bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraneuronal roles of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5
Authors: Rosales Jesusa L. , Lee Ki‐Young
Published: September 2006

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is recognized as an essential molecule in the brain, where it regulates several neuronal activities, including cytoskeletal remodeling and synaptic transmission. While activity of Cdk5 has primarily been associated with neurons, there are now substantial data indicating that the kinase's activity and function are more general. An increasing body of evidence has established Cdk5 kinase activity, the presence of the Cdk5 activators, p35 and p39, and Cdk5 functions in non‐neuronal cells, including myocytes, pancreatic β‐cells, monocytic and neutrophilic leucocytes, glial cells and germ cells. In this review, we present the diverse roles of Cdk5 in several extraneuronal paradigms. The unique properties of each of the different cell types appear to involve distinct means of Cdk5 regulation and function. The potential mechanisms through which Cdk5 regulates extraneuronal cell activities such as exocytosis, gene transcription, wound healing and senescence are discussed. BioEssays 28: 1023–1034, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐adaptive evolution of genome complexity
Authors: Yi Soojin V.
Published: September 2006

Genome complexity is correlated with biological complexity. A recent paper by Michael Lynch proposes that evolution of complex genomic architecture was driven primarily by non‐adaptive stochastic forces, rather than by adaptive evolution.1 A general negative relationship between selection efficiency and genome complexity provides a strong support for this hypothesis. The broad capacity of this theory is both its appeal and source for criticism. BioEssays 28: 979–982, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Of bears, frogs, meat, mice and men: complexity of factors affecting skeletal muscle mass and fat
Authors: Shavlakadze Thea , Grounds Miranda
Published: September 2006

Extreme loss of skeletal muscle mass (atrophy) occurs in human muscles that are not used. In striking contrast, skeletal muscles do not rapidly waste away in hibernating mammals such as bears, or aestivating frogs, subjected to many months of inactivity and starvation. What factors regulate skeletal muscle mass and what mechanisms protect against muscle atrophy in some species? Severe atrophy also occurs with ageing and there is much clinical interest in reducing such loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). In the meat industry, a key aim is optimizing the control of skeletal muscle growth and meat quality. The impaired response of muscle to insulin resulting in diabetes, that is a consequence of the metabolic impact of increasing obesity and fat deposition in humans, is also of increasing clinical concern. Intensive research in these fields, combined with mouse models, is reviewed with respect to the molecular control of muscle growth (myogenesis) and atrophy/hypertrophy and fat deposition (adipogenesis) in skeletal muscle, with a focus on IGF‐1/insulin signaling. BioEssays 28: 994–1009, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Photoremovable Protecting Groups for Carboxylic Acids with High Photolytic Efficiencies at Near‐UV Irradiation. Application to the Photocontrolled Release of L‐Glutamate
Authors: Specht Alexandre , Thomann Jean‐Sébastien , Alarcon Karine , Wittayanan Weerawut , Ogden David , Furuta Toshiaki , Kurakawa Yuji , Goeldner Maurice
Published: September 2006

We report here the syntheses and the photolytic properties of 3‐(4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrophenyl)‐2‐butyl (DMNPB) esters as new photoremovable groups for carboxylic acids, and their use for the caging of L‐glutamate. A high‐yielding synthesis of the DMNPB esters led to a 4:1 threo/erythro diastereomeric mixture, which could be separated by HPLC. While these esters were stable in neutral buffer, photolysis at 364 nm induced a ≥95 % release of the carboxylic acid, with a 0.26 quantum yield for L‐glutamate formation. L‐Glutamate release was also possible by two‐photon photolysis with an action cross section of 0.17 GM at 720 nm. Laser photolysis at 350 nm generated a transient species at around 410 nm, attributed to a quinonoid aci‐nitro intermediate that decayed in the submillisecond time range (t1/2=0.53 ms) for the faster γ‐L‐glutamyl threo‐esters. Given the absorbance of these esters (λmax=350 nm; ε=4500), the threo DMNPB esters represent new caging groups that can be efficiently photolyzed at near‐UV wavelengths. An efficient and rapid photolytic release of L‐glutamate has been demonstrated on hippocampal neurons in primary culture.
Hierarchical Mechanochemical Switches in Angiostatin
Authors: Grandi Fabio , Sandal Massimo , Guarguaglini Giovanni , Capriotti Emidio , Casadio Rita , Samorì Bruno
Published: September 2006

We wish to propose a novel mechanism by which the triggering of a biochemical signal can be controlled by the hierarchical coupling between a protein redox equilibrium and an external mechanical force. We have characterized this mechanochemical mechanism in angiostatin, and we have evidence that it can switch the access to partially unfolded structures of this protein. We have identified a metastable intermediate that is specifically accessible under thioredoxin‐rich reducing conditions, like those met by angiostatin on the surface of a tumor cell. The structure of the same intermediate accounts for the unexplained antiangiogenic activity of angiostatin. These findings demonstrate a new link between redox biology and mechanically regulated processes.
Three‐Phase Interlines Electrochemically Driven into Insulator Compounds: A Penetration Model and Its Verification by Electroreduction of Solid AgCl
Authors: Xiao Wei , Jin Xianbo , Deng Yuan , Wang Dihua , Chen George Z.
Published: September 2006

A dynamic three‐phase interline model has been developed for the reduction of a solid insulating metal compound to the metal in a suitable electrolyte, focusing on the electrochemically driven penetration of the process (or the three‐phase interlines) into the insulator. Consideration is given to the effects of electrochemical, concentration and ohmic polarizations in the reduction‐generated porous metal layer on top of the solid compound. Under potentiostatic conditions, reduction in the depth direction (penetration) becomes progressively slower as a result of the rising ohmic and concentration polarizations, whilst the electrochemical polarization exerts a declining effect. The quantitative equations established here also provide simple methods for the determination of some kinetic parameters of the reduction process, including ρ (total resistivity) and DR (diffusion coefficient). The model has been experimentally verified by electrochemical reduction of solid AgCl with two novel metal|AgCl cylinder electrodes in aqueous solutions.
meso–meso‐Linked Corrole Dimers with Modified Cores: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties
Authors: Sankar Jeyaraman , Rath Harapriya , Prabhuraja Viswanathan , Gokulnath Sabapathi , Chandrashekar Tavarekere K. , Purohit Chandra Shekhar , Verma Sandeep
Published: September 2006

The synthesis and characterization of the first examples of core‐modified corrole dimers linked through the meso positions are described. The dimers are obtained by a simple AgI‐ or FeIII‐catalyzed coupling reaction in near‐quantitative yields. The corroles obtained are metalated with metal ions, such as CuII and NiII. The electronic‐absorption spectral studies reveal weak electronic interaction between the two subunits and the exciton coupling observed for the free‐base corrole dimer (1717 cm−1) is lower than that for the corresponding protonated derivative (4081 cm−1). The solution‐state structure derived from 1H and two‐dimensional NMR spectral studies reveals a noncoplanar arrangement of two corrole units. Geometry optimization at the B3LYP‐631G level also confirms the noncoplanar arrangement of corroles with a dihedral angle of 64.8° between two corrole planes. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic characterization studies on the paramagnetic copper‐metalated dimer indicate that both copper ions behave as independent spins without any noticeable interaction. Results of fluorescence studies reveal a bathochromic shift of about 60 nm upon dimerization. The first hyperpolarizability (β) measured by using the hyper Rayleigh scattering (HRS) method reveals doubling of the β values on progressing from monomer to dimer, attributed to enhanced π conjugation. The use of copper dimers in the photocleavage of DNA is also explored. It is shown that the bimetallic copper dimer selectively cleaves the nucleic acids without affecting the proteins, suggesting a possible application of the copper complex in the removal of nucleic acid contaminants from protein extracts through a simple photolytic pathway.
Mechanism of the Copper‐Free Palladium‐Catalyzed Sonagashira Reactions: Multiple Role of Amines
Authors: Tougerti Asma , Negri Serge , Jutand Anny
Published: September 2006

Amines used as bases in copper‐free, palladium‐catalyzed Sonogashira reactions play a multiple role. The oxidative addition of iodobenzene with [Pd0(PPh3)4] is faster when performed in the presence of amines (piperidine>morpholine). Amines also substitute one ligand L in trans‐[PdI(Ph)(L)2] (L=PPh3, AsPh3) formed in the oxidative addition. This reversible reaction, which gives [PdI(Ph)L(R2NH)], is favored in the order AsPh3>PPh3 and piperidine>morpholine. Two mechanisms are proposed for Sonogashira reactions, depending on the ligand and the amine. When L=PPh3, its substitution by the amine in trans‐[PdI(Ph)(PPh3)2] is less favored than that of the alkyne. A mechanism involving prior coordination of the alkyne is suggested, followed by deprotonation of the ligated alkyne by the amine. When L=AsPh3, its substitution in trans‐[PdI(Ph)(AsPh3)2] by the piperidine is easier than that by the alkyne, leading to a different mechanism: substitution of AsPh3 by the amine is followed by substitution of the second AsPh3 by the alkyne to generate [PdI(Ph)(amine)(alkyne)]. Deprotonation of the ligated alkyne by an external amine leads to the coupling product. This explains why the catalytic reactions are less efficient with AsPh3 than with PPh3 as ligand.
Microreactors as Tools for Synthetic Chemists—The Chemists' Round‐Bottomed Flask of the 21st Century?
Authors: Geyer Karolin , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: September 2006

Will microreactors replace the round‐bottomed flask to perform chemical reactions in the near future? Recent developments in the construction of microstructured reaction devices and their wide‐ranging applications in many different areas of chemistry suggest that they can have a significant impact on the way chemists conduct their experiments. Miniaturizing reactions offers many advantages for the synthetic organic chemist: high‐throughput scanning of reaction conditions, precise control of reaction variables, the use of small quantities of reagents, increased safety parameters, and ready scale‐up of synthetic procedures. A wide range of single‐ and multiphase reactions have now been performed in microfluidic‐based devices. Certainly, microreactors cannot be applied to all chemistries yet and microfluidic systems also have disadvantages. Limited reaction‐time range, high sensitivity to precipitating products, and new physical, chemical, and analytical challenges have to be overcome. This concept article presents an overview of microfluidic devices available for chemical synthesis and evaluates the potential of microreactor technology in organic synthesis.
Capillary physiology of human medulloblastoma
Authors: Warnke Peter C. , Kopitzki Klaus , Timmer Jens , Ostertag Christoph B.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND

Advances in the treatment of medulloblastoma have largely been attributed to the introduction of chemotherapy, although Phase III trials have shown advantages for chemotherapy only in subgroups. Because the efficacy of chemotherapy depends on tumor vascularization, the vascular physiology of human medulloblastomas was evaluated.

METHODS

Seven patients with histologically proven medulloblastomas underwent measurements of capillary permeability and vascular plasma volume using contrast‐enhanced dynamic computer tomography. Regional blood flow was measured in 5 patients using xenon computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS

The capillary permeability‐surface product for water‐soluble compounds ranged from 1.7 ± 5.5 to 17.6 ± 12.3 μL/g/min with a mean of 10.5 ± 6.3 μL/g/min. The vascular plasma volume ranged from 0.02 ± 0.021 to 0.045 ± 0.049 mL/g with a mean of 0.03 ± 0.01 mL/g. The efflux rate ranged from 0.012 ± 0.007 to 0.065 ± 0.064 1/min with a mean of 0.039 ± 0.020 1/min. Regional tumoral blood flow showed a mean of 19.86 ± 6.8 mL/100g/min as compared with normal cerebellum with 45.4 ± 12.03 mL/100g/min (P < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated a low capillary permeability and blood flow in medulloblastomas that could explain the limited response rates of partially resected tumors even after aggressive high‐dose chemotherapy, as recently reported. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Ovarian small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type in children and adolescents
Authors: Distelmaier Felix , Calaminus Gabriele , Harms Dieter , Sträter Ronald , Kordes Uwe , Fleischhack Gudrun , Göbel Ulrich , Schneider Dominik T.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND.

Ovarian small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type is a rare neoplasm that is associated with a poor prognosis. The objective of the current study was to investigate the clinicopathologic features of this tumor and to develop preliminary diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.

METHODS.

Between 1994 and 2005, 11 girls (ages 9–22 years) who were registered on the German Maligne Keimzelltumoren studies and the Kiel Pediatric Tumor Registry were analyzed. Prior to histopathologic review, 8 patients had been misdiagnosed with either germ cell tumor or juvenile granulosa cell tumor.

RESULTS.

According to the International Federation of Gynecologic Oncology, 4 patients had Stage IA disease, 3 patients had Stage IC disease, and 4 patients had Stage III disease. After resection, 4 patients were followed without additional therapy, and all 4 patients developed recurrent disease after 3 to 11 months. Seven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy during first‐line treatment. One patient with Stage III disease received additional regional deep hyperthermia. During first‐line treatment, high‐dose chemotherapy was received by 4 patients who achieved a complete response (CR) after conventional chemotherapy. All 4 of those patients remained in CR for 7 to 73 months, whereas the other 3 patients developed recurrent disease. Salvage treatment after recurrence or tumor progression consisted of surgery and chemotherapy. One patient received high‐dose chemotherapy in 2nd CR and remained in 2nd CR. In total, 5 patients remained alive with no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS.

Patients with ovarian small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type require multiagent chemotherapy during first‐line treatment. High‐dose chemotherapy may be used to consolidate the therapeutic success. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Correlation of immunophenotype with progression‐free survival in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated with imatinib mesylate
Authors: Chirieac Lucian R. , Trent Jonathan C. , Steinert Dejka M. , Choi Haesun , Yang Ying , Zhang Jiexin , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Benjamin Robert S. , Raymond A. Kevin
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND.

The therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has been revolutionized by imatinib mesylate (IM). It is unknown whether the levels of KIT expression or the presence of CD34, smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, or S‐100 protein predicts patient outcome from IM therapy. In the current study, the prognostic effects for KIT and other proteins (CD34, SMA, desmin, S‐100) were analyzed in a series of GISTs in which protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis (IHC).

METHODS.

The cases of 106 patients with GIST who were uniformly treated with IM at the study institution between December 15, 2000, and January 13, 2002 were evaluated retrospectively. The association between KIT intensity, CD34, desmin, SMA, S‐100 protein, and progression‐free survival (PFS) was studied. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS.

The majority of tumors arose from the stomach (37%), small intestine (35%), and colorectum (14%). KIT expression as determined by IHC was categorized as weak (10%), intermediate (32%), or strong (58%). Patient tumors expressed CD34 (75%), SMA (56%), desmin (1%), and S‐100 protein (32%). Patients whose GIST had weak, intermediate, or strong KIT expression were found to have an 18‐month PFS rate of 80%, 84%, and 69%, respectively (P= .30). The presence or absence of CD34, SMA, desmin, or S‐100 protein did not appear to correlate with PFS after IM.

CONCLUSIONS.

Patients with the appropriate clinical presentation and KIT‐positive GIST tumors appear to benefit from IM independent of the level of KIT or the expression of CD34, SMA, desmin, or S‐100 protein by IHC. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Malignant phyllodes tumor of the female breast
Authors: Macdonald O. Kenneth , Lee Christopher M. , Tward Jonathan D. , Chappel Craig D. , Gaffney David K.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND.

Malignant phyllodes tumor is a rare and potentially aggressive breast neoplasm. Little information is available regarding the optimal management of these lesions and rarer still are data regarding survival. The current study used a large population database to determine prognostic factors that predict cause‐specific survival (CSS).

METHODS.

Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) for the years 1983–2002. Women receiving resection for primary nonmetastatic malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast were included (n= 821). Analyses of patient, pathologic, and treatment characteristics were performed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses for the CSS endpoint.

RESULTS.

With a median follow‐up of 5.7 years, CSS was 91%, 89%, and 89%, at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Mastectomy was performed in 428 women (52%) and wide excision or lumpectomy in 393 (48%). Women undergoing mastectomy were significantly older (P= .004) and had larger tumors (P= .009). Wide excision was associated with equivalent or improved CSS relative to mastectomy on univariate and multivariate analyses. Older age predicted for cause‐specific mortality on multivariate analysis. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) predicted for worse CSS when implemented compared with surgery alone.

CONCLUSIONS.

Mastectomy was not found to provide a benefit in CSS compared with wide excision in malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast. Women undergoing wide excision had at the minimum similar cancer‐specific mortality compared with those who received mastectomy. The role of adjuvant RT is uncertain and requires further investigation. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Comprehensive classification of the auditory sensory projections in the brain of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kamikouchi Azusa , Shimada Takashi , Ito Kei
Published: September 2006

We established a comprehensive projection map of the auditory receptor cells (Johnston's organ neurons: JONs) from the antennae to the primary auditory center of the Drosophila brain. We found 477 ± 24 cell bodies of JONs, which are arranged like a “bottomless bowl” within the auditory organ. The target of the JONs in the brain comprises five spatially segregated zones, each of which is contributed by bundles of JON axons that gradually branch out from the antennal nerve. Four zones are confined in the antennal mechanosensory and motor center, whereas one zone further extends over parts of the ventrolateral protocerebrum and the subesophageal ganglion. Single‐cell labeling with the FLP‐out technique revealed that most JONs innervate only a single zone, indicating that JONs can be categorized into five groups according to their target zones. Within each zone, JONs innervate various combinations of subareas. We classified these five zones into 19 subareas according to the branching patterns and terminal distributions of single JON axons. The groups of JONs that innervate particular zones or subareas of the primary auditory center have their cell bodies in characteristic locations of the Johnston's organ in the antenna, e.g., in concentric rings or in paired clusters. Such structural organization suggests that each JON group, and hence each zone of the primary auditory center, might sense different aspects of sensory signals. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:317–356, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Galanin receptor 1 is expressed in a subpopulation of glutamatergic interneurons in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord
Authors: Landry Marc , Bouali‐Benazzouz Rabia , André Caroline , Shi Tie Jun Sten , Léger Claire , Nagy Frédéric , Hökfelt Tomas
Published: September 2006

The 29/30 amino acid neuropeptide galanin has been implicated in pain processing at the spinal level and local dorsal horn neurons expressing the Gal1 receptor may play a critical role. In order to determine the transmitter identity of these neurons, we used immunohistochemistry and antibodies against the Gal1 receptor and the three vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs), as well as in situ hybridization, to explore a possible glutamatergic phenotype. Gal1 protein, which could not be demonstrated in Gal1 knockout mice, colocalized with VGLUT2 protein, but not with glutamate decarboxylase, in many nerve endings in lamina II. Moreover, Gal1 and VGLUT2 transcripts were often found in the same cell bodies in laminae I–IV. Gal1‐protein and galanin‐peptide showed an overlapping distribution but were not colocalized. Gal1 staining did not appear to be affected by dorsal rhizotomy. Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that Gal1 is a heteroreceptor expressed on excitatory glutamatergic dorsal horn interneurons. Activation of such Gal1 receptors may thus decrease the inhibitory tone in the superficial dorsal horn, and possibly cause antinociception. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:391–403, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptic and nonsynaptic localization of GABAAreceptors containing the α5 subunit in the rat brain
Authors: Serwanski David R. , Miralles Celia P. , Christie Sean B. , Mehta Ashok K. , Li Xuejing , De Blas Angel L.
Published: September 2006

The α5 subunit of the GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) has a restricted expression in the brain. Maximum expression of this subunit occurs in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and olfactory bulb. Hippocampal pyramidal cells show high expression of α5 subunit‐containing GABAARs (α5‐GABAARs) both in culture and in the intact brain. A large pool of α5‐GABAARs is extrasynaptic and it has been proposed to be involved in the tonic GABAergic inhibition of the hippocampus. Nevertheless, there are no studies on the localization of the α5‐GABAARs at the electron microscope (EM) level. By using both immunofluorescence of cultured hippocampal pyramidal cells and EM postembedding immunogold of the intact hippocampus we show that, in addition to the extrasynaptic pool, there is a pool of α5‐GABAARs that concentrates at the GABAergic synapses in dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal cells. The results suggest that the synaptic α5‐GABAARs might play a role in the phasic GABAergic inhibition of pyramidal neurons in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:458–470, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chicken suprachiasmatic nuclei: II. Autoradiographic and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Cantwell Elizabeth L. , Cassone Vincent M.
Published: September 2006

The vertebrate circadian system is composed of multiple inputs, oscillators, pacemakers, and outputs. In birds, the pineal gland and retinae have been defined as pacemakers within this system. Evidence for a third, hypothalamic pacemaker is abundant. It has been presumed that this pacemaker is homologous to the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Two candidate structures have been referred to as the avian SCN—the medial SCN (mSCN) and the visual SCN (vSCN). Previously, we suggested that both structures are involved in a “suprachiasmatic complex.” To further explore evidence for an avian SCN, the present study employed several classical techniques to assess intrinsic characteristics of the mSCN and vSCN in the chicken. First, analysis of mSCN and vSCN cytoarchitecture indicated that the mSCN is similar in location and cell population to the mammalian SCN, while the vSCN is more similar in terms of its shape. Second, intravitreal injections of tritiated proline were used to identify hypothalamic retinal terminals. The findings support previous studies identifying the vSCN as the primary retinorecipient hypothalamic structure in birds. Third, analysis of mSCN and vSCN chemoarchitecture suggests that both the mSCN and vSCN display similarity to the mammalian SCN, which displays significant interspecies variation. Finally, a unique astrocytic bridge between the mSCN and vSCN is demonstrated, suggesting that astrocytes play a role within the suprachiasmatic nuclei of birds, similar to the situation in mammals. Our previously presented working model of the avian suprachiasmatic complex is updated to include these data. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:442–457, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chip‐on‐beads: Flow‐cytometric evaluation of chromatin immunoprecipitation
Authors: Székvölgyi Lóránt , Bálint Bálint L. , Imre László , Goda Katalin , Szabó Miklós , Nagy László , Szabó Gábor
Published: September 2006

Background:

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a widely used technique for the detection of in vivo DNA–protein interactions underlying epigenetic regulation. The standard readout of ChIP is based on semi‐quantitative or quantitative PCR measurements; however, the development of alternative platforms with high throughput potentialities is expected to facilitate the introduction of this method into routine diagnostics.

Methods:

We have established a flow‐cytometry‐based alternative for the evaluation of ChIP data. The method is based on the capture of the products of a conventional PCR run to low cycle numbers, on microbeads.

Results:

In vivo histone H4 acetylation and H3 lysine 4 methylation was detected at the promoter of the tissue transglutaminase type 2 gene. These results were confirmed by QPCR measurements. The levels of modifications decreased significantly upon apoptosis and were accompanied by the down‐regulation of TGM2 mRNA expression.

Conclusions:

This method that we named ChIP‐on‐beads, a combination of flow cytometry and conventional PCR, is a reliable and efficient alternative in the quantitative analysis of ChIP results, especially promising when high throughput monitoring of epigenetic markers of diagnostic importance is required. The method is simple enough to be easily implemented in a routine flow‐cytometric laboratory. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
A survey of current architectures for connecting wireless mobile ad hoc networks to the Internet
Authors: Ammari Habib M.
Published: September 2006

Connecting wired and wireless networks, and particularly mobile wireless ad hoc networks (MANETs) and the global Internet, is attractive in real‐world scenarios due to its usefulness and praticality. Because of the various architectural mismatches between the Internet and MANETs with regard to their communication topology, routing protocols, and operation, it is necessary to introduce a hybrid interface capable of connecting to the Internet using Mobile IP protocol and to MANETs owing to an ad hoc routing protocol. Specifically, the approaches available in the literature have introduced updated versions of Mobile IP agents or access points at the edge of the Internet to help MANET nodes get multi‐hop wireless Internet access. The main differences in the existing approaches concern the type of ad hoc routing protocol as well as the switching algorithm used by MANET nodes to change their current Mobile IP agents based on specific switching criteria. This paper surveys a variety of approaches to providing multi‐hop wireless Internet access to MANET nodes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene targeting of ErbB3 using a Cre‐mediated unidirectional DNA inversion strategy
Authors: Qu Shimian , Rinehart Cammie , Wu Hsiao‐Huei , Wang Shizhen Emily , Carter Bruce , Xin Hongbo , Kotlikoff Michael , Arteaga Carlos L.
Published: September 2006

Recombinase‐mediated unidirectional DNA inversion and transcriptional arrest is a promising strategy for high throughput conditional mutagenesis in the mouse. Banks of mouse embryonic stem cells with defined, transcriptionally silent insertions that can be activated by Cre recombinase would take advantage of existing transgenic Cre lines to rapidly produce hundreds of lineage specific and temporally controlled knockout mice for each gene, thereby introducing significant parallelism to functional gene annotation. However, the extent to which this strategy results in effective gene knockout has not been established. To test the feasibility of this strategy we targeted ErbB3, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase receptors, using this strategy. Insertion of a reversed “flipflox” vector consisting of a gene inactivation cassette (GI) and an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)‐GFP reporter into intron 1 of ErbB3 was transcriptionally silent and did not affect ErbB3 expression. Crosses with ubiquitous and lineage specific Cre recombinase expressing lines permanently inverted the inserted GI cassette and blocked ErbB3 expression. Unidirectional DNA inversion by in vivo recombination is an effective strategy for targeted or ubiquitous gene knockout. genesis 44:477–486, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Structure of Pd and Pt Complexes with Doubly Stabilized Phosphorus Ylides
Authors: Carbó Marta , Marín Nérida , Navarro Rafael , Soler Tatiana , Urriolabeitia Esteban P.
Published: September 2006

The doubly stabilized P‐ylide ligands Ph3P=C(CO2Me)C(=S)N(H)Ph (L1), Ph3P=C(CN)C(=S)N(H)Ph (L2), and Ph3P=C(CN)–[(E)‐C(CO2Me)=CH(CO2Me)] (L3) have been prepared and fully characterized. The X‐ray structures of L1 and L2 are reported. The reactivity of L1, L2, and L3 towards cationic PdII and PtII precursors with two vacant coordination sites has been studied. Adducts of general formula [M(CX)(Ln)]ClO4, [M(CX)(Ln)2]ClO4, and [M(μ‐Ln)(CX)]2(ClO4)2 (CX = ancillary ligands) were obtained. The ylides Ln coordinate to the metal center through their heteroatoms (O, N, S), while the C bonding of Ln has not been observed in any of the cases studied. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Applications of Palladacyclic Complexes Bearing C,N,S‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Chen Ming‐Tsz , Huang Chi‐An , Chen Chi‐Tien
Published: September 2006

The preparations of novel tridentate C,N,S‐donor ligand precursors, PhN=C(CMe2)(NPh)C=N(CH2)2SR [R = CMe3 (2); R = Ph (3)] are described. Treatment of 2 and 3 with 1 equiv. of Pd(OAc)2 affords the orthometallated palladium(II) complexes [PhN=C(CMe2)(N‐η1‐Ph)C=N(CH2)2SR]Pd(OAc) [R = CMe3 (4); R = Ph (5)]. Reaction of 4 and 5 with an excess of LiCl in methanol affords the orthometallated palladium(II) complexes [PhN=C(CMe2)(N‐η1‐Ph)C=N(CH2)2SR]PdCl [R = CMe3 (6); R = Ph (7)]. Crystal structures are reported for compounds 3 and 4. The application of these novel palladacyclic complexes as catalyses for the Suzuki and Heck reactions with aryl halide substrates was examined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Classical and Non‐Classical Ruthenium‐Based Anticancer Drugs: Towards Targeted Chemotherapy
Authors: Han Ang Wee , Dyson Paul J.
Published: September 2006

Ruthenium‐based anticancer chemotherapies are making significant advances in clinical trials. Until recently, the focus has been on coordination complexes, and mechanisms such as “activation by reduction” and “transferrin‐targeted delivery” have been proposed to account for the excellent cytotoxicity and low general toxicity of these complexes. More recently organoruthenium compounds, which to some extent appear not to follow the established rules, have started to be investigated. Despite such differences, similar activities between certain coordination and organometallic compounds suggest similar modes of action are present. DNA, the classic target, is believed to be the dominant mechanism for cytotoxicity with certain ruthenium drugs, while with others, non‐classical targets are thought to be more important. In this article we describe these features and show how both ruthenium coordination complexes and organoruthenium compounds represent an ideal scaffold for further drug design and optimisation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Mass distribution and focusing properties of carrier ampholytes for isoelectric focusing: I. Novel and unexpected results
Authors: Sebastiano Roberto , Simó Carolina , Mendieta Martha Elena , Antonioli Paolo , Citterio Attilio , Cifuentes Alejandro , Peltre Gabriel , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: September 2006

In an attempt to prepare quasi‐isoelectric buffers as BGEs for CE, carrier ampholytes (CAs) (Ampholine, pH 7–9; Servalyt, pH 7–9; Bio‐Lyte, pH 8–10 and Pharmalyte, pH 8–10.5) have been subdivided with the Rotofor into 20 fractions, ofca.0.1 pH unit span, whose composition has been studied by CZE‐MS. The results have allowed identifying the number of different molecular mass compounds present in every commercial brand, as well as the number of isoforms (having identical mass, but representing positional isomers) associated with a givenMrvalue. Ampholine is composed of 29 species, for a total of 85 different isoforms; Bio‐Lyte is made of 43 compounds, for a total of 136 isoforms; Pharmalyte comprises 58 differentMrchemicals, for a total of 102 isoforms and Servalyt is constituted by 65 species, for a total of 306 compounds (all of these values to be considered as minimum numbers, as detected by the present methodology). Surprisingly, and contrary to theory, a very large proportion (up to 70%) of these species are ‘poor carrier ampholytes’, in that they are unable to focus and are evenly distributed along the generated pH gradient in the electric field. Paradoxically, the pH gradient is created and sustained by the minority of species (30% for three brands, up to 50% for Pharmalyte) that appear to focus at their pIposition into reasonably sharp zones. Even in the narrowest pIfraction, up to 20 different compounds can be detected. It is concluded that very few amines with different useful pKvalues are utilized for the synthesis and that a new generation of CAs with a more diversified population of amines with proper pKvalues within the given pH intervals should be sought. Ampholine, the poorest of the commercial brands, appears to be still made with the original synthesis devised by Vesterberg,i.e.by reacting a concoction of oligoamines with α,β‐unsaturated acids.
Impact of small amounts of swelling clays on the physical properties of debris‐flow‐like granular materials. Implications for the study of alpine debris flow
Authors: Bardou Eric , Bowen Paul , Boivin Pascal , Banfill Phil
Published: September 2006

The effect of the small fraction of clays on the rheological behaviour of alpine debris flow is poorly understood. This is partly due to the complexity of the debris flow mineralogy and the broad particle size distribution. This study has investigated this issue by simulating an alpine debris flow with a mixture of well characterized fractions and then varying the clay fraction composition. Four samples were tested, ranging from a clay fraction made up of only kaolinite (1:1 type clay) to samples where 80 per cent of the kaolinite is replaced by bedeillite (a 2:1 type clay similar to smectite). Changing the content of 2:1 type clay has a strong influence on the behaviour of the whole material, despite its low weight fraction of around 2 per cent. The tests carried out on these reconstituted materials were compared with the results obtained for natural debris flow materials and showed some common trends: in particular, the rheological parameters for materials with and without 2:1 clays with respect to yield stress as a function of solid content. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loss of soil and PM10 from agricultural fields associated with high winds on the Columbia Plateau
Authors: Sharratt B. , Feng G. , Wendling L.
Published: September 2006

Winter wheat–summer fallow is the conventional cropping system employed on >1·5 million ha within the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington and northern Oregon. Wind erosion contributes to poor air quality in the region, yet little is known concerning the magnitude of soil and PM10 (particulate matter of ≤10 µm in aerodynamic diameter) loss from agricultural lands. Therefore, loss of soil and PM10 was assessed from a silt loam in eastern Washington during 2003 and 2004. Field sites were maintained in fallow using conventional tillage practices in 2003 (9 ha field) and 2004 (16 ha field) and instrumented to assess horizontal soil flux and PM10 concentrations at the windward and leeward positions in the field during high‐wind events. Soil flux was measured using creep and airborne sediment collectors while PM10 concentrations were measured using high‐volume PM10 samplers. Aggregate size distribution of parent soil and eroded sediment was characterized by rotary and sonic sieving. Six high‐wind events occurred over the two year period, with soil loss ranging from 43 kg ha−1 for the 12–22 September 2003 event to 2320 kg ha−1 for the 27–29 October 2003 event. Suspension‐sized particulates (<100 µm in diameter) comprised ≥90 per cent of the eroded sediment, indicating that direct suspension may be an important process by which the silt loam eroded. The corresponding loss of PM10 for these two events ranged from 5 to 210 kg ha−1. Loss of PM10 comprised 9–12 per cent of the total soil loss for the six events. This study suggests that the relatively small loss of PM10 from eroding agricultural fields maintained in summer fallow can affect air quality in the Columbia Plateau. Therefore, alternative tillage practices or cropping systems are needed for minimizing PM10 emissions and improving air quality in the region. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of CLEAR algorithm on non‐orthogonal curvilinear co‐ordinates for solution of incompressible flow and heat transfer
Authors: Qu Z. G. , He Y. L. , Zhao C. Y. , Tao W. Q.
Published: September 2006

In this paper, the CLEAR (coupled and linked equations algorithm revised) algorithm is extended to non‐orthogonal curvilinear collocated grids. The CLEAR algorithm does not introduce pressure correction in order to obtain an incompressible flow field which satisfies the mass conservation law. Rather, it improves the intermediate velocity by solving an improved pressure equation to make the algorithm fully implicit since there is no term omitted in the derivation process. In the extension of CLEAR algorithm from a staggered grid system in Cartesian coordinates to collocated grids in non‐orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, three important issues are appropriately treated so that the extended CLEAR can lead to a unique solution without oscillation of pressure field and with high robustness. These three issues are (1) solution independency on the under‐relaxation factor; (2) strong coupling between velocity and pressure; and (3) treatment of the cross pressure gradient terms. The flow and heat transfer problems in a rectangular enclosure with an internal eccentric circle and the flow in a lid‐driven inclined cavity are computed by using the extended CLEAR. The results show that the extended CLEAR can guarantee the solution independency on the under‐relaxation factor, the smoothness of pressure profile even at very small under‐relaxation factor and good robustness which leads to a converged solution for the small inclined angle of 5° only with 5‐point computational molecule while the extended SIMPLE‐series algorithm usually can get a converged solution for the inclined angle larger than 30° under the same condition. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms among veterans home elders in Eastern Taiwan
Authors: Ku Yan‐Chiou , Liu Wen‐Chien , Tsai Yun‐Fang
Published: September 2006

Background

Depression in the elderly has become a serious health care issue worldwide. However, no studies have determined the prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms among a representative sample of veterans home elders in Taiwan.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms among veterans home elders in eastern Taiwan.

Method

Elderly veterans (n = 947) were recruited from four veterans homes in eastern Taiwan.

Results

The prevalence of depressive tendency was 35.5%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that depressive status in this sample was significantly predicted by poorer functional status, dissatisfaction with living situation, poorer perceived health status, and lower education level.

Conclusions

The risk factors for depressive symptoms identified in this study need to be considered when assessing the health of elderly veterans. In addition, strategies to improve elderly veterans' perception of health status, physical function and living situation should be considered in interventions to reduce their depressive symptoms. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between generalized anxiety disorder, depression and mortality in old age
Authors: Holwerda Tjalling J. , Schoevers Robert A. , Dekker Jack , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Jonker Cees , Beekman Aartjan T. F.
Published: September 2006

Background

The association between depression and an increased risk of death in elderly persons has been established in both clinical and community studies. Co‐occurrence of depression and generalized anxiety has been shown to represent more severe and more chronic psychopathology. However, little is known about the relation between generalized anxiety disorder, mixed anxiety‐depression (generalized anxiety disorder and depression) and excess mortality in the elderly.

Objective

To investigate whether generalized anxiety and mixed anxiety‐depression are associated with mortality.

Method

Generalized anxiety disorder, mixed anxiety‐depression and depression were assessed in 4051 older persons with a ten‐year follow‐up of community death registers. The mortality risk of generalized anxiety, depression and mixed anxiety‐depression was calculated after adjustment for demographic variables, physical illness, functional disabilities and social vulnerability.

Results

In generalized anxiety disorder and mixed anxiety‐depression no significant excess mortality was found. In depression a significant excess mortality was found in men [HR 1.44 (1.09–1.89)] but not in women [HR 1.04 (0.87–1.24)] after adjustment for the different variables.

Conclusions

In elderly persons depression increases the risk of death in men. Neither generalized anxiety nor mixed anxiety‐depression are associated with excess mortality. Generalized anxiety disorder may even predict less mortality in depressive elderly people. The relation between generalized anxiety disorder and its possibly protective effect on mortality has to be further explored. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of mean residence times of subsurface waters using seasonal variation in deuterium excess in a small headwater catchment in Japan
Authors: Kabeya Naoki , Katsuyama Masanori , Kawasaki Masatoshi , Ohte Nobuhito , Sugimoto Atsuko
Published: September 2006

We measured deuterium excess (d = δD − 8δ18O) in throughfall, groundwater, soil water, spring water, and stream water for 3 years in a small headwater catchment (Matsuzawa, 0·68 ha) in the Kiryu Experimental Watershed in Japan. The d value represents a kinetic effect produced when water evaporates. The d value of the throughfall showed a sinusoidal change (amplitude: 6·9‰ relative to Vienna standard mean ocean water (V‐SMOW)) derived from seasonal changes in the source of water vapour. The amplitude of this sinusoidal change was attenuated to 1·3–6·9‰ V‐SMOW in soil water, groundwater, spring water, and stream water. It is thought that these attenuations derive from hydrodynamic transport processes in the subsurface and mixing processes at an outflow point (stream or spring) or a well. The mean residence time (MRT) of water was estimated from d value variations using an exponential‐piston flow model and a dispersion model. MRTs for soil water were 0–5 months and were not necessarily proportional to the depth. This may imply the existence of bypass flow in the soil. Groundwater in the hillslope zone had short residence times, similar to those of the soil water. For groundwater in the saturated zone near the spring outflow point, the MRTs differed between shallow and deeper groundwater; shallow groundwater had a shorter residence time (5–8 months) than deeper groundwater (more than 9 months). The MRT of stream water (8–9 months) was between that of shallow groundwater near the spring and deeper groundwater near the spring. The seasonal variation in the d value of precipitation arises from changes in isotopic water vapour composition associated with seasonal activity of the Asian monsoon mechanism. The d value is probably an effective tracer for estimating the MRT of subsurface water not only in Japan, but also in other East Asian countries influenced by the Asian monsoon. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The sedimentation of salmonid spawning gravels in the Hampshire Avon catchment, UK: implications for the dissolved oxygen content of intragravel water and embryo survival
Authors: Heywood M. J. T. , Walling D. E.
Published: September 2006

The accumulation of sediment within salmonid redd gravels can have a detrimental impact on the development of salmonid embryos; therefore, redd sedimentation represents a potential limiting factor for salmonid reproduction. The links between redd sedimentation, the dissolved oxygen content of intragravel water and salmonid embryo survival within the upper and middle parts of the Hampshire Avon catchment in southern England are explored. Measurements of surface and intragravel water quality and redd properties were undertaken for artificial redds constructed at known spawning sites. Salmonid embryos were also planted into artificial redds adjacent to the monitoring equipment. The rate of sedimentation of the newly cleaned redd gravels demonstrated a non‐linear decrease over time, which is attributed to a particle‐size‐selective depositional process. The results of the study confirm that low embryo survival and low dissolved oxygen concentrations in intragravel water can be attributed to the accumulation of sediment within the redd gravels. This was found to produce a reduction in redd permeability, which limited the interchange of surface and intragravel water and, therefore, the supply of dissolved oxygen to the intragravel environment. In view of the diminished status of salmonids within many of the UK's chalk rivers and streams, the results highlight the need for management initiatives aimed at reducing redd sedimentation and thereby optimizing salmonid embryo incubation success. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.