bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the oligodendroglial cytoskeleton in differentiation and myelination
Authors: Bauer Nina G. , Richter‐Landsberg Christiane , Ffrench‐Constant Charles
Published: May 2009

Oligodendrocytes, the myelin‐forming cells of the central nervous system, are in culture characterized by an elaborate process network, terminating in flat membranous sheets that are rich in myelin‐specific proteins and lipids, and spirally wrap axons forming a compact insulating layer in vivo. By analogy with other cell types, maintenance and stability of these processes, as well as the formation of the myelin sheath, likely rely on a pronounced cytoskeleton consisting of microtubules and microfilaments. While the specialized process of wrapping and compaction forming the myelin sheath is not well understood, considerably more is known about how cytoskeletal organization is mediated by extracellular and intracellular signals and other interaction partners during oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the role of the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton in differentiation with an emphasis on signal transduction mechanisms and will attempt to draw out implications for its significance in myelination. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of interchange fees on a nonsaturated multi‐agent payment card market
Authors: Alexandrova‐Kabadjova Biliana
Published: May 2009

The impact that the level of interchange fees has on the payment adoption rate in a non‐saturated market is investigated. This study is performed under different degrees of consumers' and merchants' awareness of the benefits arriving from the network externalities. In a four‐party scheme, we model explicitly the interactions between consumers and merchants at the point of sale. The interchange fees flow from the acquirers to issuers. We allow card issuers to charge consumers with fixed fees and provide net benefits from card usage, whereas acquirers could charge fixed and transactional fees to the merchants. Merchant's transactional fees are determined proportionally to the level of interchange fees. We establish that, under this scheme, the two‐sided nature of the market leads to higher adoption rates with lower interchange fees. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Responses to monetary policy shocks in the east and the west of Europe: a comparison
Authors: Jarociński Marek
Published: May 2009

This paper compares impulse responses to monetary policy shocks in the euro area countries before the EMU and in the New Member States (NMS) from central–eastern Europe. We mitigate the small‐sample problem, which is especially acute for the NMS, by using a Bayesian estimation that combines information across countries. The impulse responses in the NMS are broadly similar to those in the euro area countries. There is some evidence that in the NMS, which have had higher and more volatile inflation, the Phillips curve is steeper than in the euro area countries. This finding is consistent with economic theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a direct hemolytic effect dependent on the catalytic activity induced by phospholipase‐D (dermonecrotic toxin) from brown spider venom
Authors: Chaves‐Moreira Daniele , Chaim Olga M. , Sade Youssef B. , Paludo Kátia S. , Gremski Luiza H. , Donatti Lucélia , de Moura Juliana , Mangili Oldemir C. , Gremski Waldemiro , da Silveira Rafael B. , Senff‐Ribeiro Andrea , Veiga Silvio S.
Published: May 2009

Brown spiders have world‐wide distribution and are the cause of health problems known as loxoscelism. Necrotic cutaneous lesions surrounding the bites and less intense systemic signs like renal failure, DIC, and hemolysis were observed. We studied molecular mechanism by which recombinant toxin, biochemically characterized as phospholipase‐D, causes direct hemolysis (complement independent). Human erythrocytes treated with toxin showed direct hemolysis in a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manner, as well as morphological changes in cell size and shape. Erythrocytes from human, rabbit, and sheep were more susceptible than those from horse. Hemolysis was not dependent on ABO group or Rhesus system. Confocal and FACS analyses using antibodies or GFP‐phospholipase‐D protein showed direct toxin binding to erythrocytes membrane. Moreover, toxin‐treated erythrocytes reacted with annexin‐V and showed alterations in their lipid raft profile. Divalent ion chelators significantly inhibited hemolysis evoked by phospholipase‐D, which has magnesium at the catalytic domain. Chelators were more effective than PMSF (serine‐protease inhibitor) that had no effect on hemolysis. By site‐directed mutation at catalytic domain (histidine 12 by alanine), hemolysis and morphologic changes of erythrocytes (but not the toxin's ability of membrane binding) were inhibited, supporting that catalytic activity is involved in hemolysis and cellular alterations but not toxin cell binding. The results provide evidence that L. intermedia venom phospholipase‐D triggers direct human blood cell hemolysis in a catalytic‐dependent manner. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 655–666, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of amplification systems in immunoenzyme assays for the diagnosis of American tegumentary leishmaniasis
Authors: Nascimento Lílian Dias , Passos Sonia Regina Lambert , Mouta‐Confort Eliame , de Almeida Santiago Marta , Alves Andreia Silva , de Fátima Madeira Maria , de Oliveira Schubach Armando , de Almeida Marzochi Mauro Célio
Published: May 2009

We compared the accuracy and reliability of three amplification systems for enzyme immunoassays in the detection of specific IgG antibodies for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in patients from an endemic area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Partially soluble antigens obtained from the promastigote forms of L. (V.) braziliensis were used. For development of the reaction, two chromogens, 1,2‐orthophenylenediamine (OPD) and 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), and a fluorogen, 4‐methylumbelliferylphosphate (MUP), were tested. The performance of each system was compared using the following parameters: accuracy, intraclasscorrelation coefficient (ICC), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Sensitivity was the same (97.4%) for all systems. The reliability was excellent (ICC=98.6, 98.7, and 99.1%) and specificity was 93.7, 95.8, and 97.4% for OPD, MUP, and TMB, respectively, showing no statistical significance. Despite the absence of differences in the performance of the three systems, the use of TMB is suggested because of its operational advantages, such as low cost compared with fluorogens, easy manipulation, greater stability, and lower toxicity. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:152–156, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic efficacy of the ELISA test for the detection of deamidated anti‐gliadin peptide antibodies in the diagnosis and monitoring of celiac disease
Authors: Tonutti Elio , Visentini Daniela , Picierno Alessia , Bizzaro Nicola , Villalta Danilo , Tozzoli Renato , Kodermaz Graziano , Carroccio Antonio , Iacono Giuseppe , Teresi Saverio , Chiusa Stella Maria La , Brusca Ignazio
Published: May 2009

Background and Aim: We evaluated the diagnostic performance of an ELISA test for anti‐gliadin IgA and IgG antibodies, which uses synthetic deamidated gliadin peptides (anti‐gliadin antibodies, AGAs) as coating; the results were compared with a test that uses extracted gliadin (AGAe).

Methods: The study was conducted on the sera of 144 patients suffering from celiac disease (CD), including 20 patients with IgA deficiency and 9 who were following a gluten‐free diet (GFD), and 129 controls.

Results: In the 115 CD patients (without IgA deficiency), the sensitivity of AGAe IgA and IgG was 32.2 and 60.9%, whereas that of AGAs IgA and IgG was 59.1 and 72.2%. The specificity for AGAe IgA and IgG, and AGAs IgA and IgG was 93.8 and 89.9%, and 96.9% and 99.2%, respectively. Of the 20 patients with CD and IgA deficiency, 7 tested positive for AGAe IgG and 14 for AGAs IgG. The test using deamidated gliadin peptides performed better in terms of sensitivity and specificity than the AGA tests with extracted antigen.

Conclusions: The very high specificity of the AGAs IgG test (99.2%) also suggests that patients who test positive with this assay require a thorough followup, even if the anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti‐tTG) and anti‐endomysial autoantibodies (EMA) assays are negative. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:165–171, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐dependent decreases in serum soluble interleukin‐1 receptor type I (sIL‐1RI) in healthy individuals: a population study of serum sIL‐1RI levels in Japanese subjects
Authors: Okamoto Yoshihiro , Tanaka Mayuri , Miyahara Nobuhiro , Tanabe Mie , Gotoh Yoshimitsu , Nagai Takuhito , Fujita Naoya , Fukui Takashi , Masuzawa Toshiyuki
Published: May 2009

The levels of several soluble cytokine receptors in body fluids of healthy individuals change with age. Clinical application of the measurement of the serum soluble interleukin‐1 receptor type I (sIL‐1RI) level depends critically on the samples used as the controls. At present, there is no information regarding the levels of serum sIL‐1RI in healthy subjects. The purpose of this study is to reveal the age‐related changes that occur in the serum sIL‐1RIlevels of healthy individuals. We determined the serum sIL‐1RI levels of healthy Japanese children using ELISA. The serum sIL‐1RI level of children (0–14 years) was significantly higher than that of adults (more than 15 years) (P=0.0138, n=90). Thus, it is recommended that when the serum sIL‐1RI level of patients is evaluated, it should be compared against age‐matched controls. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:175–178, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of α‐fetoprotein immune complexes and α‐fetoprotein concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma using dual‐label time‐resolved immunofluorometric assays
Authors: Sheng Shi Le , Wang Qing , Huang Gang , Yu Bin , Qin Wen Xin
Published: May 2009

α‐Fetoprotein (AFP) is a commonly used tumor marker in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its sensitivity and specificity is insufficient to detect HCC in all patient samples. Recently, the immunocomplexed forms of AFP (AFP‐IgM) have been reported to be present in HCC patients. This study was aimed at developing a novel time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay (TR‐IFMA) for the simultaneous determination of AFP‐IgM and AFP concentration in HCC. We constructed a double‐label assay by using Sm3+‐labeled mAb to human IgM antibody, Eu3+‐labeled mAb to AFP, and immobilized another mAb to AFP on the solid phase. The performances of the assay were all found to be satisfactory. The validity of the novel assay was confirmed by the good correlation between the results obtained by TR‐IFMA and commercial ELISA or electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. AFP‐IgM and AFP were increased above the cutoffs in 65.25 and 45.76% of HCC, respectively. ROC analysis yielded the following area under the curve: AFP‐IgM 0.774 (CI 95% 0.736–0.809), AFP 0.771 (CI 95% 0.733–0.860). The combined use of AFP‐IgM and AFP increased the sensitivity of detection to 72.88% in patients with HCC. These data suggest that the use of a combination of two markers in clinical practice could increase the accuracy of HCC diagnosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:179–185, 2009.© 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperament and character associated with depressive symptoms in women: analysis of two genetically informative samples
Authors: Yuh Jongil , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Lichtenstein Paul , Hansson Kjell , Cederblad, Marianne , Elthammer Olle , Reiss David
Published: May 2009

Although previous research has explored associations between personality and depressive symptoms, a limited number of studies have assessed the extent to which genetic and environmental influences explain the association. This study investigated how temperament and character were associated with depressive symptoms in 131 pairs of twin and sibling women in early adulthood, as well as 326 pairs of twin women in middle adulthood. Results indicated that genetic influences accounted for a moderate to substantial percentage of the association between these personality features and depressive symptoms, emphasizing the role of genetic influences. Nonshared environmental influences made important contributions to the association between character and depressive symptoms, particularly in the sample of middle‐aged twin women. These findings suggest that unique social experiences and relationships with a partner in adulthood may play an important role in these associations between character and depressive symptoms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–19, 2009.
Belief in a concerned god predicts response to treatment for adults with clinical depression
Authors: Murphy Patricia E. , Fitchett George
Published: May 2009

Belief in a concerned God has been shown to be associated with lower depression through the mediation of hopelessness. This study hypothesized that this relationship would also be true longitudinally. Shortly after admission to treatment and 8 weeks later, 136 adults with clinical depression completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Religious Well‐Being Scale (RWB). Logistic regression models supported an association of baseline RWB, but not baseline hopelessness, with a 50% reduction in symptoms after 8 weeks. Persons in the upper third of RWB at admission were 75% more likely to have a response to treatment than persons in the lower third. Clinicians need to be aware of the role of religion for their clients. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–9, 2009.
Association of atherosclerotic risk factors with carotid adventitial thickness assessed by ultrasonography
Authors: Kazmierski Radoslaw , Watala Cezary , Podsiadly Edyta , Dorszewska Jolanta , Kozubski Wojciech
Published: May 2009

Purpose.

There is increasing evidence that adventitial inflammation may participate in atherosclerosis development. The aim of this study was to investigate which atherosclerotic risk factors correlated with carotid adventitial thickness (AT) and to compare them with those associated with carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT). We also set out to test the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between IMT and AT in the carotid arteries.

Methods.

The far carotid artery wall IMT and AT were measured by high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasound in 128 persons (mean, 65 ± 8 years). A number of conventional and novel, clinically and laboratory‐derived risk factors were assessed.

Results.

Significant correlation (r = 0.35, p < 0.0001) was demonstrated between the IMT and AT. The stepwise forward multiple regression analysis revealed correlations between IMT and leukocyte count, C‐reactive protein level, and hypertension, whereas the Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae IgA antibodies and fibrinogen levels, gender, and smoking correlated merely with AT. The homocysteine/methionine ratio correlated with both IMT and AT.

Conclusion.

The association between IMT and AT may reflect an interaction between intimal, medial, and adventitial pathology. Different risk factors are associated with the increased AT or IMT. It is possible that inflammation and some chronic infections, such as those induced by C. pneumoniae, could have a marked influence on adventitial cell proliferation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
The effects of copper contraceptive intrauterine device on the uterine blood flow: A prospective transvaginal Doppler study
Authors: Yigit Nuray , Kacar Mahmut , Yigit Hasan , Kosar Pinar , Kosar Ugur
Published: May 2009

Purpose.

To evaluate the hemodynamic changes by transvaginal color Doppler sonography (CDS) in the uterine vascular bed after the insertion of a contraceptive intrauterine device (CIUD) and to investigate whether those CDS findings could predict potential side effects, such as dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding.

Method.

Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index, and systole/diastole ratio (S/D) were measured in the uterine artery and its myometrial branches on 28 patients before and after the insertion of copper IUD, and a correlation with dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding was investigated.

Result.

PI and S/D values in the uterine artery increased significantly after the insertion of the CIUD (p < 0.05). Patients with increased bleeding scores after insertion of CIUD had significantly lower uterine artery PI compared with those without increased bleeding scores (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the Doppler flow parameters regarding dysmenorrhea scores.

Conclusion.

Low uterine artery PI values recorded in the early phase of the menstrual cycle in patients with a CIUD were associated with an increased bleeding risk. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009
The use of ultrasound to facilitate spinal anesthesia in a patient with previous lumbar laminectomy and fusion: A case report
Authors: Chin Ki Jinn , Macfarlane Alan J.R. , Chan Vincent , Brull Richard
Published: May 2009

We describe a case of ultrasound (US)‐facilitated spinal anesthesia in a patient with a prior lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion who presented for total knee arthroplasty. Traditional, landmark‐guided spinal anesthesia had previously failed. Although pre‐procedural US identified a soft‐tissue window at L3/4, a 25G pencilpoint needle encountered resistance. Reassured from US imaging that this was not bone, we used a 22G cutting tip needle successfully. We believe spinal anesthesia would not have been possible in this patient without US, adding to the evidence that US‐facilitated neuraxial anesthesia is useful, particularly in technically difficult, if not ‘impossible,’ cases. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Three‐dimensional analysis of connexin43 gap junction in the ex vivo rat seminiferous tubules: Short‐term effects of hormonal effectors
Authors: Gilleron Jerome , Carette Diane , Carpentier Francoise , Segretain Dominique , Pointis Georges
Published: May 2009

Cx43 gap junctions are essential for proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of germ cells during spermatogenesis. However, only few and indirect observations have been reported on the distribution of Cx43, the predominant Cx within the seminiferous tubules. In thepresent study, we developed an innovative method that allows visualization of the three‐ dimensional localization of Cx43 associated with gap junctions and their functionality in isolated spermatogenic stage‐specific seminiferous tubules. Cx43 gap junctions were present between myoid cells, between Sertoli cells, and between Sertoli and germ cells. Cx43 levels and coupling were stage‐dependent with higher values at stages VI–VIII of spermatogenesis and markedly reduced at stages IX–X. Short‐term exposure of seminiferous tubule fragments at stages VI–VIII and of the 42GPA9 Sertoli cell line transfected with a Cx43‐GFP vector, to FSH, cAMP, DHT, and 17β‐E2 significantly altered Cx43 distribution as well as gap junction coupling. These observations highlight a nongenomic effect of these testicular effectors on Cx43 gap junction. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of caspase activation in human spermatozoa
Authors: Grunewald Sonja , Sharma Rakesh , Paasch Uwe , Glander Hans‐Juergen , Agarwal Ashok
Published: May 2009

Caspases are central components in the apoptosis signaling cascade. The family of cysteine proteases transduces and enhances the apoptosis signal, and activation of effector caspases results in controlled cellular degradation. Although initially the presence of caspases in spermatozoa was controversially discussed in recent years, many studies demonstrated their activation in male germ cells. Activated apoptosis signaling results in decreased fertilizing capacity of the sperm. This review presents the current knowledge on the role of caspases in human sperm. Techniques of caspase monitoring are highlighted. With regard to the high impact of caspases on the sperm fertilizing potential, physiological and pathological settings of caspase activation and inactivation are discussed. Finally, the effects of depletion of caspase‐positive sperm are shown with various standard and molecular sperm preparation methods. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of two medium chain triglycerides‐supplemented diets on synaptic morphology in the cerebellar cortex of late‐adult rats
Authors: Balietti Marta , Fattoretti Patrizia , Giorgetti Belinda , Casoli Tiziana , Di Stefano Giuseppina , Platano Daniela , Aicardi Giorgio , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Bertoni‐Freddari Carlo
Published: May 2009

Ketogenic diets (KDs) have shown beneficial effects in experimental models of neurodegeneration, designating aged individuals as possible recipients. However, few studies have investigated their consequences on aging brain. Here, late‐adult rats (19 months of age) were fed for 8 weeks with two medium chain triglycerides‐supplemented diets (MCT‐SDs) and the average area (S), numeric density (Nvs), and surface density (Sv) of synapses, as well as the average volume (V), numeric density (Nvm), and volume density (Vv) of synaptic mitochondria were evaluated in granule cell layer of the cerebellar cortex (GCL‐CCx) by computer‐assisted morphometric methods. MCT content was 10 or 20%. About 10%MCT‐SD induced the early appearance of senescent patterns (decreased Nvs and Nvm; increased V), whereas 20%MCT‐SD caused no changes. Recently, we have shown that both MCT‐SDs accelerate aging in the stratum moleculare of CA1 (SM CA1), but are “antiaging” in the outer molecular layer of dentate gyrus (OML DG). Since GCL‐CCx is more vulnerable to age than OML DG but less than SM CA1, present and previous results suggest that the effects of MCT‐SDs in the aging brain critically depend on neuronal vulnerability to age, besides MCT percentage. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and three‐dimensional appearance of the interstitial cells of Cajal in the rat stomach and duodenum
Authors: Lee Song Eun , Wi Joon Sun , Min Yong Il , Jung Chaeyong , Ahn Kyu Youn , Bae Choon Sang , Kim Baik Yoon , Park Sung Sik , Oh Chang Seok , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Nam Kwang Il
Published: May 2009

The relationship between the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and enteric nerves or smooth muscles cells is not fully defined. Presently, distribution and appearance of ICC in the rat stomach and duodenum was studied by immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and three‐dimensional reconstruction. c‐kit expressing ICC were regularly observed in the Auerbach's myenteric plexus (AP) of the stomach and duodenum. ICC in stomach and duodenum muscle layers was dissimilarly distributed. c‐kit immunoreactive cells were sparsely distributed in the stomach circular muscle layer but were abundant in the duodenum deep muscular plexus (DMP). Electron microscopy revealed that stomach ICC‐AP were irregular ovals with few cytoplasmic processes, and possessed an electron‐dense cytoplasm, numerous mitochondria, intermediate filaments, and caveolae. Duodenum and stomach ICC‐AP were similar in appearance. Ultrastructure observations and three‐dimensional reconstructions revealed ICC‐AP processes wrapping the nerve fibers and projecting into the space between smooth muscle cells. While ICC‐AP was occasionally close to enteric nerves or smooth muscle cells, no connections were observed. ICC‐DMP in duodenum was elongated and adopted the same cell axis orientation as the circular muscle cells. Unlike ICC‐AP, ICC‐DMP formed gap junctions with smooth muscle cells and had close contact with nerves. These results indicate that ICC‐AP is regularly distributed in stomach and duodenum, while ICC‐DMP is exclusively located in the duodenum. ICC‐DMP, which possess gap junctions and closely contacts nerves, may participate in neuromuscular transmission. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time dependency of ultrasound‐facilitated gene transfection
Authors: Tsai Kun‐Che , Fang Shin‐Yu , Yang Shu‐Jyuan , Shieh Ming‐Jium , Lin Win‐Li , Chen Wen‐Shiang
Published: May 2009

Background

The use of ultrasound (US)‐facilitated gene therapy is increasing rapidly as a result of its high specificity and non‐invasiveness. However, the acoustic parameters that produce the most efficient transfection have not been established. The present study investigated the effects of time parameters [including pulsing strategy (on‐ and off‐times), exposure duration, pore opening time and expression duration] of US‐facilitated gene transfection.

Methods

Cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) cultured with pCMViLUC plasmids were exposed to 1‐MHz pulsed US, and gene transfection efficiency and cell viability were assessed. The ability of in vivo transfection by ultrasound using different pulsing strategy was also evaluated.

Results

For a constant total exposure time, the transfection was always better for a longer on‐time (on–off ratio = 1, or 50% duty cycle) than a shorter one (ratio = 0.1, 9% duty cycle), whether performed in vitro or in vivo. However, for a fixed on‐time, there was a strong inverse correlation between transfection efficiency and off‐time (r2 = 0.89). Multiple regression analysis showed that the on‐time, off‐time and on–off ratio are all independent variables for US‐facilitated gene transfection. Furthermore, transfection increased with the total exposure time, but plateaued for long exposure times. More than half of the opened pores closed within 15 s after the cessation of US exposure. The half‐life of the transfected DNA was 7.43 days.

Conclusions

Time is an important determinant of US‐facilitated gene transfection. Methods for increasing the transfected number of plasmids, such as increasing the concentration of plasmids or the duration of pore opening, will be critical for future research and clinical applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic characterization of 30 kDa lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
Authors: Izrael‐Zivkovic Lidija T. , Gojgic‐Cvijovic Gordana Đ. , Gopcevic Kristina R. , Vrvic Miroslav M. , Karadzic Ivanka M.
Published: May 2009

An extracellular lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 has been purified and its enzymatic characteristics were determined. According to SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration molecular mass estimated to be 30 kDa, what classified the lipase in group I.1. Although 14 lipases from P. aeruginosa with similar molecular mass are referred to date, their basic enzymatic properties have not been reported yet. To address the gap we found: the optimal temperature and pH in water solution being 50 °C and 9.3, respectively; the lipase was inhibited with Hg2+ ions and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS), while non‐ionic detergent Triton X‐100 activated the enzyme; the lipase hydrolyzed more rapidly middle chain triglycerides and it was not regiospecific; the lipase demonstrated naturally occurring stability in different organic solvents with concentrations ranging from 30 to 70%, including good thermal stability in 30% organic solvent solution. Even though strain P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was not isolated from extreme environment it showed activity in organic solvent suggesting that this lipase is suitable for variety of applications, including reactions in water restricted medium and bioremediation of contaminations by organic solvents. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Links between the rainfall regime in Israel and location and intensity of Cyprus lows
Authors: Saaroni H. , Halfon N. , Ziv B. , Alpert P. , Kutiel H.
Published: May 2009

The interannual variations and the spatial distribution of rainfall in the Mediterranean and semi‐arid regions of Israel are analysed with respect to variations in the occurrence of the typical synoptic systems of the Eastern Mediterranean. The synoptic analysis is based on a daily, semi‐objective synoptic classification (Alpert et al., 2004a). The study covers the months November–March, in which 90% of the annual rainfall is obtained, mostly resulting from Cyprus lows. The interannual variations of the rainfall are well explained by the synoptic types, and the occurrences of Cyprus lows are highly correlated with the rainfall. It was found that the daily and seasonal rainfall are highly dependent on the depth of the cyclone. Moreover, deep lows are more effective for the mountainous regions, due both to the enhanced orographic effect and to the fact that stronger winds, associated with deep lows, are more efficient in transporting rain‐producing clouds from the Mediterranean Sea inland. The location of the cyclone determines the spatial distribution of the rain it produces over Israel. The cyclones located east of Cyprus were found productive mainly for the southern parts of the study region, while those located to the west and north of Israel were found productive for the north of the country. The high sensitivity of the rainfall to the location of the surface cyclones emphasizes the major role that lower level moisture transport plays in rain formation. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A multi‐time scale Australian monsoon index
Authors: Kajikawa Yoshiyuki , Wang Bin , Yang Jing
Published: May 2009

A broad‐scale Australian monsoon index (AUSMI) describing multi‐time scale variations is defined by using 850 hPa zonal wind averaged over the area (5°S–15°S, 110°E–130°E). This circulation index reflects monsoonal rainfall variability over Northern Australia and maritime continent. The index can be used to depict the seasonal cycle (for instance the onset) and measure the intraseasonal, interannual, and interdecadal variations of the Australian monsoon. The interannual variation of the Australian monsoon onset determined by the AUSMI agrees well with that derived from the rainfall and winds at Darwin in the previous studies. We found a significant anti‐correlation between the monsoon onset date and the seasonal (DJF) mean AUSMI anomalies; namely an early onset is accompanied by a strong Australian summer monsoon and vice versa. These interannual variations are also strongly associated with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In contrast, the retreat dates are not significantly different between the strong and weak Australian summer monsoon years. The AUSMI is useful in monitoring the weather and climate variations of the Australian monsoon and validating the performance of climate models. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of contact configuration on the durability and friction coefficient of pressure‐sprayed MoS2 coatings under fretting conditions
Authors: Luo D. B. , Fridrici V. , Kapsa Ph. , Murakami T.
Published: May 2009

Fretting wear is often found at the contact surfaces of a tight assembly where small‐amplitude oscillatory movement occurs, which can be the concealed origin of some enormous accidents. Employment of solid lubrication coatings, as one of effective measurements to palliate the fretting damage, has been widely acknowledged. The present work studied the fretting behaviour of a molybdenum disulphide coating on SUS 316 stainless steel substrate by a relatively cheap and easy‐to‐use process: pressure spraying. Two contact configurations (cylinder‐on‐flat and ball‐on‐flat) were used in the tests with different displacement amplitudes (from 5 to 75 µm) and normal loads (from 100 to 400 N for ball‐on‐flat and from 400 to 1000 N for cylinder‐on‐flat). The results showed that large displacement amplitude is adverse to friction coefficient and coating lifetime and that under a critical contact pressure, coating endurance is improved contact pressure increases. Contact configuration influences friction coefficient by changing contact area and distribution of contact pressure. One master curve of average dissipated energy per cycle in initial stable stage was obtained for two contact configurations, which can be employed to approximately predict coating lifetime. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of orofacial clefts, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1998–2004
Authors: Johnson Candice Y. , Honein Margaret A. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Rasmussen Sonja A.
Published: May 2009

Objective

The aims of this study were to determine how frequently orofacial clefts were diagnosed prenatally and to investigate factors associated with prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

We included 2298 mothers from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, each of whom gave birth to a child with an orofacial cleft, and assessed associated factors using logistic regression.

Results

The frequencies of prenatal diagnosis for cleft lip and palate, cleft lip only, and cleft palate only were 33.3%, 20.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. Among cases with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, cleft type, geographic location, maternal body mass index, household income, year of infant's birth, and presence of multiple birth defects were significantly associated with receiving a prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusion

In the majority of infants with orofacial clefts, a prenatal diagnosis was not made. Receiving a prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with several infant and maternal characteristics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creating medical and drug code lists to identify cases in primary care databases
Authors: Davé Shreya , Petersen Irene
Published: May 2009

This paper demonstrates how compilation of medical and drug code lists for outcomes or exposures of interest for studies using primary care databases can be carried out efficiently using Stata. Use of Stata do‐files to record and execute the commands provides good documentation and ease of replication of the procedure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal behaviors of polystyrene plasticized with compressed carbon dioxide in a sealed system
Authors: Yu Long , Liu Hongsheng , Chen Ling
Published: May 2009

The thermal behavior of polystyrene (PS) plasticized with compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry with a high‐pressure stainless steel pan in a sealed system. The technique proved to be a simple and convenient way to study the thermal behavior of a polymer plasticized with compressed CO2 at pressures up to 100 atm, which covers both the gas and supercritical states. A sharp fall in the decrease rate of the glass transition temperature (Tg) under conditions near the critical point of compressed CO2 was firstly observed, which corresponded with the solubility of CO2 in PS. Since the system is scaled, which results in a stable pressure at a certain temperature, it is more suitable to study the effect of annealing. An endotherm was detected after the PS was annealed at a temperature below its Tg under compressed CO2. The enthalpy of this endotherm increased linearly with increasing logarithm of annealing time under a certain pressure. The endotherm was affected by two thermodynamic equilibrations at a temperature below its Tg: (i) enthalpy relaxation of the PS; and (ii) the absorption/desorption of CO2. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
A constitutive model for large multiaxial deformations of solid polypropylene at high temperature
Authors: Sweeney John , Spares Robert , Woodhead Mike
Published: May 2009

Experiments on a blow‐molding grade of polypropylene have been performed at 135°C using a biaxial testing machine. Both simultaneous and sequential equibiaxial tests were performed at strain rates relevant to solid phase processing regimes. A constitutive model has been developed that includes a single Eyring process and two Edwards‐Vilgis networks. The effectiveness of this model for predicting the observed stress‐strain behavior is explored. Predictions of simultaneous stretching and the first stretch in sequential experiments are excellent. The second stretch in sequential experiments is less well predicted, but the model's performance is useful overall. The model is incorporated into a commercial finite element code and its practicality is demonstrated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of the patient care monitor to screen for depression in adult cancer patients interviewed with the structured clinical interview for DSM‐IV
Authors: Houts Arthur C. , Lipinski Damon , Olsen James P. , Baldwin Scott , Hasan Murad
Published: May 2009

Objective: To evaluate the Patient Care Monitor (PCM1.0) Acute Distress and Despair normalized T scores as indicators of a diagnosis of Major Depression according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders (SCID).

Methods: Subjects were 21 adult cancer patients identified by treating community oncologists as having significant emotional distress matched on age, cancer type, treatment history, and sex to 21 patients not having significant distress. All completed e/tablet PCM 1.0 and SCID administered by trained interviewers. Unweighted kappa and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to assess scale properties.

Results: Agreement between SCID Major Depression and Acute Distress and Despair (T⩾65) were kappa=0.751 and 0.755, respectively. ROC area under the curve values for these two scales were 0.967 (SE±0.03) and 0.942 (SE±0.03), respectively, with optimal cut points of T=61 and 63, respectively.

Conclusions: Under conditions of preselected extreme groups, PCM 1.0 Acute Distress and Despair T scores are reasonable screening indicators of clinical depression in cancer patients. PCM 1.0 provides an efficient method for point‐of‐care screening of depression in community oncology clinics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Side chain‐to‐side chain cyclization by click reaction
Authors: Le Chevalier Isaad Alexandra , Papini Anna Maria , Chorev Michael , Rovero Paolo
Published: May 2009

CuI‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne 1,3‐dipolar Huisgen's cycloaddition (CuAAC) is a click reaction that has drawn a lot of attention, in general, and in the field of peptide and protein sciences, in particular. Among several reported applications, the preparation of novel heterodetic cyclopeptides by an intramolecular side chain‐to‐side chain CuAAC, forming a 1,4‐disubstituted[1,2,3]triazolyl‐containing bridge, is of great interest. Herein, we provide a detailed protocol for the syntheses of model heterodetic cyclopeptides as a prototypical intramolecular CuAAC, using as a model a sequence derived from parathyroid hormone‐related protein. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides: insights from fluorescence spectroscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Palleschi Antonio , Orioni Barbara , Grande Giacinto , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio , Park Yoonkyung , Hahm Kyung‐Soo , Stella Lorenzo
Published: May 2009

Most antimicrobial peptides exert their activity by interacting with bacterial membranes, thus perturbing their permeability. They are investigated as a possible solution to the insurgence of bacteria resistant to the presently available antibiotic drugs. However, several different models have been proposed for their mechanism of membrane perturbation, and the molecular details of this process are still debated. Here, we compare fluorescence spectroscopy experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations regarding the association with lipid bilayers and lipid perturbation for two different amphiphilic helical antimicrobial peptides, PMAP‐23 and trichogin GA IV. PMAP‐23, a cationic peptide member of the cathelicidin family, is considered to induce membrane permeability according to the Shai‐Matsuzaki‐Huang “carpet” model, while trichogin GA IV is a neutral peptide, member of the peptaibol family. Although several lines of evidence suggest a “barrel‐stave” mechanism of pore formation for the latter peptide, its length is only half the normal thickness of a lipid bilayer. Both fluorescence spectroscopy experiments and MD simulations indicated that PMAP‐23 associates with membranes close to their surface and parallel to it, and in this arrangement it causes a severe perturbation to the bilayer, both regarding its surface tension and lipid order. By contrast, trichogin GA IV can undergo a transition from a surface‐bound state to a transmembrane orientation. In the first arrangement, it does not cause any strong membrane perturbation, while in the second orientation it might be able to span the bilayer from one side to the other, despite its relatively short length, by causing a significant thinning of the membrane. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Novel Scaffolds from an Original Chemical Library as Potential Antipsychotics
Authors: Gutiérrez‐de‐Terán Hugo , Correia Carla , Rodríguez David , Carvalho Maria Alice , Brea Jose , Cadavid María Isabel , Loza María Isabel , Proença Maria Fernanda , Areias Filipe
Published: May 2009

The ligand‐based virtual screening of an original chemical library, using atypical antipsychotics as query compounds led to the identification of a novel scaffold with inhibitory activity at the 5‐HT2Aserotonin receptor. The hit compounds were confirmed by pharmacological evaluation at the 5‐HT2Areceptor and complemented by the selection of other representatives of the same chemical family within our chemical library. A promising scaffold of 6‐(pyperazin‐1‐yl) purine was identified, and the binding mode is illustrated with an automated docking exploration on a homology built model of the 5‐HT2Areceptor. The present results constitute an excellent starting point for the discovery of new chemical entities with antipsychotic activity.
Peculiarities of conductance of carbon nanotube‐based quantum dots
Authors: Ogloblya O. V. , Prylutskyy Yu. I. , Strzhemechny Yu. M.
Published: May 2009

Within the framework of the surface Green's function matching method, we carried out calculations of the differential conductance of symmetrically and asymmetrically connected armchair (n, n)—zigzag (2n, 0)—armchair (n, n) carbon nanotubes with different lengths of the middle section and infinitely long ends. It is shown that the (n, n)/(2n, 0)/(n, n) segment, when n is not a multiple of 3, behaves as a quantum dot and has a conduction gap even for short middle segments. The position of the conductance peeks closest to the Fermi energy is determined by the interface states of the (n, n)/(2n, 0) junction. In addition to conductance peaks originating from the interface states of the (n, n)/(2n, 0) heterojunction, for sufficiently long middle zigzag nanotube, there are more conductance peaks in the vicinity of the Fermi energy, and those stem from the electronic structure of an individual finite (2n, 0) zigzag nanotube. However, positions of the peaks farther away from the Fermi energy cannot be found in such a simple way. Thus, such (n, n)/(2n, 0)/(n, n) quantum dot has singularities in its electronic properties, which may yield the Coulomb blockade effect should those strongly localized discrete levels become occupied. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Lipid–nucleic acids interactions as base for organization and expression of cellular genome
Authors: Kuvichkin V. V.
Published: May 2009

Although lipid–nucleic acid interactions have been studied, with certain or little progress, for more than 30 years, it is only in recent years that the problem has received particular attention. It should, however, be noted that most studies deal with DNA‐cationic surfactants interactions, whereas DNA‐zwitterionic interactions, which are more complex and close to nature, are poorly investigated. The long‐standing studies of the triple complexes: DNA–phosphatidylcholine liposomes–divalent metal cations allow us to confirm that these complexes are responsible for the formation of not only the structures existing in DNA–cationic liposome complexes but also some other cellular structures. The author proposed hypothesis about the involvement of direct DNA–lipid interactions in the nuclear pore assembly. Only taking into account interactions between DNA and lipids of cellular membrane, one can explain the origin of such structures as nucleoid, nuclear pore, and nuclear matrix. The formation of triple complexes was accompanied by the aggregation and partial fusion of liposomes as was shown by cryo‐TEM technique. The author has presented new data on the structure of triple complexes, which were obtained by phase contrast cryo‐TEM. Biophysical data on the liposomes fusion during triple complex formation and perspective of their computer simulation are also presented. DNA acts as a fusogen in this process and it unwinds in the region of liposomes fusion. The nuclear envelope and pore complexes assembly is provided by membrane vesicles fusion. Author has proposed that the DNA‐induced fusion of zwitterionic liposomes in vitro may suggest the involvement of direct lipids–DNA interaction in nuclear envelope assembly. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Three‐dimensional H‐bonding and ferroelectric transition in KDP. Quantum‐chemical study
Authors: Dolin S. P. , Mikhailova T. Yu. , Solin M. V. , Breslavskaya N. N. , Levin A. A.
Published: May 2009

On basis of the nonempirical methods (SCF, B3LYP, MP2‐MP4) and several cluster models, the ferroelectric KH2PO4 (KDP) and its deuteroanalogue are studied. The tunneling integrals Ω and the parameters of the effective coupling of protons/deuterons U,V (the Ising parameters) are calculated for these materials with the 3d network of H/D‐bonds. Using the obtained U,V and Ω values in the frames of molecular field approximation, it is found that the structural phase (ferroelectric) transition occurs for both crystals within the lowering of temperature. Such low‐temperature behavior differs the 3d KDP‐family materials from 0d systems, where the low‐temperature phase transition takes place only upon deuteration. It is demonstrated that this difference is associated with an abrupt Ising parameters growth for KDP if compared with the nondeuterated 0d materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Interplaying roles of native topology and chain length in marginally cooperative and noncooperative folding of small protein fragments
Authors: Badasyan Artem , Liu Zhirong , Chan Hue Sun
Published: May 2009

Coarse‐grained chain simulations were used to study fragments of two homologous proteins of the peripheral subunit‐binding domain (PSBD) family, Bacillus stearothermophilus PSBD (E3BD) and Escherichia coli 2‐oxo‐glutarate dehydrogenase PSBD (BBL). To ascertain a robust rank order of folding cooperativity, native‐centric intraprotein interactions were modeled by (i) a common Gō‐like potential, and (ii) native‐centric potentials with desolvation barriers or (iii) many‐body terms. Homologous proteins can possess substantially different folding cooperativity. Consistent with experiment, our calculations indicated that E3BD fragments fold more cooperatively than BBL fragments of approximately the same chain length. For a given fragment, native contacts deduced from Protein Data Bank structures can vary significantly depending on the number of residues that the structure encompasses in addition to those of the fragment itself, resulting in variation in model folding cooperativity predicted using different native contact sets for the same fragment. This observation underscores that folding cooperativity of these fragments can be extremely sensitive to change in chain length. Thus, a ∼40‐residue protein fragment's folding cooperativity, or lack thereof, does not necessarily imply essentially identical behaviors for super‐ or sub‐fragments with only several residues more, or less, than the given fragment. Ramifications for experimental investigations of downhill folding are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009