bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On global exponential stability of standard and full‐range CNNs
Authors: Di Marco Mauro , Forti Mauro , Grazzini Massimo , Pancioni Luca
Published: September 2007

This paper compares the dynamical behaviour of the standard (S) cellular neural networks (CNNs) and the full‐range (FR) CNNs, when the two CNN models are characterized by the same set of parameters (interconnections and inputs). The FR‐CNNs are assumed to be characterized by ideal hard‐limiter nonlinearities with two vertical segments in the i–v characteristic. The main result is that some basic conditions ensuring global exponential stability (GES) of the unique equilibrium point of S‐CNNs, with or without delay, continue to ensure the same property for FR‐CNNs for the same set of parameters. The significance of this result is discussed with respect to the results in a paper by Corinto and Gilli addressing the similarity of the qualitative behaviour of S‐CNNs and FR‐CNNs. FR‐CNNs are analysed in this paper from a rigorous mathematical viewpoint by means of theoretical tools from set‐valued analysis and differential inclusions. In particular, GES is investigated via an extended Lyapunov approach that is applicable to the differential inclusion describing the dynamics of FR‐CNNs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical time‐gated luminescence flow cytometry. II: Experimental evaluation using UV LED excitation
Authors: Jin Dayong , Connally Russell , Piper James
Published: September 2007

In the previous article [Part 1 (8)], we have modelled alternative approaches to design of practical time‐gated luminescence (TGL) flow cytometry and examined the feasibility of employing a UV LED as the excitation source for the gated detection of europium dye labelled target in rapid flow stream. The continuous flow‐section approach is well suited for rare‐event cell counting in applications with a large number of nontarget autofluorescent particles. This article presents details of construction, operation and evaluation of a TGL flow cytometer using a UV LED excitation and a gated high‐gain channel photomultiplier tube (CPMT) for detection. The compact prototype TGL flow cytometer was constructed and optimised to operate at a TGL cycle rate of 6 kHz, with each cycle consisting of 100 μs LED pulsed excitation and ∼60 μs delay‐gated detection. The performance of the TGL flow cytometer was evaluated by enumerating 5.7 μm Eu3+ luminescence beads (having comparable intensity to europium‐chelate‐labeled Giardia cysts) in both autofluorescence‐rich environmental water concentrates and Sulforhodamine 101 (S101) solutions (broadband red fluorescence covering the spectral band of target signals), respectively.

The prototype TGL flow cytometer was able to distinguish the target beads, and a maximum signal to background ratio of 38:1 was observed. Neither the environmental water concentrates nor S101 solution contributed to the background in the TGL detection phase. The counting efficiency of the TGL flow cytometer was typically >93% of values determined using conventional counting methods. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Diagnostic value of telomerase expression in breast fine‐needle aspiration biopsies
Authors: Fischer Gabor , Tutuncuoglu Osman , Bakhshandeh Maryam , Masood Shahla
Published: September 2007

Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of breast is a minimally invasive sampling procedure with a proven value in the initial evaluation of patients with palpable breast lesions. FNAB is a simple, cost‐effective, and relatively nontraumatic procedure that has replaced open surgical biopsy in majority of academic institutions across the world. There are, however, inherent limitations in the ability of FNAB to reliably diagnose small percentage of cases that are difficult to diagnose by cytomorphology alone and require excisional biopsy. This shortcoming may be minimized if the morphology can be complemented by a reliable diagnostic adjunct. This retrospective study was designed to assess the added value of telomerase immunostain in interpretation of breast FNABs. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that has been shown to be activated in different malignant tumors, including breast cancer. Immunocytochemical detection of this molecular marker on cytologic smears and cellblocks may be helpful for interpretation of FNAB specimens. In our retrospective study, we found that 56% of the malignant breast cases (28/50) showed positive telomerase immunostaining while only 4% of the negative cases (2/50) stained with telomerase (positive predictive value: 93%, negative predictive value: 69%). Expression of telomerase on highly suspicious breast fine‐needle aspirations may upgrade the diagnosis to malignancy. However, a negative telomerase cannot exclude the possibility of carcinoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:653‐655. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The utility of SMAD4 as a diagnostic immunohistochemical marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and its expression in other solid tumors
Authors: Ali Sarfraz , Cohen Cynthia , Little James V. , Sequeira Judy H. , Mosunjac Marina B. , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: September 2007

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a genetic disease showing somatic mutations of multiple genes, including SMAD4. SMAD4 is a tumor suppressor gene that is inactivated in a sub‐set of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, either by the intragenic mutation of one allele in combination with the loss of the other allele or by homozygous deletion of both alleles. This study examines SMAD4 expression in fine‐needle aspiration cell blocks from patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, as well as a variety of human cancers, in order to assess its viability as a tumor marker. A total of 100 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with diagnostic material from fine‐needle aspiration cell blocks were selected for this study. In addition cancers from different sites were examined in multitumor tissue microarrays, which included two tissue cores from neoplastic surgical resection specimens. Cancers studied included endometrium (n = 100), colon (n = 100), ovary (n = 100), lung (n = 100), breast (n = 100), and malignant melanoma (n = 100). The sections were immunostained with SMAD4 using pressure cooker antigen retrieval labeled polymer horseradish peroxidase (DAKO), and the DAKO autostainer. Immunohistochemical expression was scored as negative, 1+, 2+, 3+. Only 2+ and 3+ staining was considered as positive staining. SMAD4 staining was nuclear and the results for tumor cell positivity for primary sites studied are as follows: Pancreas (80/100; 80%), endometrium (0/100; 0%), colon (0/100; 0%), ovary (3/100; 3%), lung (0/100; 0%), breast (2/100; 2%), and malignant melanoma (4/100; 4%). This study suggests that SMAD4 is an important marker for confirming a diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma as a primary tumor, as well as when it presents as a metastatic tumor on small fine‐needle aspirate samples. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:644–648. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, analgesic, anti‐inflammatory and ulcerogenic index activities of novel 2‐methylthio‐3‐substituted‐5,6‐dimethyl thieno [2,3‐d] pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Alagarsamy V. , Shankar D. , Meena S. , Thirumurugan K. , Ananda Kumar T. Durai
Published: September 2007

A variety of novel 2‐methylthio‐3‐substituted amino‐5,6‐dimethyl thieno [2,3‐d] pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones were synthesized by reacting 3‐amino‐2‐methylthio‐5,6‐dimethyl thieno [2,3‐d] pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one with different aldehydes and ketones. The starting material 3‐amino‐2‐methylthio‐5,6‐dimethyl thieno [2,3‐d] pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one was synthesized from 2‐amino‐3‐carbethoxy‐4,5‐dimethyl thiophene. The compounds were investigated for their analgesic activity in albino mice, and for their anti‐inflammatory and ulcerogenic index activities in Wistar rats. The compound 2‐(1‐ethylpropylideneamino)‐2‐methylthio‐5,6‐dimethyl thieno [2,3‐d] pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one (AS2) showed the most potent analgesic activity of the series. It also showed more potent anti‐inflammatory activity when compared to the reference standard, diclofenac sodium. The test compounds showed only mild ulcerogenic potential when compared to aspirin. Drug Dev Res 68:134–142, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Steroid nuclear hormone receptors: The allosteric conversation
Authors: Doweyko Arthur M.
Published: September 2007

Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) regulate gene expression by forming complexes with small molecule ligands, other proteins, and DNA. Specific ligands, which include steroids, thyroids, and retinoids, are responsible for the regulation of complex processes in cellular differentiation, homeostasis, reproduction, and development. NHRs responding to steroid ligands (e.g., androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and progesterones) are the focus of this review, in particular, highlighting the subtle relationships between ligand structure and receptor function. In the light of x‐ray crystallographic information obtained in recent years, the structural organization of the ligand‐ and DNA‐binding domains of steroid nuclear hormone receptors is well understood. Less clear is the means by which a steroid ligand affects the three‐dimensional structure of a receptor, and how subtle differences in ligand structure can lead to major differences in functional activity (agonism, partial agonism, antagonism). Potential mechanisms by which ligands elicit such effects, statistical and mutational techniques used to identify key protein residues likely involved in the transmission of structural information, and novel sites of ligand–protein interaction are discussed in this review. Drug Dev Res 68:95–106, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression pattern of T‐type Ca2+ channels in embryonic chick nodose ganglion neurons
Authors: Pachuau Judith , Martin‐Caraballo Miguel
Published: September 2007

In this study we have characterized the functional expression of T‐type Ca2+ channels in developing chick nodose neurons, a population of placode‐derived sensory neurons innervating the heart and various visceral organs. Voltage‐gated Ca2+ currents were measured using whole cell patch clamp recordings in neurons acutely isolated between embryonic day (E) 7 and E20, prior to hatching. E7 nodose neurons express relatively large high voltage‐activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents. HVA current density progressively increases between E7 and E17. T‐type Ca2+ currents were restricted to a few nodose neurons between E7 and E10 but were present in ∼60% of nodose neurons by E17. T‐type Ca2+ channels regulate the response of nodose neurons to injection of hyperpolarizing currents, but do not have any effect on the action potential waveform. Nickel ions blocked T‐type Ca2+ currents in a concentration‐dependent manner with an IC50 of 17 μM. The high sensitivity of T‐type Ca2+ channels to nickel blockade combined with sequencing of a partial cDNA suggests that T‐type Ca2+ currents are generated by α1H subunits in chick nodose neurons. Steady‐state activation and inactivation kinetics were similar to those previously reported for other α1H channels in mammalian neurons. Semi‐quantitative PCR analysis indicates that α1H mRNA was present in chick nodose neurons by E7, suggesting that the functional expression of T‐type Ca2+ channels involves a posttranscriptional mechanism. These findings demonstrate a distinct pattern of T‐type Ca2+ channel functional expression in placode‐derived neurons when compared with CNS neurons. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
The DEAD box RNA helicase VBH‐1 is required for germ cell function in C. elegans
Authors: Salinas L. Silvia , Maldonado Ernesto , Macías‐Silva Marina , Blackwell T. Keith , Navarro Rosa E.
Published: September 2007

Vasa and Belle are conserved DEAD box RNA helicases required for germ cell function. Homologs of this group of proteins in several species, including mammals, are able to complement a mutation in yeast (DED1) suggesting that their function is highly conserved. It has been proposed that these proteins are required for mRNA translation regulation, but their specific mechanism of action is still unknown. Here we describe functions of VBH‐1, a C. elegans protein closely related to Belle and Vasa. VBH‐1 is expressed specifically in the C. elegans germline, where it is associated with P granules, the C. elegans germ plasm counterpart. vbh‐1(RNAi) animals produce fewer offspring than wild type because of defects in oocyte and sperm production, and embryonic lethality. We also find that VBH‐1 participates in the sperm/oocyte switch in the hermaphrodite gonad. We conclude that VBH‐1 and its orthologs may perform conserved roles in fertility and development. genesis 45:533–546, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Floxed allele for conditional inactivation of the voltage‐gated sodium channel β1 subunit Scn1b
Authors: Chen Chunling , Dickendesher Travis L. , Oyama Fumitaka , Miyazaki Haruko , Nukina Nobuyuki , Isom Lori L.
Published: September 2007

The voltage‐gated sodium channel gene Scn1b encodes the auxiliary subunit β1, which is widely distributed in neurons and glia of the central and peripheral nervous systems, cardiac myocytes, skeletal muscle myocytes, and neuroendocrine cells. We showed previously that the Scn1b null mutation results in a complex and severe phenotype that includes retarded growth, seizures, ataxia, and death by postnatal day 21. We generated a floxed allele of Scn1b by inserting loxP sites surrounding the second coding exon. Ubiquitous deletion of the floxed exon by Cre recombinase using CMV‐Cre‐transgenic mice produced the Scn1bdel allele. The null phenotype of Scn1bdel homozygotes is indistinguishable from that of Scn1b nulls and confirms the invivo inactivation of Scn1b. Conditional inactivation ofthe floxed allele will make it possible to circumvent the lethality that results from complete loss of this gene, such that the physiological role of Scn1b in specific cell types and/or specific developmental time points can be investigated. genesis 45:547–553, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of Polycomb‐group genes in establishing HoxD temporal colinearity
Authors: Mishra Rakesh K. , Yamagishi Takumi , Vasanthi D. , Ohtsuka Chiho , Kondo Takashi
Published: September 2007

Temporal colinearity in mouse HoxD is dependent on repressive activity of sequences within the 5′ end of the complex. We show that a 5‐kb DNA fragment from this region represses transgenes when combined in mouse as well as in Drosophila melanogaster. Moreover, repressive activity in Drosophila depends on some members of the Polycomb‐group (PcG) genes, for example, extra sex combs. We also showed direct association of these factors with the repressive fragment, both in transgenic flies and in the context of the native mouse HoxD complex. These results suggest that the global repressive region of the HoxD complex functions in two very different species and that some PcG genes are involved in establishing the early repressive state of the HoxD complex, thus contributing to temporal colinearity. genesis 45:570–576, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of an Frs2α conditional null allele
Authors: Lin Yongshun , Zhang Jue , Zhang Yongyou , Wang Fen
Published: September 2007

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling family controls a broad spectrum of cellular processes in development and adult tissue homeostasis and function, which is expressed in almost all tissues at all stages. FGF receptor substrate 2 alpha (FRS2α) is an adaptor protein that recruits downstream substrates to the FGF receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase. Disruption of Frs2α gene in mice abrogates activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway by the FGFR and leads to embryonic lethality at day E7.5 post copulation. To circumvent the embryonic lethality resulting from disruption of the Frs2α gene, which hinders further characterization of the role of FRS2α in adult tissue function and homeostasis, we generated an Frs2α conditional null allele for temporally‐ and tissue‐specific disruption of the Frs2α gene. Using gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells, we introduced two loxP sites flanking the largest coding exon, exon 5, in the Frs2α allele. Our results indicate that the floxed Frs2α (Frs2αflox) allele is a true conditional null allele that encodes wildtype activity and is converted to a null allele after Cre recombinase mediated recombination. genesis 45:554–559, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of a Twist1 conditional null allele in the mouse
Authors: Chen You‐Tzung , Akinwunmi Peter O. , Deng Jian Min , Tam Oliver H. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: September 2007

Twist1 is the mouse ortholog of TWIST1, the human gene mutated in Saethre‐Chotzen syndrome. Previously, a Twist1 null allele was generated by gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells. Twist1 heterozygous mice develop polydactyly and a craniofacial phenotype similar to Saethre‐Chotzen patients. Mice homozygous for the Twist1 null allele die around embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) with cranial neural tube closure and vascular defects, hindering in vivo studies of Twist1 function at later stages of development. Here, we report the generation of a Twist1 conditional null allele in mice that functions like a wild‐type allele but can be converted to a null allele upon Cre‐mediated recombination. genesis 45:588–592, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A global double‐fluorescent Cre reporter mouse
Authors: Muzumdar Mandar Deepak , Tasic Bosiljka , Miyamichi Kazunari , Li Ling , Luo Liqun
Published: September 2007

The Cre/loxP system has been used extensively for conditional mutagenesis in mice. Reporters of Cre activity are important for defining the spatial and temporal extent of Cre‐mediated recombination. Here we describe mT/mG, a double‐fluorescent Cre reporter mouse that expresses membrane‐targeted tandem dimer Tomato (mT) prior to Cre‐mediated excision and membrane‐targeted green fluorescent protein (mG) after excision. We show that reporter expression is nearly ubiquitous, allowing visualization of fluorescent markers in live and fixed samples of all tissues examined. We further demonstrate that mG labeling is Cre‐dependent, complementary to mT at single cell resolution, and distinguishable by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Both membrane‐targeted markers outline cell morphology, highlight membrane structures, and permit visualization of fine cellular processes. In addition to serving as a global Cre reporter, the mT/mG mouse may also be used as a tool for lineage tracing, transplantation studies, and analysis of cell morphology in vivo. genesis 45:593–605, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of early family life events amongst monozygotic twin women with lifetime anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or major depression
Authors: Wade Tracey D , Gillespie Nathan , Martin Nicholas G
Published: September 2007

Objectives:

To investigate the differential profile of early family life events associated with lifetime anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and major depression (MD).

Method:

Only data from the monozygotic twins (n = 622) were examined from a community sample of female twins who had participated in three waves of data collection. Eating disorder and MD diagnoses were ascertained from the Eating Disorder Examination at Wave 3 and interview at Wave 2 respectively. Early family events were ascertained from self‐report measures at Waves 1 and 3. Two case control designs were used, including a comparison of women: (1) who had lifetime AN, BN, MD, and controls, and (2) twin pairs discordant for either AN, BN, or MD (where the unaffected cotwin formed the control group).

Results:

Across the two types of designs, compared to controls, both AN and BN were associated with more comments from the family about weight and shape when growing up. AN was uniquely associated with higher levels of paternal protection while BN was associated with higher levels of parental expectations.

Conclusion:

While some overlap among early life events was indicated, especially related to parental conflict and criticism, there was evidence to support some degree of nonoverlap among life events associated with AN, BN, and MD. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Specific and nonspecific comorbidity in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Jordan Jennifer , Joyce Peter R. , Carter Frances A. , Horn Jacqueline , McIntosh Virginia V.W. , Luty Suzanne E. , McKenzie Janice M. , Frampton Christopher M.A. , Mulder Roger T. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: September 2007

Objective:

This article reports lifetime Axis I and II comorbidity in women with anorexia nervosa (AN), and ascertains specific and nonspecific comorbidity in AN compared to clinical samples of women with bulimia nervosa (BN) or major depression (DEP).

Method:

Outpatient AN (n = 56), BN (n = 132), and DEP (n = 100) samples were assessed using Structured Clinical Interviews I and II for DSM‐III‐R. Baseline data were compared using univariate statistics and logistic regression.

Results:

In the AN sample as a whole, specific elevations were found for prevalences of obsessive compulsive disorder. The AN‐binge eating purging subtype (AN‐BP) and the BN sample had elevated prevalences of Cluster B personality disorders. Cluster C prevalences were elevated across samples.

Conclusion:

Evidence of AN‐specific, eating disorder‐specific, and nonspecific comorbidity illustrates the heterogeneity in AN. Further research is need to examine the relative impact of specific and nonspecific comorbidity in AN subtypes and AN as a whole. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
The multifaceted role of distress tolerance in dysregulated eating behaviors
Authors: Anestis Michael D. , Selby Edward A. , Fink Erin L. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: September 2007

Objective:

Few empirical studies have examined the potential role of affect in dysregulated eating. The authors hypothesized that distress tolerance would predict EDI‐Bulimia, even when controlling for several covariates, including depressive and anxiety symptoms, and all four subscales of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. Additionally, the authors predicted low levels of distress tolerance would interact with high levels of urgency to predict EDI‐Bulimia. Finally, the authors predicted that distress tolerance would mediate the previously reported relationship between anxiety sensitivity and EDI‐Bulimia.

Method:

A sample of undergraduates (N = 200) filled out a series of questionnaires pertaining to the variables of interest, including the Eating Disorder Inventory, UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, Distress Tolerance Scale, and Anxiety Sensitivity Index.

Results:

All three hypotheses were supported by the data.

Conclusion:

Authors suggest that deficits in distress tolerance might play a significant role in the etiology and maintenance of bulimic symptoms. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Fingerprints of Singlet and Triplet Phenyl Cations
Authors: Slegt Micha , Overkleeft Hermen S. , Lodder Gerrit
Published: September 2007

The photolyses of seven phenyl cation precursors in acetonitrile in the presence of anisole resulted in four distinct product patterns. These patterns are due to the chemoselective and regioselective chemistry of various phenyl cation isomers. This spin‐selective chemistry provides a tool with which to fingerprint the singlet/triplet nature of any phenyl cation.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Determination of peptide hormones of brain and intestine by CE with ESI‐MS detection
Authors: Xia Shifei , Zhang Lan , Tong Ping , Lu Minghua , Liu Wei , Chen Guonan
Published: September 2007

A new method for the determination of the peptide hormones of brain and intestine based on CE coupling with a DAD and ESI‐MS was established. Several electrophoretic and ESI‐MS parameters were investigated in detail, such as electrolyte nature and concentration, organic solvent and sheath liquid compositions, nebulization gas pressure and the ESI capillary voltage. Optimized conditions were achieved with 25 mM formic acid‐ammonium formate (pH 2.9) as the optimal electrolyte, 2 mM formic acid in 80% methanol in water as the sheath liquid, and 20 kV applied voltage. Under the optimized conditions, four protonated peptides were separated by CE and selectively detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer with a sheath flow ESI interface. LODs for the four peptides (neurotensin hexapeptide, neurotensin, cholecystokinin tetrapeptide, and pentagastrin) were in the range of 0.10–0.60 µmol/L at an S/N of 3. The RSDs (n = 8) of the method were 0.70–1.5% for migration times and 1.6–6.1% for peak areas. This method is simple, rapid, and selective compared with RIA and ELISA techniques, and has been applied to the analysis of rat hypothalamus tissue.
Efficient micro carbon column rapid breakthrough technique for water and wastewater treatability studies
Authors: Chang Qi‐Gang , Zhang Wei , Jiang Wen‐Xin , Li Bing‐Jing , Ying Wei‐Chi , Lin Wei
Published: September 2007

A simple and cost‐effective method for conducting adsorption breakthrough experiments in a microsize carbon column is proposed; it is much faster than the conventional methods. Relative to the existing microcolumn rapid breakthrough (MCRB) methods, this method employs simplified procedure, low cost and readily available pump, sampler, and piping and fittings to allow its practice in an ordinary environmental laboratory. The efficient MCRB method may be employed to identify the best granular activated carbon, to verify its treatment effectiveness, and to estimate its capacity utilization rate and the adsorption treatment cost. The effects of particle size and empty bed contact time on MCRB test results were determined. The validity and benefits of this MCRB method were demonstrated by the adsorption breakthrough data for phenol, red dye X3B, tannic acid, MTBE, 2,4‐dichrophenol, and the organic pollutants in a biologically treated coking plant effluent. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2007
Climate change triggered sedimentation and progressive tectonic uplift in a coupled piedmont–axial system: Cuyama Valley, California, USA
Authors: DeLong Stephen B. , Pelletier Jon D. , Arnold Lee J.
Published: September 2007

Channels on the north‐facing piedmont of the Sierra Madre range in Cuyama Valley, California have alternated between three process regimes during the late Quaternary: (1) vertical incision into piedmont alluvium and older sedimentary deposits; (2) lateral erosion; and (3) sediment accumulation. The state of the piedmont system at a given time has been controlled by upstream sediment flux, regional tectonic uplift and incision of the axial Cuyama River.

To better understand the timing and to attempt to interpret causes of past geomorphological processes on the Sierra Madre piedmont, we mapped the surficial geology and dated alluvial deposits using radiocarbon, cosmogenic and optical dating methods. Four primary episodes of sedimentation have occurred since ca. 100 ka, culminating in the most recent period of extensive piedmont sedimentation between 30 and 20 ka. Fill terraces in Cuyama Valley formed by piedmont sediment accumulation followed by vertical incision and lateral erosion are fairly planar and often mantle strath bedrock surfaces. Their vertical spatial arrangement is a record of progressive regional tectonic uplift and concomitant axial Cuyama River channel incision migrating up tributary piedmont channels. Subparallel longitudinal terrace profiles which have a linear age–elevation relationship indicate that multiple episodes of climatically controlled sedimentation overprints ∼1 m kyr−1 of regional uplift affecting the Cuyama River and its tributaries.

Sedimentation was probably a result of increased precipitation that caused saturation landsliding in steep catchments. It is possible that increased precipitation during the Last Glacial Maximum was caused by both continental‐scale circulation pattern reorganization and increased Pacific storm frequency and intensity caused by ‘early warming’ of nearby Pacific Ocean surface waters. Older episodes of piedmont sedimentation are difficult to correlate with specific climate regimes, but may correlate with previous periods of increased precipitation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐order arbitrarily unstructured finite‐volume model of the global atmosphere: Tests solving the shallow‐water equations
Authors: Weller Hilary , Weller Henry G.
Published: September 2007

Simulations of the global atmosphere for weather and climate forecasting require fast and accurate solutions and so operational models use high‐order finite differences on regular structured grids. This precludes the use of local refinement; techniques allowing local refinement are either expensive (e.g. high‐order finite element techniques) or have reduced accuracy at changes in resolution (e.g. unstructured finite volume with linear differencing).

We present solutions of the shallow‐water equations for westerly flow over a mid‐latitude mountain from a finite‐volume model written using OpenFOAM. A second‐/third‐order accurate differencing scheme is applied on arbitrarily unstructured meshes made up of various shapes and refinement patterns. The results are as accurate as equivalent resolution spectral methods. Using lower‐order differencing reduces accuracy at a refinement pattern which allows errors from refinement of the mountain to accumulate and reduces the global accuracy over a 15‐day simulation. We have, therefore, introduced a scheme that fits a 2D cubic polynomial approximately on a stencil around each cell. Using this scheme means that refinement of the mountain improves the accuracy after a 15‐day simulation.

This is a more severe test of local mesh refinement for global simulations than has been presented but a realistic test if these techniques are to be used operationally. These efficient, high‐order, schemes may make it possible for local mesh refinement to be used by weather and climate forecast models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conservative integrals of adiabatic Durran's equations
Authors: Smolarkiewicz Piotr K. , Dörnbrack Andreas
Published: September 2007

Potential advances are investigated in the area of generalized anelastic approximations. Consistent control‐volume integrals are designed and compared for the established Lipps–Hemler form (of anelastic approximation) and Durran's pseudo‐incompressible form. The Durran system provides a unique theoretical tool—useful for research of geophysical and stellar flows—within the existing set of reduced, Boussinesq‐type fluid models. It represents thermal aspects of compressibility free of sound waves, yet the momentum equation is unapproximated. The latter admits unabbreviated baroclinic production of vorticity, thus facilitating separation of compressibility and baroclinicity effects per se. Compared with other reduced fluid models, there is little cumulative experience with integrating the Durran system. Perhaps the first conservative integrations of Durran's equations are presented, using flux‐form transport methods and exact projection for the associated elliptic problem. Because the resulting code is built from a preexisting anelastic model, the consistency of the numerics is assured thus minimizing uncertainties associated with ad hoc code comparisons. While broader physical implications are addressed, theoretical considerations are illustrated with examples of atmospheric flows. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient synthesis of 1‐substituted‐4‐phenyl‐1, 4‐dihydro‐5H‐tetrazole‐5‐thione and (1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)thioacetyl derivatives
Authors: Fathalla Walid , Ali Ibrahim A. I.
Published: September 2007

A new and convenient synthesis of a variety of N‐ and S‐substituted tetrazoles has been developed via azide and Mannich reaction methods. Compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, MALDI MS, and 1H NMR data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 18:637–643, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20353
An efficient electrochemical method for synthesis of (1h‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ylthio)benzen‐1,2‐diol derivatives
Authors: Davarani Sayed Saeed Hosseiny , Nematollahi Davood , Shamsipur Mojtaba
Published: September 2007

Electrochemical oxidation of catechols (1a–c) has been studied in the presence of 3‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazole (3) as a nucleophile in water/acetonitrile (90/10) solutions. The results revealed that the quinones derived from catechols (1a–c) participate in the Michael addition reactions with anion of 3‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazole (3) and are converted to the corresponding (1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ylthio)benzen‐1,2‐diol derivatives (4a–c). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 18:644–649, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20359
FDI location choice: agglomeration vs institutions
Authors: Du Julan , Lu Yi , Tao Zhigang
Published: September 2007

Using an extensive data set on foreign invested enterprises in China from US, EU, Japan and Korea, we explore the role of agglomeration economies (network externalities) and government institutions as well as other more traditional factors in determining the (regional) locational choice of foreign direct investment (FDI). Employing firm‐level discrete choice model, we find that provinces with stronger public institutions and higher horizontal and vertical agglomerations tend to attract more foreign investments. Furthermore, we explore the interplay of institutions and agglomeration economies. We detect that foreign horizontal agglomeration can partially overcome the negative impact of weak institutions on FDI entry. However, we obtain mixed evidence regarding the interplay between institutions and domestic horizontal agglomeration or vertical agglomeration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An antimicrobial TiO2 coating for reducing hospital‐acquired infection
Authors: Chung Chi‐Jen , Lin Hsin‐I , Tsou Hsi‐Kai , Shi Zhi‐Yuan , He Ju‐Liang
Published: September 2007

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been developed and applied extensively in the form of coatings, in particular for its unique properties such as non‐toxicity, high photocatalytic activity, and strong self‐cleaning ability. These coatings, which can be prepared via various processes, have not yet been proved to be antimicrobial. This research involves an arc ion plating method to produce TiO2 film on medical grade AISI 304 stainless steel. Antimicrobial efficacy of the deposits is expected due to the photocatalysis action of the anatase phase presented in the deposit. The performance of the coating is evaluated by a JIS Z2801:2000 industrial standard. Experimental results show that TiO2 film mainly consisting of anatase structure can be prepared with a high growth rate of 5 μm/h. Antimicrobial activity (R) of the deposited TiO2 film against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was 3.0 and 2.5, respectively, far beyond the value designated in JIS standard. This provides an effective antimicrobial surface coating method for medical implements thereby reducing the risk of hospital‐acquired infections. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Preparation and characteristics of nano‐grained calcium phosphate coatings on titanium from ultrasonated bath at acidic pH
Authors: Narayanan R. , Kwon Tae‐Yub , Kim Kyo‐Han
Published: September 2007

Electrochemically deposited nano‐grained calcium phosphate coatings were produced on titanium substrates using aqueous electrolyte at acidic pH. Different coatings were produced by using cathodic current densities ranging from 10 to 50 mA/cm2 from an ultrasonated electrolytic bath. These coatings contained dicalcium phosphate dihydrate as the predominant phase and hydroxyapatite as the minor phase. With increasing current density, hydroxyapatite content in the coatings increased. Dicalcium phosphate grains had size in the range of 55–85 nm and hydroxyapatite had grains in the size range of 20–25 nm. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the morphology of the coatings obtained at lower current densities had acicular structure. With increasing current densities, the needles became blunt and small and finally, at 50 mA/cm2 the coating had globular deposits. Surface roughness of the coatings also increased with increasing deposition current density. Tensile bond strengths of the coatings were in the range of 3.6–6.9 MPa and decreased with increase of deposition current density. Heat‐treatment of the coatings for 2 h at 500°C completely eliminated the dicalcium phosphate phase and resulted in mono hydroxyapatite phase containing grains in the size range of 20–30 nm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
β‐Catenin signaling in biological control and cancer
Authors: Gavert Nancy , Ben‐Ze'ev Avri
Published: September 2007

A coordinated integration of cell–cell adhesion and the control of gene expression is essential for the development of multicellular, differentiated organisms. β‐Catenin fulfils important regulatory functions in both cell–cell adhesion by linking cadherin adhesion receptors to the cytoskeleton, and also as a key element in the Wnt signaling pathway where it acts as cotranscriptional activator of target genes in the cell nucleus. Wnt signaling is involved in numerous aspects of embryonic development and in the control of tissue self‐renewal in a variety of adult tissues. Hyperactivation of Wnt signaling, mostly by affecting β‐catenin functions, is a hallmark of colon cancer and of many other human cancers. In this prospect, we discuss studies pointing to the molecular mechanisms that govern the integration between cell–cell adhesion and gene expression, as reflected in the switches between these two functions of β‐catenin in colon cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 820–828, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monopsonistic exploitation in contract farming: articulating a strategy for grower cooperation
Authors: Sivramkrishna Sashi , Jyotishi Amalendu
Published: September 2007

Contract farming has been considered a new hope to instil dynamism in third world agriculture. However, there remains serious concern whether small peasants will be able to benefit from this system since buyers may often be a single large or at most, few large corporations, a typical case of monopsony. In this paper we question the basis of the fears that are often raised in the literature. A clear analytical approach to understanding the (economic) meaning of monopsony helps us articulate a strategy for grower cooperation that could effectively deal with monopsony power in contract farming systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time PCR and its application to mumps rapid diagnosis
Authors: Jin L. , Feng Y. , Parry R. , Cui A. , Lu Y.
Published: September 2007

A real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was initially developed in China to detect mumps genome. The primers and TaqMan‐MGB probe were selected from regions of the hemagglutinin gene of mumps virus. The primers and probe for the real‐time PCR were evaluated by both laboratories in China and in the UK using three different pieces of equipment, LightCycler (Roche), MJ DNA Engine Option® 2 (BIO‐RAD) and TaqMan (ABI Prism) on different samples. The reaction was performed with either a one‐step (China) or two‐step (UK) process. The sensitivity (10 copies) was estimated using a serial dilution of constructed mumps‐plasmid DNA and a linear standard curve was obtained between 10 and 107 DNA copies/reaction, which can be used to quantify viral loads. The detection limit on cell culture‐grown virus was approximately 2 pfu/ml with a two‐step assay on TaqMan, which was equivalent to the sensitivity of the nested PCR routinely used in the UK. The specificity was proved by testing a range of respiratory viruses and several genotypes of mumps strains. The concentration of primers and probe is 22 pmol and 6.25 or 7 pmol respectively for a 25 µl reaction. The assay took 3 hr from viral RNA extraction to complete the detection using any of the three pieces of equipment. Three hundred forty‐one (35 in China and 306 in the UK) clinical specimens were tested, the results showing that this real‐time PCR assay is suitable for rapid and accurate detection of mumps virus RNA in various types of clinical specimens. J. Med. Virol. 79:1761–1767, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray analyses of differentially expressed human genes and biological processes in ECV304 cells infected with rubella virus
Authors: Mo Xiao‐yang , Ma Wenli , Zhang Yali , Zhao Haiquan , Deng Yun , Yuan Wuzhou , Wang Yuequn , Li Yongqin , Zhu Chuanbing , Liu Mingyao , Wu Xiushan
Published: September 2007

Changes in mRNA expression levels of ECV304 cells infected with the wild‐type rubella strain were analyzed using a microarray system representing 18,716 human genes. Four hundred eighty‐seven genes exhibited differential expression levels; 456 of these genes were up‐regulated while 31 genes were down‐regulated. We identified 53 biological processes that were significantly relevant to the RV‐infection. Among these biological processes, 52 were one‐gene processes and one was a process involving five genes: IFNA21 (interferon, alpha 21), interferon stimulated exonuclease gene 20 kDa (ISG20), zinc finger protein 175 (ZNF175), tripartite motif‐containing 22 (TRIM22), and MX2 [myxovirus (influenza virus) resistance 2 (mouse)]. Except for ZNF175, gene annotation indicated four of these genes encoded interferon or interferon‐induced genes. These results suggest that genes relevant to interferon‐regulated pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of rubella. J. Med. Virol. 79:1783–1791, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable outcome of ex‐vivo purging of monocytes after the reintroduction of treatment after interruption in patients infected with multidrug resistant HIV‐1
Authors: Hasson Hamid , Mantelli Barbara , Biswas Priscilla , Malnati Mauro , Gianotti Nicola , Vecchi Andrea , Nozza Silvia , Cernuschi Massimo , Boeri Enzo , Clerici Mario , Lazzarin Adriano , Beretta Alberto
Published: September 2007

In multidrug resistant patients treatment interruptions allow the selection of archived wild‐type drug‐susceptible viruses that compete for the less fit drug‐resistant strains. However, the selection of viruses with increased replicative capacity is often followed by a loss of CD4+ T cells. In addition, drug resistant variants later re‐emerge limiting the overall clinical benefit of treatment interruption. Blood monocytes are a key component of the HIV reservoir and can be partially removed by a system for purging of myeloid cells (MYP). This study tested the safety and efficacy of MYP on multidrug resistant patients who underwent treatment interruption. Twelve patients were randomized to receive or not six cycles of MYP during treatment interruption. An optimized antiretroviral regimen was reintroduced after the reappearance of a drug susceptible genotype. Following therapy reintroduction, a long lasting increase in CD4+ T cell counts was observed only in the treatment interruption + MYP patients but not in the control patients. Five/six treatment interruption + MYP patients never experienced virological rebound during a median follow up period of 98 weeks. In contrast, 4/6 patients who did not receive MYP never reached complete viral suppression and had a virological rebound after a median of 16.5 weeks after treatment reintroduction. The difference between the two groups in the time to virological rebound was statistically significant (P = 0.021). A consistent decrease of HIV DNA load in CD14+ purified cells was observed only in treatment interruption + MYP patients. These data suggest that MYP can improve the immunological and virological response to treatment interruption. J. Med. Virol. 79:1640–1649, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activities of human papillomavirus 16 E6 natural variants in human keratinocytes
Authors: Asadurian Yulia , Kurilin Helena , Lichtig Hava , Jackman Anna , Gonen Pinhas , Tommasino Massimo , Zehbe Ingeborg , Sherman Levana
Published: September 2007

Genetic variations in the E6 oncogene have been associated with different risk for cancer progression. In the present study, the functional significance of human papillomavirus (HPV) polymorphism in the E6 oncogene was investigated. Ten HPV16 E6 variants containing amino acid substitutions in the N‐terminal region of E6 were evaluated for different biological and biochemical activities in human keratinocytes, the target cells for HPV infection. Western blot analyses of primary foreskin human keratinocytes or immortalized human keratinocytes, stably transduced with the E6 variants, revealed reduced p53 and Bax levels in all E6 expressing cultures. The reduction induced by most E6 proteins was at similar levels and comparable to the reduction induced by the E6 prototype. The ability of the proteins to induce serum/calcium‐differentiation resistant colonies in primary keratinocytes was more variable. Overall activities of the variants ranged between 0.24‐ and 2.18‐fold of the E6 prototype activity. The I27R/L83V variant showed the lowest activity whereas the R8Q variant showed the highest activity. The L83V polymorphism previously associated with risk for cancer progression in some populations, showed significant activity, comparable to that of the E6 prototype, in reducing p53 and Bax levels. Furthermore, this variant showed enhancement in the ability to induce colonies resistant to serum/calcium‐triggered differentiation, however, the difference from the prototype was not statistically significant. This, and augmentation of other described functions might result in differences in L83V pathogenicity. J. Med. Virol. 79:1751–1760, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of viral kinetics to peginterferon plus ribavirin combination therapy in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b
Authors: Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kawamura Yusuke , Yatsuji Hiromi , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: September 2007

For chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, evaluation of response to peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy based on viral kinetics is useful as an early predictor of treatment efficacy, but the underlying mechanisms of the different viral kinetics to treatment are still unclear. The response to 48‐week PEG‐IFN‐RBV combination therapy was evaluated in 160 Japanese adult patients infected with HCV genotype 1b and determined the rapid virological response (at 4 weeks), early virological response (at 12 weeks), end‐of treatment response, and sustained virological response (6 months after end of treatment). The proportion of patients who showed rapid, early and sustained virological, and end‐of treatment responses were 50%, 73%, 47%, and 71%, respectively. Furthermore, 66% of patients who achieved early virological response also showed sustained virological response. Multivariate analysis identified substitutions of amino acid (aa) 70 and 91 in the HCV core region (double‐wild‐type) as a predictor of early HCV‐RNA negativity, rapid, early, and sustained virological responses and end‐of treatment response, and lipid metabolic factors (high levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol) as predictors of early and rapid virological responses and end‐of treatment response. Male sex and low levels of alpha‐fetoprotein were other predictors of sustained virological response. Furthermore, female sex and severity of liver fibrosis were determinants of lack of sustained virological response in spite of early virological response. This study identified predictors of efficacy of PEG‐IFN‐RBV therapy based on viral kinetics in Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1b. J. Med. Virol. 79:1686–1695, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.