bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of PPARγ agonists on cell survival and focal adhesions in a Chinese thyroid carcinoma cell line
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Seu‐Mei , Wu Jiahn‐Chun , Huang Shih‐Horng
Published: June 2006

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists cause cell death in several types of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two PPARγ agonists, ciglitazone and 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15dPGJ2), on the survival of thyroid carcinoma CGTH W‐2 cells. Both ciglitazone and 15dPGJ2 decreased cell viability in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Cell death was mainly due to apoptosis, with a minor contribution from necrosis. Increased levels of active caspase 3, cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), and cytosolic cytochrome‐cwere noted. In addition, ciglitazone and 15dPGJ2 induced detachment of CGTH W‐2 cells from the culture substratum. Both the protein levels and immunostaining signals of focal adhesion (FA) proteins, including vinculin, integrin β1, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and paxillin were decreased after PPARγ agonist treatment. Meanwhile, reduced phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin was noted. Furthermore, PPARγ agonists induced expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase‐PEST (PTP‐PEST), and of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN). The upregulation of these phosphatases might contribute to the dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, since pre‐treatment with orthovanadate prevented PPARγ agonist‐induced dephosphorylation of FAK and paxillin. Perturbation of CGTH W‐2 cells with anti‐integrin β1 antibodies induced FA disruption and apoptosis in the same cells, thus the downregulation of integrin β1 by PPARγ agonists resulted in FA disassembly and might induce apoptosis via anoikis. Our results suggested the presence of crosstalk between apoptosis and integrin‐FA signaling. Moreover, upregulation and activation of PTEN was correlated with reduced phosphorylation of Akt, and this consequence disfavored cell survival. In conclusion, PPARγ agonists induced apoptosis of thyroid carcinoma cells via the cytochrome‐ccaspase 3 and PTEN‐Akt pathways, and induced necrosis via the PARP pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 1021–1035, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Okadaic acid induces phosphorylation of p65NF‐κB on serine 536 and activates NF‐κB transcriptional activity in human osteoblastic MG63 cells
Authors: Ozaki Akiko , Morimoto Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hiroaki , Okamura Hirohiko , Yoshida Kaya , Amorim Bruna Rabelo , Haneji Tatsuji
Published: June 2006

Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) is an essential transcription factor in the control of expression of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, inflammation, and neoplastic transformation. Previously, we reported that okadaic acid (OA), which is a specific inhibitor of serine/threonine protein phosphatases, induced apoptosis in cells of human osteosarcoma cell line MG63. However, to date, it is not clear whether the phosphorylation status of NF‐κB could be affected by the treatment with OA. In this report, we demonstrate that treatment of MG63 cells with OA enhanced the phosphorylation level of NF‐κB, as judged from the results of Western blot analysis and a λ protein phosphatase dephosphorylation assay. The phosphorylation level of NF‐κB was enhanced in both time‐ and dose‐dependent manners. In the cells treated with 100 nM OA for 3 h, consequential translocation of NF‐κB from the cytosol to the nucleus occurred. Western blotting experiments with an anti‐phospho‐p65NF‐κB antibody disclosed that the NF‐κB was phosphorylated on serine 536. Furthermore, OA stimulated the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB in MG63 cells, as judged from the results of a luciferase assay. Our findings indicate that OA elicit phosphorylation of NF‐κB on serine 536 in MG63 cells, resulting in the translocation of phospho‐NF‐κB to the nucleus, thereby promoting transcriptional activity of genes. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1275–1284, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biologic properties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue
Authors: Izadpanah Reza , Trygg Cynthia , Patel Bindiya , Kriedt Christopher , Dufour Jason , Gimble Jeffery M. , Bunnell Bruce A.
Published: June 2006

The biologic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from two distinct tissues, bone marrow and adipose tissue were evaluated in these studies. MSCs derived from human and non‐human primate (rhesus monkey) tissue sources were compared. The data indicate that MSCs isolated from rhesus bone marrow (rBMSCs) and human adipose tissue (hASCs) had more similar biologic properties than MSCs of rhesus adipose tissue (rASCs) and human bone marrow MSCs (hBMSCs). Analyses of in vitro growth kinetics revealed shorter doubling time for rBMSCs and hASCs. rBMSCs and hASCs underwent significantly more population doublings than the other MSCs. MSCs from all sources showed a marked decrease in telomerase activity over extended culture; however, they maintained their mean telomere length. All of the MSCs expressed embryonic stem cell markers, Oct‐4, Rex‐1, and Sox‐2 for at least 10 passages. Early populations of MSCs types showed similar multilineage differentiation capability. However, only the rBMSCs and hASCs retain greater differentiation efficiency at higher passages. Overall in vitro characterization of MSCs from these two species and tissue sources revealed a high level of common biologic properties. However, the results demonstrate clear biologic distinctions, as well. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1285–1297, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A limited number of genes are involved in the differentiation of germinal center B cells
Authors: Nakayama Yasuhiro , Stabach Paul , Maher Stephen E. , Mahajan Milind C. , Masiar Peter , Liao Cheng , Zhang Xueqing , Ye Zhi‐jia , Tuck David , Bothwell Alfred L.M. , Newburger Peter E. , Weissman Sherman M.
Published: June 2006

Mature B cells, upon activation, progressively differentiate through centroblasts into centrocytes and finally to plasmacytes that express large amounts of selected immunoglobulins. A significant part of this maturation is thought to involve induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). We have compared gene expression in normal germinal center centroblasts, centrocytes, lymphoblastoid cells undergoing induced UPR, and the CCL155 plasmacytoma cell line. In the centroblast to centrocyte transition there is a change in the expression of a relatively small number of genes. These include a limited subset of the genes upregulated by a fully activated UPR as well as a small number of other transcription factors, some disulphide isomerases, and other genes. This is consistent with a model in which this transition is mediated by changes in the levels of expression of transcription factor B‐lymphocyte‐induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1) (PRDM1), BACH2, X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1), interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), and possibly vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, together with post‐transcriptional changes and a limited induction of aspects of the UPR. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1308–1325, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome organization and gene control: It is difficult to see the picture when you are inside the frame
Authors: Verschure Pernette J.
Published: June 2006

The organization of the genome in the nucleus is related to its function. The functional compartmentalization of the genome is described at the nuclear, chromosomal, subchromosomal, nucleosomal, and DNA sequence level. These descriptions originate from the techniques that were used for analysis. The different levels of compartmentalization are not easily reconciled, because the techniques applied to identify genome compartmentalization generally cannot be performed in combination. We have obtained a large body of information on individual “actors” and “scenes” in the nucleus regarding genome compartmentalization, but we still do not understand how and by what pieces of equipment the “actors” play their game. The next challenge is to understand the combined operation of the various levels of functional genome organization in the nucleus, that is, how do the epigenetic and genetic levels act together. In this paper, I will highlight some of the general features and observations of functional organization of the eukaryotic genome in interphase nuclei and discuss the concepts and views based on observed correlations between genome organization and function. I will reflect on what is to be expected from this field of research when the functional levels of genome compartmentalization are integrated. In this context I will draw attention to what might be needed to improve our understanding. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methods for measuring rates of protein binding to insoluble scaffolds in living cells: Histone H1‐chromatin interactions
Authors: Lele Tanmay , Wagner Stefan R. , Nickerson Jeffrey A. , Ingber Donald E.
Published: June 2006

Understanding of cell regulation is limited by our inability to measure molecular binding rates for proteins within the structural context of living cells, and many systems biology models are hindered because they use values obtained with molecules binding in solution. Here, we present a kinetic analysis of GFP‐histone H1 binding to chromatin within nuclei of living cells that allows both the binding rate constant kON and dissociation rate constant kOFF to be determined based on data obtained from fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis. This is accomplished by measuring the ratio of bound to free concentration of protein at steady state, and identifying the rate‐determining step during FRAP recovery experimentally, combined with mathematical modeling. We report kOFF = 0.0131/s and kON = 0.14/s for histone H1.1 binding to chromatin. This work brings clarity to the interpretation of FRAP experiments and provides a way to determine binding kinetics for nuclear proteins and other cellular molecules that interact with insoluble scaffolds within living cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1334–1342, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of Sam68 activity by small heat shock protein 22
Authors: Badri Kameswara R. , Modem Suhasini , Gerard Herve C. , Khan Insia , Bagchi Mihir , Hudson Alan P. , Reddy Thipparthi R.
Published: June 2006

Sam68 associates with c‐Src kinase during mitosis. We previously demonstrated that Sam68 functionally replaces and/or synergizes with HIV‐1 Rev in rev response element (RRE)‐mediated gene expression and virus production. Furthermore, we reported that knockdown of Sam68 inhibited Rev‐mediated RNA export and it is absolutely required for HIV‐1 production. In the present study, we identified small heat shock protein, hsp22, as a novel interacting partner of Sam68. Hsp22 binds to Sam68 in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of hsp22 significantly inhibits Sam68‐mediated RRE‐ as well as CTE (constitutive transport element)‐dependent reporter gene expression. Furthermore, exposing 293T cells to heat shock inhibits Sam68/RRE function by virtue of elevating hsp22. The critical domain of hsp22 that interacts with Sam68 resides between amino acids 62 and 133. Our studies provide evidence for the first time that hsp22 specifically binds to Sam68 and modulates its activity, thus playing a role in the post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1353–1362, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of human breast cancer cell (MBA‐MD‐231) invasion by the Ea4‐peptide of rainbow trout pro‐IGF‐I
Authors: Siri Sineenat , Chen Maria J. , Chen Thomas T.
Published: June 2006

It was shown previously that Ea4‐peptide of trout pro‐IGF‐I exerted mitogenic activity in non‐transformed cells and inhibited colony formation in a soft agar medium of established human cancer cells. Here we report that the same peptide inhibits the invasion of human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231) through a matrigel membrane in a dose‐dependent manner. The expression of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) genes in MDA‐MB‐231 cells were downregulated by treatment with rtEa4‐peptide. The inhibition of expression of these genes in response to rtEa4‐peptide treatment was reduced to the control level when inhibitors for c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2), mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (Mek1/2), p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), and phosphokinase C (PKC) were used. These results suggest that inhibition of invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells by rtEa4‐peptide may be mediated via the suppression of uPA, tPA, and PAI1 gene activities through signal transduction pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1363–1373, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NGOs in the United Nations system: evaluating theoretical approaches
Authors: Martens Kerstin
Published: June 2006

The paper examines the relationship between non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) and the United Nations. It starts from the observation that interaction between both actors has significantly increased over the course of the 1990s. Today, NGOs are involved in all stages of political processes within the UN, influencing decision‐making and policy implementation from the inside. The paper argues that these intensified relations have, however, only been partially understood in the social sciences. This is due to theoretical frameworks which only focus on NGO impact on the UN. The article, instead, favours a corporatist approach which better fits the realities of NGO/UN relations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The international aid system and the non‐governmental organisations: a new research agenda
Authors: Tvedt Terje
Published: June 2006

NGO researchers have rarely understood the reasons for the growth of NGOs across the world. This paper sets out the parameters for an improved framework for NGO research. Beginning with a short description of the history of the international aid system, the paper then argues that a set of concepts are needed that can establish a greater analytical distance for NGO research from a policy area that has for decades enjoyed an unusually high degree of moral and political legitimacy. In conclusion, the article argues that the institutional architecture and world views developed within this policy field will need to be integrated analytically in narratives of the general historical development of societies in the era of globalisation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The multiple worlds of NGOs and HIV/AIDS: rethinking NGOs and their agency
Authors: Seckinelgin Hakan
Published: June 2006

In the last decade NGOs have been recognised as policy actors in general and in the HIV/AIDS field in particular within developing countries. While recognising the agency of these organisations by looking at multiple case studies, the literature has not focused on what is meant by this agency. Furthermore within the policy field the agency of NGOs is assumed and thus these organisations are incorporated as policy implementers in the HIV/AIDS field. This paper argues that there is a need to look at this assumption about agency and what it means for NGOs working in this field. The paper presents a brief theoretical discussion to understand agency within the larger socio‐cultural institutionalisation processes and looks at the policy implications of this for NGOs involved in the HIV/AIDS field. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving forward research agendas on international NGOs: theory, agency and context
Authors: Lewis David , Opoku‐Mensah Paul
Published: June 2006

This paper sets out an argument for moving forward research on non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) within developnment studies. The body of research on NGOs that emerged from the late 1980s onwards focused primarily on NGO roles as development actors and their organisational attributes, but paid less attention to theory and context. While such research had many positive strengths, it was also criticised for its normative focus, and for its vulnerability to changing development fashions and donor preoccupations. Today, attitudes to NGOs have grown more complex and ambiguous, and the institutional landscape in which NGOs are embedded is undergoing rapid change. A new wave of NGO‐related research is underway which gives particular emphasis to theory, agency, method and context. Such approaches have the potential to consolidate the field of NGO research within development studies as a more stable and theoretically‐grounded subject area. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of cardiac volumes and mass with FLASH and SSFP cine sequences at 1.5 vs. 3 Tesla: A validation study
Authors: Hudsmith Lucy E. , Petersen Steffen E. , Tyler Damian J. , Francis Jane M. , Cheng Adrian S. H. , Clarke Kieran , Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Robson Matthew D. , Neubauer Stefan
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To compare cardiac cine MR imaging using steady state free precession (SSFP) and fast low angle shot (FLASH) techniques at 1.5 and 3 T, and to establish their variabilities and reproducibilities for cardiac volume and mass determination in volunteers. To assess the feasibility of SSFP imaging in patients at 3 T and to determine comparability to volume data acquired at 1.5 T.

Materials and Methods

Ten healthy volunteers underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging using SSFP and segmented gradient‐echo FLASH, using both a 1.5 and a 3 T MR system on the same day. Ten patients with impaired left ventricular (LV) function were also studied at both field strengths with SSFP.

Results

For both SSFP and FLASH, field strength had no effect on the quantification of LV and right ventricular (RV) volumes, mass, or function (P ≥ 0.05 for field strength for all parameters). At both 1.5 and 3 T, SSFP yielded smaller LV mass (e.g., at 3 T 109 ± 30 g vs. 142 ± 37 g; P = 0.011) and larger LV volume (e.g., at 3 T end‐diastolic volume 149 ± 37 mL vs. 133 ± 31 mL at 5 T; P = 0.041) measurements than FLASH. In patients with reduced LV function, all volume and mass measurements were again similar for SSFP sequences at 1.5 vs. 3 T. In volunteers and patients, measurement variabilities for LV parameters were small for both field strength and sequences, ranging between 3.7% and 10.7% for mass.

Conclusion

Compared to 1.5 T, cardiac cine MR imaging at 3 T, using either FLASH or SSFP sequences, is feasible and highly reproducible. Field strength does not have an influence on quantification of cardiac volume or mass, but the systematic overestimation of LV mass and underestimation of LV volume by FLASH compared to SSFP is present at both 1.5 and 3 T. Normal values for cardiac volumes and mass established at 1.5 T can be applied to scans obtained at 3 T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of antisense mediated inhibition of cathepsin K on human osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood
Authors: Avnet Sofia , Lamolinara Annavera , Zini Nicoletta , Solimando Liliana , Quacquaruccio Gianni , Granchi Donatella , Maraldi Nadir Mario , Giunti Armando , Baldini Nicola
Published: June 2006

Cathepsin K is a cystein protease that displays a proteolytic activity against Type I collagen and is abundantly and selectively expressed in osteoclasts where it plays a critical role in bone degradation. Its direct role in bone tissue has been defined by knock‐out mice studies and inhibiting strategies in animals models. However, direct proof of cathepsin K function in human osteoclast model in vitro is lacking. The aim of this study is to analyze cathepsin K expression and localization in human osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood and to examine cathepsin K function in these cells by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS‐ODN) strategy. AS‐ODN was added to the culture of osteoclast precursors induced to differentiate by RANKL and M‐CSF. AS‐ODN treatment produced a significant down‐regulation of cathepsin K mRNA (>80%) and protein expression, as verified respectively by Real‐time PCR and by immunocytochemistry or Western blot. The cathepsin K inhibition caused an impairment of resorption activity as evaluated by a pit formation assay ( p = 0.045) and by electron microscopy, while the acidification process was unaffected. We demonstrated that antisense strategies against cathepsin K are selectively effective to inhibit resorption activity in human osteoclasts, like in animal models. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1699–1708, 2006
Enantiomeric separation of chiral sulfoxides by supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Toribio Laura , Alonso Cristina , del Nozal M. Jesús , Bernal José L. , Jiménez Juan J.
Published: June 2006

The application of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) to the enantiomeric separation of several chiral sulfoxides belonging to the family of the substituted benzimidazoles, including omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, oxfendazole and ricobendazole, is presented in this work. The column employed was Chiralpak AD and the effect of different chromatographic conditions was studied. The results obtained showed that all the compounds can be enantiomerically resolved using SFC, with resolutions higher than 2 and analysis times that in most cases were lower than 10 min. Alcohol type modifiers provided the best results, with ricobendazole, oxfendazole, and omeprazole showing the highest retentions and resolutions. Study of the temperature effect revealed that, in general, the isoelution temperature was above the temperatures assayed, except in the cases of omeprazole, lansoprazole, and oxfendazole with ethanol as modifier and pantoprazole with acetonitrile. Enthalpy–entropy compensation could also be demonstrated for the retention of the first and second eluted enantiomers as well as for the selectivity, with compensation temperatures of 25°C, 45°C, and 83°C, respectively. Reversal of elution on change of the organic modifier was only observed for omeprazole using 2‐propanol.
Levels of alpha‐synuclein mRNA in sporadic Parkinson disease patients
Authors: Chiba‐Falek Ornit , Lopez Grisel J. , Nussbaum Robert L.
Published: June 2006

Lewy bodies, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), consist largely of α‐synuclein, a 14.5‐kDa presynaptic neuronal protein implicated in familial PD. An increased copy number and elevated expression of wild‐type α‐synuclein (SNCA) has been shown to cause early‐onset familial PD. However, it is not clear whether increased α‐synuclein expression also plays a role in the pathogenesis of sporadic disease. In the current study, we analyzed the levels of SNCA‐mRNA in affected brains of sporadic PD patients. We compared the levels of steady state SNCA‐mRNA in 7 sporadic PD brain samples and 7 normal controls using real‐time polymerase chain reaction of RNA extracted from mid‐brain tissue, including the substantia nigra. Despite that there is neuronal loss in the substantia nigra of PD brains, overall the SNCA‐mRNA levels were increased in PD brains an average of nearly fourfold over normal control mid‐brain, although there was much greater variability in samples from PD patients compared to controls. Frontal cortex samples from selected individuals were also analyzed. SNCA‐mRNA levels were not significantly changed in PD frontal cortex compared to controls. These results suggest that elevated expression levels of SNCA‐mRNA are found in the affected regions of PD brain and support the hypothesis that increases in α‐synuclein expression is associated, among other factors, with the development of sporadic PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
A Cahn–Hilliard model in bounded domains with permeable walls
Authors: Gal Ciprian G.
Published: June 2006

In this article, we propose a model of phase separation in a binary mixture confined to a bounded region which may be contained within porous walls. The boundary conditions are derived from a mass conservation law and variational methods. Employing classical methods, that is, fixed point theorems and standard energy methods, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of a global solution to our problem. We then also compare our model of phase separation with other previous Cahn–Hilliard equations with homogeneous Neumann and dynamic boundary conditions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 3D structural and conformational study of procyanidin dimers in water and hydro‐alcoholic media as viewed by NMR and molecular modeling
Authors: Tarascou Isabelle , Barathieu Karine , Simon Cécile , Ducasse Marie‐Agnès , André Yann , Fouquet Eric , Dufourc Erick J. , de Freitas Victor , Laguerre Michel , Pianet Isabelle
Published: June 2006

The three‐dimensional structures of 5 procyanidin dimers have been determined in a hydro‐alcoholic medium and in water using 2D NMR and molecular mechanics. They are made from monomers of catechin (CAT) and epicatechin (EPI)‐B1: EPI‐CAT, B2: EPI–EPI, B3: CAT‐CAT, B4: CAT‐EPI and B2g: EPI‐EPI‐3‐O‐gallate. These tannins exist in two conformations that are in slow exchange in the NMR timescale (s), one is compact and the other extended. The compact form is found to dominate (76–98%) when the dimer is made of at least one CAT monomer (B1, B3, B4). Both forms are found in even proportions only in the case of procyanidin B2. The latter tannin can be converted into a dominant compact form when the lower EPI unit is galloylated. The finding of a predominant compact form for procyanidin dimers is discussed in relation with tannin‐saliva protein interactions that are of importance for the wine‐tasting/making processes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum: Structure elucidation of the intermediate in triethylborane‐mediated radical addition of oxime ethers with 2D‐ and 3D‐DOSY NMR
Authors: Nakakoshi Masamichi , Ueda Masafumi , Sakurai Satoshi , Miyata Okiko , Sugiura Makiko , Naito Takeaki
Published: June 2006

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry EarlyView on 25 May 2006.
Sonic hedgehog is an early developmental marker of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: clinical implications of mRNA levels in pancreatic juice
Authors: Ohuchida K , Mizumoto K , Fujita H , Yamaguchi H , Konomi H , Nagai E , Yamaguchi K , Tsuneyoshi M , Tanaka M
Published: June 2006

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are common cystic tumours of the pancreas. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is involved in gastric epithelial differentiation and pancreatic carcinogenesis. However, a comprehensive analysis of SHH expression in IPMN has not yet been performed. In the present study, one‐step quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction with gene‐specific priming was used to examine mRNA levels in various types of clinical samples. SHH expression in IPMN was measured and the possible association of gastric epithelial differentiation with development of IPMN was evaluated. In bulk tissue analyses (IPMNs, 11 pancreatic cancer, and 20 normal pancreatic tissues), IPMN expressed significantly higher levels of SHH than did normal pancreas (IPMN versus normal pancreas, p = 0.0025; pancreatic cancer versus normal pancreas, p = 0.0132), but SHH expression did not differ between IPMN and pancreatic cancer (p = 0.3409). In microdissection analyses (infiltrating ductal carcinoma cells from 20 sections, IPMN cells from 20 sections, pancreatitis‐affected epithelial cells from 11 sections, and normal epithelial cells from 12 sections), IPMN cells expressed significantly higher levels of SHH than did cancer cells, normal cells, or pancreatitis‐affected ductal cells (all comparisons, p < 0.008). Pancreatic juice analyses (20 samples from pancreatic cancers, 31 samples from IPMNs, and 27 samples from chronic pancreatitis) revealed that SHH expression differed significantly between IPMN juice and pancreatitis juice (p < 0.0001), and between cancer juice and pancreatitis juice (p = 0.0125). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that SHH measurement in pancreatic juice was useful for discriminating IPMN from chronic pancreatitis (area under the curve = 0.915; 95% confidence interval: 0.796–0.976). The data suggest that overexpression of SHH is an early event in the development of IPMN and that SHH measurement in pancreatic juice may provide some advantages for the treatment or follow‐up of a subset of patients with IPMN or chronic pancreatitis. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in pattern of use, clinical characteristics and persistence rate of hormone replacement therapy among postmenopausal women after the WHI publication
Authors: Guay Marie‐Pascale , Dragomir Alice , Pilon Danielle , Moride Yola , Perreault Sylvie
Published: June 2006

The WHI was stopped prematurely because of an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) arm of the trial. Changes in the use of HRT are expected.

Objective

To assess the impact of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) publication on the rate of HRT prescription, and the clinical characteristics and persistence rate of new users and its determinants.

Methods

From the RAMQ databases, the total numbers of HRT prescriptions, and of new HRT's users were calculated between 2 January 1998 and 31 May 2003. To assess the clinical characteristics of women, two retrospective cohorts of new HRT's users were constructed before (pre‐WHI) and after (post‐WHI) the WHI study publication. The persistence rate after 1 year of follow‐up was estimated using a Kaplan–Meier analysis. Cox regression models were used to estimate the rate ratio of HRT cessation.

Results

The total numbers of HRT users and of new users declined respectively by 28% and 50% in post‐WHI. The standard dosage of HRT was significantly less used, while the proportion of women with risk factors of CVD or at very high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) did not change. The rate of persistence in the pre‐WHI cohort was 59% compared to 45% in the post‐WHI (p < 0.0001), and women with risk factors of CVD or at very high risk of CAD were less likely to cease their HRT.

Conclusion

One year after publication, significant changes had already occurred in the trends of use, women's characteristics and estrogen dosage. No change in the proportion of new users with CVD risk factors or at very high risk of CAD was seen. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology control of polyoxy‐methylene/thermoplastic polyurethane blends by adjusting their viscosity ratio
Authors: Cheng Zhengang , Wang Qi
Published: June 2006

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is an important plastic with very good properties. However, its poor impact strength limits its applications. Theoretical and experimental studies have confirmed that thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) can effectively enhance the notched impact strength of POM. This paper reports that the notched impact strength of POM/TPU blends can be further improved when these blends are endowed with a fine morphology by changing the viscosity ratio of TPU to POM (P = ηTPU/ηPOM) during processing. The experimental results show that the viscosity of TPU is more sensitive to temperature than that of POM, and that the viscosity ratio P decreases with increasing temperature; also for quite a wide range of shear rate, P is close to 1 when the processing temperature (Tp) is around 190 °C. Accordingly, the phase structure of POM/TPU blends changes with P. The dispersed phase of TPU shows ellipsoidal morphology when P > 1 at Tp < 190 °C, filamental morphology when P ≈ 1 at Tp ≈ 190 °C and spheroidal morphology when P < 1 at Tp > 190 °C. The results suggest that the filamental morphology endows POM/TPU (90/10) blends with the highest notched impact strength (∼14 kJ m−2). Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Adsorption of aluminium from wastewater by chitin and chitosan produced from silkworm chrysalides
Authors: Simionato Julliana I , Paulino Alexandre T , Garcia Juliana C , Nozaki Jorge
Published: June 2006

Chitin, extracted from silkworm chrysalides, was employed for the production of a high‐purity and porous chitosan, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Chitin and the chitosan produced from it were also analysed using 13C NMR spectroscopy to show the efficiency of deacetylation. The extracted chitin was investigated as an adsorbent material for aluminium removal from textile wastewater, by the column chromatographic method. After the treatment, the residual aluminium was lower than the limitation criterion of 0.2 mg L−1. The isotherms of adsorption on chitin and chitosan surfaces were investigated and the best fits were observed using the Freundlich isotherm. At pH 5.0, the maximum adsorption capacity was 21.3 mg of aluminium per gram of chitosan over 70 h of experiments. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Fracture and adhesion behaviors of epoxy resins modified with poly(amine‐quinone)
Authors: Jin Fan‐Long , Han Mijeong , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: June 2006

An amine‐quinone monomer, i.e. 2,5‐bis(4,4′‐methylenedianiline)‐1,4‐benzoquinone (BB), was synthesized by the Michael addition of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane with 1,4‐benzoquinone. To evaluate the effect of BB content on the glass transition temperature (Tg) and crosslinking density (ρ) of cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/BB systems, storage modulus and loss factor measurements were obtained using dynamic mechanical analysis. The mechanical properties of the systems were determined in terms of the fracture toughness, impact strength, and adhesion strength. As a result, the ρ values of the systems were found to decrease systematically as the BB content increased. The fracture toughness and adhesion strength of the systems increased with increasing BB content. These results indicate that the addition of BB into epoxy resins increases the free volume of the epoxy network and absorbs the deformation energy, resulting in an improvement of the mechanical properties of the DGEBA/BB systems. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto silk sericin initiated by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide
Authors: Song Yan , Jin Yong , Sun Jing , Wei Deqing
Published: June 2006

A novel redox system, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)–silk sericin (SS), was used to initiate the graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) onto silk sericin in an aqueous medium. The graft copolymer, consisting of nanoparticles with a fine core–shell structure, was characterized using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy. The effects of the concentrations of MA and TBHP, reaction temperature and time on the grafting parameters of the copolymerization were studied in detail. In terms of grafting percentage and grafting efficiency, the optimum reaction conditions were obtained as follows: [MA] = 0.465 mol L−1, [TBHP] = 3.884 × 10−4 mol L−1, T = 80 °C, t = 150 min. Transmission electron microscopy images of the particles showed a core–shell morphology, where poly(methyl acrylate) cores were covered with SS shells. A possible initiation mechanism is proposed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(butylene terephthalate)/attapulgite nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Xueqin , Xu Jiajing , Lu Hongbin , Yang Yuliang
Published: June 2006

Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/organo‐attapulgite (ATT) nanocomposites containing 2.5 and 5 wt % nanoparticles loadings were fabricated via a simple melt‐compounding approach. The crystal structure and isothermal crystallization behaviors of PBT composites were studied by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the addition of ATT did not alter the crystal structure of PBT and the crystallites in all the samples were triclinic α‐crystals. During the isothermal crystallization, the PBT nanocomposites exhibited higher crystallization rates than the neat PBT and the varied Avrami exponents when compared with the neat PBT. At the same time, the regime II/III transition was also observed in all the samples on the basis of Hoffman‐Laurizten theory, but the transition temperature increased with increasing ATT loadings. The fold surface free energy (σe) of polymer chains in the nanocomposites was lower than that in the neat PBT. It should be reasonable to treat ATT as a good nucleating agent for the crystallization of PBT, which plays a determinant effect on the reduction in σe during the isothermal crystallization of the nanocomposites, even if the existence of ATT could restrict the segmental motion of PBT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2112–2121, 2006
State‐of‐the‐art of Multilayer Optics for Laboratory X‐ray Devices
Authors: Hertlein Frank , Oehr Alexandra , Hoffmann Christian , Michaelsen Carsten , Wiesmann Jörg
Published: June 2006

Multilayer X‐ray optics with single layers of a few nanometers thickness can be obtained nowadays. These optics are used in X‐ray diffractometers (XRD), X‐ray fluorescence spectrometers (XRF) and at synchrotron sources. A detailed description of the production of multilayer X‐ray optics using sputter deposition methods is presented and the simulation of X‐ray optics and characterization with X‐ray analytical measurements are explained. Finally, the advantages of multilayer X‐ray optics in typical X‐ray analytical applications are summarized.
Capillary Optics in X‐Ray Analytics
Authors: Bjeoumikhov Aniouar , Bjeoumikhova Semfira , Wedell Reiner
Published: June 2006

The principles of X‐ray capillary optics are described and different types of capillary optical elements are discussed, especially, the main parameters of these optical elements such as intensity gain, focal spot size, beam divergence, etc. Details are given and experimental results for these parameters are presented. Furthermore, various application examples in micro X‐ray fluorescence analysis for the determination of the two dimensional elemental distribution at sample surfaces as well as depth profiling are presented. Finally, the suitability of capillary optics for different diffractrometric investigations is shown, especially, examples for single crystal, polycrystal and powder diffractometry also with high lateral resolution and real time diffractometry are presented.
Microstructure of Energetic Particles Investigated by X‐ray Powder Diffraction
Authors: Herrmann Michael
Published: June 2006

Incorporation of improved particle qualities reduces the sensitivity of plastic bonded explosives. The mechanisms that cause this effect are far from being clear. Investigations were made using Powder X‐ray Diffraction for the characterization of the microstructure of energetic cyclic nitramines Hexogen (RDX (C3H6N6O6)) and Octogen (HMX (C4H8N8O8)), respectively, including reduced sensitivity and conventional samples.

The investigations show that qualities can be distinguished in terms of particle size and micro strain by means of powder X‐ray diffraction. Problems originating from low absorbance or poor orientation statistics of coarse powders have been overcome using advanced measuring techniques. The results are so far interesting for practical applications, e.g., the investigation of slightly absorbing powders (e.g., pharmaceutics, cosmetics, explosives) or coarse crystalline powders by means of diffractometry.

The investigations revealed that sensitivity of RDX correlates with crystallite size, where insensitive particles consist of larger and fewer crystallites than the conventional product. The HMX qualities were found to be micro strain and crystallite size driven.
Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Kämpfe Bernd , Luczak Falk , Michel Bernd
Published: June 2006

The important advantage of energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction is the opportunity to obtain diffraction patterns without the use of any goniometer. Thus, a combination of small power X‐ray tubes, appropriate X‐ray optics and high energy‐resolution detectors enables the construction of small and transportable measurement devices also for mobile use. Specimens of different size, shape, and geometry can be investigated. In this article, the application of energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction on polycrystalline materials is demonstrated and examples in the fields of micro system technologies, deposition techniques and quality control are presented.
Combining functional and topological properties to identify core modules in protein interaction networks
Authors: Lubovac Zelmina , Gamalielsson Jonas , Olsson Björn
Published: June 2006

Advances in large‐scale technologies in proteomics, such as yeast two‐hybrid screening and mass spectrometry, have made it possible to generate large Protein Interaction Networks (PINs). Recent methods for identifying dense sub‐graphs in such networks have been based solely on graph theoretic properties. Therefore, there is a need for an approach that will allow us to combine domain‐specific knowledge with topological properties to generate functionally relevant sub‐graphs from large networks. This article describes two alternative network measures for analysis of PINs, which combine functional information with topological properties of the networks. These measures, called weighted clustering coefficient and weighted average nearest‐neighbors degree, use weights representing the strengths of interactions between the proteins, calculated according to their semantic similarity, which is based on the Gene Ontology terms of the proteins. We perform a global analysis of the yeast PIN by systematically comparing the weighted measures with their topological counterparts. To show the usefulness of the weighted measures, we develop an algorithm for identification of functional modules, called SWEMODE (Semantic WEights for MODule Elucidation), that identifies dense sub‐graphs containing functionally similar proteins. The proposed method is based on the ranking of nodes, i.e., proteins, according to their weighted neighborhood cohesiveness. The highest ranked nodes are considered as seeds for candidate modules. The algorithm then iterates through the neighborhood of each seed protein, to identify densely connected proteins with high functional similarity, according to the chosen parameters. Using a yeast two‐hybrid data set of experimentally determined protein–protein interactions, we demonstrate that SWEMODE is able to identify dense clusters containing proteins that are functionally similar. Many of the identified modules correspond to known complexes or subunits of these complexes. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
psbA mutation (Asn266 to Thr) in Senecio vulgaris L. confers resistance to several PS II‐inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Park Kee Woong , Mallory‐Smith Carol A
Published: June 2006

DNA sequence analysis of the psbA gene encoding the D1 protein of photosystem II (PS II), the target site of PS II‐inhibiting herbicides, identified a point mutation (Asn266 to Thr) in a bromoxynil‐resistant Senecio vulgaris L. population collected from peppermint fields in Oregon. Although this mutation has been previously reported in Synechocystis, this is the first report of this particular point mutation in a higher plant exhibiting resistance to PS II‐inhibiting herbicides. The resistant population displayed high‐level resistance to bromoxynil and terbacil (R/S ratio 10.1 and 9.3, respectively) and low‐level resistance to metribuzin and hexazinone (R/S ratio 4.2 and 2.6, respectively) when compared with the susceptible population. However, the population was not resistant to the triazine herbicides atrazine and simazine or to the urea herbicide diuron. A chlorophyll fluorescence assay confirmed the resistance levels and patterns of cross‐resistance of the whole‐plant studies. The resistant S. vulgaris plants produced fewer seeds. Differences in cross‐resistance patterns to PS II‐inhibiting herbicides and the difference in fitness cost could be exploited in a weed management program. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric determination of testosterone and its metabolites in in vitro samples
Authors: Wang Ganfeng , Hsieh Yunsheng , Cui Xiaoming , Cheng Kuo‐Chi , Korfmacher Walter A.
Published: June 2006

This paper describes the development and partial validation of a fast, sensitive and specific ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC/MS/MS) method for the determination of testosterone (T) and its four metabolites, 6β‐OH‐T, 16α‐OH‐T, 16β‐OH‐T and 2α‐OH‐T, in in vitro samples. The analytical method involves direct dilution of samples with acetonitrile containing an internal standard, followed by separation of testosterone and the four metabolites on an Acquity UPLC™ C18 column and detected by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in positive ionization mode using turbo ionspray ionization. The parent compound and its metabolites investigated were well separated (Rs >1.5) with a run time of 4 min under a gradient condition. The method was partially validated. The linear concentration range was 0.01 to 5 µM for all the compounds of interest. Inter‐assay mean bias and relative standard deviation (RSD) were in the range of −12% to 8% and 4.1% to 8.5%, respectively. Intra‐assay mean bias and RSD were in the range of −8.0% to 5.2% and 3.4% to 9.6%, respectively. The lower limit of quantitation for this assay was 0.01 µM. The differences in LC/MS performance were investigated by conducting a comparison of UPLC with another method previously optimized for HPLC‐based separation and quantification of testosterone and its metabolites. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ nucleophilic substitution reaction of N,N‐dialkylaminoethyl‐2‐chlorides monitored by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Lakshmi V. V. S. , Reddy T. Jagadeshwar , Murty M. R. V. S. , Prabhakar S. , Vairamani M.
Published: June 2006

The detection and identification of degradation products of scheduled chemicals, which are characteristic markers of Chemical Warfare agents (CWAs), plays a key role in verification analysis. Identification of such non‐scheduled but specific markers of CWAs helps in deciphering the kind of agent that was present in the sample submitted for off‐site analysis. This paper describes the stability of N,N‐dialkylaminoethyl‐2‐chlorides, which are precursors for highly toxic chemicals like VX, in different solvents. These compounds are stable in chloroform, acetonitrile, hexane and dichloromethane but tend to undergo in situ nucleophilic substitution reaction in the presence of alcohols giving the corresponding alkyl ether. The study shows that N,N‐dialkylaminoethyl alkyl ethers can be used as markers of N,N‐dialkylaminoethyl‐2‐chlorides. A detailed degradation study of these compounds in the presence of alcohols was carried out and it was found that the reaction follows pseudo‐first order kinetics. Electron ionization mass spectral data for the methyl ethers of all the compounds are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishing structural testing criteria for Java bytecode
Authors: Vincenzi A. M. R. , Delamaro M. E. , Maldonado J. C. , Wong W. E.
Published: June 2006

This paper describes intra‐method control‐flow and data‐flow testing criteria for the Java bytecode language. Six testing criteria are considered for the generation of testing requirements: four control‐flow and two data‐flow based. The main reason to work at a lower level is that, even when there is no source code, structural testing requirements can still be derived and used to assess the quality of a given test set. It can be used, for instance, to perform structural testing on third‐party Java components. In addition, the bytecode can be seen as an intermediate language, so the analysis performed at this level can be mapped back to the original high‐level language that generated the bytecode. To support the application of the testing criteria, we have implemented a tool named JaBUTi (Java Bytecode Understanding and Testing). JaBUTi is used to illustrate the application of the ideas developed in this paper. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.