bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced transthyretin tetramer stability following expression of an amyloid disease transsuppressor variant in mammalian cells
Authors: Kamata Masakazu , Susanto Melisa T. , Chen Irvin S. Y.
Published: December 2008

Background

The transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is an incurable fatal inherited disease that is characterized by progressive peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. It is caused by missense amyloidogenic mutations in the TTR gene that destabilize the native tetrameric state and lead to the cytotoxic misfolded monomeric state. One interesting variant (T119M) stabilizes heterotetramers with amyloidogenic TTR and, in the reported heterozygous individuals, protects the carriers from disease. In the present study, we characterize in vitro and in vivo the ectopic expression of the human T119M mutant, termed a transsuppressor for TTR amyloid disease.

Methods

Lentiviral vectors encoding wild or mutant forms of human TTR were constructed and transduced to the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2, or mice. Heterooligomerization between T119M TTR and amyloidogenic variants was analysed by immunoprecipitation following western blotting.

Results

T119M TTR was stably expressed in transduced HepG2 cells and was secreted as an oligomer that can interact with its native partner, retinol‐binding protein. Importantly, the T119M TTR formed secreted heterooligomers with amyloidogenic TTR variants, V30M, L55P and V122I, in HepG2 cells that were more stable than the homooligomers of the same amyloidogenic TTR variants. Human T119M TTR also formed heterooligomers with V30M TTR in transduced mice.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the stabilization of heterotetramers by T119M TTR in human cells and suggest that gene transfer of T119M TTR may have potential as a gene therapy for TTR amyloidosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designed recombinant adenovirus type 5 vector induced envelope‐specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and cross‐reactive neutralizing antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus type 1
Authors: Ura Takehiro , Yoshida Atsushi , Xin Ke‐Qin , Yoshizaki Shinji , Yashima Sayaka , Abe Shinya , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Okuda Kenji
Published: December 2008

Background

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2F5 binds to the membrane‐proximal external region (MPER) of the transmembrane subunit gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) is known to broadly neutralize HIV‐1 strains. The Adenovirus type 5 vector (Ad5) has been widely applied for HIV‐1 vaccine, and hexon hypervariable region 5 (HVR5) is exposed on viral surface and easily target host immune responses against Ad5.

Methods

We constructed a recombinant adenovirus type 5 vector (rAd5) with a 2F5‐binding epitope (ELDKWA) of MPER on Ad5‐HVR5. In addition, we developed rAd5 encoding the HIV‐1IIIB envelope (Env) gene for the induction of Env‐specific cellular immunity.

Results

The virus titers of the constructed rAd5 were similar to that of the parental Ad5 vector. Furthermore, high‐dose immunization of rAd5 induced Env‐specific CD8+ cells and high levels of anti‐ELDKWA antibodies. Moreover, an in vitro HIV‐1 neutralization assay indicated that ELDKWA‐specific mAbs derived from rAd5‐immunized mice neutralized a wide range of HIV‐1 strains.

Conclusions

The present study outlines the development of an Ad5‐based HIV‐1 vaccine targeting the hypervariable regions of Ad5. The constructed rAd5 induced an HIV‐1‐specific cellular immune response and neutralizing antibodies against various strains of HIV‐1 simultaneously. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitric oxide synthase gene therapy enhances the toxicity of cisplatin in cancer cells
Authors: Adams Catherine , McCarthy Helen O. , Coulter Jonathan A. , Worthington Jenny , Murphy Claire , Robson Tracy , Hirst David G.
Published: December 2008

Background

Nitric oxide (NO·) derived from donor drugs has been shown to be an effective chemosensitizer in vitro. We investigated the combination of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene transfer, driven by a strong constitutive promoter (cytomegalovirus; CMV) with the DNA cross‐linking agent cisplatin in mouse and human tumour cell lines.

Methods

Proof of principal experiments were performed in the radiation‐induced fibrosarcoma‐1 (RIF‐1) murine cell line. Cells were transfected with constitutively expressed CMV/iNOS plasmid DNA using a cationic lipid vector, before exposure to cisplatin. In vivo efficacy was determined in an intradermal RIF‐1 tumour model, with intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin. Additionally, treatment potential was investigated in various human tumour cell lines including human prostate (DU145 and PC3) and human colon (HT29 and HCT116) cancer cell lines. Experimental endpoints were established using western blot, Greiss test, clonogenic assay and tumour growth delay.

Results

Transfection of RIF‐1 tumour cells in vitro with the CMV/iNOS significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin (0.2–1.0 µM). In vivo transfer of CMV/iNOS by direct injection into established RIF‐1 tumours caused a significant (p = 0.0027) delay in tumour growth. CMV/iNOS gene transfer in vitro resulted in the strong expression of iNOS DNA in all cell lines, and significantly increased levels of NO· in all cell lines except HCT116.

Conclusions

Significant chemosensitization of cisplatin cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of NO· derived from the overexpression iNOS. We conclude that p53 status of the various cell lines was unlikely to be responsible for cisplatin‐induced apoptosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase dissociation of ionic liquid aggregates studied by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and energy‐variable collision induced dissociation
Authors: Fernandes Ana M. , Coutinho João A. P. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: December 2008

Positive singly charged ionic liquid aggregates [(Cnmim)m+1(BF4)m]+ (mim = 3‐methylimidazolium; n = 2, 4, 8 and 10) and [(C4mim)m+1(A)m]+ (A = Cl−, BF4−, PF6−, CF3SO3− and (CF3SO2)2N−) were investigated by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and energy‐variable collision induced dissociation. The electrospray ionisation mass spectra (ESI‐MS) showed the formation of an aggregate with extra stability for m = 4 for all the ionic liquids with the exception of [C4mim][CF3SO3]. ESI‐MS‐MS and breakdown curves of aggregate ions showed that their dissociation occurred by loss of neutral species ([Cnmim][A])a with a ≥ 1. Variable‐energy collision induced dissociation of each aggregate from m = 1 to m = 8 for all the ionic liquids studied enabled the determination of Ecm, 1/2 values, whose variation with m showed that the monomers were always kinetically much more stable than the larger aggregates, independently of the nature of cation and anion. The centre‐of‐mass energy values correlate well with literature data on ionic volumes and interaction and hydrogen bond energies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A strategy for the prior processing of high‐resolution mass spectral data obtained from high‐dimensional combined fractional diagonal chromatography
Authors: Valkenborg Dirk , Thomas Grégoire , Krols Luc , Kas Koen , Burzykowski Tomasz
Published: December 2008

Combined fractional diagonal chromatography (COFRADIC) is a novel suite of gel‐free technologies for the identification of biomarkers in complex peptide mixtures. For this purpose, reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technology and, in this case, matrix assisted laser desorption /ionization‐ time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometers are extensively used. The particular characteristic of COFRADIC mass spectrometry data is the high number of chromatographic fractions, over which a peptide can be scattered. This can obstruct the quantification of the peptide abundance in the biological sample, which is required for statistical analysis. On the other hand, because of the superior peptide sorting properties of the methodology, the mass spectra become less crowded. Consequently, each peptide appears in a mass spectrum as a series of peaks with peak heights proportional to the probability of occurrence of the isotopic variants of the peptide. In this manuscript, we propose an analysis strategy concerned with the preprocessing of COFRADIC mass spectra prior to a downstream statistical analysis. The preprocessing algorithm produces for each mass spectrum a peptide list by exploiting the characteristic features that should be associated with peaks corresponding to an isotopically resolved cluster of peptide peaks. This reduction step is necessary to facilitate the clustering used in a next step to assemble the validated monoisotopic peptide peaks found over several fractions into a single peptide abundance. To assess the performance of the algorithm, two technical experiments were conducted. The proposed strategy is memory and computationally efficient. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicon‐induced cadmium resistance in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Nwugo Chika C. , Huerta Alfredo J.
Published: December 2008

Silicon (Si)‐induced cadmium (Cd) tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) was investigated by analyzing Cd uptake, growth, and physiological parameters. Silicon treatments (0.0, 0.2, or 0.6 mM) were added to 6 d–old seedlings, and Cd treatments (0.0 or 5.0 μM) were added to 20 d–old seedlings. Parameters determined included: maximum net CO2 assimilation (Amax), stomatal conductance (gsmax), and transpiration (Emax) rates at varying intercellular CO2 concentrations (Ci). Also measured were chlorophyll fluorescence, growth, and Cd‐uptake parameters. Results showed a Si‐induced inhibition of Cd uptake. However, 0.2 mM or 0.6 mM Si treatment concentrations did not differentially inhibit Cd uptake or differentially alleviate Cd‐induced growth inhibition, despite a significant increase in tissue Si concentration due to 0.6 mM Si treatment compared to 0.2 mM Si treatment. Additionally, photosynthesis and chlorophyll‐fluorescence analysis showed that treatment with Cd significantly inhibited photosynthetic efficiency. Interestingly, the addition of 0.2 mM Si, more so than the addition of 0.6 mM Si, significantly alleviated the inhibitory effects of Cd toxicity on photosynthesis and chlorophyll‐fluorescence parameters. Our results suggest that 0.2 mM Si could be close to an optimum Si‐dose requirement for the alleviation of toxicity symptoms mediated by moderate (5 μM) Cd exposure.
Effects of egg weight on egg quality characteristics
Authors: Şekeroǧlu Ahmet , Altuntaş Ebubekir
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: The experiment was carried out with total of 270 eggs, which were collected from a brown‐egg layer strain of Lohmann hens reared in a cage system. Collected eggs were categorized according to weight and classified as medium, large, extra‐large or jumbo. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of egg weight on egg quality characteristics.

RESULTS: The darkest shell color scales were noted in jumbo eggs. The redness of egg shell color in the medium egg was significantly lower than that of the other egg sizes (P < 0.05). Egg shell thickness (P < 0.05) was highest in medium egg (0.400 mm) and lowest in extra‐large egg (0.382 mm). Albumen height (AH) was significantly affected by egg weight (EW) (P < 0.01). Yolk height (YH) and yolk index (YI) increased with egg size. Breaking strength was highest in the medium‐weight egg. There were significant positive correlations between EW and AH, EW and YH, EW and YI, EW and yol color, EW and redness (a), but EW had significant negative correlations with ST in overall eggs.

CONCLUSION: The darkest shell color (L‐a‐b) was noted in the jumbo egg. Albumen height and yolk height increased with egg weight. Increase in egg weight caused darkness in the yolk color scale. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly selective artificial gel antibodies for detection and quantification of biomarkers in clinical samples. I. Spectrophotometric approach to design the calibration curve for the quantification
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Nasim , Nyberg Fred , Hjertén Stellan
Published: December 2008

High selectivity of a biomarker is a basic requirement when it is used for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of a disease. The artificial gel antibodies, which we synthesise by a molecular imprinting method, have this property not only for proteins, but also for bioparticles, such as viruses and bacteria. However, diagnosis of a disease requires not only that the biomarker can be “fished out” from a body fluid with high selectivity, but also that its concentration in the sample can rapidly be determined and preferably by a simple technique. This paper deals primarily with the development of a spectrophotometric method, which is so simple and fast that it can be used with advantage in a Doctor's Office. The development of this method was not straight‐forward. However, by modifications of the performance of these measurements we can now design standard curves in the form of a straight line, when we plot the true (not the recorded “apparent” absorption) against known protein concentrations. In an additional publication (see the following paper in this issue of JSS) we show an application of such a plot: determination of the concentration of albumin in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with neurological disorders to investigate whether albumin is a biomarker for these diseases.
New derivatizing reagent for analysis of diethylene glycol by HPLC with fluorescence detection
Authors: Wu Jiangang , Yuan Jinbin , Liu Qian , Tang Fei , Ding Li , Tan Jun , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: December 2008

N‐(2‐Phenyl‐indolyl)‐acetic acid (PIAA), a new fluorescent derivatizing reagent, was used for the determination of diethylene glycol (DEG) by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. DEG was derivatized to ester by using PIAA in the presence of 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodimide hydrochloride (as dehydrating agent) and 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (as base catalyst) in acetonitrile at 60°C for 75 min. The influence of solvent, temperature, catalyst base, concentration of labeling reagent, and couple reagent on the derivatization was investigated. The fluorescence detection was performed with excitation at 340 nm and emission at 377 nm. Baseline separation was obtained on an Ultimate XB‐C18 analytical column with water/acetonitrile gradient elution, good linearity was obtained within 0.5–50 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The limit of detection was 0.01 μg/mL (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3). The method has been successfully applied to determine DEG in toothpaste samples with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 89.0 to 94.9%. The proposed method was shown to be a promising technique for the determination of DEG with high sensitivity.
Chemical fingerprint of Hoodia species, dietary supplements, and related genera by using HPTLC
Authors: Rumalla Chidananda Swamy , Avula Bharathi , Shukla Yatin J. , Wang Yan‐Hong , Pawar Rahul S. , Smillie Troy J. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: December 2008

A HPTLC method was developed for simple and rapid chemical fingerprint analysis of four Hoodia species, dietary supplements that claim to contain Hoodia gordonii, and plants from genera related to Hoodia. HPTLC was performed on precoated silica 60F254 plates with dichloromethane/methanol/water 75:17:2.2 by volume, as mobile phase. Evaluation of the HPTLC plates was done by using the CAMAG DigiStore2 digital system with winCATS software. The authentication of H. gordonii was achieved by comparing the band colors and Rf values for TLC fingerprints with those of 11 standard compounds including P57. The developed method was successfully applied for the identification of the 11 pregnane glycosides for four different species of Hoodia, 24 related genera and 13 dietary supplements that claim to contain H. gordonii. Different sample matrices were successfully analyzed, providing a wide range of applicability for this method, including gels, capsules, tablets, sprays, teas, snack bars, powders, and juices. The developed method was validated for specificity, stability, repeatability, and robustness. The results of HPTLC method were verified by LC‐UV‐MS method.
‘It's magic stuff’: The experiences of patients with ankylosing spondylitis taking anti‐TNF‐α medication
Authors: Stockdale J. , Goodacre L.
Published: December 2008

Introduction: Several studies have identified the efficacy of anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (anti‐TNF‐α) treatment in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, few studies have explored the perceptions of patients taking this new medication. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of anti‐TNF‐α on the quality of life of people with AS.

Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted to provide a holistic understanding of participants' views and experiences in the context of their overall lives. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results: Eight people participated and described a significant improvement in their physical and psychological status, leading to a more positive outlook on their life. Specific areas highlighted were employment, activities of daily living, hobbies and relationships with partners and family, some of which are not captured by current AS‐specific outcome measures. Negative aspects of anti‐TNF‐α use were described as the inconvenience of monitoring and issues relating to travelling abroad. All participants expressed concern about the possibility of being withdrawn from treatment and the perceived impact this would have on their lives.

Conclusions: Anti‐TNF‐α treatment has a positive impact on the lives of people with AS, such that a major concern is being withdrawn from treatment, highlighting the need to provide tailored support to people being withdrawn from treatment. To capture the full impact of anti‐TNF‐α treatment, further consideration needs to be given to the choice of appropriate outcome measures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of defining periods of complete mortality reporting for research using automated data from primary care
Authors: Maguire Andrew , Blak Betina T. , Thompson Mary
Published: December 2008

Purpose

To define periods of acceptable mortality reporting in primary care and to demonstrate through examples the implication for research using automated medical data.

Methods

Annual death counts were obtained for each primary care practice participating in The Health Improvement Network “THIN” (UK). Expected counts were calculated from national death rates, accounting for the practice's age/sex structure. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A visual review process was undertaken to assign the year from which the practice had acceptable mortality reporting (AMR). The process involved reviewer pairs who were blinded to each other's decisions. Patterns of death reporting were checked. The AMR year was applied as a filter to THIN data to assess its impact on the SMR.

Results

For most practices the SMR was relatively stable and the AMR year was easily identified with 86% agreement between the blinded reviewer pairs. Applying the AMR to THIN removed under‐reporting of death. However, the total computerized follow‐up reduced from 37 to 32 million patient‐years. Problematic death recording patterns included some practices keeping only live patient records when converting their software systems thereby creating ‘immortal periods’ prior to this moment, and peaks occurring when practices updated the vital status of their patients' records.

Conclusions

This is the first time that an external standard has been used to assess completeness of mortality in automated primary care data. The resulting AMR year provides a natural filter for research and avoids biases associated with ‘immortal periods’, record updating and under‐reporting. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Dunnett–Bonferroni‐based parallel gatekeeping procedure for dose–response clinical trials with multiple endpoints
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Nuamah Isaac , Liu Jingyi , Lim Pilar , Sampson Allan
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes a Dunnett–Bonferroni‐based parallel gatekeeping procedure in a setting of dose–response clinical trials with multiple endpoints. It follows the Dunnett‐based parallel gatekeeping strategy of Dmitrienko et al. (Pharm. Stat. 2006; 5:19–28), but differs in the calculation of the critical values. The implementation of the Dunnett‐based parallel gatekeeping procedure relies on assumptions difficult to justify in typical clinical trials, namely (a) that the joint distribution of the test statistics from different endpoints can be approximated by a multivariate‐t distribution and (b) that the true correlation between multiple endpoints can be well estimated using observed data. The proposed Dunnett–Bonferroni‐based parallel gatekeeping procedure relaxes the preceding assumptions by splitting type I error rate among families using the Bonferroni inequality. While it is potentially less powerful than a Dunnett‐based procedure when both procedures are applicable, the power loss is very minimal. Our proposed method avoids assumptions that might be challenged by regulatory agencies and does so with virtually no cost. Moreover, in most cases this method is easier to implement compared with the Dunnett‐based procedure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T‐Jump/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for time‐resolved analysis of energetic materials
Authors: Zhou Lei , Piekiel Nicholas , Chowdhury Snehaunshu , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: December 2008

We describe a new T‐Jump/time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer for the time‐resolved analysis of rapid pyrolysis chemistry of solids and liquids, with a focus on energetic materials. The instrument employs a thin wire substrate which can be coated with the material of interest, and can be rapidly heated (105 K/s). The T‐Jump probe is inserted within the extraction region of a linear TOF mass spectrometer, which enables multiple spectra to be obtained during a single reaction event. By monitoring the electrical characteristics of the heated wire, the temperature could also be obtained and correlated to the mass spectra. As examples, we present time‐resolved spectra for the ignition of nitrocellulose and RDX. The fidelity of the instrument is demonstrated in the spectra presented which show the temporal formation and decay of several species in both systems. The simultaneous measurement of temperature enables us to extract the ignition temperature and the characteristic reaction time. The time‐resolved mass spectra obtained show that these solid energetic material reactions, under a rapid heating rate, can occur on a time scale of milliseconds or less. While the data sampling rate of 10 000 Hz was used in the present experiments, the instrument is capable of a maximum scanning rate of up to ∼30 kHz. The capability of high‐speed time‐resolved measurements offers an additional analytical tool for the characterization of the decomposition, ignition, and combustion of energetic materials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐speed separation and characterization of major constituents in Radix Paeoniae Rubra by fast high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detection and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu E‐Hu , Qi Lian‐Wen , Li Bin , Peng Yong‐Bo , Li Ping , Li Chang‐Yin , Cao Jun
Published: December 2008

A fast high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method coupled with diode‐array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOFMS) has been developed for rapid separation and sensitive identification of major constituents in Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR). The total analysis time on a short column packed with 1.8‐µm porous particles was about 20 min without a loss in resolution, six times faster than the performance of a conventional column analysis (115 min). The MS fragmentation behavior and structural characterization of major compounds in RPR were investigated here for the first time. The targets were rapidly screened from RPR matrix using a narrow mass window of 0.01 Da to restructure extracted ion chromatograms. Accurate mass measurements (less than 5 ppm error) for both the deprotonated molecule and characteristic fragment ions represent reliable identification criteria for these compounds in complex matrices with similar if not even better performance compared with tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 26 components were screened and identified in RPR including 11 monoterpene glycosides, 11 galloyl glucoses and 4 other phenolic compounds. From the point of time savings, resolving power, accurate mass measurement capability and full spectral sensitivity, the established fast HPLC/DAD/TOFMS method turns out to be a highly useful technique to identify constituents in complex herbal medicines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of glycopeptides by combining collision‐induced dissociation and electron‐transfer dissociation mass spectrometry data
Authors: Alley William R. , Mechref Yehia , Novotny Milos V.
Published: December 2008

Structural characterization of a glycopeptide is not easily attained through collision‐induced dissociation (CID), due to the extensive fragmentation of glycan moieties and minimal fragmentation of peptide backbones. In this study, we have exploited the potential of electron‐transfer dissociation (ETD) as a complementary approach for peptide fragmentation. Model glycoproteins, including ribonuclease B, fetuin, horseradish peroxidase, and haptoglobin, were used here. In ETD, radical anions transfer an electron to the peptide backbone and induce cleavage of the N–Cα bond. The glycan moiety is retained on the peptide backbone, being largely unaffected by the ETD process. Accordingly, ETD allows not only the identification of the amino acid sequence of a glycopeptide, but also the unambiguous assignment of its glycosylation site. When data acquired from both fragmentation techniques are combined, it is possible to characterize comprehensively the entire glycopeptide. This is being achieved with a mass spectrometer capable of alternating between CID and ETD on‐the‐fly during an LC/MS/MS analysis. This is demonstrated here with several tryptic glycopeptides. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The tribological behaviours of dithiocarbamate‐triazine derivatives as additives in mineral oil
Authors: Wu Hua , Li Jing , Ma Haibing , Ren Tianhui
Published: December 2008

Ashless and non‐phosphorus hydroxyl‐containing dithiocarbamate‐triazine compounds,2,4,6‐tri[N,N‐di‐i‐octyldithiocarmate‐(2′‐hydroxyl)‐propionylthio]‐1,3,5‐s‐triazine (LDION) were prepared and their tribological behaviour as additives in mineral oil were evaluated using a four‐ball tester. Thermal degradation tests were conducted to identify their thermal stabilities using a thermo‐gravimetric analyser. The worn surfaces were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The results indicate that the additive LDION possesses high thermal stabilities and good load‐carrying capacities. Moreover, it has good anti‐wear property at all test concentration and under all test loads. The results of XPS and XANES analyses illustrate that the prepared compounds as additives in mineral oil forms a protective film containing oxidised compounds and organic nitrogen‐containing compounds and inorganic sulfate on the metal surface during sliding process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aging behavior of PBO fibers and PBO‐fiber‐reinforced PPESK composite after oxygen plasma treatment
Authors: Zhang Chengshuang , Chen Ping , Liu Dong , Wang Baichen , Li Wei , Kang Xiaotao
Published: December 2008

Aging behavior of poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers and PBO‐fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) composites after oxygen plasma treatment was investigated. Surface chemical composition, surface roughness and surface morphologies of oxygen‐plasma‐treated PBO fibers before and after aging in air for 1, 3, 5 and 10 days were analyzed by XPS and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of aging on the material were examined by interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and water absorption measurements. The results indicate that the major aging behavior of the fibers and the composite appeared in the first few days after oxygen plasma treatment, whereas minor aging effects were observed with prolonged aging. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Working‐correlation‐structure identification in generalized estimating equations
Authors: Hin Lin‐Yee , Wang You‐Gan
Published: December 2008

Selecting an appropriate working correlation structure is pertinent to clustered data analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) because an inappropriate choice will lead to inefficient parameter estimation. We investigate the well‐known criterion of QIC for selecting a working correlation structure, and have found that performance of the QIC is deteriorated by a term that is theoretically independent of the correlation structures but has to be estimated with an error. This leads us to propose a correlation information criterion (CIC) that substantially improves the QIC performance. Extensive simulation studies indicate that the CIC has remarkable improvement in selecting the correct correlation structures. We also illustrate our findings using a data set from the Madras Longitudinal Schizophrenia Study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abdominal Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Mid Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Gang , Wang Zhou , Liu Xiang‐yan , Zhang Ming‐yue , Liu Fan‐ying
Published: December 2008

Background

There are few reports about abdominal lymph node metastasis of mid thoracic esophageal carcinoma. This study was designed to explore the pattern of abdominal lymph node metastasis in patients with mid thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and to evaluate the prognostic factors.

Methods

The complete data of 368 patients with mid thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, who underwent modified Ivor‐Lewis esophagectomy with two‐field lymphadenectomy from January 1998 to January 2003, were reviewed. Survival rate was calculated by Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk prognostic factors.

Results

Abdominal lymph node metastasis occurred in 58 (15.8%) patients: 34.5% (20/58) of them were stage T1 and T2. Skipping abdominal node metastasis was recognized in 13.8% (8/58) patients: all were stage T1 and T2. The overall 5‐year survival rate of patients with abdominal lymph node metastasis (10.3%) was lower than that of those with thoracic node metastasis (18.3%). The prognosis of patients with distant abdominal lymph node metastasis was poor, and no one could survive more than 5 years. Cox regression analysis showed that five or more positive nodes and distant abdominal node metastasis were independent risk factors of patients with abdominal lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Abdominal lymph node metastasis in patients with mid thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma occurred frequently, and the surgery favorable for extensive abdominal lymph node dissection should be selected. The prognosis of patients with abdominal lymph node metastasis was poor, especially those with more positive nodes and distant abdominal node metastasis.
Alternative food improves the combined effect of an omnivore and a predator on biological pest control. A case study in avocado orchards
Authors: González-Fernández J.J. , de la Peña F. , Hormaza J.I. , Boyero J.R. , Vela J.M. , Wong E. , Trigo M.M. , Montserrat M.
Published: December 2008

Ecological communities used in biological pest control are usually represented as three-trophic level food chains with top-down control. However, at least two factors complicate this simple way of characterizing agricultural communities. First, agro-ecosystems are composed of several interacting species forming complicated food webs. Second, the structure of agricultural communities may vary in time. Efficient pest management approaches need to integrate these two factors to generate better predictions for pest control. In this work, we identified the food web components of an avocado agro-ecosystem, and unravelled patterns of co-occurrence and interactions between these components through field and laboratory experiments. This allowed us to predict community changes that would improve the performance of the naturally occurring predators and to test these predictions in field population experiments. Field surveys revealed that the food-web structure and species composition of the avocado community changed in time. In spring, the community was characterized by a linear food chain ofEuseius stipulatus, an omnivorous mite, feeding on pollen. In the summer,E. stipulatusand a predatory mite,Neoseiulus californicus, shared a herbivorous mite prey. Laboratory experiments confirmed these trophic interactions and revealed thatN. californicuscan feed inside the prey nests, whereasE. stipulatuscannot, which may further reduce competition among predators. Finally, we artificially increased the coexistence of the two communities via addition of the non-herbivore food source (pollen) for the omnivore. This led to an increase in predator numbers and reduced populations of the herbivore. Therefore, the presence of pollen is expected to improve pest control in this system.
Trichome numbers in naked-oat cultivars
Authors: KIRKKARI A.-M. , PELTONEN-SAINIO P. , JAUHIAINEN L.
Published: December 2008

The oat kernel, caryopsis or groat, is generally covered with fine silky hairs termed trichomes. The trichomes of naked oat are partly lost during threshing and handling of grains when the lemma and palea are removed and the surface of the grain is exposed. Trichomes can cause itchiness and more serious reactions in those handling the grains. Trichomes also accumulate and form fine dust and can block up machinery. Trichomes are clearly problematic and growers of naked oat are eager to have oat cultivars with reduced numbers of trichomes. Experiments compared the differences in trichome numbers of naked-oat cultivars and threshing settings. The cultivars differed considerably in pubescence. Cultivars Lisbeth and NK 00117 had most trichomes and cv. Bullion the fewest. Completely bare or polished grains were not observed. Pubescence was not associated with grain weight or test weight. However, grains from the lowermost spikelets of the panicle had fewer trichomes than those from the uppermost spikelets. For cv. Bullion, some threshing settings, including increased cylinder speed, slightly increased grain polishing such that grains had some areas completely free of trichomes. Reduction of the concave clearance in the combine harvester had a similar effect. However, threshing settings did not affect the trichomes of cv. Lisbeth. Adjusting threshing machinery settings was generally not an efficient means of solving the problems associated with naked-oat trichomes, but cultivar differences existed and further efforts in breeding to reduce trichome numbers are required.
Influence of non-monochromaticity on zonal-flow generation by magnetized Rossby waves in the ionospheric E-layer
Authors: KALADZE T. D. , SHAH H. A. , MURTAZA G. , TSAMALASHVILI L. V. , SHAD M. , JANDIERI G. V.
Published: December 2008

The influence of non-monochromaticity on low-frequency, large-scale zonal-flow nonlinear generation by small-scale magnetized Rossby (MR) waves in the Earth's ionospheric E-layer is considered. The modified parametric approach is used with an arbitrary spectrum of primary modes. It is shown that the broadening of the wave packet spectrum of pump MR waves leads to a resonant interaction with a growth rate of the order of the monochromatic case. In the case when zonal-flow generation by MR modes is prohibited by the Lighthill stability criterion, the so-called two-stream-like mechanism for the generation of sheared zonal flows by finite-amplitude MR waves in the ionospheric E-layer is possible. The growth rates of zonal-flow instabilities and the conditions for driving them are determined. The present theory can be used for the interpretation of the observations of Rossby-type waves in the Earth's ionosphere and in laboratory experiments.
Cruciferous vegetable intake and the risk of human cancer: epidemiological evidence
Authors: Kim Mi Kyung , Park Jung Han Yoon
Published: December 2008

Over several decades a number of epidemiological studies have identified the inverse associations between cruciferous vegetables and the risk of several cancers, including gastric, breast, colo-rectal, lung, prostate, bladder and endometrial cancers, via plausible physiological mechanisms. Although retrospective case–control studies have consistently reported inverse associations between the risk of these cancers and the intake of cruciferous vegetables and isothiocyanate-containing plants, current prospective cohort studies have found these associations to be weaker and less consistent. Genetic variations affecting the metabolism of glucosinolate hydrolysis products may modulate the effects of cruciferous vegetable consumption on cancer risk, which may be one of the reasons for the discrepancies between retrospective and prospective studies. In addition, methodological issues such as measurement errors of dietary exposure, misclassification, recall bias, publication bias, confounding and study design should be carefully considered in interpreting the results of case–control and cohort studies and in drawing conclusions in relation to the potential effects of cruciferous vegetables on cancers. Although recent comprehensive reviews of numerous studies have purported to show the specific protective role of cruciferous vegetables, and particularly Brassicas, against cancer risk, the current epidemiological evidence suggests that cruciferous vegetable consumption may reduce the risk only of gastric and lung cancers. However, there is at present no conclusive evidence that the consumption of cruciferous vegetables attenuates the risk of all other cancers.
Plato'sApologyas Tragedy
Authors: Howland Jacob
Published: December 2008

In this article, the work of the cultural historian Jean-Pierre Vernant and the philosophical anthropologist René Girard provides grounds for reflecting on Plato's adaptation of tragedy in theApology, and in particular on Plato's implicit comparison of Socrates with the character of Oedipus in Sophocles'Oedipus Tyrannos. TheApologyuses certain thematic and formal elements of tragedy – including systematic ambiguity, dramatic reversal and recognition, and the figure of a hero who is also a scapegoat – in order to expose the paradoxical combination of persuasion and compulsion at the heart of political life and of philosophical passion and aggression in the soul of the philosopher.
Constitutionalism, Conflict, and Consent: Jefferson on the Impeachment Power
Authors: Bailey Jeremy D.
Published: December 2008

A problem within liberal constitutionalism is determining whether the majority actually consents to its government, and, in particular, to those extraordinary acts that take place in the silence of the law. This paper explores this problem in the U.S. context by presenting Thomas Jefferson's understanding of the impeachment power. Jefferson preferred a theory of impeachment that, like his theory of coordinate review, would allow each department to participate in the impeachment process, because he believed that executive participation would improve the law bringing its own character, or will, to it. As an alternative to the more common political understanding of impeachment, which leans toward legislative exclusivity, and the dominant legal understanding, which tends toward judicial finality, Jefferson's theory offers a way for the people to judge whether a particular act of lawlessness is in the public good.
“The lever must be applied in Ireland”: Marx, Engels, and the Irish Question
Authors: Rodden John
Published: December 2008

This article integrates economic and social history, biography, and political theory as it explores how the personal ties of Marx and Engels to Ireland stamped their thought. Marx and Engels struggled to integrate Ireland into their theory of revolution, conceptualizing it as a “special case” of capitalist accumulation, a formulation partly motivated by their human sympathies for the Irish (especially strong in the case of Engels and Marx's daughters). Extended attention in this essay is thus devoted to the special place of Ireland in Marxist theory and praxis, which is pursued on two interconnected research fronts: Ireland's anomalous role in Marx's revolutionary vision and the Irish people's prominent role in the lives of Marx and Engels. While Marx's primary aim was always to capture the citadels of capitalism such as Great Britain, he and Engels concluded in the late 1860s that the thrust could not be administered frontally: they would have to strike at England's soft underbelly – Ireland. Throughout the life of the First International (1864–72), Ireland's place in Marx's strategic vision moved to the center, transforming Ireland into the “lever” of a European-wide revolution. For a half decade in the late 1860s to the early 1870s, Marx and Engels invested the Irish peasantry with this decisive geopolitical role; soon thereafter, their conception of Ireland's theoretical significance altered and dissolved alongside their fading hopes for a European socialist revolution.
PRE-ECLAMPSIA AS A MARKER OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Authors: MAGEE LA , NEWSTEAD J , NG J , CÔTÉ AM , VON DADELSZEN P
Published: December 2008

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common medical complication of pregnancy, complicating up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. They represent a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in pregnancy. The most common of these disorders is gestational hypertension (5–6%). Using population-based data, approximately 1% of pregnancies are complicated by pre-existing hypertension, 5–6% by gestational hypertension without proteinuria, and 1–2% by pre-eclampsia.
Barriers to adoption of sustainable agriculture practices: Change agent perspectives
Authors: Rodriguez Joysee M. , Molnar Joseph John , Fazio Robin A. , Sydnor Emily , Lowe Mecca J.
Published: December 2008

Conventional agriculture systems of production often lead to environmental degradation, economic problems and even social conflict. The efficacy of agriculture systems conducive to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farming operations has been demonstrated, yet the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is not widespread. This qualitative study is based on a web-based survey instrument designed to elicit the barriers to adoption of sustainable agriculture practices (SAP) perceived by a positional and network sample of 269 change agents working with farmers in the US South. The analysis examines the general proposition that reluctance to change to SAP is an overused rationale of change agents that tends to mask real barriers that we endeavor to elicit in the survey. It was found that despite having support from technical assistance providers, farmers are rarely adopting SAP. Change agents often are not well prepared to attend to farmers' needs regarding SAP, particularly the needs of specific farming situations. Thus, farmers often struggle to obtain accurate information about the benefits of SAP. Government support programs often fail to encourage adoption due to lack of funding, inappropriate design and ineffective targeting of incentives. Reluctance to change is frequently mentioned by change agents, but more as a way of blaming farmers for nonadoption than explaining the often tangible reasons for their behaviors. Social barriers, land tenure, infrastructure and incompatibility are other significant impediments to adoption. Strategies such as improved management of the existing information, careful design of economic support programs and extension efforts addressed to change agents themselves could help overcome some of the barriers identified by change agents.
Foodshed analysis and its relevance to sustainability
Authors: Peters Christian J. , Bills Nelson L. , Wilkins Jennifer L. , Fick Gary W.
Published: December 2008

Providing a wholesome and adequate food supply is the most basic tenet of agricultural sustainability. However, sharp increases in global food prices have occurred in the past 2 years, bringing the real price of food to the highest level seen in 30 years (FAO, 2008). This dramatic shift is a fundamental concern. The role of ‘local food’ in contributing to the solution of underlying problems is currently being debated, and the debate raises a critical question: To what degree can society continue to rely on large-scale, long-distance transportation of food? Growing concerns about climate change, the longevity of fossil fuel supplies and attempts to produce energy from agriculture suggest that energy efficiency will be critical to adapting to resource constraints and mitigating climate impacts. Moreover, these problems are urgent because energy prices, biofuel production and weather-related crop failures are partially responsible for the current world food price situation. Tools are needed to determine how the environmental impact and vulnerability of the food system are related to where food is produced in relation to where it is consumed. To this end, analyses of foodsheds, the geographic areas that feed population centers, can provide useful and unique insights.
Geological context of water‐altered minerals in Valles Marineris, Mars
Authors: Chojnacki Matthew , Hynek Brian M.
Published: December 2008

Greater than 15,000 km2 of the layered deposits within Valles Marineris are associated with water‐altered minerals, yet their origin and history of alteration remain a mystery. There are numerous competing hypotheses for the formation of the interior layered deposits including aeolian, lacustrine, and volcanic. Recent orbiter spectroscopic data have indicated that water has played a role in their geological history. Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) measurements have revealed significant crystalline hematite‐bearing deposits within Valles Marineris, typically related to interior layered deposits. These hematite deposits, found with a wide range of albedo values, are associated with relatively steep bedrock exposures but can also be seen downslope on flat surfaces where they may be a lag deposit. More recently, Observatoire la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) data have shown hydrated sulfates covering more than 13,000 km2 area of Valles Marineris. Sulfates are found in numerous topographic settings and geological units, but are typically located along the flanks of interior layered deposits and nearby low‐lying floor units. Here we study the detailed morphologies of hematite and sulfate‐bearing units such as mantled wall units, mass‐wasting blocky deposits, massive floor deposits, and tectonically altered floor units. All of these terrains have diverse erosional styles and varied crater populations. In both hematite‐ and sulfate‐bearing units, occasionally found in conjunction with one another, formation processes require contributions from water. The results indicate a wide range of diversity within an individual mineral class, between mineral classes, and also among morphological types. The diversity of geological settings and properties suggest that any single, unified formation mechanism is improbable.