bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A latent growth‐curve approach to difficult temperament
Authors: Partridge Ty , Lerner Jacqueline V.
Published: June 2007

A purported hallmark of temperament characteristics is that they appear very early in the course of development and are persistent across time and situation. There is, however, a small, but growing cadre of research findings that question this traditional view. It may be that temperament characteristics are not necessarily established during the first few months of development or are not stable over time. A secondary analysis of the New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS) temperament data was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that temperament has a complex developmental course over the first five years of development. A latent growth curve analysis of difficult temperament suggests that temperament development follows a non‐linear trajectory. This finding, in concert with related findings, suggests the need for a broader discussion of the possible developmental processes that underlie these patterns. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fathers' parenting hassles and coping: associations with emotional expressiveness and their sons' socioemotional competence
Authors: Foster Phillip A. , Reese‐Weber Marla , Kahn Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2007

The present study examined fathers' daily parenting hassles and coping strategies to (a) determine their association with fathers' emotional expressiveness and (b) predict their sons' development of socioemotional competence. Fathers of 148 preschool‐aged boys reported on their parenting hassles, coping strategies, and emotional expressiveness; mothers also reported on fathers' emotional expressiveness; and teachers reported on boys' socioemotional competence. Parenting hassles were associated with less rational, more emotional, and more avoidance coping as well as negative emotional expressiveness. More emotional and less rational coping responses were related to more negative expressiveness, whereas more rational, more emotional, and less coping were related to more positive expressiveness. Fathers' negative expressiveness was predictive of their sons being rated as more aggressive and disruptive by their teachers. In addition, fathers' parenting hassles and coping both predicted teacher ratings of their sons' aggressiveness. Implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint attention and object learning in 5‐ and 7‐month‐old infants
Authors: Cleveland Allison , Schug Mariah , Striano Tricia
Published: June 2007

We examined the effects of joint attention for object learning in 5‐ and 7‐month‐old infants. Infants interacted with an adult social partner who taught them about a novel toy in two conditions. In the Joint Attention condition, the adult spoke about the toy while alternating gaze between the infant and the toy, while in the Object Only condition, the adult looked to the toy and to a spot on the ceiling, but never at the infant. In the test trials following each social interaction, we presented infants with the ‘familiarization’ toy and a novel toy, and monitored looking times to each object. We found that 7‐month‐olds looked significantly longer to the novel toy following the Joint Attention relative to the Object Only condition, while 5‐month‐old infants did not show a significant difference across conditions. We interpret these results to suggest that joint attention facilitated 7‐month‐old infants' encoding of information about the familiarization object. Implications for the ontogeny of infant learning in joint attention contexts are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infant touching behaviour during mother–infant face‐to‐face interactions
Authors: Moszkowski Robin J. , Stack Dale M.
Published: June 2007

The study of infant communication during mother–infant interactions has largely focused on infants' distal behaviours, while neglecting their more proximal behaviours, such as touch. Yet, touch is an important modality through which infants and mothers communicate; it is also a vital means through which infants self‐regulate and explore their surroundings. The present study was designed to investigate the touching behaviours of 44, 51/2‐month‐old, healthy, full‐term infants during face‐to‐face mother–infant interactions. A still‐face (SF) procedure was used in order to examine differences in the types and locations of infant touch across normal and perturbed interaction periods, when mothers exhibit changes in their emotional availability. Results revealed that infant touch varied with changes in maternal availability. During the SF period, when mothers were unavailable, infants used more active, soothing, and reactive tactile behaviours (stroke, finger, pat, and pull), and they spent more time touching themselves. In contrast, infants used mostly passive touch (static) during the Normal periods, when their mothers were available. They also spent a significant portion of time touching their mothers. The variations in infant touch across periods suggest that infants communicate their affective states through touch. The findings also support the regulatory and exploratory roles of infant touch, especially during periods of maternal unavailability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human sodium iodide symporter gene adjunctive radiotherapy to enhance the preventive effect of hMUC1 DNA vaccine
Authors: Jeon Yong Hyun , Choi Yun , Kim Hyun Joo , Kim Chul Woo , Jeong Jae Min , Lee Dong Soo , Chung June‐Key
Published: June 2007

We demonstrate the use of combination therapy to overcome the limitations of cancer DNA vaccines by adding radioiodine gene therapy in an animal cancer model. We established a stable cell line (CT26/hMUC1‐hNIS‐Fluc: CMNF) expressing the hMUC1, hNIS and Fluc genes using a retro‐ and lentivirus system. The survival rates (%) of CMNF cells were determined using clonogenic assays after 131I treatment. After i.m. immunization to 4 groups of Balb/c mice (pcDNA3.1, pcDNA3.1+131I, pcDNA3‐hMUC1+PBS and pcDNA3‐hMUC1+131I groups) with pcDNA3‐hMUC1 or pcDNA3.1 once a week for 2 weeks, 1 × 105 CMNF cells were injected s.c. into the right thighs of mice in each group. Twenty‐one days after tumor transplantation, 131I was administered i.p. to the pcDNA3.1+131I and pcDNA3‐hMUC1+ 131I groups. Tumor progression was monitored in the 4 groups by bioluminescent and scintigraphic imaging and by taking caliper measurements. Tumor masses were extracted and weighted at 39 days post‐tumor challenge. We confirmed that CMNF cells highly express hMUC1, hNIS and Fluc by FACS, 125I uptake, and luciferase assay. The survival rates of CMNF were markedly reduced to (14.6 ± 1.5)% after 131I treatment compared with the survival rates of parental cells (p < 0.001). Tumor growth inhibition was significant only in the pcDNA3‐hMUC1+ 131I group at 39 days post challenge. Tumor masses in pcDNA3‐hMUC1+ 131I group were smaller than those of the other groups. This study shows that the weak preventive effects of cancer DNA vaccine can be overcome by radioiodine gene therapy utilizing sodium iodide symporter. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus triage of women with persistent borderline or mildly dyskaryotic smears: Comparison of costs and side effects of three alternative strategies
Authors: Rebolj Matejka , Bais Aagje G. , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , Boer Rob , Meerding Willem‐Jan , Helmerhorst Theo J.M. , Habbema J. Dik F.
Published: June 2007

The conventional direct referral to colposcopy of persistent borderline or mildly dyskaryotic (BMD) smears in cervical cancer screening leads to considerable unnecessary referrals and associated anxiety and costs. This may be improved by including testing for oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) in the triage. We assessed costs and side effects (referrals, treatments and time in follow‐up) for 3 possible HPV triage strategies (immediate HPV testing, a 6‐month delay in HPV testing, a 2‐stage combination of both) and compared them with the conventional strategy. The assessments are based on recent Dutch data from various national databases and trials. We estimated that the referral rate could be reduced by 49, 58 and 58% with immediate, delayed and 2‐stage HPV testing, respectively. As a consequence, the average length of follow‐up, as well as average costs, also decrease. Therefore, we advocate including HPV testing before referring to colposcopy. Among the 3 HPV strategies, analysis of additional aspects favors implementation of immediate HPV testing. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective study of urinary excretion of 7‐methylguanine and the risk of lung cancer: Effect modification by mu class glutathione‐S‐transferases
Authors: Loft Steffen , Svoboda Peter , Kasai Hiroshi , Tjønneland Anne , Møller Peter , Sørensen Mette , Overvad Kim , Autrup Herman , Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole
Published: June 2007

Nitrosamines are mainly mutagenic through methylation of DNA. 7‐Methylguanine (m7Gua) is a product of base excision repair and spontaneous depurination of such lesions in DNA and a metabolite from RNA. Associations between urinary excretion of m7Gua and risk of lung cancer were examined in a population‐based cohort of 25,717 men and 27,972 women aged 50–64 years. During 3–7 years follow‐up 260 cases with lung cancer were identified and a subcohort of 263 individuals matched on sex, age and smoking duration was selected for comparison. Urine collected at entry was analyzed for m7Gua by HPLC. Effect modification by glutathione‐S‐transferases GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTT1 and GSTP1 was investigated. We found higher excretion of m7Gua among current smokers than among former smokers. The IRR (incidence rate ratio) of lung cancer was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.00–1.43) per doubling of m7Gua excretion in unadjusted analysis and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.93–1.35) after adjustment for smoking status, intensity and duration at entry. This association was mainly present among current smokers. Comparing the highest with the lowest tertile of m7Gua excretion the IRR of lung cancer was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.04–2.95) irrespective of genotype and 2.75 (95% CI: 1.33–5.81) in subjects with GSTM1 null genotype. If not caused by residual confounding by smoking a possible association between m7Gua excretion and lung cancer supports the importance of methylation of guanine. The finding of an association between m7Gua excretion and lung cancer risk mainly among current smokers and subjects with GSTM1 null genotype supports causality in this respect. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormal expression of M1/MUC5AC mucin in distal colon of patients with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and cancer
Authors: Forgue‐Lafitte Marie‐Elisabeth , Fabiani Bettina , Levy Pierre P. , Maurin Nicole , Fléjou Jean‐François , Bara Jacques
Published: June 2007

The abnormal expression of gastric M1/MUC5AC mucin in precancerous lesions and colon cancer evidenced by immunohistochemistry led us to check for its presence in the mucus obtained directly from patients undergoing surgery for cancerous (adenocarcinoma) or inflammatory (diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis) diseases. In parallel, the authors quantified aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and their immunolabelling by M1/MUC5AC in mucosae of cancer and diverticulitis patients. Immuno‐Radio‐Metric Assay of M1/MUC5AC mucin developed by the authors was used to detect M1/MUC5AC mucin in the colonic mucus scraped from surgical specimens. M1/MUC5AC mucin was detected in the mucus of 51/69 (74%) patients with colon adenocarcinoma, versus 7/27 (26%) patients with diverticulitis (threshold: 30 units of M1 mucin per mg protein, area under ROC curve: 0.80). M1/MUC5AC was present in significantly (p < 0.001) larger amounts in the mucus of cancer versus diverticulitis patients. All (10/10) patients with ulcerative colitis tested showed levels above the threshold and their mucosae were strongly labelled with the anti‐M1/MUC5AC antibody by immunohistochemistry. Patients with cancer exhibited 3 fold more ACF than those with diverticulitis, but no significant difference was observed in the mean size and M1/MUC5AC expression pattern of ACF between these two groups. The expression of M1/MUC5AC was in correlation with their size. In macroscopically normal mucosa, ACF were the most important source of M1/MUC5AC mucin. Testing of M1/MUC5AC can enhance the detection of precancerous lesions and colon cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Camptothecin‐induced apoptosis is enhanced by Myc and involves PKCdelta signaling
Authors: Albihn Ami , Mo Hao , Yang Ying , Henriksson Marie
Published: June 2007

The MYC oncogene is frequently deregulated in human tumors, indicative of a poor prognosis because of enhanced resistance to treatment. In such cases, the cellular sensitivity to chemotherapy could be restored by reactivation of Myc‐driven apoptosis. We have analyzed apoptosis induced by the cytotoxic agents camptothecin (CPT) and paclitaxel (PTX) using Rat1 fibroblasts with different c‐myc status and human Tet21N neuroblastoma cells with conditional MYCN expression. In these cell lines, the drug sensitivity was enhanced by Myc in line with previous reports showing that Myc sensitizes to apoptosis induction by many different apoptosis inducers. CPT‐induced apoptosis involved cleavage and activation of proapoptotic Bid and Bax, induction of mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, protein kinase c delta (PKCδ) signaling and upregulation of p53. We also observed reduced transcriptional activity by Myc and other transcription factors in response to CPT. In contrast, the manner by which Myc potentiates the apoptosis induced by PTX differs from that of CPT and remains to be explored. In summary, our findings revealed that activation of PKCδ in response to CPT treatment requires Myc and is important in CPT‐mediated apoptosis signaling. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of tumorigenic retinal stem‐like cells in human solid retinoblastomas
Authors: Zhong Xiufeng , Li Yongping , Peng Fuhua , Huang Bing , Lin Jianxian , Zhang Wenxin , Zheng Jianliang , Jiang Ruzhang , Song Ge , Ge Jian
Published: June 2007

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common malignant tumor of the retina in human children. Although it has been hypothesized for a long time that RB derives from multipotent retinal stem cells (RSCs) or retinoblasts, the direct evidence that the presence of tumorigenic RSCs in RB tumors is still lacking. Some studies indicate that malignant tumors contain tumor stem cells similar to their normal tissue stem cell counterparts. With in vitro culture and differentiation method we demonstrate that tumorigenic retinal stem‐like cells (RSLCs) indeed exist in RB lesions and that RB tumor‐derived cultures encompass undifferentiated cells capable of extensive proliferation as clonal nonadherent neurospheres and can differentiate into different retinal cells in vitro. Interestingly, cultured cells expressed retinal development related genes including nestin, CD133, pax6, chx10 and Rx, and overexpressed Bmi‐1, a gene required for self‐renewal and proliferation of stem cells. Significantly, when these cultured cells were intraocularly transplanted into SCID mice, they gave rise to new tumors with histomorphological features and immunophenotypes similar to their parental primary RBs. The results show that RBs contain tumorigenic RSLCs that contribute to tumorigenesis. This study provides a new insight to investigate the histogenesis of RBs and establishes a model for other RB research. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased expression of the inflammatory protein YKL‐40 in precancers of the breast
Authors: Qin Wenyi , Zhu Weizhu , Schlatter Lisa , Miick Ronald , Loy Timothy S. , Atasoy Ulus , Hewett John E. , Sauter Edward R.
Published: June 2007

Serum levels of YKL‐40 have been associated with inflammatory diseases and breast cancer. Our purpose was to determine if YKL‐40 in breast tissue, nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) and serum is (i) concentrated in NAF compared to matched serum, (ii) increased in the NAF, serum or tissue of women with biopsy proven precancer or cancer compared to healthy women and (iii) influenced by menopausal status. 118 women (61 healthy subjects, 10 with precancer and 47 with breast cancer) aged 17–95 years provided NAF with or without serum samples for analysis. Matched tissue was analyzed from a subset of subjects who underwent breast biopsy. All NAF and serum samples had detectable levels of YKL‐40. Median YKL‐40 levels for the entire cohort were 683 fold higher in NAF than serum. Premenopausal subjects had higher NAF and lower serum levels of YKL‐40 than postmenopausal subjects. YKL‐40 levels in NAF but not serum were higher in women with precancer (atypical hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ) than in either healthy subjects (p = 0.025) or subjects with breast cancer (p = 0.015). In women with precancer, YKL‐40 distribution in tissue correlated with YKL serum level (p = 0.043). YKL‐40 is concentrated in NAF, with the highest concentrations in premenopausal women. NAF levels of YKL‐40 are significantly higher in women with precancers than healthy subjects, suggesting that measuring YKL‐40 in NAF may improve the identification of women at increased breast cancer risk. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The traditional Chinese herbal compound rocaglamide preferentially induces apoptosis in leukemia cells by modulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase activities
Authors: Zhu Jia Y. , Lavrik Inna N. , Mahlknecht Ulrich , Giaisi Marco , Proksch Peter , Krammer Peter H. , Li‐Weber Min
Published: June 2007

With an increasing cancer rate worldwide, there is an urgent quest for the improvement of anticancer drugs. One of the main problems of present chemotherapy in treatment of tumor patients is the toxicity of drugs. Most of the existent anticancer drugs, unfortunately, attack also proliferating normal cells. In recent years, traditional Chinese herbal remedies have gradually gained considerable attention as a new source of anticancer drugs. Although their healing mechanisms are still largely unknown, some of the drugs have been used to help cancer patients fight their disease at reduced side effects compared to other treatments. In our study, we show that Rocaglamide (Roc), derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal plants Aglaia, induces apoptosis through the intrinsic death pathway in various human leukemia cell lines and in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia cells freshly isolated from patients. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms by which Roc kills tumors revealed that it induces a consistent activation of the stress‐response mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 accompanied with a long‐term suppression of the survival MAPK extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. These events affect proapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins leading to depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and trigger caspase‐mediated apoptosis involving caspase‐9, ‐8, ‐3 and ‐2. Importantly, Roc shows no effects on MAPKs in normal lymphocytes and therefore has no or very low toxicity on healthy cells. Up to now, more than 50 different Roc derivatives have been isolated from Aglaia. Our study suggests that Roc derivatives may be promising candidates for the development of new drugs against hematologic malignancies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capital market integration, currency crises, and exchange rate regimes 1990–2002
Authors: Clark Ephraim , Zenaidi Amel , Trabelsi Monia Gharbi
Published: June 2007

The international capital market integration and currency crises of the last decade have renewed the debate on optimal exchange rate regimes. Research is mixed regarding what their effect has been on the system of exchange rate regimes and the anchor currencies at the centre of the system. The debate is complicated by growing empirical evidence that the de jure regimes announced by governments often differ from the de facto regimes that are actually applied. In this paper we divide the period 1990–2002 according to the major crises and use the generalized method of moments to identify the individual de facto regimes and relevant anchor currencies for each sub‐period. We find that although intermediate regimes as a percentage of the overall database remained stable over the three periods, the type of peg and anchor currencies varied considerably. Pegs on a single currency fell from 62% of the sample in the first period to 49% in the second period, then rose to 66% in the third period. Basket pegs rose from 33% in the first period to 51% in the second period and back to 34% in the third period. Independent floats disappeared after the first period. When we group countries according to their access to capital markets, we find that all nine of the developed countries in the sample followed some type of intermediate regime for all three periods. We also find a trend towards hard pegs in the group of countries that has managed to increase its integration in the international capital markets. Our results also suggest that the US dollar remains the main anchor currency in the international financial system, even after the major currency crises and the rise of the euro. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scaffold's surface geometry significantly affects human stem cell bone tissue engineering
Authors: Graziano Antonio , d'Aquino Riccardo , Angelis Maria Gabriella Cusella‐De , De Francesco Francesco , Giordano Antonio , Laino Gregorio , Piattelli Adriano , Traini Tonino , De Rosa Alfredo , Papaccio Gianpaolo
Published: June 2007

In this study, we have observed dental pulp stem cells (SBP‐DPSCs) performances on different scaffolds, such as PLGA 85:15, hydroxyapatite chips (HA) and titanium. Stem cells were challenged with each engineered surface, either in plane cultures or in a rotating apparatus, for a month. Gingival fibroblasts were used as controls. Results showed that stem cells exerted a different response, depending on the different type of textured surface: in fact, microconcavities significantly affected SBP‐DPSC differentiation into osteoblasts, both temporally and quantitatively, with respect to the other textured surfaces. Actually, stem cells challenged with concave surfaces differentiated quicker and showed nuclear polarity, an index of secretion, cellular activity and matrix formation. Moreover, bone‐specific proteins were significantly expressed and the obtained bone tissue was of significant thickness. Thus, cells cultured on the concave textured surface had better cell‐scaffold interactions and were induced to secrete factors that, due to their autocrine effects, quickly lead to osteodifferentiation, bone tissue formation, and vascularization. The worst cell performance was obtained using convex surfaces, due to the scarce cell proliferation on to the scaffold and the poor matrix secretion. In conclusion, this study stresses that for a suitable and successful bone tissue reconstruction the surface texture is of paramount importance. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:166–172, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Akt2 is implicated in skeletal muscle differentiation and specifically binds Prohibitin2/REA
Authors: Héron‐Milhavet Lisa , Mamaeva Daria , Rochat Anne , Lamb Ned J.C. , Fernandez Anne
Published: June 2007

Akt1 and Akt2 are the major isoforms of Akt expressed in muscle cells and muscle tissue. We have performed siRNA silencing of Akt1 and Akt2 in C2 myoblasts to characterize their specific implication in muscle differentiation. Whereas silencing Akt2, and not Akt1, inhibited cell cycle exit and myoblast differentiation, Akt2 overexpression led to an increased proportion of differentiated myoblasts. In addition, we demonstrate that Akt2 is required for myogenic conversion induced by MyoD overexpression in fibroblasts. We show Akt2, but not Akt1, binds Prohibitin2/Repressor of Estrogen Activator, PHB2/REA, a protein recently implicated in transcriptionnal repression of myogenesis. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments on endogenous proteins showed the Akt2–REA complex does not contain Prohibitin1. We have analyzed expression and localization of PHB2/REA during proliferation and differentiation of mouse and human myoblasts. PHB2/REA shows punctated nuclear staining which partially co‐localizes with Akt2 in differentiated myotubes and PHB2 levels decrease at the onset of myogenic differentiation concomitant with an increase in Akt2. There appears to be an inverse correlation between Akt2 and PHB2 protein levels where cells silenced for Akt2 expression show increased level of PHB2/REA and overexpression of Akt2 resulted in decreased Prohibitin2/REA. Taken together, these results, along with our previous observations, clearly show that Akt2 and not Akt1 plays a major and early role in cell cycle exit and myogenic differentiation and this function involves its specific interaction with PHB2/REA. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:158–165, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Placental and spiral artery volume and gray‐scale value assessment via 3‐dimensional sonography in the second trimester
Authors: Zalud Ivica , Shaha Steven
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Extreme placental size has been associated with abnormal pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for placental and spiral artery volume and gray‐scale value as assessed via 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography in the second trimester.

Methods

The entry criterion was a documented singleton pregnancy at 14–25 weeks' gestation. Patients with normal pregnancy outcome were stratified into 6 subgroups representing 2‐week intervals. Automatic 3D sonographic acquisition of the placental and spiral artery volume and gray‐scale value, expressed as a percentage, was obtained.

Results

Out of 199 patients with normal pregnancy outcome, the placental volume was between 77.7 and 213.9 cm3 and the gray‐scale value was between 28.6 and 29.2 cm3 (depending on gestational age). The spiral artery volume adjacent to placenta was between 47.9 and 108.7 cm3, and the gray‐scale value was between 27.5 and 29.5 cm3. Statistical analysis in each subgroup of patients revealed a significant difference between placental and spiral artery volumes but no difference when the gray‐scale value was compared.

Conclusions

We defined normal placental and spiralartery volume and gray‐scale value in the secondtrimester of normal pregnancy using 3D sonography. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Color Doppler twinkling artifact in intrauterine fetal demise
Authors: Ozkur Ayhan , Dikensoy Ebru , Kervancioglu Selim , Kervancioglu Resat , İnalöz Serhat , Bayram Metin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To determine whether twinkling artifacts on color and power Doppler sonography could be used as a new sonographic sign of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD).

Methods

In this prospective study, 24 consecutive pregnant women with IUFD were included after fetal sonographic examinations. Sonographic examination included gray‐scale, color, power, and spectral Doppler imaging. The sonograms were then analyzed for the presence, appearance, and intensity of the twinkling artifacts.

Results

Twinkling artifacts on color Doppler were observed in all of the 24 IUFD as a rapidly changing color Doppler signal complex associated persistently with different parts of the fetal body. The artifacts were localized especially in the neck, back, and iliac regions. Artifact intensity correlated with the time elapsed since death.

Conclusion

Twinkling artifact was noted in all dead fetuses on color, power, and spectral Doppler examinations. Thus, the observation of these artifacts may be considered as a new sonographic sign of fetal demise, which may reflect the time elapsed since death. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
In vitrointeraction cocktail assay for nine major cytochrome P450 enzymes with 13 probe reactions and a single LC/MSMS run: analytical validation and testing with monoclonal anti‐CYP antibodies
Authors: Tolonen Ari , Petsalo Aleksanteri , Turpeinen Miia , Uusitalo Jouko , Pelkonen Olavi
Published: June 2007

A sensitive and rugged LC/MSMS method was developed for a comprehensivein vitrometabolic interaction screening assay with N‐in‐1 approach reported earlier. A cocktail consisting of ten cytochrome P450 (CYP)‐selective probe substrates with known kinetic, metabolic and interaction propertiesin vivowas incubated in a pool of human liver microsomes, and metabolites of melatonin (CYP1A2), coumarin (CYP2A6), bupropion (CYP2B6), amodiaquine (CYP2C8) tolbutamide (CYP2C9), omeprazole (CYP2C19 and CYP3A4), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), chlorzoxazone (CYP2E1), midazolam (CYP3A4) and testosterone (CYP3A4) were simultaneously analysed with a single LC/MSMS run. Altogether, 13 metabolites and internal standard phenacetin were analysed in multiple reaction mode. Polarity switching mode was utilized to acquire negative ion mode electrospray data for hydroxychlorzoxazone and positive ionization data for the rest of the analytes. Fast gradient elution was applied, giving total injection cycle of 8 min. The method was modified for two different LC/MSMS systems, and was validated for linear range, detection limit, accuracy and precision for each metabolite. In addition, cocktail inhibition system was further tested using monoclonal anti‐CYP antibodies as inhibitors for each probe reaction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical downscaling of daily precipitation over Greece
Authors: Kioutsioukis Ioannis , Melas Dimitrios , Zanis Prodromos
Published: June 2007

The capability of a multi‐site non‐homogeneous hidden Markov model (NHMM) to downscale winter daily precipitation over Greece is explored for the period 1971–2000. The input variables were selected from NCEP Reanalysis Data following an optimization procedure and include the precipitation rate as predictor. The most parsimonious NHMM identified five weather states. Successively, the forecast skill of the model was tested against sequentially withdrawn data. The NHMM reproduced successfully both thestation‐scale statisticslike the occurrence and amount of precipitation as well as thespatial pattern of precipitationsuch as the correlations between stations and the Log‐Odds ratios. Also, the temporal correlation in the data at most of the rain gauges was successfully captured at seasonal timescales. Finally, the model was capable of reproducing extreme precipitation events. It modelled successfully the dry spells as well as most of the indices corresponding to ‘very wet events’, including the maximum 5‐day precipitation amount, the number of extreme precipitation events and their corresponding fraction of the total precipitation amount, better to the stations where the very wet events are not associated with local scale features that could not be captured by the large‐scale predictors. The weakest reproduced indices correspond to the ‘mean wet day precipitation’ and the ‘90th percentile of precipitation on wet days’ where the model captured their magnitude but not their interannual variability. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
The variation of discharge entering the Niger Delta system, 1951–2000, and estimates of change under global warming
Authors: Itiveh Kingsley O. , Bigg Grant R.
Published: June 2007

A simple and effective statistical scheme for estimating river discharges on the River Niger has been derived using catchment rainfall data. Observed station annual average discharges at two locations were correlated with averaged annual rainfall data in recent years (1951–2000). A comparison of the estimated discharge and the observed discharge showed good agreement. The upstream station of Gaya on the border of Niger and Nigeria, with more extensive records, was used to validate the technique. A more limited discharge record at Lokoja, at the focal point of the Niger Delta, is used to reconstruct the discharge over 1951–2000. Despite the extensive dam construction on the Upper Niger during this period the main determinant of flow into the Delta has remained upstream rainfall. The relationship between the past rainfall data and river discharges at Lokoja are used to predict flows in the 2070s using rainfall values derived from various scenarios of a set of coupled climate model simulations. While there is uncertainty even over the sign of future change in west African rainfall, the river flow inferred from those models predicting increased rainfall over the coming century is at a level consistent with rapid change in channel position, as observed during the 1990s. This technique could be applied more widely to forecast future discharges from major river systems. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Fabrication of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐active ZnO/Ag composite microspheres
Authors: Song Wei , Wang Yanfei , Hu Hailong , Zhao Bing
Published: June 2007

We show in this paper how zinc oxide (ZnO)/silver (Ag) composite microspheres can be prepared by the reduction of Ag(NH3)2+ with the reducing agent formaldehyde in aqueous solution on the surface of ZnO microspheres. During the preparation, Sn2+ was absorbed on the surface of ZnO microspheres for sensitization and activation, and then Ag(NH3)2+ was reduced to Ag nanoparticles by the reducing agent to obtain ZnO/Ag composite microspheres. SEM and TEM images revealed silver nanoparticles with a diameter ranging from tens to 100 nm. X‐Ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and UV‐vis spectra were used to characterize the structure of the ZnO/Ag composite microspheres. The origin of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering properties was traced to the surface of the ZnO/Ag composite microspheres. The enhancement factor was estimated in detail, and the enhancement mechanism for the SERS effect was also investigated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of protein molecules by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based immunoassay using 2–5 nm gold nanoparticle lables
Authors: Manimaran M. , Jana Nikhil R.
Published: June 2007

Here we report the synthesis of 2–5 nm size gold nanoparticle labels for surface‐enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) based immunoassay to detect protein molecules. The Au nanoparticles were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and goat anti‐h‐IgG (immunoglobin) and the resultant particles were used for the detection of h‐IgG. Commercially available nitrocellulose strip and silver enhancement method were used for SERS‐based immunoassays. The FITC acts as a Raman probe, and vibrational fingerprint of this molecule was used for the detection of h‐IgG in concentration ranging from 1 to 100 ng/µl. Our Raman probe is robust and small in size and has high water solubility with minimum steric effect during antigen–antibody binding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Raman spectroscopy to investigate donor–acceptor reactions in the formamide/dimethylsulfoxide/acetonitrile system
Authors: Alves Wagner A. , Santos Paulo S.
Published: June 2007

Raman spectra of binary and ternary solvent systems in different concentrations were carried out. The mixtures containing equimolar quantities of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and acetonitrile (ACN), or those in different compositions, do not show any spectral evidence for the formation of a Lewis acid–base adduct. On the contrary, the formamide (FA), DMSO and ACN mixtures exhibit new bands. In the S stretching region, the band at 1025 cm−1 is assigned to the FA–DMSO adduct whereas, in the C stretching region, the 2257 cm−1 band corresponds to the FA–ACN adduct. The positions of these two new bands in the present system are in agreement with our recent works. In addition, in the NH2 bending region, the 1613 cm−1 band has been described as a mixture of both adducts. Quantitative analyses performed in the S and C stretching regions show that the association extent for the FA–DMSO adduct is greater than for the FA–ACN adduct, and this is in excellent agreement with the acid–base concepts commonly used to nonaqueous solvents. Preferential interactions between FA molecules as well as their dependence on the ternary mixture composition are also discussed. The results described here open up new possibilities to study the acid–base reactions nature involving FA adducts and can be useful for a better description of biological systems in which peptide groups have a special role. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General criterion to discern between coherent and incoherent synthesis of broadband coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectra
Authors: Marrocco Michele
Published: June 2007

Recently, the ordinary qualitative criterion on how to distinguish between coherent and incoherent convolutions of broadband coherent anti‐Stokes Raman (CARS) signals generated by degenerate pump lasers has been revised in view of a quantitative analysis. The revision has established that incoherent CARS approach can be justified as unitary limit of the function $\sqrt{\pi} \Gamma \exp [(\Gamma/\sigma_{1})^{2}]$] erfc(Γ/σ1)/σ1, where Γ and σ1 are respectively the spectral widths of the Raman line and the degenerate pump lasers. The result was, however, limited to nonoverlapping Raman lines. In this work, the extension to a more common situation of closely spaced Raman transitions is considered. For large overlap between adjacent Raman lines, the new analysis suggests significant deviations from the previous result. Weak line mixing is also taken into consideration. Nonetheless, all types of deviations are characterized by a common tendency toward the incoherent limit. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman and stratigraphic studies of the paintings on the ‘Cembalo’ model musical instrument (A.D. 1650) and laser‐induced degradation of the detected pigments
Authors: De Santis Alberto , Mattei Elisabetta , Pelosi Claudia
Published: June 2007

Micro‐fragments of the painted part of the ‘Cembalo’ model by Michele Todini (1625–1689) are investigated. The technique used for painting the terracotta base was studied via the stratigraphic analyses. No background layer of inorganic materials, e.g. gypsum, was found. To prevent absorption effects due to the terracotta porosity, a very thin layer of proteinaceous material was probably used. The micro‐Raman analyses have revealed the use of pigments currently used in the post‐Renaissance period (lead white, indigo, yellow of iron hydroxide, gypsum, hematite and carbon black) mixed with a pigment, the Prussian blue, discovered in A.D. 1704. This raises the authenticity problem of the work of art, a problem analysed and discussed in presenting the history of the work of art, and after the pigment study. The presence of degraded lead white is recognized via the laser‐induced degradation of the irradiated material. The possibility of a restoring action of the painted parts, as opposite to the non‐originality of the work, is considered and discussed. Since most part of the investigated pigments shows laser‐induced effects, a careful study of this phenomenon is performed by using the modern counterparts of the ancient pigments. For different laser powers, the temperatures of the investigated zones have been obtained via the detailed balance principle and connected to the laser‐induced degradation effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in quality and quantity of transgenic component in Roundup Ready soybean during bean curd preparation
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Zhengfu , Ge Yiqiang , Wang Yuan
Published: June 2007

Using 2.5% (w/w) transgenic Roundup Ready soybean as raw material, the effects of critical processing procedures on the fragment sizes of endogenous gene lectin and transgenic gene epsps and the quantity of transgenic component during bean curd preparation were analysed. The results showed that the different processing procedures differed in their impact on the degradation of endogenous and transgenic genes and that the transgenic content of the intermediate products and final product was consequently changed. Physical mechanical action such as jordaning caused both endogenous and transgenic genes to degrade but had more effect on the latter. The jordaning process degraded the DNA of endogenous gene from 1883 to 836 bp and that of transgenic gene from 1512 to 408 bp. The adding CaSO4 process, predominantly a chemical reaction, had less influence on the transgenic gene than on the endogenous gene, the latter being degraded from 836 to 407 bp. The extrusion moulding process resulted in a significant degradation of DNA in transgenic gene from 408 to 190 bp but had no obvious effect on the endogenous gene. After the critical processing procedures of jordaning, syruping, adding CaSO4 and extrusion moulding during bean curd preparation the transgenic content of the intermediate products and final product was 1.656, 0.435, 1.150 and 0.797% respectively. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on the synthesis and properties of hydroxypropyl derivatives of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starch
Authors: Jyothi Alummoottil N , Moorthy Subramoney N , Rajasekharan Kallikat N
Published: June 2007

Cassava starch was subjected to hydroxypropylation in three different media, which included water, water in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst, and 2‐propanol, all at 30 ± 2 °C for 24 h. Propylene oxide was used in four different concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg−1 of starch dry weight). The products were characterized by determining their molar substitution (MS), structural and functional properties. The analyses were done in triplicate and the data were analyzed using the statistical package 8.01. The MS of the products ranged from 0.26 to 1.41. The MS of the hydroxypropyl derivatives were found to be higher when the reaction was carried out in the aqueous medium in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide, a phase transfer catalyst, when compared to the reaction in 2‐propanol, which was found to be not very effective at 30 ± 2 °C. The etherification altered the granular properties of starch, as could be seen from scanning electron micrographs. Hydroxypropylation resulted in starch pastes which were stable and with higher swelling volume, solubility, light transmittance and water binding capacity as compared to native starch. The hydroxypropyl starches showed significantly lower pasting temperatures and setback viscosities. The enzyme digestibility of the derivatives was seen to decrease with increase in MS and there was a significant reduction in the syneresis of the starch pastes of hydroxypropyl derivatives. Texture profile analysis showed that hydroxypropylated starch gels exhibited higher hardness, springiness (elasticity) and gumminess and lower cohesiveness than the native starch. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of processing and cooking on the content of minerals and protein in pasta containing buckwheat bran flour
Authors: Manthey Frank A , Hall Clifford A
Published: June 2007

Research was conducted to determine the effect of processing and cooking on the ash content and mineral composition and on protein content and amino acid composition of spaghetti that was fortified with 250 g kg−1 buckwheat bran flour (BBF). Extrusion and drying temperature had little or no effect on ash and mineral content of spaghetti containing BBF. Drying temperature did not affect protein content; however, a 31% reduction in lysine content was observed in spaghetti containing BBF dried at 90 °C. Cooking spaghetti fortified with BBF reduced ash content by 28%. Reduction in ash content was reflected by an average decrease in potassium of 62%, in copper of 45%, and in zinc of 11%. Cooking had little or no effect on content of calcium, iron, magnesium, or manganese. As a result of material leaching from spaghetti during cooking, the protein content and content of each amino acid (db) were greater in cooked than uncooked spaghetti. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of low antigenic cheese whey protein hydrolysates using mixed proteolytic enzymes
Authors: Shin Hyun Soo , Kim Sang Bum , Kang Soo Cheol , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Kim Hyeon Shup , Shin Hyun Jung , Chang Chi Hoon
Published: June 2007

This study examined the effect of different proteolytic enzymes on the production of cheese whey protein (CWP) hydrolysates with low antigenicity. Four enzyme combinations (1:1) trypsin + papain W‐40 (TP), trypsin + neutrase 1.5 (TN), papain W‐40 + protease S (PP) and papain W‐40 + neutrase 1.5 (PN) were added at the rate of 1% of the CWP and it was incubated for 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min at 50 °C. CWP hydrolysis and its non‐protein nitrogen concentrations were higher with TP and TN compared with PP and PN at all incubation times. The SDS‐PAGE revealed complete removal of α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) and β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) from hydrolysates produced by trypsin‐containing enzyme mixtures. Reverse‐phase HPLC analysis ascertained the CWP hydrolysis and SDS‐PAGE results. The lowest antigenicity in CWP hydrolysates was observed with the use of trypsin‐containing enzyme mixtures compared with other enzyme combinations. Present results suggested that TP and TN combinations were the most effective for CWP hydrolysis for the removal of β‐LG from CWP. Further research is warranted to identify the peptides in CWP hydrolysates produced with these enzyme combinations that may help enhance the utilisation of whey protein in human food. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of agricultural practices on the quality of sweet pepper fruits as affected by the maturity stage
Authors: Pérez‐López Antonio José , del Amor Francisco Moisés , Serrano‐Martínez Ana , Fortea María Isabel , Núñez‐Delicado Estrella
Published: June 2007

Background:

Peppers are popular vegetables because of their colour, taste and nutritional value. The levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds in peppers and other vegetables depend on several factors, including cultivar, agricultural practice and maturity stage.

Results:

In this study the effects of maturation and type of agricultural practice (organic or conventional) on the ascorbic acid, total carotenoid and total phenolic contents and colour parameters of sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum cv. Almuden) grown in a controlled greenhouse were determined. Levels of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and carotenoids increased during ripening, with red sweet peppers having higher contents of these bioactive compounds. Moreover, peppers grown under organic culture had higher vitamin C, phenolic and carotenoid levels than those grown under conventional culture. With respect to colour parameters, organic red peppers had higher values of L*, a*, b*, C* and Hab than conventional red peppers, giving them a higher intensity of red colour.

Conclusion:

Thus organic farming had a positive effect on the nutritional content of peppers, increasing the vitamin C activity and the level of phenolic compounds, both implicated in the antioxidant activity of vegetables, and the content of carotenoids, implicated in the colour variance observed in pepper fruits. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical genetics: catalysing pathway exploration and new target discovery
Authors: Armstrong Joshua I
Published: June 2007

Chemical genetics couples the availability of diverse chemistry with the strengths of molecular genetics to dissect signalling pathways in complex organisms. Plant biology laboratories have integrated this approach into their repertoire for probing hormone signalling, physiology and pesticide mode of action. These studies have led to the discovery of compounds that regulate development and the response to environmental stress. Chemical genetics facilitates our understanding of genetic signalling pathways and offers a new approach to pest management and plant health by enabling the direct chemical modulation of plant defence signalling. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry