bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHO Cells Adhering to Nitrogen‐Rich Plasma‐Polymerised Ethylene Exhibit High Production of a Specific Recombinant Protein
Authors: Gigout Anne , Levasseur Sophie , Girard‐Lauriault Pierre‐Luc , Buschmann Michael D. , Wertheimer Michael R. , Jolicoeur Mario
Published: July 2009

In many industrial applications, inadequate cell attachment can be a limitation, especially when serum‐free media are used. Nitrogen‐rich plasma‐polymerised ethylene (PPE:N) exhibits high concentrations of polar groups that can help to promote the attachment of weakly adherent cell types. Tissue plasminogen activator‐producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, adapted to suspension, were grown in the presence PPE:N flakes and were found to adhere to them. The growth rate was reduced, but cell viability was enhanced and their metabolism was more efficient, with generally higher recombinant protein productivity. Finally, cell adhesion on PPE:N surfaces was found to be independent of integrins, and was probably mediated by certain non‐specific interactions with the PPE:N surface.

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Elimination of Separation Processes for Post‐Consumer Polyolefin Waste: Reactive Blending Using 1,3‐Phenylene Dimaleimide in Presence of Filler
Authors: Khunová Viera , Liauw Christopher M. , Kelnar Ivan , Snauko Marian
Published: July 2009

A novel approach using reactive processing is explored that eliminates the labour‐intensive separation of post‐consumer polyolefin waste from the mixed plastics waste stream. The reactive compatibiliser BMI has been used to form a modified blend of PCPW with 40% improved tensile strength relative to the uncompatibilised control. Addition of 60 wt.‐% magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] during reactive compatibilisation with BMI gave rise to an even more significant enhancement (up to 100%) of the tensile strength. BMI was also able to usefully enhance the properties of a composite based on calcium carbonate and the polyolefin waste.

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Preparation of Ag‐Embedded Polystyrene Nanospheres and Nanocapsules by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Koh Haeng‐Deog , Changez Mohammad , Lee Jung‐Pil , Lee Jae‐Suk
Published: July 2009

An isopropyl myristate (IPM) biocompatible oil and an IPM solution of dodecanethiol‐capped Ag nanoparticles (NPs, 4.5 nm) were used as hydrophobes to suppress the Ostwald ripening of monomer/hydrophobe miniemulsified droplets in a surfactant‐stabilized water phase. The formation of non‐IPM‐encapsulated nanospheres (48 nm) and IPM‐encapsulated nanocapsules (90 nm) were precisely controlled by using a water‐soluble and an oil‐soluble initiator, respectively, in the presence of a pure IPM as a hydrophobe in miniemulsion polymerization. Well‐defined PS nanospheres, on which surfaces were coated with Ag NPs (Ag/PS nanospheres, 65 nm), and nanocapsules encapsulating both NPs and IPM liquid phase (Ag‐IPM/PS nanocapsules, 115 nm) were made by replacing the hydrophobe from pure IPM with Ag/IPM solution. These nanostructures were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopes.

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Resolution‐recovery for EPR imaging of free radical molecules in mice
Authors: Ikebata Yusuke , Sato‐Akaba Hideo , Aoyama Takashi , Fujii Hirotada , Itoh Kouichi , Hirata Hiroshi
Published: July 2009

A method of post‐processing to enhance the image resolution of the distribution of free radical molecules obtained with continuous‐wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW‐EPR) imaging is reported. The low spatial resolution of EPR imaging, which has created difficulties in biomedical applications, was overcome by the method of resolution‐recovery for EPR imaging. High spatial resolution images for the distribution of free radical molecules with a very short relaxation time were obtained with this method. The method's two‐step postprocessing consists of conventional deconvolution and filtered back‐projection and a process of iterative deconvolution. The resolution‐recovery method was demonstrated with three‐dimensional (3D) imaging of stable nitroxyl radicals in mouse head. In phantom experiments with a solution of triarylmethyl (TAM) radicals, the spatial resolution was improved by a factor of 7 with the resolution‐recovery method. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hereditary rimmed vacuole myopathy showing interstitial amyloid deposition in muscle tissue
Authors: Kojima Yukiko , Sakai Kenji , Ishida Chiho , Asaka Tomoya , Hamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Nozaki Ichiro , Fukushima Kazuhiro , Tsuchiya Ayako , Kametani Fuyuki , Yazaki Masahide , Okino Soichi , Yamada Masahito
Published: July 2009

We describe a consanguineous family that had progressive myopathy with rimmed vacuole (RV) formation and amyloid deposition. Patient 1 is a 71‐year‐old woman with muscle atrophy in the lumbar girdle and lower extremities. Patient 2 is a 40‐year‐old man (the son of Patient 1) with fatty changes in the biceps femoris muscles. Muscle biopsies revealed myopathic and neurogenic degeneration with RV, necrotic fibers, and interstitial amyloid deposition. Amyloid deposition was detected only in the muscle tissue. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Convergence analysis of the Navier–Stokes alpha model
Authors: Çaǧlar Atife
Published: July 2009

We consider the Navier–Stokes‐alpha (NS‐α) model as an approximation of turbulent flows under nonperiodic boundary conditions. We prove global existence and uniqueness of weak solutions of the particular model. Further, we give full discretization of the model using the finite element approximations. Finally, we prove convergence of the method to the continuous NS‐α solution as h → 0 for a constant α. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
A seminumeric approach for solution of the Eikonal partial differential equation and its applications
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Salehi Rezvan
Published: July 2009

In this work, a partial differential equation, which has several important applications, is investigated, and some techniques based on semianalytic (or quasi‐numerical) approaches are developed to find its solution. In this article, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), Adomian decomposition method, and the modified homotopy perturbation method are proposed to solve the Eikonal equation. HPM yields solution in convergent series form with easily computable terms, and in some case, yields exact solutions in one iteration. In other hand, in Adomian decomposition method, the approximate solution is considered as an infinite series usually converges to the accurate solution. Moreover, these methods do not require any discretization, linearization, or small perturbation, and therefore reduce the numerical computation a lot. Several test problems are given and results are compared with the variational iteration method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
Preparation and characterization of polybenzimidazole membranes prepared by gelation in phosphoric acid
Authors: Yang Jingshuai , He Ronghuan
Published: July 2009

Phosphoric acid doped poly (2, 2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5, 5′‐bibenzimidazole) (PBI) membranes were prepared by dissolving PBI powders in 85% phosphoric acid at 190–200°C and then promoting gelation of the PBI by cooling the solutions to −18°C. The extent of acid doping of the PBI membranes was controlled by immersing the membrane in aqueous phosphoric acid solutions of different concentrations (acid de‐doping). The process of the acid de‐doping was faster than acid doping of membrane cast from N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The de‐doping process caused shrinkage of the PBI membrane and thus an increase in the membrane strength due to the packing of PBI chains according to the X‐ray diffraction analysis. The tensile stress and proton conductivity of the obtained PBI membranes with different acid doping levels were measured. For a PBI (ηIV: 0.58 dL · g−1) membrane with an acid doping level of 7.0 (molar number of doped acid per mole repeat unit of PBI), the stress at break and proton conductivity at 120°C without humidification were 2.6 MPa and 5.1 × 10−2 S · cm−1, respectively. These results were comparable to those of the membranes cast from PBI solutions in DMAc. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive predictive value of computerized medical records for uncomplicated and complicated upper gastrointestinal ulcer
Authors: Margulis Andrea V. , García Rodríguez Luis A. , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia
Published: July 2009

Purpose

Computerized databases can be an efficient resource to study the epidemiology of peptic ulcer (PU) and upper gastrointestinal complications (UGIC) if we achieve a high positive predictive value (PPV) of outcome definitions. We assessed the PPV of diagnosis codes in THIN, a primary‐care medical‐record database, to ascertain individuals with uncomplicated PU, and to identify UGIC and Helicobacter pylori infection status (HPIS) among these patients.

Methods

We identified: (1) patients with codes suggesting a first episode of uncomplicated PU; (2) episodes of UGIC among them. The computerized profiles with free‐text comments of these individuals were reviewed and classified as definite, possible, or excluded cases. Dates and HPIS were also ascertained. For a sample of definite and possible PU, and for all UGIC cases, primary care physicians were sent a questionnaire for confirmation.

Results

The 5296 individuals with codes suggesting PU were classified as definite (49%), possible (25%), and excluded (26%) cases. The PPV for definite/possible PU was 94% (99% for definite, 84% for possible cases). Of the questionnaires with information on HPIS (62%), the PPV and NPV were 100%. The 97 individuals with codes suggesting UGIC were classified as definite (48%), possible (27%), and excluded (22%) cases; the PPV for definite/possible was 95% (100% for definite, 88% for possible cases). Code dates were generally later than medical‐record dates.

Conclusion

The identification of PU cases and their HPIS and UGIC requires careful review of the computerized clinical information with free‐text comments. The validation of a sample is needed to confirm the accuracy of the diagnoses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overdose of methyldopa, indapamide and theophylline resulting in prolonged hypotension, marked diuresis and hypokalaemia in an elderly patient
Authors: Chan Thomas Y. K. , Gomersall Charles D. , Cheng Claudia A. Y. , Woo Jean
Published: July 2009

An 89‐year‐old man with a history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, personality disorder and previous attempts of self‐poisoning attempted suicide by swallowing two mouthfuls of tablets (methyldopa 250 mg, theophylline SR 200 mg, indapamide 2.5 mg and paracetamol 500 mg). He had prolonged, severe hypotension, necessitating the use of 3000 ml of Gelofusine® and almost 2 days of intravenous norepinephrine infusion. He had marked diuresis for 4.5 days, requiring continuous and bolus infusions of intravenous fluids. He had marked renal potassium loss, requiring vigorous potassium replacement therapy. Multiple‐dose activated charcoal was used to enhance theophylline elimination. The plasma paracetamol level was below the treatment line. Methyldopa via its metabolite stimulates postsynaptic α‐adrenergic receptors in cardiovascular control centres in the brain, causing a reduction in peripheral sympathetic tone and a fall in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. In overdose, it causes hypotension, bradycardia and drowsiness. The natriuretic, kaliuretic and vasodilatory effects of indapamide are exaggerated in overdose, resulting in diuresis, hypokalaemia and hypotension. Theophylline markedly increases the level of circulating catecholamines, which stimulate the vascular β2‐adrenergic receptors with decreased peripheral vascular resistance. Peripheral vasodilation and hypotension occur in significant theophylline poisoning. Intracellular shift of potassium results in hypokalaemia. The prescribing physicians should recognise elderly patients at a high risk of self‐poisoning and avoid using drugs with a high toxicity in overdose (e.g. theophylline and methyldopa). Restricting access to hazardous drugs (in overdose) would be of paramount importance to reduce the number of severe acute poisoning cases and case‐fatalities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restricted geometry optimization for estimating stabilization energies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Bao Peng , Yu Zhong‐Heng
Published: July 2009

At the B3LYP/6‐31G* level, our program of geometry optimization under the restrictions ofπ‐orbital interactions was applied to five homologous series such as acene‐, phenanthrene, triphenylene, chrysene, benzopyrene series, and seven additional molecules such as tri‐ and tetra‐benzanthracene, benzo‐ and naphtho‐pentaphene, dibenzopentacene and tribenzotetracene, providing each of the 35 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with two types of localized reference geometries: (i) the ‘GL’ geometry where all double bonds are localized and (ii)mdifferent ‘GE‐m’ geometries, where only a specific pair of double bonds are permitted to conjugate and all other bonds are localized.. Each GE‐mresulted from the localπinteraction between a pair of double bonds in the GL geometry. The total sum of molecular energy differences, ([E(Ground) − E(GL)] − Σ[E(GE‐m) − E(GL)]), is defined as the extra stabilization energy (ESE) for a PAH. The corrected ESE (CESE) then resulted from consideringπinteractions between pairs of nonbonded double bonds. In this work, the position, energy and GL sextet rules were developed to ensure that the GL geometry chosen from its candidates as well as the GE‐mgeometries is no longer arbitrary. Therefore, it is the GL and GE‐mgeometries of the PAH itself, rather than nonaromatic compounds, that serve as reference structures for calculating CESE. As a result, for each of the four homologous series (acene, phenanthrene, triphenylene, and benzopyrene), CESE/πcan be fitted as a linear function of the p band frequency$\tilde v$. For each of the four isomeric series with molecular formulas of C18H12, C22H14, C26H16, and C30H18, CESE/πcan also be fitted as a second‐order polynomial function of the p band frequency$\tilde v$as well as of the number of GL sextets. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of alkyl chain lengths of gallates upon their distribution and reactivity towards diphenylpicryl hydracil radicals in Triton X‐100 micellar solutions
Authors: Campos A. M. , Ponce E. , Lissi E. A.
Published: July 2009

The reactivity of ethyl‐, propyl‐ and octylgallate towards diphenylpicryl hydracil radicals has been measured in homogeneous solution (ethanol) and in Triton X‐100 micellar solutions. Similar reactivities were measured in homogeneous solutions, indicating that the length of the alkyl chain does not influence the reactivity of the phenolic groups. On the other hand, different reactivities were measured in micellar solutions, particularly at low (5 mM) surfactant concentrations. Data obtained at different surfactant concentrations allow estimation of partitioning of the gallates and their intramicellar bimolecular rate constant. The values obtained indicate that all the observed differences in reactivity are attributable to differences in substrate partitioning between the micellar and aqueous pseudophases. In fact, similar values of the intramicellar rate constants were obtained, suggesting that the average location of the reactive groups inside the micelles is independent of the solute alkyl chain length. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of carbazole‐layered polymers
Authors: Morisaki Yasuhiro , Fernandes Jonas Alves , Wada Naoki , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: July 2009

New aromatic ring‐layered polymers consisting of carbazole as a layered aromatic group and xanthene as a scaffold were designed and synthesized via the Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling reaction. Their optical and electrochemical behaviors were investigated in detail; the results showed that these polymers could be used as hole‐transporting materials. Polymers with nitrobenzene moieties at the polymer chain ends quenched the emission from the layered carbazoles to the nitrobenzene termini; thus, the polymers acted as the molecular wire that transferred photoexcited energy and/or electrons to the polymer termini. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4279–4288, 2009
Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes using an iridium complex polymer as the solution‐processible host material
Authors: Koga Yuji , Matsubara Kouki
Published: July 2009

We prepared an iridium polymer complex having 2‐phenylpyridine as a η2‐cyclometallated ligand, a new OLED containing a solution‐processible iridium polymer as a host, and a phosphorescent iridium complex, [Ir(piq‐tBu)3] as a guest. This is the first example to apply a phosphorescent iridium complex polymer to a host material in a phosphorescent OLED. A phosphine copolymer ligand made from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 4‐styryldiphenylphosphine can be used as an anchor polymer, which coordinates to luminescent iridium units to form a host metallopolymer easily. The OLED containing the host iridium‐complex polymer film, in which the guest, 2 wt % Ir(piq‐tBu)3, was doped, showed red electroluminescence as a result of efficient energy transfer from the iridium polymer host to the iridium guest. The maximum current efficiency of the device was 1.00, suggesting that a soluble iridium complex polymer can be used as a solution‐processible polymer host in EL devices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4358–4365, 2009
PL and EL behavior of near‐red luminescent metallopolymer easily prepared from phosphine‐containing copolymer and chloro{bis(1‐phenylisoquinolinato‐N,C2′)}iridium(III), and its monomeric analog
Authors: Koga Yuji , Yoshida Nanae , Matsubara Kouki
Published: July 2009

We successfully developed phosphorescent cyclometallated iridium‐containing metallopolymers, which are near‐red luminescent iridium complexes bearing phosphine‐containing copolymers used as polymer ligands, and investigated their photoluminescence and electroluminescence behavior. The phosphine copolymer ligand made from methyl methacrylate and 4‐styryldiphenylphosphine can be used as an anchor, which coordinates luminescent iridium units to form the metallopolymer easily. Organic light‐emitting diodes were fabricated from the metallopolymer and its nonpolymer analog, [IrCl(piq)2PPh3]. These complexes exhibited quite similar luminescence behavior, except for emission from the free‐phosphine‐units in the polymer side chain and their energy‐transferring properties from host to guest materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4366–4378, 2009
The brittle–ductile transition induced by thermal ageing of toluene cast poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) as observed by interfacial friction
Authors: Whitten Philip G. , Brown Hugh R.
Published: July 2009

The interfacial shear stress of toluene cast poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) films has been studied as a function of annealing temperature. The surface topography of these films was studied by scanning probe microscopy following a single sliding pass. Casting from toluene results in a semicrystalline film with a rigid amorphous phase and containing a small amount of residual solvent that exhibits a higher interfacial shear stress than a high temperature annealed solvent‐free amorphous film. Films containing small amounts of toluene exhibit a wear pattern consisting of ripples oriented perpendicular to the sliding direction following a single sliding pass. These results support the notion that the interfacial shear stress is a function of the shear yield stress, and, that during sliding friction tensile stresses must form at the polymer surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1637–1643, 2009
Characteristics of Optical Emission Spectra Induced by Laser Beams and Crystallization of PBZNZT Thin Films
Authors: Cheng Hsiu‐Fung , Chen Yu‐Wen , Palathinkal Thomas Joseph , Lin I‐Nan
Published: July 2009

The correlation between optical emission spectra (OES) and growth behavior of (PbBa)(Zn1/3Nb2/3)(ZrTi)O3, PBZNZT, thin films were investigated. OES peak intensity (Ip) first increases with laser fluence (Jl) and laser repetition rate (rl) and then reaches a plateau, while the excitation temperature (Tp) of Pb species is insensitive. Conversely, an increase in oxygen pressure () decreases Ip and Tp peaks corresponding to Pb(I) species. PBZNZT films with good crystallinity and ferroelectric properties (Pr = 23.67–25.95 µC · cm−2 and Ec = 399.0–422.6 kV · cm−1) were prepared by using Jl ≈ 1.0 J · cm−2, rl ≈ 10 Hz,  ≈ 0.45–0.55 mbar, substrate temperature≈400 °C, and a Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 buffer layer.
A perturbative view of protein structural variation
Authors: Echave Julián , Fernández Francisco M.
Published: July 2009

It was recently found that the lowest‐energy collective normal modes dominate the evolutionary divergence of protein structures. This was attributed to a presumed functional importance of such motions, i.e., to natural selection. In contrast to this selectionist explanation, we proposed that the observed behavior could be just the expected physical response of proteins to random mutations. This proposal was based on the success of a linearly forced elastic network model (LFENM) of mutational effects on structure to account for the observed pattern of structural divergence. Here, to further test the mutational explanation and the LFENM, we analyze the structural differences observed not only in homologous (globin‐like) proteins but also in unselected experimentally engineered myoglobin mutants and in wild‐type variants subject to other perturbations such as ligand‐binding and pH changes. We show that the lowest normal modes dominate structural change in all the cases considered and that the LFENM reproduces this behavior quantitatively. The collective nature of the lowest normal modes results in global conformational changes that depend little on the exact nature or location of the perturbation. Significantly, the evolutionarily conserved structural core matches the regions observed to be more robust with respect to mutations, so that the core would be more conserved even under unselected random mutations. In a word, the observed patterns of structural variation can be seen as the natural response of proteins to perturbations and can be adequately modeled using the LFENM, which serves as a common framework to relate a priori different phenomena. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of the modification technologies of asphalt by using waste EVA from packaging
Authors: Fang Changqing , Zhou Shisheng , Zhang Maorong , Zhao Shijie , Wang Xin , Zheng Changzheng
Published: July 2009

Packaging wastes not only pollute the environment, but also waste resources. In this study, bags of suits made mainly from ethylene(vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA), as the modifier, were used to improve the properties of raw asphalt. On the basis of the common physical modification, crosslinking agents and catalysts were added to the raw oil asphalt. The modification technologies were studied carefully. The results showed that crosslinking agents and catalysts could make the polymer react with raw asphalt, thus providing chemical connections between them and forming three‐dimensional network structures. As a result, the asphalt performance was improved. In addition, the dosages of the crosslinking agent, modification temperature, and time also had effects on the performance of the modified asphalt. When the ratio of divinylbenzene to asphalt was 0.0125, the ratio of catalyst to asphalt was 0.025, the temperature was 140°C, and the modification time was 2.5 h, the softening point of the asphalt rose from 49.5°C to 63.5°C, and the penetration degree dropped from 68.5 to 39.1 (0.1 mm). The results showed that after the modification with waste EVA, the performance of the asphalt had been significantly improved and stabilized. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of the First Quaternary Tantalum Thiogermanates, ATaGeS5 (A = K, Rb, Cs)
Authors: Dong Yongkwan , Do Junghwan , Yun Hoseop
Published: July 2009

The new quaternary thiogermanates, ATaGeS5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) were prepared with the use of halide fluxes and the crystal structures of the compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The compounds are isostructural and crystallize in space group P\bar{1} of the triclinic system with two formula units in a cell of dimensions: a = 6.937(1) Å, b = 6.950(2) Å, c = 8.844(3) Å, α = 71.07(2)°, β = 78.56(2)°, γ = 75.75(2)°, V = 387.6(2) Å3 for KTaGeS5; a = 6.996(3) Å, b = 7.033(3) Å, c = 8.985(4) Å, α = 70.33(3)°, β = 78.12(4)°, γ = 75.63(4)°, V = 399.6(3) Å3 for RbTaGeS5; a = 7.012(4) Å, b = 7.202(3) Å, c = 9.267(5) Å, α = 68.55(3)°, β = 77.27(4)°, γ = 74.75(4)°, V = 416.2(4) Å3 for CsTaGeS5. The structures of ATaGeS5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) are comprised of anionic infinite two‐dimensional {}_\infty^2[TaGeS5–] layers separated from one another by alkali metal cations (A+). Each layer is made up of tantalum centered sulfur octahedra and pairs of edge‐sharing germanium centered sulfur tetrahedra. The classical charge valence of these compounds should be represented by [A+][(Ta5+)(Ge4+)(S2–)5]. UV/Vis diffuse reflectance measurements indicate that they are semiconductors with optical bandgaps of ca. 2.0 eV.
Low fertility in vivo resulting from female factors causes small litter size in 129 inbred mice
Authors: Hino Toshiaki , Oda Kanako , Nakamura Kenji , Toyoda Yutaka , Yokoyama Minesuke
Published: July 2009

Purpose

129 inbred mice show poor reproductive ability, as evidenced by small litters; however, the exact cause of this is unknown. In the present in vivo study we examined fertility and subsequent post‐implantation development in an attempt to clarify the cause of small litter size in 129 mice.

Methods

129 or C57BL/6J females that displayed vaginal plugs 1 day after mating with males of the same strain were examined for the presence of fertilized eggs. Reciprocal matings were also performed between 129 and C57BL/6J mice. Subsequent post‐implantation development of fertilized eggs was examined by dissecting females 18–19 days after the vaginal plugs were found.

Results

Mean numbers of recovered eggs were 7.9 and 8.0 in 129 and C57BL/6J mice, respectively. Half of the recovered eggs were unfertilized in 129 mice, whereas all were fertilized in C57BL/6J mice. Mean numbers of live fetuses 18–19 days after mating were significantly lower in 129 mice (4.7) than in C57BL/6J mice (7.3). In different types of pairings using both strains of mice, the fertility was significantly lower whenever 129 females were used.

Conclusions

The small litter size in 129 mice is caused by low fertility resulting from female factors.
Adjustment trade‐offs of co‐rumination in mother–adolescent relationships
Authors: Waller Erika M. , Rose Amanda J.
Published: July 2009

The current study examined co‐rumination (i.e., extensively discussing, rehashing, and speculating about problems) in the context of mother–adolescent relationships. Fifth‐, eighth‐, and eleventh‐graders (N = 516) reported on co‐rumination and more normative self‐disclosure with mothers, their relationships with mothers, and their own internalizing symptoms. A subset of mothers (N = 200) reported on mother–adolescent co‐rumination and self‐disclosure. Results from the adolescent‐report data indicated greater mother–adolescent co‐rumination with daughters than sons and also adjustment trade‐offs of mother–adolescent co‐rumination. Mother–adolescent co‐rumination was related to positive relationship quality but also to enmeshment in the relationship. Whereas the relation with positive relationship quality appeared to be due in part to normative self‐disclosure, the relation with enmeshment was unique to co‐rumination. Mother–adolescent co‐rumination also was related to youth anxiety/depression. The relations with enmeshment and internalizing symptoms were strongest when co‐rumination focused on the mothers' problems. Implications of mother–adolescent co‐rumination for promoting appropriate relationship boundaries and youth well‐being are discussed.
Conceptualising Value Creation for Social Change Management
Authors: Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Previte Josephine , Zainuddin Nadia
Published: July 2009

Australian and international governments are increasingly adopting social marketing as a social change management tool to deal with complex social problems. Government decision makers typically need to balance the use of business models and management theories whilst maintaining the integrity of government policy. In taking this approach, decision makers experience management tensions between a social mission to equitably deliver social services and the accountability and affordability of providing quality social and health services to citizens. This is a significant challenge as the nature of the ‘social product’ in government is often more service-oriented than goods-based. In this paper the authors examine value creation in government social marketing services. The contribution of this paper is a value creation process model, which considers the nature of governments to create social good. This is particularly important for governments where consumers still expect value and quality in the service delivered, despite that offering being ‘free’.
A protein containing an XYPPX repeat and a C2 domain is associated with virally induced hypersensitive cell death in plants
Authors: Sakamoto Masaru , Tomita Reiko , Kobayashi Kappei
Published: July 2009

In this study, we characterized a Capsicum hypersensitive response (HR)‐associated gene, SS52, which encodes a protein that contains an N‐terminal C2 domain and a C‐terminal XYPPX repeat. Expression analyses revealed that SS52 and its homologue in Arabidopsis were induced by infection with incompatible viruses, indicating the conserved function of this gene. SS52 was not induced by treatment with defense‐related hormones, but was induced by abiotic stresses, including wounding. Overexpression of SS52 in tobacco plants suppressed the spread of HR cell death and restricted the spread of an incompatible virus from local lesions. Collectively, the results suggest that SS52 negatively regulates plant HR cell death.
Mdmx enhances p53 ubiquitination by altering the substrate preference of the Mdm2 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Okamoto Koji , Taya Yoichi , Nakagama Hitoshi
Published: July 2009

MINT‐7220023: Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) physically interacts (MI:0914) with P53 (uniprotkb:P04637) by pull down (MI:0096)
5‐Fluorotryptophan as dual probe for ground‐state heterogeneity and excited‐state dynamics in apoflavodoxin
Authors: Visser N.V. , Westphal A.H. , Nabuurs S.M. , van Hoek A. , van Mierlo C.P.M. , Visser A.J.W.G. , Broos J. , van Amerongen H.
Published: July 2009

The apoflavodoxin protein from Azotobacter vinelandii harboring three tryptophan (Trp) residues, was biosynthetically labeled with 5‐fluorotryptophan (5‐FTrp). 5‐FTrp has the advantage that chemical differences in its microenvironment can be sensitively visualized via 19F NMR. Moreover, it shows simpler fluorescence decay kinetics. The occurrence of FRET was earlier observed via the fluorescence anisotropy decay of WT apoflavodoxin and the anisotropy decay parameters are in excellent agreement with distances between and relative orientations of all Trp residues. The anisotropy decay in 5‐FTrp apoflavodoxin demonstrates that the distances and orientations are identical for this protein. This work demonstrates the added value of replacing Trp by 5‐FTrp to study structural features of proteins via 19F NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy.
RCAN1‐4 knockdown attenuates cell growth through the inhibition of Ras signaling
Authors: Lee Hong Joon , Kim Young Sun , Sato Yasufumi , Cho Young-Jin
Published: July 2009

Forced changes in the expression of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) affects cell growth. This has been linked to the suppression of calcineurin‐nuclear factor of activated T cells signaling by RCAN1. Here, we describe a novel role of RCAN1 isoform 4 in proper expression of Ras protein and its signaling. RCAN1 isoform 4 knockdown attenuated growth factor‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation and cell growth; reduced Ras levels and its translation rate; and led to a reduction of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E in the initiation complex and a slight repression of global protein synthesis. Experiments utilizing activity‐modified mutants of calcineurin A demonstrated that these effects were calcineurin‐independent. Our findings reveal a previously unknown role of RCAN1‐4 in protein synthesis, which may be relevant to cell growth.
Processed short neuropeptide F peptides regulate growth through the ERK‐insulin pathway in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lee Kyu-Sun , Hong Seung-Hyun , Kim Ae-Kyeong , Ju Sung-Kyu , Kwon O-Yu , Yu Kweon
Published: July 2009

The Drosophila sNPF gene regulates growth through the ERK‐insulin pathway. sNPF encodes a precursor protein that is processed and produces biologically active sNPF peptides. However, the functions of these peptides are not known. In Drosophila neuronal cells in culture and in flies in vivo, sNPF1 and sNPF2 activated the ERK‐insulin pathway and regulated body growth. In addition, the sNPF precursor and the processed sNPF peptide were co‐localized in the neurons of the central nervous system. These results indicate that sNPF1 and sNPF2 peptides processed from the sNPF precursor are sufficient for regulating body growth through the ERK‐insulin pathway in Drosophila.
Ankrd17, an ubiquitously expressed ankyrin factor, is essential for the vascular integrity during embryogenesis
Authors: Hou Shin-Chen , Chan Li-Wei , Chou Yu-Chi , Su Ching-Yuan , Chen Xin , Shih Yen-Ling , Tsai Pei-Chun , Shen C.-K. James , Yan Yu-Ting
Published: July 2009

Ankyrin repeat domain 17 (Ankrd17) encodes an ubiquitously expressed protein with two clusters of ankyrin repeats. We have used gene targeting strategy to ablate the Ankrd17 gene in mouse. The Ankrd17‐deficient mice died between embryonic day (E) 10.5 and E11.5 due to cardiovascular defects. Serious hemorrhages were detected and the vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) surrounding the vessels were drastically reduced in the Ankrd17‐deficient embryos, suggesting that the vascular maturation was not completed. Interestingly, vSMC differentiation marker genes were up‐regulated in the mutant embryos. Our data have demonstrated the indispensability of Ankrd17 functioning for vascular maturation during early development. The Ankrd17‐deficient mice also provide a new animal model for the analysis of the regulatory pathways of the differentiation of vSMC precursor cells.
Transglutaminase 2 and nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity are correlated in epithelial membranes and are abnormal in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Treharne Kate J. , Giles Best O. , Mehta Anil
Published: July 2009

MINT‐7219905, MINT‐7219896: tgase2 (uniprotkb:P21980) physically interacts (MI:0914) with NDPK (uniprotkb:P15531) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Ribavirin enhances interferon signaling via stimulation of mTOR and p53 activities
Authors: Su Wen-Cheng , Liu Wei-Liang , Cheng Ching-Wei , Chou Yu-Bin , Hung Ko-Hsuan , Huang Wen-Hung , Wu Chao-Liang , Li Yuan-Tsung , Shiau Ai-Li , Lai Ming-Yang
Published: July 2009

mTOR (uniprotkb:P42345) physically interacts (MI:0914) with P53 (uniprotkb:P04637) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Ontogenetic expression of the vanilloid receptors TRPV1 and TRPV2 in the rat retina
Authors: Leonelli Mauro , Martins Daniel O. , Kihara Alexandre H. , Britto Luiz R.G.
Published: July 2009

The present study aimed to analyze the gene and protein expression and the pattern of distribution of the vanilloid receptors TRPV1 and TRPV2 in the developing rat retina. During the early phases of development, TRPV1 was found mainly in the neuroblastic layer of the retina and in the pigmented epithelium. In the adult, TRPV1 was found in microglial cells, blood vessels, astrocytes and in neuronal structures, namely synaptic boutons of both retinal plexiform layers, as well as in cell bodies of the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. The pattern of distribution of TRPV1 was mainly punctate, and there was higher TRPV1 labeling in the peripheral retina than in central regions. TRPV2 expression was quite distinct. Its expression was virtually undetectable by immunoblotting before P1, and that receptor was found by immunohistochemistry only by postnatal day 15 (P15). RNA and protein analysis showed that the adult levels are only reached by P60, which includes small processes in the retinal plexiform layers, and labeled cellular bodies in the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. There was no overlapping between the signal observed for both receptors. In conclusion, our results showed that the patterns of distribution of TRPV1 and TRPV2 are different during the development of the rat retina, suggesting that they have specific roles in both visual processing and in providing specific cues to neural development.
Oral misoprostol reduces vaginal bleeding following surgical evacuation for first trimester spontaneous abortion
Authors: Shokry Mahmoud , Shahin Ahmed Y. , Fathalla Mohammed M. , Shaaban Omar M.
Published: July 2009

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of misoprostol to reduce the amount and duration of vaginal bleeding following surgical evacuation for first trimester spontaneous abortion.

Methods

A total of 160 patients who underwent surgical evacuation for first trimester spontaneous abortion between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy were randomized into 2 groups to receive either 200 µg of oral misoprostol immediately after evacuation followed every 6 hours for 48 hours or no misoprostol. Pain scores, duration and amount of bleeding, and endometrial thickness were assessed over 10 days.

Results

Women who received misoprostol had significantly fewer bleeding days after evacuation (4.11 ± 2.69 vs 5.89 ± 3.06; P < 0.001), fewer patients reported vaginal bleeding lasting 10 days or more (3.8% vs 15.0%; P = 0.014), and endometrial thickness 10 days after evacuation was less (6.25 ± 2.38 vs 7.23 ± 1.94; P = 0.05). Pain scores were comparable in both groups (1.54 ± 0.65 vs 1.63 ± 0.83; P = 0.40) after 10 days.

Conclusion

Oral misoprostol is effective in reducing the prevalence and amount of vaginal bleeding after surgical evacuation for first trimester spontaneous abortion.
Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus among client-owned cats and risk factors for infection in Germany
Authors: Gleich Sabine E. , Krieger Stefan , Hartmann Katrin
Published: July 2009

This study was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors for retrovirus infection of infected cats in a large cat population in Germany by evaluation of 17,462 client-owned cats that were tested for the presence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen. The owners of a subset of 100 cats were contacted to determine their cat's survival times. Prevalence of FIV and FeLV was 3.2% and 3.6%, respectively, remaining stable for FIV, but decreasing for FeLV (6–1%) over 10 years. Median age was 6 years in FIV- and 3 years in FeLV-infected cats. Risk factors for FIV infection were male gender, older age, mixed breed, access to outdoor, aggressive behaviour, and FeLV co-infection; and for FeLV infection contact to other cats, aggressive behaviour, and FIV co-infection. Median survival time of FIV-infected cats was not significantly different to non-infected cats, whereas FeLV-infected cats had significantly shorter median survival times than non-infected cats.
Constraints from strontium and neodymium isotopic ratios and trace elements on the sources of the sediments in Lake Huguang Maar
Authors: Zhou Houyun , Wang Bo-Shian , Guan Huazheng , Lai Yi-Jen , You Chen-Feng , Wang Jinlian , Yang Huai-Jen
Published: July 2009

The sediments in Lake Huguang Maar in coastal South China were previously thought to originate mainly from wind-blown dust transported from North China, such that the lake sediments recorded the varying strength of the Asian winter monsoon. An alternative explanation was that the local pyroclastic rocks supplied the lake sediments, but the actual contributions from the different sources remained unclear. Geochemical analyses including87Sr/86Sr and143Nd/144Nd and trace elements support the local pyroclastic rock as the dominant source: <22% of the total Sr in the lake sediments and ∼ 17% of the Nd arises from the distant source. Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf for the lake sediments are identical to those for the local rock but differ from the ratios for the wind-blown dust, and chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns for the lake sediments are similar to those for the local rock and soil, but differ from those for the distant source. The sediments in Lake Huguang Maar are probably input into the lake through runoff and thus controlled by the hydrology of the lake. Wind-blown dust transported by the Asian winter monsoon from arid North China is only a minor contribution to the sediments.
Association of Endostatin D104N with Leukemia
Authors: Liu Ta‐Chih , Lin Shen‐Fung , Chang Chao‐Sung , Chen Tyen‐Po , Peng Ching‐Tien , Chang Jan‐Gowth
Published: July 2009

The bone marrow and/or peripheral blood from 126 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 57 with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 91 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and 178 normal controls were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay to evaluate the association of the endostatin polymorphisms D104N (nucleotide 4349G→A) with leukemia. In the 178 normal Taiwanese, the allele frequency of 4349G was 98% (348/356) and that of 4349A was 2% (8/356). The frequencies of homozygous 4349G (104D/D) and heterozygous 4349G/A (104D/N) were 95. 5% (170/178) and 4.5% (8/178), respectively. However, no individuals were homozygous 4349A (104N/N). Among the leukemia patients, 124/126 with AML (98.4%), 55/57 with CML (94.9%), and 89/91 with ALL (97.9%) were homozygous 4349G. In addition, 2/126 with AML (1.6%), 2/57 with CML (5.1%), and 2/91 with ALL (2.1%) were heterozygous 4349G/A. No patients were homozygous 4349A. Similar frequencies of endostatin polymorphisms were observed in leukemic patients and normal controls. This suggests that the endostatin polymorphism is not associated with the risk of leukemia.
Optic Neuritis: Clinical Analysis of 27 Cases
Authors: Bee Youn‐Shen , Lin Muh‐Chiou , Wang Cheng‐Chiang , Sheu Shwu‐Jiuan
Published: July 2009

We retrospectively reviewed 27 cases diagnosed as idiopathic optic neuritis between 1992 and 2001 at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital to assess the clinical features, visual prognosis, neuroimaging, laboratory studies, and development of multiple sclerosis in Chinese patients with optic neuritis. Patient age ranged from 13 to 54 years (mean, 35.8 ± 11.3 years). Five cases presented as bilateral optic neuritis and 22 as unilateral. Visual function improved gradually from 2 weeks after treatment. Twelve (44.4%) cases showed disc swelling and ocular pain was also noted in 44.4% of patients. All cases that underwent visual field and visual evoked potential tests showed abnormality in lesion eyes. Of the 23 cases that underwent neuroimaging studies, including computerized tomography (17 patients) and magnetic resonance imaging (6 patients), 10 revealed optic nerve thickening. Four cases (14.8%) developed multiple sclerosis during follow‐up (mean, 4.3 years). The incidence of disc swelling was higher than that reported by the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial, but the incidence of initial ocular pain, the presence of periventricular plaques, and the development of multiple sclerosis were lower in our study. The unilateral group had significantly better visual outcome than the bilateral group.
Retrocaval Ureter: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Lin Hung‐Yu , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Shu‐Pin , Li Yung‐Chin , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Tsai Hsiu‐Nan , Jeng Hao‐Shuoh
Published: July 2009

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly in which the ureter passes behind, and is compressed by, the inferior vena cava. Its etiology is assumed to be abnormal embryologic development of the inferior vena cava as a result of atrophy failure of the right subcardinal vein in the lumbar portion. We report two cases of retrocaval ureter and review the relevant literature. One patient was a 7‐year‐old boy who presented with right flank pain. The other was a 40‐year‐old male who was found to have right hydronephrosis accidentally on abdominal sonography during a health examination. Both underwent retrograde pyelography which showed the typical S‐shape of a retrocaval ureter. Abdominal computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter. Ureteroureterostomies were performed. One patient showed focal squamous metaplasia of the ureter and the other had chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Follow‐up studies showed improvement in hydronephrosis and renal function in both patients. We conclude that retrocaval ureter is a rare disorder and surgical correction is usually effective.
Mutations in the P53 Tumor Suppressor Gene in Colorectal Cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Fu‐Hsin , Tzeng Dong‐Sheng , Lung For‐Wey , Lee Tai‐Min , Chen Twu‐Chiang , Hsu Li‐Sung
Published: July 2009

Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53 have been reported as occurring prevalently in a wide range of human tumors. Detection of a mutated p53 is thought to provide useful information for the clinical management of colorectal neoplasm. In this study, we used polymerase chain reaction/single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR/SSCP) and sequencing analysis to rapidly screen for mutations in p53 in colorectal cancer in Taiwan. Genomic DNA was purified from colorectal cancer specimens obtained from 80 patients at a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. Primer sets were designed to amplify fragments within exons 4‐8 of p53. We found p53 mutations in 38 of 80 patients. This is the first identification of a mutation at codon 143 of p53 in colorectal cancer in Taiwan. In addition, we found two insertions in exon 5 of p53. The p53 mutation rate among colorectal tumors in Taiwan, found in this study, is 43%. The results indicate that p53 mutation is not significantly associated with tumor grade, age, or gender (p > 0.05). We found that two‐fifths of colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan have a p53 mutation, which could be used as a marker of colorectal cancer.
Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs on Transforming Growth Factor‐β Expression and Bioactivity in Rat Osteoblast‐Enriched Cultures
Authors: Chang Je‐Ken , Wang Gwo‐Jaw , Chuang Lea‐Yea , Ho Mei‐Ling
Published: July 2009

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported to suppress bone remodeling in normal and repaired bones. Our previous results indicated that ketorolac and indomethacin suppressed proliferation, stimulated early differentiation, and induced apoptosis in cultured osteoblasts. Transforming growth factor‐b (TGF‐b) has been reported to enhance proliferation, suppress differentiation, and prevent apoptosis in osteoblasts. We proposed that one pathway of NSAID effects on osteoblast function might be through inhibition of the expression and/or bioactivity of TGF‐b in osteoblasts. We tested the effects of ketorolac and indomethacin on the expression of TGF‐b1mRNA and protein and the bioactivity of TGF‐b in osteoblast‐enriched cultures derived from fetal calvaria. The effects of prostaglandin E1(PGE1) and PGE2on TGF‐b expression and bioactivity were also examined in order to understand more about the role of prostaglandins in osteoblast function. Simultaneously, we estimated whether these NSAID effects on osteoblasts were prostaglandin‐related. The results showed that 24‐hour treatments with both PGEs and theoretic therapeutic concentrations of ketorolac and indomethacin had no significant effects on the levels of either transcription or translation of TGF‐b or the post‐translational function of TGF‐b in osteoblasts. These results suggest that NSAIDs do not affect osteoblast function through changes in TGF‐b action in osteoblasts.