bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of the face map development in the trigeminal brainstem
Authors: Erzurumlu Reha S. , Chen Zhou‐Feng , Jacquin Mark F.
Published: January 2006

The perception of external sensory information by the brain requires highly ordered synaptic connectivity between peripheral sensory neurons and their targets in the central nervous system. Since the discovery of the whisker‐related barrel patterns in the mouse cortex, the trigeminal system has become a favorite model for study of how its connectivity and somatotopic maps are established during development. The trigeminal brainstem nuclei are the first CNS regions where whisker‐specific neural patterns are set up by the trigeminal afferents that innervate the whiskers. In particular, barrelette patterns in the principal sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve provide the template for similar patterns in the face representation areas of the thalamus and subsequently in the primary somatosensory cortex. Here, we describe and review studies of neurotrophins, multiple axon guidance molecules, transcription factors, and glutamate receptors during early development of trigeminal connections between the whiskers and the brainstem that lead to emergence of patterned face maps. Studies from our laboratories and others' showed that developing trigeminal ganglion cells and their axons depend on a variety of molecular signals that cooperatively direct them to proper peripheral and central targets and sculpt their synaptic terminal fields into patterns that replicate the organization of the whiskers on the muzzle. Similar mechanisms may also be used by trigeminothalamic and thalamocortical projections in establishing patterned neural modules upstream from the trigeminal brainstem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial comparing surgery with conservative treatment for uncomplicated varicose veins
Authors: Michaels J A , Brazier J E , Campbell W B , MacIntyre J B , Palfreyman S J , Ratcliffe J
Published: January 2006

Background

Surgical treatment of medically uncomplicated varicose veins is common, but its clinical effectiveness remains uncertain.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was carried out at two large acute National Health Service hospitals in different parts of the UK (Sheffield and Exeter). Some 246 patients were recruited from 536 consecutive referrals to vascular outpatient clinics with uncomplicated varicose veins suitable for surgical treatment. Conservative management, consisting of lifestyle advice, was compared with surgical treatment (flush ligation of sites of reflux, stripping of the long saphenous vein and multiple phlebectomies, as appropriate). Changes in health status were measured using the Short Form (SF) 6D and EuroQol (EQ) 5D, quality of life instruments based on SF-36 and EuroQol, complications of treatment, symptomatic measures, anatomical extent of varicose veins and patient satisfaction.

Results

In the first 2 years after treatment there was a significant quality of life benefit for surgery of 0·083 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·005 to 0·16) quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) based on the SF-6D score and 0·13 (95 per cent c.i. 0·016 to 0·25) based on the EQ-5D score. Significant benefits were also seen in symptomatic and anatomical measures.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment provides symptomatic relief and significant improvements in quality of life in patients referred to secondary care with uncomplicated varicose veins.
Disclosing interest expense in financial statements of firms that self‐construct assets: the effect on financial analysis of real estate investment trusts
Authors: Oppenheimer Pete H. , Hansz J. Andrew
Published: January 2006

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 34 requires firms that develop or self‐construct their own assets to capitalize related interest payments. As a result, the reported interest expense of self‐constructing firms may be understated, and earnings per share overstated. This study compares key profitability ratios between Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that actively self‐construct properties with REITs that do not. It was found that self‐constructing REITs will report significantly favourable profitability ratios as compared with REITs that invest in fully developed properties. Because many REITs do self‐construct, explicit capitalized interest expense disclosure are recommended so that financial analysts can make appropriate comparisons. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Methodology for the Synthesis of Fluorinated exo‐Glycals and Their Time‐Dependent Inhibition of UDP‐Galactopyranose Mutase
Authors: Caravano Audrey , Dohi Hirofumi , Sinaÿ Pierre , Vincent Stéphane P.
Published: January 2006

Fluorinated carbohydrates constitute a very important class of mechanistic probes for glycosyl‐processing enzymes. In this study, we describe the first synthesis of fluorinated and phosphonylated exo‐glycals and their corresponding nucleotide sugars in the galactofuranose series. The synthetic protocol that we have developed is a Selectfluor‐mediated fluorination/elimination sequence on phosphonylated exo‐glycals, and it offers a new entry into fluorinated carbohydrate chemistry. The challenging E/Z stereochemical assignment of the resulting tetrasubstituted alkenes, which bear an alkoxy, an alkyl, a fluoro, and a phosphonyl group, has been achieved through NMR experiments. The corresponding (E)‐ and (Z)‐nucleotide fluorosugars have been prepared and tested as inhibitors of UDP‐galactopyranose mutase (UGM). UGM is a flavoenzyme that catalyzes the isomerization of uridine diphosphate(UDP)‐galactopyranose into UDP‐galactofuranose, a key step of the biosynthesis of important mycobacterial cell‐wall glycoconjugates. The two diastereomeric molecules were found to display time‐dependent inactivation of UGM, as expected from preliminary results using non‐fluorinated exo‐glycal nucleotides. The inhibitory properties of the two fluorinated molecules led us to suggest that the inactivation mechanism proceeds through two‐electron processes, despite the presence of the flavin cofactor within the UGM catalytic site.
Enzyme‐Free Amperometric Sensing of Glucose by Using Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Jena Bikash Kumar , Raj C. Retna
Published: January 2006

A nonenzymatic electrochemical method is described for the detection of glucose by using gold (Au) nanoparticles self‐assembled on a three‐dimensional (3D) silicate network obtained by using sol–gel processes. The nanosized Au particles have been self‐assembled on the thiol tail groups of the silicate network and enlarged by hydroxylamine. The Au nanoparticles efficiently catalyze the oxidation of glucose at less‐positive potential (0.16 V) in phosphate buffer solution (pH 9.2) in the absence of any enzymes or redox mediators. The Au nanoparticle‐modified transducer (MPTS‐nAuE) was successfully used for the amperometric sensing of glucose and it showed excellent sensitivity with a detection limit of 50 nM. The common interfering agent ascorbate (AA) does not interfere with the detection of glucose. The MPTS‐nAuE transducer showed individual voltammetric responses for glucose and AA. This transducer responded linearly to glucose in the range of 0–8 mM and the sensitivity of the transducer was found to be 0.179 nA cm−2 nM−1. Excellent reproducibility, and long‐term storage and operational stability was observed for this transducer.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties, and Theoretical Studies of (p‐R‐Phenyl)‐, (p‐R‐Phenylethynyl)‐, and (E)‐[2‐(p‐R‐Phenyl)ethenyl]dimesitylboranes and Related Compounds
Authors: Yuan Zheng , Entwistle Christopher D. , Collings Jonathan C. , Albesa‐Jové David , Batsanov Andrei S. , Howard Judith A. K. , Taylor Nicholas J. , Kaiser Hanns Martin , Kaufmann Dieter E. , Poon Suk‐Yue , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Jardin Christophe , Fathallah Sofiane , Boucekkine Abdou , Halet Jean‐François , Marder Todd B.
Published: January 2006

The (p‐R‐phenyl)dimesitylboranes (R=Me2N, MeO, MeS, Br, I), (p‐R‐phenylethynyl)dimesitylboranes (R=Me2N, MeO, MeS, H), (E)‐[2‐(p‐R‐phenyl)ethenyl]dimesitylboranes (R=Me2N, H2N, MeO, MeS, H, CN, NO2), (E)‐[2‐(2‐thienyl)ethenyl]dimesitylborane, and (E)‐[2‐(o‐carboranyl)ethenyl]dimesitylborane have been prepared through the reaction of the appropriate p‐R‐phenyl‐ and p‐R‐phenylethynyllithium reagents with dimesitylboron fluoride and by hydroboration of the appropriate p‐R‐phenylacetylene, 2‐ethynylthiophene, and o‐ethynylcarborane with dimesitylborane. Their UV/Vis absorption and emission spectra have been recorded in a range of solvents with the fluorescence maxima of the donor‐substituted compounds in particular exhibiting large bathochromic shifts in highly polar solvents, indicative of charge transfer leading to large dipole moments in the excited state. The molecular structures of the (p‐R‐phenyl)dimesitylboranes (R=Me2N, MeO, MeS, Br, I), the (E)‐[2‐(p‐R‐phenyl)ethenyl]dimesitylboranes (R=Me2N, H2N MeO, MeS, H), (p‐R‐phenylethynyl)dimesitylborane (R=Me2N), and (E)‐[2‐(2‐thienyl)ethenyl]dimesitylborane, which have been determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements, offer evidence of increased conjugation in the ground state with increased donor strength of the R substituent. Their first‐ and second‐order molecular hyperpolarizabilities have been obtained from EFISH and THG measurements, the first‐order hyperpolarizabilities being largest for the strongest R‐substituent donors. AM1 calculations have been performed on these compounds, showing reasonable agreement with the experimentally obtained bond lengths and hyperpolarizabilities, as well as on several related hypothetical compounds containing multiple CC bonds, most of which are proposed to have even larger hyperpolarizabilities.
The Synthesis and Characterization of all Diastereomers of a Linear Symmetrically Fused Tris‐Tröger's Base Analogue: New Chiral Cleft Compounds
Authors: Artacho Josep , Nilsson Patrik , Bergquist Karl‐Erik , Wendt Ola F. , Wärnmark Kenneth
Published: January 2006

The synthesis and characterization of all diastereomers of a linear symmetrically fused tris‐Tröger's base analogue are described. The diastereomers are unambiguously assigned as syn–anti 1 a, anti–anti 1 b, and syn–syn 1 c isomers, by using X‐ray diffraction analysis and NMR spectroscopy. For the first time, the anti–anti and the syn–syn diastereomers of a linear symmetrically fused tris‐Tröger's base analogue have been synthesized. Molecules 1 a and 1 c are new cleft compounds and analysis of compound 1 a in the solid state shows inclusion of one molecule of CH2Cl2 in the larger aromatic cleft, whereas in isomer 1 c disordered solvent molecules are trapped in the extended aromatic cleft. Furthermore, in the solid state, isomer 1 c forms infinite open channels along one of the crystallographic axes and perpendicular to this axis there are infinitely extending “wedged‐ravines”. Importantly, each of the diastereomers 1 a–c is resistant to inversion at the stereogenic nitrogen atoms under strongly and weakly acidic conditions in the range from room temperature (RT) to 95 °C. This observed configurational stability at the stereogenic nitrogens of 1 a–c is unique for analogues of Tröger's base in general to date. Finally, the ratio of cleft compounds 1 a and 1 c significantly increased relative to cavity compound 1 b when ammonium chloride was used as an additive in the Tröger's base condensation to 1 a–c suggesting a templating effect of the ammonium ion.
Comparative Analysis of the Surface Interaction Properties of the Binding Sites of CDK2, CDK4, and ERK2
Authors: Kelly Matthew D. , Mancera Ricardo L.
Published: January 2006

Recently developed hydrogen‐bonding and hydrophobic analysis algorithms were used to investigate the interaction properties of the ATP binding sites of CDK2, CDK4, and ERK2. We were able to prioritise those hydrogen‐bonding groups that are observed to bind the native ATP ligand, as well as to identify other important groups found to bind inhibitors of these enzymes. However, as the hydrogen‐bonding groups in the ATP binding sites of these enzymes are fairly well‐conserved, we have confirmed that inhibitor selectivity may be predominantly due to differences in either the hydrophobic or steric properties of their binding sites. In particular, the hydrophobic properties of regions outside the specificity surface were observed to provide a rationale for the differences in specificity between various inhibitors to these enzymes. Our method was thus able to identify variations in hydrophobicity. The greater hydrophobicity of certain regions of CDK4 over analogous regions in CDK2 was detectable; likewise, it was possible to distinguish variations in hydrophobicity for regions of CDK2 against those in ERK2, despite the fact that these regions are largely composed of similar residue types.
Unexpected long‐term survival after low‐dose palliative radiotherapy for nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Mac Manus Michael P. , Matthews Jane P. , Wada Morikatsu , Wirth Andrew , Worotniuk Valentina , Ball David L.
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND

Many experienced oncologists have encountered patients with proven nonsmall cell lung cancer (NCLC) who received modest doses of palliative radiotherapy (RT) and who unexpectedly survived for > 5 years; some were apparently cured. We used a very large prospective database to estimate the frequency of this phenomenon and to look for correlative prognostic factors.

METHODS

Patients with histologically or cytologically proven NSCLC, treated with palliative RT to a dose of ≤ 36 Gy, were identified from a prospective database containing details of 3035 new patients registered from 1984–1990.

RESULTS

An estimated 1.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.7–1.6%) of 2337 palliative RT patients survived for 5 or more years after commencement of RT, including 18 patients who survived progression‐free for 5 years. Estimated median survival was 4.6 months. Five‐year survivors had significantly better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status at presentation than non‐5‐year survivors (P = 0.024) and were less likely to have distant metastases (P = 0.020). RT dose did not appear to be a significant prognostic factor. Patients who survived 5 years without progression had an estimated 78% probability of remaining free from progression in the next 5years.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1% of patients with proven NSCLC survived for > 5 years after palliative RT, and many of these patients appeared to have been cured by a treatment usually considered to be without curative potential. Because of the potential for long‐term survival, doses to late‐reacting normal tissues should be kept within tolerance when prescribing palliative RT in NSCLC. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Volatile composition of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. rhizome from central and southern India
Authors: Srivastava A. K. , Srivastava S. K. , Syamsundar K. V.
Published: January 2006

The rhizome essential oils of Curcuma angustifolia from Central and Southern India were subjected to GC/MS analysis, which resulted in the identification of 81 and 78 constituents, accounting for more than 95 and 99% of the oil contents, respectively. The major constituents in the rhizome oil from Central India were xanthorrhizol isomer (12.7%), methyl eugenol (10.5%), palmitic acid (5.2%) and camphor (4.2%), while the rhizomes oil from Travancore (Southern India) had germacrone (12.8%), camphor (12.3%), isoborneol (8.7%), curdione (8.4%) and 1,8‐cineole (4.8%) as major constituents. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Down regulation of 3p genes, LTF, SLC38A3 and DRR1, upon growth of human chromosome 3–mouse fibrosarcoma hybrids in severe combined immunodeficiency mice
Authors: Kholodnyuk Irina D. , Kozireva Svetlana , Kost‐Alimova Maria , Kashuba Vladimir , Klein George , Imreh Stefan
Published: January 2006

We have applied a functional test for tumour antagonizing genes based on human chromosome 3 (chr3)–mouse fibrosarcoma A9 MCHs that were studied in vitro and after growth as tumours in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Previously, we reported that 9 out of the 36 SCID‐tumours maintained the transferred chr3 (“chr3+” tumours), but lost the expression of the known human TSG fragile histidine triad gene (FHIT) in contrast to 14 other 3p‐genes examined. Here we report the results of the duplex RT‐PCR analysis of 9 “chr3+” tumours and 3 parental MCHs. We have examined the expression of 34 human 3p‐genes from known cancer‐related regions of instability, including 13 genes from CER1 defined by us previously at 3p21.33–p21.31 and 10 genes from the LUCA region at 3p21.31. We have found that in addition to FHIT, expression of the LTF gene from CER1 at 3p21.33‐p21.31 was lost in all 9 tumours analyzed. The transcript of the solute carrier family 38 member 3 gene (SLC38A3) gene from LUCA region at 3p21.31 was not found in 8 and was greatly reduced in 1 out of these 9 tumours. Expression of the down‐regulated in renal cell carcinoma gene (DRR1) gene at 3p14.2 was lost in 7 and down regulated in 2 “chr3+” tumours. In the SCID‐tumour derived cell lines treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine restored the mRNA expression of LTF, indicating the integrity of DNA sequences. Notably that transcription of the LTF and 2 flanking genes, LRRC2 and TMEM7, as well as transcription of the SLC38A3 gene, were also impaired in all 5 RCC cell lines analyzed. Our data indicate these genes as putative tumour suppressor genes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperbranched Acrylate Copolymer via Initiator‐Fragment Incorporation Radical Copolymerization of Divinylbenzene and Ethyl Acrylate: Synthesis, Characterization, Hydrolysis, Dye‐Solubilization, Ag Particle‐Stabilization, and Porous Film Formation
Authors: Sato Tsuneyuki , Nobutane Hiroki , Hirano Tomohiro , Seno Makiko
Published: January 2006

Summary: Soluble hyperbranched acrylate copolymers were prepared by the copolymerization of divinylbenzene (0.10 mol · L−1) and ethyl acrylate (0.50 mol · L−1) using dimethyl 2,2′‐azoisobutyrate of high concentrations (0.30–0.50 mol · L−1) as initiator at 70 and 80 °C in benzene. The copolymer formed at 80 °C for 1 h showed the weight‐average molecular weight of 2.5 × 105, the small radius of gyration of 10 nm, the low second virial coefficient of 5.7 × l0−7 mL · g−2 as shown by the MALLS measurements at 25 °C in tetrahydrofuran, and also the very low intrinsic viscosity of 0.10 dL · g−1 at 30 °C in benzene. The hyperbranched copolymer exhibited an upper critical solution temperature (35 °C on cooling) in an acetone‐water (60:11 v/v). The copolymer showed an ability to encapsulate and transfer Rhodamine 6G as a dye probe and could stabilize Ag nanoparticles. The porous film was prepared by simply casting an acetone solution of the hyperbranched copolymer on a cover glass. The copolymer molecules radially arranged on the surface layer of the spherical pores as observed by the polarized optical microscope. The hyperbranched acrylate copolymer was hydrolyzed by KOH to yield poly(carboxylic acid).

Optical microscope image (crossed polarizers) of a porous film from copolymer solution in acetone.

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Optical microscope image (crossed polarizers) of a porous film from copolymer solution in acetone.
New Functional Polyolefins: Towards a Bridge Between Catalytic and RAFT Polymerizations?
Authors: Godoy Lopez Ricardo , Boisson Christophe , D'Agosto Franck , Spitz Roger , Boisson Fernande , Gigmes Didier , Bertin Denis
Published: January 2006

Summary: Di‐polyethylenyl magnesium compounds, obtained by a transition metal catalyzed chain growth reaction on butyloctyl magnesium, are reacted with a range of disulfides of thiocarbonylated compounds (RC(S)SSC(S)R). Xanthate, dithiocarbamate, dithioester, and trithiocarbonate‐functionalized polyethylenes are thus obtained and characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. These macroRAFT agents may serve as building blocks for the synthesis of block copolymers based on polyolefins and polar segments.

Thio thiocarbonylate‐terminated polyethylene chains are easily prepared in high yield by a two step reaction and analyzed by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry.

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Thio thiocarbonylate‐terminated polyethylene chains are easily prepared in high yield by a two step reaction and analyzed by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry.
Spontaneous Vesicle Formation in Aqueous Solutions of Comb‐Like PEG
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Ji Jian , Shen Jiacong
Published: January 2006

Summary: A novel comb‐like poly(ethylene glycol) (CPEG), with dominant water‐soluble PEG, is found to spontaneously aggregate into vesicles above a certain concentration in water. The hollow, three‐dimensional structure of the vesicles is proven by TEM, SEM, and AFM. The diameters of the vesicles are from 200 to 500 nm with 50 nm walls. The spontaneously formed vesicles can be further cross‐linked by the reaction between divinyl sulfone (DVS) and the hydroxy groups in the side chains of the CPEG. The spontaneously formed vesicles with dense reactive hydroxy groups will have great potential in both applications and research.

SEM image of the uncross‐linked vesicles.

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SEM image of the uncross‐linked vesicles.
2‐Nitro‐1,4‐diaminobenzene‐Functionalized Poly(vinyl amine)s as Water‐Soluble UV‐Vis‐Sensitive pH Sensors
Authors: Roth Isabelle , Jbarah Abdel Aziz , Holze Rudolf , Friedrich Manfred , Spange Stefan
Published: January 2006

Summary: Nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2,6‐O‐dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐DMCD)‐complexed 4‐fluoro‐3‐nitroaniline derivatives with poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) in water results in 2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine‐functionalized water‐soluble PVAms in one step. The 2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine moiety linked to the polymer is solvatochromic and undergoes protonation and deprotonation as function of pH as shown by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The occurrence of an isosbestic point in the UV‐Vis spectrum is suitable to directly determine the pKa value using the Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation. The influence of the methyl group substitution of the polymer and the 2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine moiety on the pKa is discussed.

Structure of the 4‐N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine‐functionalized PVAm and its solution in water at varying pH.

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Structure of the 4‐N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine‐functionalized PVAm and its solution in water at varying pH.
On the solution of Maxwell's equations in polygonal domains
Authors: Nkemzi Boniface
Published: January 2006

This paper is concerned with the structure of the singular and regular parts of the solution of time‐harmonic Maxwell's equations in polygonal plane domains and their effective numerical treatment. The asymptotic behaviour of the solution near corner points of the domain is studied by means of discrete Fourier transformation and it is proved that the solution of the boundary value problem does not belong locally to H2 when the boundary of the domain has non‐acute angles. A splitting of the solution into a regular part belonging to the space H2, and an explicitly described singular part is presented. For the numerical treatment of the boundary value problem, we propose a finite element discretization which combines local mesh grading and the singular field methods and derive a priori error estimates that show optimal convergence as known for the classical finite element method for problems with regular solutions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bull testicular haploid germ cells express a messenger encoding for a truncated form of the protein tyrosine kinase HCK
Authors: Lalancette Claudia , Bordeleau Louis‐Jean , Faure Robert L. , Leclerc Pierre
Published: January 2006

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a process that has been studied worldwide during sperm capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis events. Although few capacitation‐induced phosphotyrosine‐containing proteins have been identified, little is known about the tyrosine kinases directly involved in this post‐translational modification. Different studies from our and other groups using tyrosine kinase inhibitors suggest the involvement of members of the family of src‐related tyrosine kinases in the sperm capacitation associated increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Using a molecular biology approach, we report for the first time messengers encoding for members from the src‐related tyrosine kinase family in bovine spermatogenic cells. Degenerated primers were designed within a highly homologous region specific to the family of src tyrosine kinases, and RNAs coding for c‐src, c‐yes, lyn, lck, and hck were identified in bull testis and haploid germ cells by RT‐PCR. We also report the presence of a messenger in haploid bull germ cells that could encode for a truncated isoform of the hck tyrosine kinase. This messenger was detected by screening of a haploid germ cells cDNA library using the RT‐PCR product homologous to hck as a probe. The presence of this transcript in haploid germ cell RNA preparations was validated by RT‐PCR, 3′RACE, 5′RACE as well as Northern blot. Such a truncated protein could function as an adaptor protein or as a competitive inhibitor in spermiogenesis or mature sperm functions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impedances of rigid cylindrical foundations embedded in transversely isotropic soils
Authors: Barros P. L. A.
Published: January 2006

A complete formulation and implementation for assessment of the response to dynamic loads of cylindrical rigid structures embedded in transversely isotropic elastic half‐spaces is presented. The analysis is performed in the frequency domain and the steady‐state structure response is obtained. The method is based on a non‐singular version of the indirect boundary element method which uses influence functions, instead of Green's functions, as fundamental solutions. These influence functions are the response of an elastic half‐space to distributed, internally applied loads. The proposed method imposes full bonding contact between the foundation and the surrounding soil. Numerical results for displacement (vertical and horizontal) and rotation (twisting and rocking) impedances, showing the influence of the soil anisotropy, are presented. Results for the soil–structure interface tractions and for the displacement field throughout the half‐space are also shown. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterisation of tractable regioregular head‐to‐tail poly(3‐alkylthiophene)s with ferrocene substituents
Authors: Iraqi Ahmed , Pickup David F
Published: January 2006

The preparation of a new ferrocene functionalised regioregular head‐to‐tail poly(3‐alkylthiophene) is presented. The polymer was obtained by post‐modification of a regioregular head‐to‐tail poly[3‐(6‐bromohexyl)thiophene] polymer and full functionalisation was achieved. The polymer is fully soluble in common organic solvents and was fully characterised by NMR, UV‐visible, photoluminescence spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Cyclic voltammetry studies were also conducted on the polymer and revealed highly stable films under repeated cycling conditions up to 0.65 V (versus Ag/Ag+), with no attenuation of the electroactivity of films after several cycles. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Database of two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins labeled with CyDye DIGE Fluor saturation dye
Authors: Fujii Kazuyasu , Kondo Tadashi , Yokoo Hideki , Okano Tetsuya , Yamada Masayo , Yamada Tesshi , Iwatsuki Keiji , Hirohashi Setsuo
Published: January 2006

CyDye DIGE Fluor saturation dye (saturation dye, GE Healthcare Amersham Biosciences) enables highly sensitive 2‐D PAGE. As the dye reacts with all reduced cysteine thiols, 2‐D PAGE can be performed with a lower amount of protein, compared with CyDye DIGE Fluor minimal dye (GE Healthcare Amersham Biosciences), the sensitivity of which is equivalent to that of silver staining. We constructed a 2‐D map of the saturation dye‐labeled proteins of a liver cancer cell line (HepG2) and identified by MS 92 proteins corresponding to 123 protein spots. Functional classification revealed that the identified proteins had chaperone, protein binding, nucleotide binding, metal ion binding, isomerase activity, and motor activity. The functional distribution and the cysteine contents of the proteins were similar to those in the most comprehensive 2‐D database of hepatoma cells (Seow et al.., Electrophoresis 2000, 21, 1787–1813), where silver staining was used for protein visualization. Hierarchical clustering on the basis of the quantitative expression profiles of the 123 characterized spots labeled with two charge‐ and mass‐matched saturation dyes (Cy3 and Cy5) discriminated between nine hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and primary cultured hepatocytes from five individuals, suggesting the utility of saturation dye and our database for proteomic studies of liver cancer.
Two distinct heme distal site states define Cerebratulus lacteus mini‐hemoglobin oxygen affinity
Authors: Martí Marcelo A. , Bikiel Damían E. , Crespo Alejandro , Nardini Marco , Bolognesi Martino , Estrin Dario A.
Published: January 2006

The nerve tissue hemoglobin of Cerebratulus lacteus (CerHb) is the smallest naturally occurring known hemoglobin. Stabilization of the diatomic bound species (e.g., O2) is achieved through a network of hydrogen bonds based on three key residues TyrB10, GlnE7, and ThrE11. The first two residues are typically associated in hemoglobins with enhanced O2 affinity, related to hydrogen bond stabilization of the heme‐bound O2 resulting in a decrease of the ligand dissociation rates. In contrast to the above observations, the affinity of CerHb for O2 is only moderate, and the rate of O2 dissociation is unexpectedly high. To gain insight on the diverse molecular mechanisms controlling ligand affinities, we have analyzed w.t. CerHb and its ThrE11→Val mutant by means of joint molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics simulation techniques, complementing recent site‐directed mutagenesis experiments. Our results suggest that the observed O2 dissociation rates can only be explained through a dynamic equilibrium between high and low affinity states of the w.t. CerHb heme distal site. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of tetrazole analogs of γ‐ and δ‐amino acids
Authors: Moutevelis‐Minakakis Panagiota , Filippakou Maria , Sinanoglou Charalambos , Kokotos George
Published: January 2006

N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐protected α‐ or β‐amino alcohols, easily prepared from α‐ and β‐amino acids, were converted into aldehydes and directly reacted with (triphenyl phosphoranylidene) acetonitrile, leading to unsaturated nitriles. Treatment of nitriles with NaN3 and ZnBr2 produced unsaturated γ‐ and δ‐amino tetrazoles, which were deprotected and converted to the corresponding saturated compounds by catalytic hydrogenation. For the case of δ‐amino tetrazole, the methylation of the acidic moiety occurred after treatment with CH2N2, leading to the N1‐ and N2‐methylated constitutional isomers, which were separated by column chromatography and hydrogenated. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of novel bicyclic analogues derived from a potent oxytocin antagonist
Authors: Flouret George , Chaloin Olivier , Borovickova Lenka , Slaninová Jirina
Published: January 2006

Eleven new analogues were synthesized by modification of the potent oxytocin antagonist (OTA) [(S)Pmp1, D‐Trp2, Pen6, Arg8]‐Oxytocin, or PA (parent antagonist), in which (S)Pmp = β,β‐(3‐thiapentamethylene)‐β‐mercapto‐propionic acid. By internal acylation of Lys, Orn, L‐1,4‐diaminobutyric acid (Dab), L‐1,3‐diaminopropionic acid (Dap) at position 4 with the C‐terminal Gly of the peptide tail, we prepared cyclo‐(4–9)‐[Lys4, Gly9]‐PA (pA2 = 8.77 ± 0.27), 1, and cyclo‐(4–9)‐[Orn4, Gly9]‐PA (pA2 = 8.81 ± 0.25), 3, which are equipotent with PA (pA2 = 8.68 ± 0.18) in the rat uterotonic assay and cyclo‐(4–9)‐[Dab4, Gly9]‐PA, 4, cyclo‐(4–9)‐[Dap4, Gly9]‐PA, 5, and cyclo‐(4–9)‐[Pmp1, Lys4, Gly9]‐PA, 2, which were weaker OTAs. Neither 1 nor 3 had activity as agonists or antagonists in the antidiuretic assay. In the pressor assay, both analogues 1 and 3, with pA2 = 7.05 ± 0.10 and pA2 = 6.77 ± 0.12, respectively, are somewhat weaker antagonists than PA (pA2 = 7.47 ± 0.35) showing significant gain in specificity. The [desamido9] PA‐ethylenediamine monoamide, 6, and the dimer ([desamido9]‐PA)2 ethylenediamine diamide, 7, had lower potency in the uterotonic assay than PA. Additionally, we synthesized cyclo‐(1–5)‐[(HN)Pmp1, Asp5]‐PA, 8, inactive in all tests, which suggests that the intact Asn5 side chain may be critical in the interaction of the OTAs with the oxytocin (OT) receptor. Similarly, cyclo‐(5–9)‐[Dap5, Gly9]‐PA, 9, had very low uterotonic potency. Two derivatives of PA truncated from the C‐terminus were internally cyclized to Lys4, giving rise to cyclo‐(4–8)‐desGly‐$\hbox{NH}_{2}^{9}$[Lys4, Arg8]‐PA, 10 (pA2 = 8.35 ± 0.20), which maintains the high potency of PA and has no activity in the rat antidiuretic assay, and in the rat pressor assay it is about ten times weaker (pA2 = 6.41 ± 0.15) than PA (pA2 = 7.47 ± 0.35), thus showing gains in specificity, and to cyclo‐(4–7)‐desArg‐Gly‐$\hbox{NH}_{2}^{8-9}$[Lys4, Pro7)‐PA, 11, which has much weaker potency than PA. Synthesis of cyclo‐(4–6)‐desPro‐Arg‐Gly‐$\hbox{NH}_{2}^{7-9}$[Lys4]‐PA failed. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining a polar resin and a pseudo‐proline to optimize the solid‐phase synthesis of a ‘difficult sequence’
Authors: Cremer Gaëlle‐Anne , Tariq Hanane , Delmas Agnes F.
Published: January 2006

This paper describes the optimization of a synthesis of a difficult sequence related to a 12‐mer sequence of a Pan DR epitope (PADRE). Elongation was followed by on‐line monitoring of the Nα‐Fmoc removal adapted for the batch methodology. Studying the intrinsic factors related to the peptide‐resin, such as substitution level, resin nature and backbone protecting group, has led to an increase in the elongation yield and purity of the crude peptide. Optimal elongation was obtained by combining a polar resin such as PEGA and a pseudo‐proline as the backbone protecting group. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The one‐electron oxidation of [HCCOCC]− to form neutral HCCOCC, and the subsequent rearrangement of HCCOCC to form HCCCCO. An experimental and computational study
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark , Bowie John H.
Published: January 2006

The singlet anion [HCCOCC]− may be made in the source of a VG ZAB 2HF mass spectrometer by the reaction between F− (from SF6) and HCCOCCTMS. Vertical (Franck‐Condon) one‐electron oxidation of [HCCOCC]− in the first collision cell produces doublet neutral HCCOCC. A combination of experiment and molecular modelling [at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ//B3LYP/6–31 + G(d) level of theory] provides data which are consistent with some HCCOCC neutrals being stable for the duration of the neutralisation reionisation experiment, while others rearrange to form the decomposing doublet neutral HCCCCO. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of [Pd(PPh3)2(OCOR)]+ by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Qian Rong , Guo Hao , Liao Yuanxi , Wang Haoyang , Zhang Xiang , Guo Yinlong
Published: January 2006

Gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of [Pd(PPh3)2(OCOR)]+ (R = H, CH3, CD3, C2H5, n‐C3H7, n‐C6H13 and C6H5) were studied by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FTICRMS). In sustained off‐resonance irradiation collision‐activated dissociation (SORI‐CAD) experiments, the complexes all dissociated to yield the same product ion at m/z 629.1. We propose that the fragmentation pathway occurs through the elimination of RCOOH and a palladium(IV) hydride intermediate. Semi‐empirical (PM3) calculations shed light on the mechanism for the fragmentation reactions of these compounds. The results of deuterium‐labeling experiments indicate that the protons of RCOOH lost from [Pd(PPh3)2(OCR)]+ originate from the phenyl in the triphenylphosphine ligand. [Pd(PPh3)2(OCOH)]+ undergoes two competitive pathways in SORI‐CAD experiments, one of which is similar to that of [Pd(PPh3)2(OCOR)]+ (R = CH3, CD3, C2H5, n‐C3H7, n‐C6H13 and C6H5), and the other involves decarboxylation. The present study demonstrates that MS could play an important role in studying the gas‐phase chemistry of palladium hydrides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel design of a 3-PRC translational compliant parallel micromanipulator for nanomanipulation
Authors: Xu Qingsong , Li Yangmin
Published: January 2006

A novel 3-DOF prismatic-revolute-cylindrical (PRC) translational compliant parallel micromanipulator (CPM) has been designed for 3-D nanomanipulation in this paper. The system is configured by a proper selection of hardware and analyzed via the established pseudo-rigid-body (PRB) model. The CPM workspace is determined taking into account the physical constraints imposed by piezoelectric actuators and flexure hinges.
Programming multi-agent systems
Authors: DASTANI MEHDI , GOMEZ-SANZ JORGE J.
Published: January 2006

PROMAS (Programming Multi-Agent Systems) is an AgentLink technical forum that aims to bring together the researchers and practitioners from both academia and industry to discuss the problems related to the development of multi-agent systems and to evaluate the existing proposals and results. The specific focus of this technical forum is on agent-oriented programming languages and tools that can effectively and efficiently support the implementation of multi-agent systems. This paper provides an overview of the main contributions and conclusions derived from the first two editions of PROMAS technical forum.
Self-organization in multi-agent systems
Authors: DI MARZO SERUGENDO GIOVANNA , GLEIZES MARIE-PIERRE , KARAGEORGOS ANTHONY
Published: January 2006

This paper is the synthesis of joint work realised in a technical forum group within the AgentLink III NoE framework, which elaborated on issues concerning self-organization and emergence in multi-agent systems (MAS). The work concluded on a common definition of the concepts of self-organization and emergence in MAS and the associated properties and characteristics. Also it developed towards an approach for selecting self-organization mechanisms using a number of selected reference case studies and a set of evaluation criteria.
Leitlinien zur Diagnostik in der Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Authors: Freyberger Harald J. , Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung: Die von internationalen und nationalen psychiatrischen Fachgesellschaften publizierten Leitlinien beziehen sich in erster Linie auf umschriebene spezifische psychische Störungen und in zweiter Linie auf Behandlungsstrategien. Diagnostische Leitlinien sind bisher lediglich als Teil dieser störungsbezogenen Veröffentlichungen vorgelegt worden. Trotzdem enthalten die operationalisierten Klassifikationssysteme Prinzipien, die sich im Sinne von Leitlinien verstehen lassen, wie das Komorbiditätsprinzip und der multiaxiale diagnostische Ansatz. Darüber hinaus müssen umfassende diagnostische Ansätze eine dimensionale Sichtweise zur Beschreibung von Verlaufsprozessen und Veränderung beinhalten. Einige Ansätze zur Qualitätssicherung werden vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Praxisleitlinien in Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Authors: Menke Ralph , Wobrock Thomas , Weinmann Stefan , Janssen Birgit , Falkai Peter , Gaebel Wolfgang
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung: Eine stärkere Orientierung der ärztlichen diagnostisch-therapeutischen Entscheidungsfindung an vorliegenden Leitlinien kann grundsätzlich einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Erschließung von Optimierungspotenzialen in Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie leisten. Studien verweisen jedoch auf vielfach noch unzureichende Leitlinienkonformität und auf Varianzen in der Behandlungsqualität. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden zunächst Konzept und Methodik der Leitlinienentwicklung durch eine Fachgesellschaft am Beispiel der DGPPN vorgestellt. Anhand einer Reihe von Projekten aus den Kompetenznetzen Depression und Schizophrenie werden zudem aktuelle Befunde zu erfolgreichen Strategien der Dissemination und Implementation von Leitlinien diskutiert. Vorliegende erste positive Evaluationsergebnisse aus diesen Projekten verdeutlichen das Potenzial hinsichtlich Prozessqualität und Outcome der Behandlung, das von einer Verbesserung der Leitlinienkonformität auch unter Alltagsbedingungen zu erwarten ist.
Leitlinien in der Psychotherapie
Authors: Petermann Franz , Winkel Sandra
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung: In diesem Artikel werden Argumente für und gegen ein leitlinienorientiertes Vorgehen in der Psychotherapie diskutiert. Es wird erläutert, was unter klinischen Leitlinien zu verstehen ist, welche Funktionen sie in der Psychotherapie erfüllen sollen und wie sie entwickelt werden. Die mit den Leitlinien verbundenen Vorteile und Chancen für Therapeuten und Patienten werden dargestellt. Es lassen sich jedoch auch Probleme und Kritikpunkte aufzeigen, die mit einem leitlinienorientierten Vorgehen in der Psychotherapie verbunden sind. Schwierigkeiten bei der Leitlinienentwicklung, Fragen der rechtlichen Verbindlichkeit von Leitlinien und Hindernisse bei ihrer Verbreitung und Aktualisierung können zukünftig durch eine verbesserte Zusammenarbeit zwischen Forschung und Praxis bewältigt werden. Andere Kritikpunkte wie die Frage nach der Gewichtung von Erfahrung und Evidenz sind grundsätzlicherer Natur und zeigen die Grenzen des Leitlinienkonzepts auf.
Pharmacological characterization of endothelin receptors‐mediated contraction in the mouse isolated proximal and distal colon
Authors: Khan Humaira , Naylor Robert J , Tuladhar Bishwa R
Published: January 2006

The study investigated the role of endothelin (ET) and the ET receptor subtypes ETA and ETB in mediating longitudinal contraction in the mouse proximal and distal colon.

Cumulative concentration–response curves to a range of ET agonists (ET‐1, ET‐2, ET‐3, (Ala1,3,11,13) ET and IRL 1620) were established by administering concentrations ranging from 0.01 nM to 0.3 μM. Concentration–response curves to ET‐1, which exhibits a high affinity for both ETA and ETB receptor subtypes, were also established in the presence of the ETA antagonist BMS 182874 and the ETB antagonist IRL1038.

The addition of the selective ETA receptor antagonist BMS 182874 caused a rightward shift of the concentration–response curve to ET‐1 in both sections of the colon. The ETB receptor antagonist IRL1038 (0.3–1 μM) did not significantly effect the response to ET‐1 in the proximal colon but caused a significant decrease in response towards higher concentrations ranges (3 nM) in the distal colon.

A comparison of the concentration–response curves to ET‐1, ET‐2 and ET‐3 showed a rank order of potency ET‐1ET‐2≫ET‐3 in the proximal colon and ET‐1ET‐2ET‐3 in the distal colon. The selective ETB receptor agonists, (Ala1,3,11,13) ET and IRL 1620 did not produce any response in the proximal sections of the colon but produced a smaller contraction in the distal segments.

The data indicate that ET can contract the proximal tissues of the mouse colon predominantly via ETA receptors and in the distal tissues via ETA and ETB receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 607–611. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706657
A small molecule, orally active, α4β1/α4β7 dual antagonist reduces leukocyte infiltration and airway hyper‐responsiveness in an experimental model of allergic asthma in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Cortijo Julio , Sanz María‐Jesús , Iranzo Arantxa , Montesinos José Luis , Nabah Yafa Naim Abu , Alfón José , Gómez Luis A , Merlos Manuel , Morcillo Esteban J
Published: January 2006

α4β1 and α4β7 integrins are preferentially expressed on eosinophils and mononuclear leukocytes and play critical roles in their recruitment to inflammatory sites. We investigated the effects of TR14035, a small molecule, α4β1/α4β7 dual antagonist, in a rat model of allergic asthma.

Actively sensitized rats were challenged with aerosol antigen or saline on day 21, and the responses evaluated 24 and 48‐h later. TR14035 (3 mg kg−1, p.o.) was given 1‐h before and 4‐h after antigen or saline challenge.

Airway hyper‐responsiveness to intravenous 5‐hydroxytryptamine was suppressed in TR14035‐treated rats. Eosinophil, mononuclear cell and neutrophil counts, and eosinophil peroxidase and protein content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were decreased in TR14035‐treated rats. Histological study showed a marked reduction of lung inflammatory lesions by TR14035.

At 24‐h postchallenge, antigen‐induced lung interleukin (IL)‐5 mRNA upregulation was suppressed in TR14035‐treated rats. By contrast, IL‐4 levels in BALF were not significantly affected by TR14035 treatment.

IL‐4 selectively upregulates vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), which is the main endothelial ligand of α4 integrins. Intravital microscopy within the rat mesenteric microcirculation showed that 24‐h exposure to 1 μg per rat of IL‐4 induced a significant increase in leukocyte rolling flux, adhesion and emigration. These responses were decreased by 48, 100 and 99%, respectively in animals treated with TR14035.

In conclusion, TR14035, by acting on α4β1 and α4β7 integrins, is an orally active inhibitor of airway leukocyte recruitment and hyper‐responsiveness in animal models with potential interest for the treatment of asthma.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 661–670. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706658
Mechanism of adenosine‐induced airways obstruction in allergic guinea pigs
Authors: Keir Sandra , Boswell‐Smith Victoria , Spina Domenico , Page Clive
Published: January 2006

Inhaled adenosine induces airway obstruction in asthmatic but not healthy subjects, a phenomenon that is also observed in various animal species when they are immunised to a relevant antigen, but which does not occur in naïve animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of airway responsiveness to adenosine receptor agonists in anaesthetised allergic guinea pigs.

Inhaled adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP), the A1‐selective adenosine receptor agonist N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and ovalbumin all caused airway obstruction in allergic guinea pigs, but not naïve animals, as assessed by changes in total lung resistance. In contrast, the A2a‐selective (CGS 21680; 2‐p‐(2‐carboxyethyl)phenethylamino‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxoamido adenosine) and A3‐selective (IB‐MECA; 1‐deoxy‐1‐[6‐[[3‐iodophenyl)‐methyl]amino]‐9H‐purin‐9‐yl]‐N‐methyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranuronamide) adenosine receptor agonists failed to elicit airway obstruction in passively sensitised guinea pigs.

Airway obstruction induced by AMP or CPA was not inhibited by the H1 receptor antagonist, mepyramine (1 mg kg−1) in passively sensitised guinea‐pigs. In contrast, airway obstruction to ovalbumin was significantly inhibited by this antagonist.

Airway obstruction induced by AMP and CPA was significantly inhibited in sensitised animals chronically treated with capsaicin. In contrast, airway obstruction to ovalbumin was not inhibited by this treatment.

Airway obstruction induced by AMP, CPA and ovalbumin was significantly inhibited following bilateral vagotomy or pharmacological treatment with atropine (2 mg kg−1).

Airway obstruction to CPA was inhibited by the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX: 0.1–1 mg kg−1). In contrast, airway obstruction to ovalbumin was not inhibited by this treatment.

These observations provide evidence indicating that AMP and CPA may induce airway obstruction in sensitised guinea pigs by a mechanism unrelated to histamine release from mast cells, but is mediated via an adenosine A1‐receptor‐dependent mechanism. The inhibition of AMP‐ and CPA‐induced airway obstruction by atropine, capsaicin and bilateral vagotomy suggests a neuronal‐dependent mechanism with the particular involvement of capsaicin‐sensitive nerves.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 720–728. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706663