molecular weight organogels are emerging materials that form stable, fibrillar, thermoreversible and thixotropic gels without covalent bonding of their monomeric building blocks. The dependence of chiral resolution and complex formation stability on the pH*, the ratio between copper and the D‐valine selector, as well as other parameters were investigated revealing trends that were unparalleled in previously reports on copper ligand exchange of dansylated amino acids. These observations were explained in view of a simple stacking model of (1) and the difference in axial ligation of the amide carbonyl backbone of the gel to the dansyl D‐ or L‐amino acid:D‐valine:copper ternary complexes.
Development of electrophoretically mediated microanalysis method for the kinetics study of flavin‐containing monooxygenase in a partially filled capillary
Authors: Hai Xin , Konečnỳ Jiří , Zeisbergerová Marta , Adams Erwin , Hoogmartens Jos , Schepdael Ann Van
Published: October 2008

An electrophoretically mediated microanalysis method with a partial filling technique was developed for flavin‐containing monooxygenase, form 3 (FMO3). The in‐line enzymatic reaction was performed in 100 mM phosphate reaction buffer (pH 7.4) whereas 150 mM phosphate buffer (pH 3.3) was used as a background electrolyte. A long plug of cofactor NADPH dissolved in reaction buffer was hydrodynamically injected into a fused‐silica capillary, followed by enzyme and substrate solution. The reaction was initiated at 37°C in the thermostated part of the cartridge by the application of 9 kV for 0.9 min. The voltage was turned off to increase the product amount (zero‐potential amplification) and again turned on at a constant voltage of 10 kV to elute all the components. Direct detection was performed at 191 nm. The developed electrophoretically mediated microanalysis method was applied for the kinetics study of FMO3 using clozapine as a substrate probe. A Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of 410.3 µM was estimated from the corrected peak area of the product, clozapine N‐oxide. The calculated value of the maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) was found to be 1.86 nmol/nmol enzyme/min. The acquired FMO3 kinetic parameters are in accordance with the published literature data.
Retention of proteins and metalloproteins in open tubular capillary electrochromatography with etched chemically modified columns
Authors: Pesek Joseph J. , Matyska Maria T. , Salgotra Vasudha
Published: October 2008

Etched chemically modified capillaries with two different bonded groups (pentyl and octadecyl) are compared for their migration behavior of several common proteins and metalloproteins as well as metalloproteinases. Migration times, efficiency and peak shape are evaluated over the pH range of 2.1–8.1 to determine any effects of the bonded group on the electrochromatographic behavior of these compounds. One goal was to determine if the relative hydrophobicity of the stationary phase has a significant effect on proteins in the open tubular format of capillary electrochromatography as it does in HPLC. Reproducibility of the migration times is also investigated.
Use of a heterogeneous buffer combination in microchip electrophoresis for high‐resolution separation by on‐line concentration of DNA samples
Authors: Nagata Hideya , Ishikawa Mitsuru , Yoshida Yuichiro , Tanaka Yoshio , Hirano Ken
Published: October 2008

We have developed a novel high‐resolution separation technique of DNA fragments in a heterogeneous combination of a sample buffer and a separation buffer. The use of a heterogeneous buffer combination is a simple method for on‐line concentration of DNA fragments, in which a sample buffer is simply exchanged with one including taurine anions. The mobility of taurine anions, co‐ions for DNA, is lower than the that of acetate anions in a separation buffer. The difference in the mobility invokes transient isotachophoresis. The current technique allows DNA fragments to be effectively concentrated and the separation length of microchips to be shorter than that of conventional ones by a factor of three without deterioration in separation resolution and any modification of a chip design. Fragments of 100‐bp DNA ladders (100–1000 bp) were separated with high resolution (0.72–10.7) within 60 s with a 10 mm separation length on a polymethyl methacrylate chip. Furthermore, fragments of 10‐bp DNA ladders (10–330 bp) were separated with high resolution (0.69–2.00) with a 10 mm separation length within 50 s without band broadening. The current achievements will make it possible to fabricate compact devices for microchip electrophoresis.
Chemometrical examination of active parameters and interactions in flow injection‐capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Dahdouh Froseen T. , Clarke Keith , Salgado Marisol , Hanrahan Grady , Gomez Frank A.
Published: October 2008

The first detailed examination of flow injection‐capillary electrophoresis (FI‐CE) active parameters and their interactions via response surface methodology (RSM) is presented. Specifically, RSM in the form of a Box–Behnken design was implemented to effectively predict the significance of capillary length, voltage and injection volume on the optimization of an in‐house built FI‐CE analyzer. Initial studies were performed assessing peak height and peak shape of the model compound N,N‐dimethylformamide. Optimum model conditions were then derived and used in the model separation of two small molecules, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (NADH) and benzenesulfonamide. By implementing the RSM approach, detailed examination of active FI‐CE parameters was possible, including the ability to reveal a significant interactive effect. This work is not only highly significant for advancing FI‐CE developments, but instructive for investigators actively exploring other coupled analytical techniques and associated experimental parameters.
Evaluation of carrier ampholyte‐based capillary electrophoresis for separation of peptides and peptide mimetics
Authors: Koval Dušan , Busnel Jean‐Marc , Hlaváček Jan , Jiráček Jiří , Kašička Václav , Peltre Gabriel
Published: October 2008

Carrier ampholyte‐based capillary electrophoresis (CABCE) has recently been introduced as an alternative to CE (CZE) in the classical buffers. In this study, isoelectric BGEs were obtained by fractionation of Servalyt pH 4–9 carrier ampholytes to cuts of typical width of 0.2 pH unit. CABCE feasibility was examined on a series of insect oostatic peptides, i.e. proline‐rich di‐ to decapeptides, and phosphinic pseudopeptides – tetrapeptide mimetics synthesized as a mixture of four diastereomers having the –P(O)(OH)–CH2– moiety embedded into the peptide backbone. With identical selectivity, the separation efficiency of CABCE proved to be as good as classical CE for the insect oostatic peptides and better for diastereomers of the phosphinic pseudopeptides. In addition, despite the numerous species present in the narrow pH cuts of carrier ampholytes, CABCE seems to be free of system zones that could hamper the analysis. Peak symmetry was good for moderately to low mobile peptides, whereas some peak distortion due to electromigration dispersion, was observed for short peptides of rather high mobility.
Carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as immobilized stationary phase in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Sombra Lorena , Moliner‐Martínez Yolanda , Cárdenas Soledad , Valcárcel Miguel
Published: October 2008

Carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWNT) have been immobilized into a fused‐silica capillary for capillary electrochromatography. The c‐MWNT were successfully incorporated after the silanization and coupling with glutaraldehyde on the inner surface of the capillary. The electrochromatographic features of the c‐MWNT immobilized stationary phase have been evaluated for the analysis of different compounds of pharmaceutical interest. The results indicated high electrochromatographic resolution, good capillary efficiency and retention factors. In addition, highly reproducible results between runs, days and capillaries were obtained.
Development of a capillary electrophoresis‐based assay of sirtuin enzymes
Authors: Fan Yi , Ludewig Ronny , Imhof Diana , Scriba Gerhard K. E.
Published: October 2008

Sirtuins are a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent enzymes catalyzing the deacetylation of acetyl‐lysine residues of histones and other proteins. Three 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)‐labeled peptide substrates derived from the amino acid sequence of p53, i.e. Fmoc‐KK(Ac)‐NH2, Fmoc‐KK(Ac)L‐NH2 and Fmoc‐RHKK(Ac)‐NH2, were synthesized and evaluated as substrates of the human isoenzyme SIRT1. The acetylated and respective deacetylated peptides as well as nicotinamide as the reaction product of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide were separated by capillary electrophoresis in a fused‐silica capillary using 200 mM phosphate‐Tris buffer, pH 2.7. Sodium hydroxide‐mediated sample stacking was performed in order to overcome peak asymmetry due to the high salt and acid content of the sample as well as to enhance UV detection sensitivity. The assay was subsequently validated. Upon incubation of the acetylated peptides for 60 min in the presence of 2.5 U of SIRT1 at least 87% of the peptides was deacetylated, indicating that the new derivatives are efficient substrates of the enzyme.
Cross validation of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in community dwelling older adults residing in the Southeastern US
Authors: Luis Cheryl A. , Keegan Andrew P. , Mullan Michael
Published: October 2008

Objective

Cross validation study of the MoCA for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in a community‐based cohort residing in the Southeastern United States.

Methods

One hundred and eighteen English‐speaking older adults, who underwent diagnostic evaluation as part of an on‐going prospective study, were administered the MoCA and MMSE. Twenty were diagnosed with AD, 24 met criteria for amnestic MCI and 74 were considered cognitively normal. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated using the recommended cut‐off scores and ROC curve analyses were performed to determine optimal sensitivity and specificity. The influence of age, education and gender on MoCA score was also examined.

Results

Using a cut‐off score of 24 or below, the MMSE was insensitive to cognitive impairment. Using the recommended cut‐off score of 26, the MoCA detected 97% of those with cognitive impairment but specificity was fair (35%). Using a lower cut‐off score of 23, the MoCA exhibited excellent sensitivity (96%) and specificity (95%).

Conclusion

The MoCA appears to have utility as a cognitive screen for early detection of AD and for MCI and warrants further investigation regarding its applicability in primary care settings, varying ethnic groups, and younger at‐risk individuals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered chromatin modifications in AML1/RUNX1 breakpoint regions involved in (8;21) translocation
Authors: Stuardo Marcela , Martinez Milka , Hidalgo Karla , Montecino Martin , Javed Amjad , Lian Jane B. , Stein Gary S. , Stein Janet L. , Gutiérrez Soraya E.
Published: October 2008

The RUNX1/AML1 gene is the most frequent target for chromosomal translocation, and often identified as a site for reciprocal rearrangement of chromosomes 8 and 21 in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. Virtually all chromosome translocations in leukemia show no consistent homologous sequences at the breakpoint regions. However, specific chromatin elements (DNase I and topoisomerase II cleavage) have been found at the breakpoints of some genes suggesting that structural motifs are determinant for the double strand DNA‐breaks. We analyzed the chromatin organization at intron 5 of the RUNX1 gene where all the sequenced breakpoints involved in t(8;21) have been mapped. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays we show that chromatin organization at intron 5 of the RUNX1 gene is different in HL‐60 and HeLa cells. Two distinct features mark the intron 5 in cells expressing RUNX1: a complete lack or significantly reduced levels of Histone H1 and enrichment of hyperacetylated histone H3. Strikingly, induction of DNA damage resulted in formation of t(8;21) in HL‐60 but not in HeLa cells. Taken together, our results suggest that H1 depletion and/or histone H3 hyperacetylation may have a linkage with an increase susceptibility of specific chromosomal regions to undergo translocations. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 343–349, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Native ion current coupled to purinergic activation via basal and mechanically induced ATP release inxenopusfollicles
Authors: Saldaña Carlos , Garay Edith , Rangel Gisela Edith , Reyes Luis Manuel , Arellano Rogelio O.
Published: October 2008

Xenopusfollicle‐enclosed oocytes are endowed with purinergic receptors located in the follicular cell membrane; their stimulation by ATP elicits an electrical response that includes generation of a fast inward current (FCl) carried by Cl−. Here, it was found that mechanical stimulation of the follicle provoked a native electrical response namedImec. This was dependent on coupling between oocyte and follicular cells, becauseImecwas eliminated by enzymatic defolliculation or application of uncoupling drugs, such as heptanol or carbenoxolone. Moreover, the characteristics ofImecsuggested that it corresponded with opening of the Cl−channel involved inFCl. For example,Imecshowed cross‐talk with the membrane mechanism that activates theFClresponse and anionic selectivity similar to that displayed byFCl. Also likeFCl,Imecwas independent of extracellular or intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore,Imecwas inhibited by superfusion with a purinergic antagonist, suramin, or by an enzyme that rapidly hydrolyzes ATP, apyrase. The response to mechanical stimulation was reconstituted in defolliculated oocytes expressing P2X channels as an ATP sensor. Recently, it has been shown that ATP release from theXenopusoocyte is triggered by mechanical stimulation. Together, these observations seemed to indicate thatImecis activated through a mechanism that involves oocyte release of ATP that diffuses and activates purinergic receptors in follicular cells, with subsequent opening ofFClchannels. Thus,Imecgeneration disclosed a paracrine communication system via ATP between the oocyte and its companion follicular cells that might be of physiological importance during the growth and development of the gamete. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 355–365, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Affinity purification and characterization of an anti‐PEG IgM
Authors: Ehrlich George K. , Michel Hanspeter , Chokshi Hitesh P. , Malick A. Waseem
Published: October 2008

Anti‐PEG IgM was purified by affinity chromatography using variable length PEG chains (5, 10, 20 and 30 kDa) as affinity ligands. Maximal binding of anti‐PEG IgM was observed using the 30 kDa PEG‐derivatized NuGel (single passage). Purified anti‐PEG IgM was characterized for binding to PEG functionalized proteins/peptides by surface plasmon resonance, western blotting and ELISA. Anti‐PEG IgM, in solution and adsorbed on 20 kDa PEG‐derivatized NuGel, was subjected to pepsin digestion followed by affinity chromatography. SDS–PAGE analysis of eluates in both preparations yielded one fragment that was similar in size. However, an additional lower molecular weight band was observed in solution‐digested affinity purified material that was not present in the eluate from the material subjected to pepsin digestion on the affinity matrix. The lower MW fragment could be eluted under milder conditions, suggesting loss of binding multiplicity. Analysis by mass spectrometry yielded molecular weights of 132 kDa (both) and 82 kDa (solution) for the respective fragments. N‐terminal sequencing of both fragments resulted in primary sequences (heavy and light chains) that were not only identical to each other but also to those of native IgM. The anti‐PEG IgM fragments were characterized for binding to pegylated interferon alfa‐2a by ELISA. The results from these studies suggest that affinity purified anti‐PEG IgM and fragments can be used as probes in detection assays for PEG functionalized biotherapeutics in pre‐clinical and clinical studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The coupled seasonal hindcasts of the South American monsoon
Authors: Misra Vasubandhu , Marx L.
Published: October 2008

A small set of seasonal hindcasts of the South American monsoon (SAM) from the Center for Ocean‐Land‐Atmosphere Studies (COLA) climate model is compared with a multi‐decadal integration from the same model. It is shown that there are broad similarities in the December‐January‐February mean precipitation bias over continental South America, which comprise of the dry (wet) bias over central Amazon, northern South America (central Andes and south‐east Brazil) in the seasonal hindcasts and in the long‐term simulation. Furthermore, both types of model integrations underestimate (overestimate) the strong (weak) precipitation events over the core region of the SAM. In terms of interannual variability, seasonal hindcasts and the multi‐decadal simulation show reasonably similar results. However, the spin‐down of the moisture field in the seasonal hindcasts is evident in its distribution of the daily precipitation over the SAM core region. It is also found that in the multi‐decadal integration owing to model drift, the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) gradient in the Atlantic Ocean north of the equator is so reduced that results in a weaker low‐level cross‐equatorial flow into the SAM region compared to either the seasonal hindcasts or the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis.

We then repeated the coupled seasonal hindcasts separately with higher horizontal and vertical resolutions of the atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) to assess their impact on the SAM climate and its variations. It is shown that a higher horizontal resolution does not significantly improve the precipitation climatology and its interannual variability over continental South America. However, there are some marginal improvements in the frequency of occurrence of heavy precipitation events in the core region of the SAM at higher horizontal resolutions. The higher vertical resolution of the AGCM did not show a comparable benefit as the higher horizontal resolution on the SAM precipitation. However, some of the largest precipitation errors, especially over the north‐eastern part of continental South America, over the Atlantic inter‐tropical convergence zone and over the central Andes remain in all resolution experiments conducted in this study. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Tourism demand response by residents of Latin American countries
Authors: Vanegas Manuel
Published: October 2008

A general‐to‐specific methodology was used to build international tourism demand models by residents from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela to Aruba. We seek to evaluate demand parameters, especially elasticity values, which were disaggregated on a country‐to‐country basis. We also aim to learn more about the structure and important variables and investigate the process of adjustment. The study has provided new and compelling evidence that, in the short run, residents in developing countries respond rationally and substantially to economic stimulus. The short‐run income elasticity ranges from the low of 1.52 for Venezuela to the high of 2.34 for Argentina. These results indicate that Aruba will benefit differently from income increases in these four Latin American countries. The coefficients of the price variable had the expected negative signs, inelastic in the short‐run for all countries but significant at the 5% level for Venezuela only. Any deliberate effort to expand tourist arrivals will require a much larger decline in prices than would be the case in the presence of short‐run elastic response. The adjustment elasticity, being less than one, suggests that a period of more than one year is required for Latin American residents to fully adjust their tourism decisions in response to demand shocks. This study would seem to provide some useful information about international tourism demand from developing to developing countries that could form a very good and solid basis for analyses and policy action. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Students' travel behaviour: a cross‐cultural comparison of UK and China
Authors: Xu Feifei , Morgan Michael , Song Ping
Published: October 2008

This paper compares the travel behaviour and attitudes of two different nationalities of undergraduate students from the United Kingdom and China. The survey did find some similarities between the two. Both groups enjoyed beach holidays, and placed importance on having fun and relaxing after their studies. Both were motivated to discover somewhere new and both preferred to eat the local food of the destination. In other ways, the two groups showed significant differences. The Chinese students thought it more important to see the famous sights and learn about other cultures and history, while the British were more concerned to have fun, to socialise and enjoy the challenges of outdoor adventure. These differences were found to exist in both male and female groups. The paper discusses the extent to which these differences could be explained by cultural factors as opposed to market factors or the students' previous experience in their travel career. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of service performance and destination resources on consumer behaviour: a case study of mainland Chinese tourists to Kinmen
Authors: Chen Chien Min , Chen Sheu Hua , Lee Hong Tau
Published: October 2008

This paper draws upon the responses of 603 mainland Chinese tourists in Kinmen and attempts to understand their consumer behavior on the aspects of intentions, preferences, decision‐making process, satisfaction, and willingness to revisit. Variables such as service performance and destination resources that affect visitor's satisfaction are also tested. The findings reflect a ‘myth of mysteriousness’ of mainland Chinese visitors to the destination and suggest that it is essential for the market segmentation to participate in the tourism planning of Kinmen to develop an integrated policy for promotion and marketing, in order to enhance consumers' interest. In addition, this research has implications for tourism planning in Kinmen and provides references for other destinations striving for tourists from mainland China. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond sustainability: optimising island tourism development
Authors: Lim Charles C. , Cooper Chris
Published: October 2008

This paper aims to identify the current challenges facing the sustainable development of island tourism and to develop a new conceptual approach to sustainable development based upon optimisation. The optimisation process for island tourism will be discussed through the development of a new life cycle model — the multifunctional interactive process cycle that is calibrated using a set of 15 island tourism status indicators. The paper also seeks to explain how a complex and dynamic tourism system can be developed that takes a destination towards an optimal sustainable state to satisfy both visitors and the local community. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourism product and service innovation to avoid ‘strategic drift’
Authors: Dwyer Larry , Edwards Deborah
Published: October 2008

Dealing with change in the external environment creates substantial challenges for tourism managers. Given the complexity of strategy formulation it is difficult for managers to analyse all aspects of their environment or establish precise objectives, consequently business strategies tend to be characterised by small strategic adjustments or ‘incrementalism’. However, these marginal adjustments of strategy within an organisation's existing culture may lead to strategic drift reflecting strategies that are inconsistent with changes taking place in the external environment. The paper begins with a brief overview of the global trends that comprise the remote environment of tourism organisations. It argues that the standard response of tourism organisations to changes in the remote environment can be characterised as ‘strategic incrementalism’. The paper also addresses the concern that strategic incrementalism can give rise to ‘strategic drift’. In the face of changing global trends the paper explores some of the barriers that must be overcome, discussing seven areas of importance on which managers can focus to assist them to avoid strategic drift. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.