bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side Population Analysis Using a Violet-Excited Cell-Permeable DNA Binding Dye
Authors: Telford William G. , Bradford Jolene , Godfrey William , Robey Robert W. , Bates Susan E.
Published: December 2006

Hoechst 33342 side population (SP) analysis is a common method for identifying stem cells in mammalian hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic tissues. Although widely employed for stem cell analysis, this method requires an ultraviolet (UV) laser to excite Hoechst 33342. Flow cytometers equipped with UV sources are not common because of the cost of both the laser and optics that can transmit light UV light. Violet laser sources are inexpensive and are now common fixtures on flow cytometers, but have been previously shown to provide insufficient Hoechst dye excitation for consistent resolution of SP cells. One solution to this problem is to identify additional fluorescent substrates with the same pump specificity as Hoechst 33342, but with better violet excitation characteristics. DyeCycle Violet reagent has emission characteristics similar to those of Hoechst 33342, but with a longer wavelength excitation maxima (369 nm). When this dye is loaded into hematopoietic cells, a sharply resolved side population was also observed, similar in appearance to that seen with Hoechst 33342. Unlike Hoechst SP, DCV SP was similar in appearance with both violet and UV excitation. DCV SP could be inhibited fumitremorgin C, and showed the same membrane pump specificity as Hoechst 33342. Simultaneous immunophenotyping with stem cell markers in mouse bone marrow demonstrated that DCV SP was restricted to the stem cell lineage− Sca-1+ c-kit+ cells population, as is Hoechst SP. Pending confirmation by functional analysis of DCV SP cells, these results suggest that DCV efflux identified approximately the same stem cell population as did Hoechst 33342 efflux. Substituting DCV for Hoechst 33342 in the SP technique may, therefore, allow side population analysis on flow cytometers with violet lasers.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Improved Human Embryonic Stem Cell Embryoid Body Homogeneity and Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from a Novel V-96 Plate Aggregation System Highlights Interline Variability
Authors: Burridge Paul W. , Anderson David , Priddle Helen , Barbadillo Muñoz Maria D. , Chamberlain Sarah , Allegrucci Cinzia , Young Lorraine E. , Denning Chris
Published: December 2006

Although all human ESC (hESC) lines have similar morphology, express key pluripotency markers, and can differentiate toward primitive germ layers in vitro, the lineage-specific developmental potential may vary between individual lines. In the current study, four hESC lines were cultured in the same feeder-free conditions to provide a standardized platform for interline analysis. A high-throughput, forced-aggregation system involving centrifugation of defined numbers of hESCs in V-96 plates (V-96FA) was developed to examine formation, growth, and subsequent cardiomyocyte differentiation from >22,000 EBs. Homogeneity of EBs formed by V-96FA in mouse embryo fibroblast-conditioned medium was significantly improved compared with formation in mass culture (p < .02; Levene's test). V-96FA EB formation was successful in all four lines, although significant differences in EB growth were observed during the first 6 days of differentiation (p = .044 to .001; one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Cardiomyocyte differentiation potential also varied; 9.5% ± 0.9%, 6.6% ± 2.4%, 5.2% ± 3.1%, and 1.6% ± 1.0% beating EBs were identified for HUES-7, NOTT2, NOTT1, and BG01, respectively (p = .008; one-way ANOVA). Formation of HUES-7 V-96FA EBs in defined medium containing activin A and basic fibroblast growth factor resulted in 23.6% ± 3.6% beating EBs, representing a 13.1-fold increase relative to mass culture (1.8% ± 0.7%), consistent with an observed 14.8-fold increase in MYH6 (αMHC) expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, no beating areas were derived from NOTT1-EBs and BG01-EBs formed in defined medium. Thus, the V-96FA system highlighted interline variability in EB growth and cardiomyocyte differentiation but, under the test conditions described, identified HUES-7 as a line that can respond to cardiomyogenic stimulation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Alosetron: An Effective Treatment for Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Harris Lucinda A , Chang Lin
Published: December 2006

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the key mediators of gut motility, secretion and sensation. Most 5-HT is localized in the gastrointestinal tract. Particularly important for gut function and regulation are the 5-HT1P, 5-HT3and 5-HT4receptors. These receptors have been the focus of research evaluating the pathophysiologic mechanisms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as targets for the development of novel agents to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Alosetron is one of three 5-HT3antagonists currently available. The other two, ondansetron and granisetron, are primarily used in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Alosetron, which slows gut transit, has been approved for the treatment of severe diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) in women. This review will examine the common, yet therapeutically challenging, disorder IBS, as well as the role of alosetron in the treatment of IBS-D.
Estradiol Topical Emulsion for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated with Menopause
Authors: Simon James A
Published: December 2006

A novel micellar, nanoparticle emulsion containing 17β-estradiol is currently available as a daily topical treatment for moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Applied daily to the lower extremities, the emulsion delivers 0.05 mg estradiol systemically and provides an 85% reduction in hot flash frequency versus baseline by 12 weeks of therapy. When specifically surveyed, most patients felt that this cosmetic-like delivery system was convenient and preferable to transdermal patches. Local skin reactions, all mild, were seen in 4%, and there was a low incidence of side effects that included breast pain, endometrial thickening and headache. Contraindications include those common to all estrogen-containing therapies. This formulation provides patients with a cosmetic-like treatment option that is effective and safe, delivers stable systemic estradiol levels, and may promote overall treatment compliance.
Endometrial Cancer and its Management
Authors: Pather Selvan , O'Leary Michael , Carter Jonathan
Published: December 2006

Endometrial cancer is an increasingly common cancer in affluent Western countries, largely due to the increasing obesity of those populations. Type I endometrial cancer is the more common phenotypic picture, being that of an obese postmenopausal woman, and comprises approximately 80% of endometrial cancers. Type II endometrial cancer describes a woman who is often younger and thinner, with a more aggressive histological type that is non-estrogen dependent, of either serous or clear-cell histology, and has a more aggressive clinical course and resultant poorer prognosis. The standard surgical procedure is an extrafascial total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The safety of a laparoscopic approach in the surgical management of uterine cancer has not yet been demonstrated in prospective randomized trials. Surgical staging of endometrial cancer, including a pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, allows appropriately tailored postoperative radiotherapy. Teletherapy or vaginal brachytherapy may reduce the risk of pelvic recurrent disease in high-risk patients.
Risks and Morbidity Associated with Previous Cesarean Section
Authors: Dodd Jodie M , Crowther Caroline A
Published: December 2006

Cesarean section is one of the most common surgical operations performed on women worldwide. This review will consider the benefits and harms of both vaginal birth after cesarean section and elective repeat cesarean section for women in a subsequent pregnancy. In addition, consideration will be given to the role of induction of labor for women with a prior cesarean birth, women's views and preferences for care, and future research directions.
Enoxaparin Use in Pregnancy: State of the Art
Authors: Brenner Benjamin
Published: December 2006

Low-molecular-weight heparin is the anticoagulant of choice in pregnancy. Enoxaparin has been increasingly used over the past 20 years in pregnant women at risk of thrombosis and pregnancy complications. The main indications are prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and prevention of pregnancy loss in thrombophilic women. Other indications include treatment of venous thromboembolism, prophylaxis of arterial thrombosis in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves and prevention of late gestational complication such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Enoxaparin does not cross the placenta and is safe for the fetus. Maternal side effects are uncommon and include mild localized allergic reactions in 2% and increased bleeding in 2%, which is dose dependent. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is very rare and bone resorption is not clinically relevant. The mechanisms of action of enoxaparin in pregnancy are multiple and include anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) activity in maternal circulation, tissue factor pathway inhibitor release from endothelial cells and trophoblasts at the placental level as well as anti-inflammatory effects.
Nemaline myopathy caused by absence of α‐skeletal muscle actin
Authors: Nowak Kristen J. , Sewry Caroline A. , Navarro Carmen , Squier Waney , Reina Cristina , Ricoy Jose R. , Jayawant Sandeep S. , Childs Anne‐Marie , Dobbie J. Angus , Appleton Richard E. , Mountford Roger C. , Walker Kendall R. , Clement Sophie , Barois Annie , Muntoni Francesco , Romero Norma B. , Laing Nigel G.
Published: December 2006

Objective

To investigate seven congenital myopathy patients from six families: one French Gypsy, one Spanish Gypsy, four British Pakistanis, and one British Indian. Three patients required mechanical ventilation from birth, five died before 22 months, one is ventilator‐dependent, but one, at 30 months, is sitting with minimal support. All parents were unaffected.

Methods

The α‐skeletal muscle actin gene (ACTA1) was sequenced. Available muscle biopsies were investigated by standard histological and electron microscopic techniques. The expression of various proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, or both.

Results

Three homozygous ACTA1 null mutations were identified: p.Arg41X in the French patient, p.Tyr364fsX in the Spanish patient, and p.Asp181fsX10 in all five British patients. An absence of α‐skeletal muscle actin protein but presence of α‐cardiac actin was shown in all muscle biopsies examined, with more α‐cardiac actin in the biopsy from the child with the greatest muscle function. Muscle biopsies from all patients exhibited nemaline bodies whereas three also contained zebra bodies.

Interpretation

The seven patients have recessive nemaline myopathy caused by absence of α‐skeletal muscle actin. The level of retention of α‐cardiac actin, the skeletal muscle fetal actin isoform, may determine α‐skeletal muscle actin disease severity. This has implications for possible future therapy. Ann Neurol 2006
Enrollment management in the comprehensive community college: A case study of Bronx Community College
Authors: Ritze Nancy
Published: December 2006

Faced with growing pressure to demonstrate student success and achieve financial stability, community colleges have increasingly turned to enrollment management. Using Bronx Community College as an example, this chapter examines the role institutional research can play in the enrollment management process.
Simulation and Optimization of an Adiabatic Multi‐Bed Catalytic Reactor for the Oxidation of SO2
Authors: Nodehi A. , Mousavian M. A.
Published: December 2006

A software package was developed for the simulation and optimization of a multi‐bed adiabatic reactor for the catalytic oxidation of SO2, using a heterogeneous plug flow model. The orthogonal collocation (OC) technique with up to eight collocation points was used for the solution of a nonlinear, two‐point boundary value differential equation for the catalyst particle, and it was shown that the use of the OC technique with two collocation points can describe the system well. Because of the nonlinear behavior of the effectiveness factor along the bed, optimal catalyst distribution between the beds and corresponding inlet temperatures were determined by two methods, including: the use of (1) intrinsic or (2) actual rate of reaction in the optimization criteria. The results showed that for the second case, the minimum amount of the catalyst can be reached at lower temperatures, the amount of catalyst required is always less, and the number of beds is greater than or equal to that of the first case.
A Highly Regular Hexapod Structure of Lead Sulfide: Solution Synthesis and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Hui , Guo Lin , Yin Peng‐Gang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Qi , Yang Shi‐He
Published: December 2006

A highly regular hexapod‐like structure of PbS with six symmetric arms has been synthesized by a simple and mild chemical solution route. The hexapod‐like PbS structure was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM). The results show that each arm is perpendicular to the other four, and opposite to the last one. The arms are about 0.3–0.6 μm long, which have about 40–60 nm tips and 150–200 nm base. And the arm shows an icicle‐like structure and some clear steps, and grows along 〈100〉 directions. The most possible growth mechanism discussed herein is based on the characterization results. The Raman spectra of the hexapod‐like PbS structure were investigated. The results show that our products are sensitive to the laser and can be photodegraded easily.
Ludwig Pilgrim, a pioneer of colorimetry
Authors: Kuehni Rolf G.
Published: December 2006

Colorimetry derives from the early efforts of Newton, Young, Maxwell, and Helmholtz. In 1901 Pilgrim published a paper in which he quantitatively described a colorimetric system both in trichromatic as well as opponent color format. He appears to be the first to have offered a depiction of the cone‐shaped surface of spectral vectors in the space of color fundamentals. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 5–10, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20288
Texture transformations and orientational properties of lyotropic nematics in magnetic field
Authors: Nesrullajev Arif , Oktik Şener
Published: December 2006

Dynamics of changes of the morphological properties and processes of orientation in lyotropic nematic mesophases by application of external magnetic field have been investigated in detail. The dynamics of changes of the optical birefringence values in nematic‐calamitic mesophase vs. time has been determined. The optical mappings of nonequilibrium magnetically induced textures, which have been observed for this mesophase during orientational process, and changes of birefringence vs. time are presented. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis, growth and characterization of single crystals of pure and thiourea doped L‐glutamic acid hydrochloride
Authors: Sathyalakshmi R. , Kannan V. , Ganesh R. Bairava , Ramasamy P.
Published: December 2006

L(+)Glutamic acid hydrochloride [HOOC (CH2)2CH(NH2) COOH·HCl], a monoamino dicarboxylic acid salt of L‐Glutamic acid was synthesized and the synthesis was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Solubility of the material in water was determined. Pure and Thiourea doped L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride crystals were grown by low temperature solution growth using solvent evaporation technique. XRD, UV‐Vis‐NIR analyses were carried out for both pure and thiourea doped crystals. The crystals were qualitatively analyzed by EDAX analysis and the presence of thiourea was confirmed. The cell parameters of L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride have been determined as a = 5.151 Å, b = 11.79 Å, c = 13.35 Å by X‐ray diffraction analysis and it crystallizes in orthorhombic space group P212121. UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra analysis showed good optical transmission in the entire visible region for both pure and doped crystals. Micro hardness of both pure and doped crystals has been determined using Vickers micro hardness tester. The SHG efficiencies of both pure and doped crystals were determined using Kurtz powder test and pure L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride crystal was found to possess better efficiency than thiourea doped L‐Glutamic acid hydrochloride crystals. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Eine alternative Evolutionsbiologie
Authors: Meister Kay , Levit Georgiy S. , Hoßfeld Uwe , Breidbach Olaf
Published: December 2006

Charles Darwin hat in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts das moderne biologische Weltbild geschaffen. Doch es gab auch Verfechter nicht‐darwinistischer Evolutionstheorien, die die Ordnung des Lebens anders zu erklären versuchten
Freiräume für die Forschung
Authors: Winnacker Ernst‐Ludwig
Published: December 2006

Was kennzeichnet eine erfolgreiche Forschungsförderung? Forscherinnen und Forscher und ihre wissenschaftliche Arbeit brauchen Freiräume. Dazu müssen Nachwuchsförderung und Internationalisierung ebenso beitragen wie Flexibilisierung und Passgenauigkeit von Förderverfahren
„Verantwortung in der Familie und Chancen im Beruf”︁
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: December 2006

DFG‐Geschäftsstelle setzt auf Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf
Transcriptome classification of HCC is related to gene alterations and to new therapeutic targets
Authors: Boyault Sandrine , Rickman David S. , de Reyniès Aurélien , Balabaud Charles , Rebouissou Sandra , Jeannot Emmanuelle , Hérault Aurélie , Saric Jean , Belghiti Jacques , Franco Dominique , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Zucman-Rossi Jessica
Published: December 2006

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that differ in risk factors and genetic alterations. We further investigated transcriptome-genotype-phenotype correlations in HCC. Global transcriptome analyses were performed on 57 HCCs and 3 hepatocellular adenomas and validated by quantitative RT-PCR using 63 additional HCCs. We determined loss of heterozygosity, gene mutations, promoter methylation of

CDH1

and

CDKN2A

, and HBV DNA copy number for each tumor. Unsupervised transcriptome analysis identified 6 robust subgroups of HCC (G1-G6) associated with clinical and genetic characteristics. G1 tumors were associated with low copy number of HBV and overexpression of genes expressed in fetal liver and controlled by parental imprinting. G2 included HCCs infected with a high copy number of HBV and mutations in

PIK3CA

and

TP53

. In these first groups, we detected specific activation of the AKT pathway. G3 tumors were typified by mutation of

TP53

and overexpression of genes controlling the cell cycle. G4 was a heterogeneous subgroup of tumors including

TCF1

-mutated hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas. G5 and G6 were strongly related to β-catenin mutations that lead to Wnt pathway activation; in particular, G6 tumors were characterized by satellite nodules, higher activation of the Wnt pathway, and E-cadherin underexpression.

Conclusion:

These results have furthered our understanding of the genetic diversity of human HCC and have provided specific identifiers for classifying tumors. In addition, our classification has potential therapeutic implications because 50% of the tumors were related to WNT or AKT pathway activation, which potentially could be targeted by specific inhibiting therapies. (Hepatology 2007;45:42–52.rpar;
Anti-gp210 and anti-centromere antibodies are different risk factors for the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Nakamura Minoru , Kondo Hisayoshi , Mori Tsuyoshi , Komori Atsumasa , Matsuyama Mutsumi , Ito Masahiro , Takii Yasushi , Koyabu Makiko , Yokoyama Terufumi , Migita Kiyoshi , Daikoku Manabu , Abiru Seigo , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Takezaki Eiichi , Masaki Naohiko , Sugi Kazuhiro , Honda Koichi , Adachi Hiroshi , Nishi Hidehiro , Watanabe Yukio , Nakamura Yoko , Shimada Masaaki , Komatsu Tatsuji , Saito Akira , Saoshiro Takeo , Harada Hideharu , Sodeyama Takeshi , Hayashi Shigeki , Masumoto Akihide , Sando Takehiro , Yamamoto Tetsuo , Sakai Hironori , Kobayashi Masakazu , Muro Toyokichi , Koga Michiaki , Shums Zakera , Norman Gary L. , Ishibashi Hiromi
Published: December 2006

The predictive role of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) remains elusive in the long-term outcome of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The progression of PBC was evaluated in association with ANAs using stepwise Cox proportional hazard regression and an unconditional stepwise logistic regression model based on the data of 276 biopsy-proven, definite PBC patients who have been registered to the National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan (NHOSLJ). When death of hepatic failure/liver transplantation (LT) was defined as an end-point, positive anti-gp210 antibodies (Hazard ratio (HR) = 6.742, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.408, 18.877), the late stage (Scheuer's stage 3, 4) (HR = 4.285, 95% CI:1.682,10.913) and male sex (HR = 3.266, 95% CI: 1.321,8.075) were significant risk factors at the time of initial liver biopsy. When clinical progression to death of hepatic failure/LT (i.e., hepatic failure type progression) or to the development of esophageal varices or hepatocellular carcinoma without developing jaundice (Total bilirubin < 1.5 mg/dL) (i.e., portal hypertension type progression) was defined as an end-point in the early stage (Scheuer's stage 1, 2) PBC patients, positive anti-gp210 antibodies was a significant risk factor for hepatic failure type progression [odds ratio (OR) = 33.777, 95% CI: 5.930, 636.745], whereas positive anti-centromere antibodies was a significant risk factor for portal hypertension type progression (OR = 4.202, 95% CI: 1.307, 14.763). Histologically, positive anti-gp210 antibodies was most significantly associated with more severe interface hepatitis and lobular inflammation, whereas positive anticentromere antibodies was most significantly associated with more severe ductular reaction.

Conclusion:

These results indicate 2 different progression types in PBC, hepatic failure type and portal hypertension type progression, which may be represented by positive-anti-gp210 and positive-anticentromere antibodies, respectively. (Hepatology 2007;45:118–127.)
Bone marrow–derived cells express matrix metalloproteinases and contribute to regression of liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Higashiyama Reiichi , Inagaki Yutaka , Hong Yun Yu , Kushida Miwa , Nakao Sachie , Niioka Maki , Watanabe Tetsu , Okano Hideyuki , Matsuzaki Yumi , Shiota Goshi , Okazaki Isao
Published: December 2006

Liver fibrosis is usually progressive, but it can occasionally be reversible if the causative agents are adequately removed or if patients are treated effectively. However, molecular mechanisms responsible for this reversibility of liver fibrosis have been poorly understood. To reveal the contribution of bone marrow (BM)-derived cells to the spontaneous regression of liver fibrosis, mice were treated with repeated carbon tetrachloride injections after hematopoietic reconstitution with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing BM cells. The distribution and characteristics of EGFP-positive (EGFP+) cells present in fibrotic liver tissue were examined at different time points after cessation of carbon tetrachloride intoxication. A large number of EGFP+ cells were observed in liver tissue at peak fibrosis, which decreased during the recovery from liver fibrosis. Some of them, as well as EGFP-negative (EGFP−) liver resident cells, expressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and MMP-9. Whereas MMP-13 was transiently expressed mainly in the cells clustering in the periportal areas, MMP-9 expression and enzymatic activity were detected over the resolution process in several different kinds of cells located in the portal areas and along the fibrous septa. Therapeutic recruitment of BM cells by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment significantly enhanced migration of BM-derived cells into fibrotic liver and accelerated the regression of liver fibrosis. Experiments using transgenic mice overexpressing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) indicated that G-CSF and HGF synergistically increased MMP-9 expression along the fibrous septa.

Conclusion:

Autologous BM cells contribute to the spontaneous regression of liver fibrosis, and their therapeutic derivation could be a new treatment strategy for intractable liver fibrosis. (Hepatology; 2007:213–222.)
A randomized controlled trial of lamivudine to treat acute hepatitis B
Authors: Kumar M. , Satapathy S. , Monga R. , Das K. , Hissar S. , Pande C. , Sharma B. C. , Sarin S. K.
Published: December 2006

The role of antivirals in patients with acute viral hepatitis B (AVH-B) has not been evaluated in controlled trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lamivudine in patients with AVH-B. AVH-B patients with serum bilirubin of more than 5 mg/dL were randomized to receive either 100 mg of lamivudine daily for 3 months (group 1,

n

= 31) or placebo (group 2,

n

= 40). Patients were considered to have severe AVH-B if they fulfilled 2 of 3 criteria: (1) hepatic encephalopathy; (2) serum bilirubin ≥ 10.0 mg/dL; and (3) international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 1.6. At week 4, HBV DNA levels were significantly lower (

P

= 0.037) in group 1 (median: 3.6721 log copies/mL) than group 2 (median: 4.2721 log copies/mL). Thereafter, HBV DNA levels were comparable in the 2 groups. The improvement in serum bilirubin, ALT, and INR values was similar in the 2 groups. Twenty-two patients (71%) in group 1 and 25 patients (62.5%) in group 2 had severe AVH-B. Results were similar when patients with severe AVH-B were analyzed separately. After 12 and 18 months, 93.5% and 92.5%, respectively, of patients in the lamivudine group and 96.7% and 97.5%, respectively, of patients in the placebo group lost HBsAg. There were no deaths in either group. After 1 year, 21 patients (67.7%) in group 1 and 34 patients (85%) in group 2 developed protective anti-HBs titers (

P

= 0.096). All HBeAg-positive patients in both groups lost e antigen and anti-HBe developed in 71% and 87.5% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (

P

= 0.132).

Conclusion:

Though lamivudine causes a greater decrease in levels of HBV DNA, it does not cause significantly greater biochemical and clinical improvement as compared to placebo in patients with acute hepatitis B. Hepatology 2007;45:97–101.)
Survey ranking of job competencies by perceived employee importance: Comparing China's three regions
Authors: Xiao Jin
Published: December 2006

The acquisition of skills that match job requirements has become an issue in human resource development. A uniform but vague list of desirable skills often provided by policymakers or advocated by scholars is used as a guide in education and training programs in China. Using survey data, this study analyzes the core skills that workforces in China consider to be important in carrying out job routines in different jobs, different industries, and different geographical regions. This study surveyed 25,933 employees from 397 randomly sampled firms of four counties in each of the East, Central, and West regions of China. Twenty kinds of job skills were deduced from interviews conducted in the field. Five categories of skills were identified by the employees: dispositional characteristics, technical know‐how skills, job basics, problem solving, and communication. Using a hierarchical model, the analysis is focused on whether employees in different occupations ( for example, managerial, professional, salesperson, frontline workers) had different perceptions of required job skills. The results show both differences related to occupation and work experience and similarities in perceived job competencies among industries and across three regions.
Questioning M&A
Authors: Reider Rob
Published: December 2006

Now that the stock market has recovered a bit, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has increased. Many companies view M&A as a quick way to enhance their financials. But think before you leap—is the candidate company really a good fit? Or might a merger end in disaster, like the Time Warner/AOL debacle? Is short‐term financing overruling good business judgment?

The author takes a sobering look at some of the hype surrounding M&A and shows how you can decide if this is really the right move for your firm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for BAG3 modulation of HIV‐1 gene transcription
Authors: Rosati Alessandra , Leone Arturo , Del Valle Luis , Amini Shohreh , Khalili Kamel , Turco Maria Caterina
Published: December 2006

A family of co‐chaperone proteins that share the Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene (BAG) domain are involved in a number of cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis. Among these proteins, BAG3 has received increased attention due to its high levels in several disease models and ability to associate with Hsp70 and a number of other molecular partners. BAG3 expression is stimulated during cell response to stressful conditions, such as exposure to high temperature, heavy metals, and certain drugs. Here, we demonstrate that BAG3 expression is elevated upon HIV‐1 infection of human lymphocytes and fetal microglial cells. Furthermore, BAG3 protein was detectable in the cytoplasm of reactive astrocytes in HIV‐1‐associated encephalopathy biopsies, suggesting that induction of BAG3 is part of the host cell response to viral infection. To assess the impact of BAG3 upregulation on HIV‐1 gene expression, we performed transcription assays and demonstrated that BAG3 can suppress transcription of the HIV‐1 long terminal repeat (LTR) in microglial cells. This activity was mapped to the κB motif of the HIV‐1 LTR. Results from in vitro and in vivo binding assays revealed that BAG3 suppresses interaction of the p65 subunit of NF‐κB with the κB DNA motif of the LTR. Results from binding and transcriptional assay identified the C‐terminus of BAG3 as a potential domain involved in the observed inhibitory effect of BAG3 on p65 activity. These observations reveal a previously unrecognized cell response, that is, an increase in BAG3, elicited by HIV‐1 infection, and may provide a new avenue for the suppression of HIV‐1 gene expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 676–683, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct analysis of 15N‐label in amino and amide groups of glutamine and asparagine
Authors: Scharff‐Poulsen Anne Marie , Schou Christian , Egsgaard Helge
Published: December 2006

A novel method for on‐line determination of the amount and position of 15N‐labeling in complex mixtures of amino acids is presented. Underivatized amino acids were analyzed by ion‐pair chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. This enables the direct determination of the 15N label distribution. The fragmentation pathways of the nitrogen moieties of glutamine (Gln) and asparagine (Asn) were studied in detail using all mono 15N isotopomers, which led to a method for differentiating between 15N‐amide and 15N‐amino labeling. The fragmentation involving the amino and amide groups of Gln led to distinct ion structures. The equivalent fragmentation pattern was not observed for Asn. Instead, the amide group of Asn was eliminated as HNCO in a secondary process.

The developed analytical method was evaluated by analysis of a range of standard mixtures taking into account different levels of 15N abundance and distribution between the amino and amide groups. The detection limit (3 SD) for the presence of a 15N label was 0.7 and 1.0% for Gln and Asn, respectively. The determination of the positional labeling follows a nonlinear function. A representative example at 30% 15N was used as a benchmark resulting in average relative standard deviations of 2.7 and 15% for Gln and Asn, respectively. The corresponding expectation windows for the positional labeling were found to be 2 and 12%, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotic behaviour for a two‐dimensional thermoelastic model
Authors: Fabrizio M. , Lazzari B. , Rivera J. M.
Published: December 2006

In this paper we study a thermoelastic material with an internal structure which binds the materials fibres to a quadratic behaviour. Moreover, a hereditary constitutive law for heat flux is supposed. We prove results of asymptotic stability and exponential decay for the evolution problem in two‐dimensional space domain. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing safety space in a supply chain to handle system‐wide disruptions
Authors: Mudrageda Murthy , Murphy Frederic H.
Published: December 2006

In some supply chains serious disruptions are system wide. This happens during periods of severe weather, as when storms cause shuttle tankers serving oil platforms in the North Sea to stop movements of crude oil, barges are frozen in the Mississippi, or all airplanes are grounded after a blizzard. Other notable instances of system‐wide disruption happened after the attack on the World Trade Center when all aircraft were grounded and the natural gas and crude‐oil pipelines were tangled by hurricanes in 2005. We model a situation where shutting down supply facilities is very difficult and expensive because of excessive inventory buildup from an inability to move out the production. We present a planning model that balances the cost of spare capacity versus shutting down production when planning for disruptions. The model uses an assignment model embedded in a simulation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Molecular dynamics simulation of the aqueous solvation shell of cellulose and xanthate ester derivatives
Authors: Humeres Eduardo , Mascayano Carolina , Riadi Gonzalo , González‐Nilo Fernando
Published: December 2006

MD simulations of a pentasaccharide having D‐glucopyranoside residues connected by (1→4)‐β glycosidic linkages, as a model of cellulose solvated in water, were carried out comparing the solvation of the hydroxyl group at C2 of the central ring of the pentamer and that of a single glucopyranose ring. MD simulations of 10 nsec were carried under NPT and periodic boundary conditions at 298 K and 1 atm. Explicit solvent (TIP3) and the force field CHARMM27 (modified for xanthate ester derivatives) were used in the molecular dynamics simulations. RDF calculations with respect to O2 of the central ring of the pentamer showed a well structured first solvation shell followed by secondary shells. When comparing the simulations of the pentamer to a single glucopyranose ring, it was observed that the solvation of O2 was lower for one repetitive unit, indicating that the pentamer had a stronger H‐bond structure of water around O2 due to the cooperative effect of the neighboring residues. When the O2 of the central ring of the pentamer was substituted by a p‐nitrobenzylxanthate moiety (pentXNB) there was a strong decrease in the hydration of the substituted O2 but the carbon and the sulfur of the thiocarbonyl group were clearly hydrated compared to the sulfur bridge. The global minimum energy conformation showed the p‐nitrobenzyl group folded over the neighboring glucose ring. However, the simulations showed that the XNB group oscillates over the pentamer in periods of ca. 3000 psec. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Student affairs staffing in the small college
Authors: Oblander Douglas A.
Published: December 2006

This chapter provides an overview of the challenges to and strategies for successful staffing in a small college student affairs division.
Vice president for student affairs and dean of students: Is it possible to do it all?
Authors: Bass Janet Heeter
Published: December 2006

This chapter examines the role of vice president for student affairs and dean of students, the similarities and differences between the two roles, and the realities of holding both titles at a small college.
Septohippocampal properties of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐induced theta‐band oscillation and synchrony
Authors: Bland Brian H. , Declerck Shandra , Jackson Jesse , Glasgow Stephen , Oddie Scott
Published: December 2006

Microinfusion of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) into apical dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells of urethane‐anesthetized rats resulted in long lasting (20–30 min) induction of hippocampal synchrony at the field and cellular level. Power but not frequency of NMDA‐induced theta was significantly greater than tail pinch‐induced theta activity. This effect was antagonized by intrahippocampal infusion of AP5, but unaffected by i.v. atropine sulfate. During AP5 blockade tail pinch theta frequency and power were significantly reduced. Microinfusion of NMDA into the medial septum also resulted in long lasting induction of hippocampal theta field activity. Contrary to the results of hippocampal NMDA microinfusions, frequency but not power of NMDA‐induced theta was significantly greater than tail pinch‐ induced theta activity. Microinfusion of AP5 into the medial septum significantly lowered power of tail pinch‐induced theta but did not affect frequency. Wheel running behavior of rats induced by low levels of electrical stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PH) was completely abolished by microinfusion of AP5 into the medial septum, accompanied by a significant reduction in theta power and frequency. Wheel running and theta were maintained at control levels with high intensity PH stimulation. We propose that: (1) the glutamatergic septohippocampal projection represents a third pathway capable of generating hippocampal field and cellular synchrony, independent of that generated by the septohippocampal cholinergic and GABAergic projections, and (2) the septohippocampal glutamatergic projection serves to function as an interface between cholinergic and GABAergic modulated sensory processing Type 2 theta and movement related Type 1 theta. Synapse 61:185–197, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of applying a standardised management algorithm for moderate to severe renal dysfunction in patients with chronic stable heart failure
Authors: de Silva Ramesh , Nikitin Nikolay P. , Witte Klaus K.A. , Rigby Alan S. , Loh Huan , Nicholson Anthony , Bhandari Sunil , Clark Andrew L. , Cleland John G.F.
Published: December 2006

Background

No specific guidelines exist on how to manage renal dysfunction (RD) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Aims:

To identify the proportion of patients with moderate to severe RD and CHF who showed an improvement in their renal function in response to a systematic management algorithm.

Methods:

Stable patients with CHF and RD (defined by a serum creatinine (SCr) of >130 μmol/l (>1.5 mg/dl)) were enrolled into a systematic management algorithm. The following changes were implemented: switching aspirin to clopidogrel, halving the dose of both diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and switching between bisoprolol and carvedilol.

Results:

Two thirds of patients in whom diuretics were reduced, and one fifth of patients in whom ACE inhibitors were reduced, improved their SCr by >25.5 μmol/l (0.3 mg/dl). All these changes were more marked in the presence of bilateral renal artery stenosis. Compared to a reference group, in whom no changes were implemented, the treatment group showed an improvement in their mean SCr by 35 μmol/l (0.4 mg/dl), p<0.001.

Conclusion:

Manipulation of pharmacological therapy for patients with CHF and RD results in a substantial recovery of renal function in a minority of patients.
New species and new records of foliicolous lichens from Thailand
Authors: PAPONG Khwanruan , BOONPRAGOB Kansri , LÜCKING Robert
Published: December 2006

One new species and 71 new records are reported from Thailand. Coenogonium disciforme sp. nov. is distinguished by its disc-shaped, shortly stipitate isidia, which leave perfectly circular holes, almost like punched holes, when detached.
Thelopsis paucispora, a new lichen species from Socotra (Yemen)
Authors: BREUSS Othmar , SCHULTZ Matthias
Published: December 2006

Thelopsis paucispora is described as new from Socotra (Yemen, Indian Ocean). The species is characterized by asci containing 30–40, two-celled spores, Trentepohlia as photobiont and a crustose subeffigurate thallus colonizing calcareous rock. A key for all known species of the genus Thelopsis is provided.
LIM-only protein, CRP2, switched on smooth muscle gene activity in adult cardiac myocytes
Authors: Chang David F. , Belaguli Narasimhaswamy S. , Chang Jiang , Schwartz Robert J.
Published: December 2006

Smooth muscle α-actin gene activity appears in promyocardial cells well before cardiac myocyte differentiation and is down-regulated during the onset of rhythmic contractility and cardiac morphogenesis. The levels of LIM-only CRP2 correlated well with smooth muscle gene activity. Cardiomyocyte-specific expression of CRP2 in transgenic mice showed robust expression of smooth muscle cell-specific transcripts and protein filaments in the adult heart. Protein transduction of a recombinant CRP2 protein, fused to the protein transduction domain of HIV, into neonatal heart cells induced
de novo
synthesis of smooth muscle cell-specific transcripts and proteins. The LIM zinc fingers in CRP2 were found to collaborate with Brg1 of the SNF/SWI complexes, recruited serum response factor, and remodeled smooth muscle target gene chromatin through histone acetylation. CRP2 may have a cytoskeletal role, but as a nuclear protein, CRP2 acted as a potent transcription coadaptor that remodeled silent cardiac myocyte chromatin and directed serum response factor-dependent smooth muscle gene activity.
Discs-large homolog 1 regulates smooth muscle orientation in the mouse ureter
Authors: Mahoney Zhen X. , Sammut Bénédicte , Xavier Ramnik J. , Cunningham Jeanette , Go Gloriosa , Brim Karry L. , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S. , Miner Jeffrey H. , Swat Wojciech
Published: December 2006

Discs-large homolog 1 (DLGH1) is a mouse ortholog of the
Drosophila
discs-large (DLG) tumor suppressor protein, a founding member of the PDZ and MAGUK protein families. DLG proteins play important roles in regulating cell proliferation, epithelial cell polarity, and synapse formation and function. Here, we generated a null allele of
Dlgh1
and studied its role in urogenital development.
Dlgh1
−/−
mice developed severe urinary tract abnormalities, including congenital hydronephrosis, which is the leading cause of renal failure in infants and children. DLGH1 is expressed in the developing ureter; in its absence, the stromal cells that normally lie between the urothelial and smooth muscle layers were missing. Moreover, in ureteric smooth muscle, the circular smooth muscle cells were misaligned in a longitudinal orientation. These abnormalities in the ureter led to severely impaired ureteric peristalsis. Similar smooth muscle defects are observed frequently in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, a common form of hydronephrosis. Our results suggest that (
i
) besides its well documented role in regulating epithelial polarity,
Dlgh1
also regulates smooth muscle orientation, and (
ii
) human
DLG1
mutations may contribute to hereditary forms of hydronephrosis.
Pollen Tube Tip Growth Depends on Plasma Membrane Polarization Mediated by Tobacco PLC3 Activity and Endocytic Membrane Recycling
Authors: Helling Diana , Possart Anja , Cottier Stéphanie , Klahre Ulrich , Kost Benedikt
Published: December 2006

Phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI 4,5-P2) accumulates in a Rac/Rop-dependent manner in the pollen tube tip plasma membrane, where it may control actin organization and membrane traffic. PI 4,5-P2 is hydrolyzed by phospholipase C (PLC) activity to the signaling molecules inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacyl glycerol (DAG). To investigate PLC activity during tip growth, we cloned Nt PLC3, specifically expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes. Recombinant Nt PLC3 displayed Ca2+-dependent PI 4,5-P2–hydrolyzing activity sensitive to U-73122 and to mutations in the active site. Nt PLC3 overexpression, but not that of inactive mutants, inhibited pollen tube growth. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fused to Nt PLC3, or to its EF and C2 domains, accumulated laterally at the pollen tube tip plasma membrane in a pattern complementary to the distribution of PI 4,5-P2. The DAG marker Cys1:YFP displayed a similar intracellular localization as PI 4,5-P2. Blocking endocytic membrane recycling affected the intracellular distribution of DAG but not of PI 4,5-P2. U-73122 at low micromolar concentrations inhibited and partially depolarized pollen tube growth, caused PI 4,5-P2 spreading at the apex, and abolished DAG membrane accumulation. We show that Nt PLC3 is targeted by its EF and C2 domains to the plasma membrane laterally at the pollen tube tip and that it maintains, together with endocytic membrane recycling, an apical domain enriched in PI 4,5-P2 and DAG required for polar cell growth.
Spread risk of Eutypella canker of maple in Europe1
Authors: Ogris N. , Jurc D. , Jurc M.
Published: December 2006

Eutypella canker of maple, caused by the pathogen Eutypella parasitica, has recently been reported for the first time in Europe. A rule‐based model of Eutypella parasitica spread risk in Europe is presented. This model incorporates the effects of spatial and temporal variability of multiple variables on pathogen spread and establishment. Model predictions are based on current knowledge of host susceptibility, pathogen reproduction and pathogen transmission, with particular regard to the host species’ distribution and climate suitability. Maps of host species’ distributions and monthly weather conditions were spatially analyzed in a Geographic Information System using the magnitude and direction of each variable's effect on disease spread. Spread risk predictions were computed for each month and averaged to generate a cumulative risk map. The model was calibrated using data on the natural distribution of Eutypella canker in North America. Extensive areas covering the natural distribution of maples in Europe are at considerable risk from the Eutypella parasitica infection. The most endangered regions are broad areas of the Balkans, the Apennines, France, Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.