bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser ablation combined with mitoxantrone and piroxicam treatment in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Upton Melinda L. , Tangner C. H. , Payton Mark E.
Published: February 2006

Case Description—8 dogs that underwent carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation of transitional cell carcinoma in the bladder trigone and proximal portion of the urethra and were also treated with mitotranxone and piroxicam.

Clinical Findings—Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder frequently involves the trigone and urethra and can be difficult to manage surgically. Dogs underwent laser ablation of the primary tumor and were treated with mitoxantrone at a dosage of 5 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 4 treatments. Piroxicam was given at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg (0.14 mg/lb) once daily for the remaining life of the dog.

Treatment and Outcome—Median and mean disease-free intervals were 200 and 280 days, respectively. Median and mean survival times were 299 and 411 days, respectively. Adverse treatment effects were observed in 2 dogs; signs included mild, self-limiting inappetance and lethargy. The procedure appeared to be well tolerated; all treated dogs had rapid resolution of clinical signs of disease of the lower portion of the urinary tract.

Clinical Relevance—Although survival times achieved with CO2 laser ablation and treatment with mitoxantrone and piroxicam were similar to survival times associated with chemotherapy alone, resolution of clinical signs was better with the combined treatment.
Cytauxzoon felis infection in cats in the mid-Atlantic states: 34 cases (1998–2004)
Authors: Birkenheuer Adam J. , Le Jaime A. , Valenzisi Amy M. , Tucker Melissa D. , Levy Michael G. , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of feline cytauxzoonosis in the midAtlantic states and compare the Cytauxzoon felis 18S rRNA gene sequences from affected cats with sequences reported from affected cats in other regions.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—34 cats with C felis infection.

Procedure—Medical records of cats in which C felis infection was diagnosed from May 1998 through June 2004 were reviewed; data collected included signalment, month of diagnosis, geographic location, clinicopathologic abnormalities, medical treatments, outcome, and necropsy findings when applicable. Cytauxzoon felis DNA was amplified, cloned, and sequenced from 4 of these cats and compared with previously reported C felis DNA sequences.

Results—Of 34 C felis–infected cats, 28 resided in North Carolina, 3 resided in South Carolina, and 3 resided in Virginia; in 32 cats, a diagnosis of C felis infection was made in April through September. Pancytopenia and icterus were the most common clinicopathologic abnormalities. Thirty-two cats either died or were euthanatized, and 2 cats survived. At 5 veterinary hospitals, multiple cases were identified, and 4 multicat households had > 1 cat infected with C felis. The 18S rRNA gene sequences characterized in organisms obtained from 4 cats were nearly identical to C felis DNA sequences reported from other US regions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data indicate that veterinarians in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States should consider C felis infection in cats that become ill with fever, icterus, and pancytopenia or bicytopenia, especially in the spring and summer months.
Risk factors associated with renal insufficiency in horses with primary gastrointestinal disease: 26 cases (2000–2003)
Authors: Groover Erin S. , Woolums Amelia R. , Cole Dana J. , LeRoy Bruce E.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To identify factors associated with renal insufficiency in colic- or colitis-affected horses with high serum creatinine (SCr) concentrations evaluated at a referral hospital.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—167 colic- or colitis-affected horses (88 represented a random sample [hospital population], and 79 had high SCr concentration at initial evaluation [study population]).

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed. Data collected included signalment; physical examination, clinicopathologic, and diagnostic findings; and outcome. The study population was categorized on the basis of whether SCr concentration did (AR group; n = 53) or did not (PA group; 26) normalize within 72 hours of fluid therapy. Characteristics of the study and hospital populations were compared.

Results—Males and Quarter Horses were significantly overrepresented in the study population. Compared with the hospital population, study-population horses were significantly more likely to have colitis, gastric reflux, and diarrhea at initial evaluation. Initial mean SCr concentration in the PA group was significantly higher than the AR group; identification of gastric reflux, abnormal rectal examination findings, and hypochloremia were significantly associated with persistent azotemia after 72 hours of fluid therapy. Compared with the AR group, PA group horses were 3 times as likely to die or be euthanized.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In colic- or colitis-affected horses, factors associated with renal insufficiency included gastric reflux, abnormal rectal examination findings, or hypochloremia initially; prognosis for horses in which azotemia resolves within 72 hours of treatment appears to be better than for horses with persistent azotemia.
The reactive–proactive aggression questionnaire: differential correlates of reactive and proactive aggression in adolescent boys
Authors: Raine Adrian , Dodge Kenneth , Loeber Rolf , Gatzke‐Kopp Lisa , Lynam Don , Reynolds Chandra , Stouthamer‐Loeber Magda , Liu Jianghong
Published: February 2006

This study reports the development of the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and the differential correlates of these two forms of aggression. Antisocial, psychosocial and personality measures were obtained at ages 7 and 16 years in schoolboys, while the RPQ was administered to 334 of the boys at age 16 years. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a significant fit for a two‐factor proactive–reactive model that replicated from one independent subsample to another. Proactive aggression was uniquely characterized at age 7 by initiation of fights, strong‐arm tactics, delinquency, poor school motivation, poor peer relationships, single‐parent status, psychosocial adversity, substance‐abusing parents, and hyperactivity, and at age 16 by a psychopathic personality, blunted affect, delinquency, and serious violent offending. Reactive aggression was uniquely characterized at age 16 by impulsivity, hostility, social anxiety, lack of close friends, unusual perceptual experiences, and ideas of reference. Findings confirm and extend the differential correlates of proactive–reactive aggression, and demonstrate that this brief but reliable and valid self‐report instrument can be used to assess proactive and reactive aggression in child and adolescent samples. Aggr. Behav. 32:159–171, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behaviours indicative of bullying among young and juvenile male offenders: a study of perpetrator and victim characteristics
Authors: Ireland Jane L. , Monaghan Rachel
Published: February 2006

The actual characteristics of young offenders involved in behaviours indicative of “bullying others” or of “being bullied” have received only limited research attention. No research to date has focused on prison‐based behavioural characteristics. The present study aimed to explore these characteristics in a sample of young and juvenile male offenders. Subsidiary aims included examining the nature and extent of behaviours indicative of bullying, and the extent to which a developmental model of aggression can be applied to a prison sample. One hundred and thirty‐three offenders (102 young and 31 juvenile) completed a behavioural measure of behaviours indicative of bullying (Direct and Indirect Prisoner Behaviour Checklist). Juvenile offenders were more likely to report “being bullied” physically than young offenders and were less likely to report “bullying others” overall, directly and psychologically/verbally. Young offenders were more likely to be classified as “bully/victims” than juveniles. Prison‐based behavioural characteristics were more predictive of membership to the perpetrator and/or victim groups than personal descriptive characteristics such as age, sentence length, offence type, ethnic origin and total amount of time spent in prison. Bully/victims were predicted by increased negative and drug‐related behaviour and pure victims by decreased positive behaviour. There were no significant predictors for pure bullies. Bully/victims were found to react more aggressively to their victimization than pure victims. The present findings suggest that there are reliable predictors of involvement as a perpetrator and/or victim among young and juvenile samples. The findings are compared to previous research and discussed with regard to the environment in which bullying behaviour is being assessed. Aggr. Behav. 32:172–180, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A generic controller for part surface temperature on a plastic injection molding machine
Authors: Dubay R. , Pramujati B. , Hernandez M.
Published: February 2006

A new approach for controlling part cooling in plastic injection molding is developed using a PI controller and coolant flow rate as the manipulated variable. The method uses an average part surface temperature within the mold as the setpoint parameter. A mechatronic control system was developed for providing variable coolant flow rates. The control strategy was simulated using plant models, implemented and tested on a 50‐tonne plastic injection‐molding machine with good closed loop responses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25: 1–12, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20053
Effect of vibration on agglomerate particulate fluidization
Authors: Valverde Jose Manuel , Castellanos Antonio
Published: February 2006

Agglomerate particulate fluidization (APF), consisting of uniform bubbleless fluidization of agglomerated fine particles, has been observed in some fluidized beds of fine and ultrafine powders. Experiments performed in centrifugal fluidized beds (CFB) and vibrofluidized beds (VFB) show that the quality of fluidization is improved by increased effective acceleration. The Richardson‐Zaki modified equation is used, and a proposed criterion for agglomerate size is presented in order to predict the effect of the increase of gravitational acceleration on the APF bed. Following, model predictions are compared with experimental data on VFB of xerographic toners (particle size ≈ 10μ m) displaying APF in a wide interval of gas velocities. It is seen that the agglomerate size and agglomerate volume fraction ϕ* decrease as the effective acceleration is increased. The agreement with the model predictions is good, but at some critical acceleration visible bubbling is stimulated. At bubbling stimulation ϕ* is close to the value of ϕ* at the onset of bubbling in the absence of external vibrations when the gas velocity is increased up to the minimum bubbling velocity. This result indicates that the agglomerate size cannot be decreased indefinitely since at some critical point the concentration and size of local voids can be higher enough to yield the irreversible coalescence of voids into large bubbles. Particle agglomeration is, therefore, essential at some extent to the uniform fluidized state observed for fine particles. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Equilibrium model for ion exchange between multivalent cations and zeolite‐A in a molten salt
Authors: Phongikaroon Supathorn , Simpson Michael F.
Published: February 2006

A two‐site equilibrium model that previously only accommodated monovalent cations has been extended to include divalent and trivalent cations for ion exchange between zeolite‐A and molten chloride salts, a process being considered for concentrating nuclear fission products into high level waste forms. Equilibrium constants were determined by fitting the model to equilibrium data sets for ion exchange between zeolite‐A and Cs ternary salt (CsCl‐LiCl‐KCl), Rb ternary salt (RbCl‐LiCl‐KCl), Na ternary salt (NaCl‐LiCl‐KCl), Sr ternary salt (SrCl2‐LiCl‐KCl), and U ternary salt (UCl3‐LiCl‐KCl). The results reveal a good fit between the experimental data sets and the model. The two ion exchange sites, framework sites and occluded sites, demonstrate different relative selectivities for the cations. It was found that Sr2+ is the preferred cation in the ion exchange site, and Cs+ is the preferred cation in the occlusion site. Meanwhile, Li+ has the highest combined selectivity when both ion exchange and occlusion sites are considered. Interestingly, divalent and trivalent species are more preferred in the ion exchange site than the monovalent species with the exception of Li+. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Temporal mixing
Authors: Smith Oliver J. , Graham David R. , Palamara John E.
Published: February 2006

A new method is presented for attenuating time dependent composition or temperature variations in fluid streams. We refer to this new method as temporal mixing, or mixing in time. Temporal mixing involves passing fluid streams through a vessel or configuration of vessels that exhibits a certain residence time distribution (RTD). While conventional configurations, such as a buffer tank or stirred tank, provide some attenuation, new temporal mixing configurations are described that exhibit a higher degree of attenuation. A number of simple flow configurations exhibiting limited temporal mixing are analyzed, and a theoretical configuration exhibiting ideal temporal mixing is proposed. The ideal temporal mixing configuration is characterized by a perfectly flat RTD, which totally eliminates all periodic variations at the outlet of the configuration. Although this ideal case cannot be realized in practice, a vessel that closely approximates a flat RTD is described. Simulations based on real plant data are used to show that this vessel significantly improves the attenuation achieved over that attained with conventional methods. A number of temporal mixing vessels have been installed that demonstrate improved operation and a significant reduction in operating costs for world‐class hydrogen facilities. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Rational Design of DNA Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Feldkamp Udo , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: February 2006

DNA has many physical and chemical properties that make it a powerful material for molecular constructions at the nanometer length scale. In particular, its ability to form duplexes and other secondary structures through predictable nucleotide‐sequence‐directed hybridization allows for the design of programmable structural motifs which can self‐assemble to form large supramolecular arrays, scaffolds, and even mechanical and logical nanodevices. Despite the large variety of structural motifs used as building blocks in the programmed assembly of supramolecular DNA nanoarchitectures, the various modules share underlying principles in terms of the design of their hierarchical configuration and the implemented nucleotide sequences. This Review is intended to provide an overview of this fascinating and rapidly growing field of research from the structural design point of view.
Preparation and properties of polypropylene filled with organo‐montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Wenyi Wang , Xiaofei Zeng , Guoquan Wang , Jianfeng Chen
Published: February 2006

Organo‐Montmorillonite (Org‐MMT)/maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH)/polypropylene nanocomposites have been prepared by melt blending with twin‐screw extruder. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and the dispersion of Org‐MMT intercalated by the macromolecular chain were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and mechanical tests. The crystal properties of the nanocomposites have been tested by a differential scanning calorimeter. The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by thermo gravimetric analysis. The results show that not only the impact property but also the tensile property and the bending modulus of the system have been increased evidently by the added Org‐MMT. The Org‐MMT has been dispersed in the matrix in the nanometer scale. With the addition of the Org‐MMT, the melting point and the crystalling point of the nanocomposites increased; the total velocity of crystallization of the nanocomposites also increased. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites is increased by the filled Org‐MMT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2875–2880, 2006
Conformational features of truncated hepatitis C virus core protein in virus‐like particles
Authors: Rodriguez‐Casado A. , Molina Marina , Carmona Pedro
Published: February 2006

HCVc 120 is a truncated protein from the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein that interacts with itself to form nucleocapsid‐like particles. We present here the infrared and Raman spectra of oligomeric HCVc 120 protein in order to obtain insights into its secondary structure as well as the environment surrounding some protein side chains. When compared with its monomer form, oligomeric HCVc 120 protein shows an increase in β‐sheet structure. Tryptophan residues have been found to be solvent exposed in the oligomeric form, and they likely do not significantly participate in the protein assembly. However, the β‐sheet content in oligomeric HCVc 120 protein suggests that this structural motif cannot be excluded in nucleocapsid formation, as shown recently in other viruses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 334–338, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Effects of rare earth ions on the conformational stability of anticoagulation factor II from Agkistrodon acutus venom probed by fluorescent spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Long , Chen Jie‐Xia , Zhang Li‐Yun , Liu Xiang‐Hu , Liu Wen‐Qi , Liu Qing‐Liang
Published: February 2006

Anticoagulation factor II (ACF II) isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is an activated coagulation factor X‐binding protein in a Ca2+‐dependent fashion with marked anticoagulant activity. The equilibrium unfolding of rare earth ions (RE3+)‐reconstituted ACF II in guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) solution was studied by fluorescence. The GdnHCl‐induced unfolding of RE3+ (Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+)‐reconstituted ACF II follows a three‐state transition with a stable intermediate state. Substitutions of the RE3+ ions for Ca2+ in ACF II decrease the conformational stability of its native state but markedly increase the conformational stability of its intermediate state. The free energy change of RE3+–ACF II from the intermediate state to denatured state linearly increases with the increase of ionic potentials of bound metal ions (Ca2+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, and Gd3+). The refolding of ACF II from the unfolded state to the intermediate state can be induced merely by adding 10 μM RE3+ ions without changing the concentration of the denaturant. The kinetic results of the RE3+‐induced refolding provide evidence indicating that the intermediate state of RE3+–ACF II consists of at least two refolding phases and that the refolding rate constant values of the faster phase decrease with the increase of the difference between the radii of Ca2+ and RE3+, but the refolding rate constant values of the slower phase are similar to each other. The results of this study indicate that the size of metal ion is the major factor responsible for the metal ion‐induced conformational stabilization of the native ACF II, while the metal ionic potential plays a predominant role in stabilizing the conformation for the intermediate state. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 167–175, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study on the Ca2+‐bound coordination structures of synthetic peptide analogues of the calcium‐binding site III of troponin C
Authors: Nara Masayuki , Morii Hisayuki , Yumoto Fumiaki , Kagi Hiroyuki , Tanokura Masaru
Published: February 2006

The coordination structures of Ca2+ ion bound to synthetic peptide analogues of the calcium‐binding site III of rabbit skeletal muscle troponin C (TnC) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The region of the COO− antisymmetric stretching vibration provides information about the coordination modes of a COO− group to a metal ion. The 34‐residue peptide corresponding to the EF hand motif (helix–loop–helix) showed a band at 1552 cm−1 in the Ca2+‐loaded state, indicating that the side‐chain COO− group of Glu at the 12th position serves as a ligand for Ca2+ in the bidentate coordination mode. On the other hand, the 13‐residue peptide (Ac‐DRDADGYIDAEEL‐NH2) containing the Ca2+‐binding site III (DRDADGYIDAEE) did not show such spectral patterns in the Ca2+‐loaded state, meaning that shorter synthetic peptide corresponding to the site III has less or no affinity for Ca2+. It was found that the 17‐residue peptide (Ac‐DRDADGYIDAEELAEIF‐NH2) is the minimum peptide necessary for the interaction of side‐chain COO−of Glu at the 12th position with Ca2+ in the bidentate coordination mode. We discuss the relationship between the amino acid length of synthetic peptide analogues and the formation of Ca2+‐bound coordination structure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 339–343, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Affinity‐tagged green fluorescent protein (GFP) extraction from a clarified E. coli cell lysate using a two‐phase aqueous micellar system
Authors: Mazzola Priscila G. , Lam Henry , Kavoosi Mojgan , Haynes Charles A. , Pessoa Adalberto , Penna Thereza Christina Vessoni , Wang Daniel I.C. , Blankschtein Daniel
Published: February 2006

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been proposed as an ideal choice for a protein‐based biological indicator for use in the validation of decontamination or disinfection treatments. In this article, we present a potentially scalable and cost‐effective way to purify recombinant GFP, produced by fermentation in Escherichia coli, by affinity‐enhanced extraction in a two‐phase aqueous micellar system. Affinity‐enhanced partitioning, which improves the specificity and yield of the target protein by specific bioaffinity interactions, has been demonstrated. A novel affinity tag, family 9 carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM9) is fused to GFP, and the resulting fusion protein is affinity‐extracted in a decyl β‐D‐glucopyranoside (C10G1) two‐phase aqueous micellar system. In this system, C10G1 acts as phase forming and as affinity surfactant. We will further demonstrate the implementation of this concept to attain partial recovery of affinity‐tagged GFP from a clarified E. coli cell lysate, including the simultaneous removal of other contaminating proteins. The cell lysate was partitioned at three levels of dilution (5×, 10×, and 40×). Irrespective of the dilution level, CBM9‐GFP was found to partition preferentially to the micelle‐rich phase, with the same partition coefficient value as that found in the absence of the cell lysate. The host cell proteins from the cell lysate were found to partition preferentially to the micelle‐poor phase, where they experience less excluded‐volume interactions. The demonstration of proof‐of‐principle of the direct affinity‐enhanced extraction of CBM9‐GFP from the cell lysate represents an important first step towards developing a cost‐effective separation method for GFP, and more generally, for other proteins of interest. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical method for long‐term and large‐scale monitoring of spatial biofilm development
Authors: Milferstedt K. , Pons M.‐N. , Morgenroth E.
Published: February 2006

A method was developed that allows biofilm monitoring on the square centimeter scale over extended periods of time. The method is based on image acquisition using a desktop scanner and subsequent image analysis. It was shown that results from grey level analysis are highly correlated with physical properties of the biofilm like average biomass and biofilm thickness. The scanner method was applied to monitor overall biofilm growth, detachment, and surface roughness during two 3 and 4 week long experiments. Two significantly different growth dynamics during the biofilm development could be identified, depending on the biofilm history. Surface roughness on transects in flow direction was always higher than on transects perpendicular to the flow, reflecting the anisotropic characteristics of biofilms growing in a flow field. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Community structures and activities of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria in industrial wastewater‐treating biofilms
Authors: Satoh Hisashi , Yamakawa Takeshi , Kindaichi Tomonori , Ito Tsukasa , Okabe Satoshi
Published: February 2006

The bacterial community structure, in situ spatial distributions and activities of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria in biofilms treating industrial wastewater were investigated by combination of the 16S rRNA gene clone analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microelectrodes. These results were compared with the nitrogen removal capacity of the industrial wastewater treatment plant (IWTP). Both nitrification and denitrification occurred in the primary denitrification (PD) tank and denitrification occurred in the secondary denitrification (SD) tank. In contrast, nitrification and denitrification rates were very low in the nitrification (N) tank. 16S rRNA gene clone sequence analysis revealed that the bacteria affiliated with Alphaproteobacteria, followed by Betaproteobacteria, were numerically important microbial groups in three tanks. The many clones affiliated with Alphaproteobacteria were closely related to the denitrifying bacteria (e.g., Hyphomicrobium spp., Rhodopseudomonas palustris, and Rhodobacter spp.). In addition, Methylophilus leisingeri affiliated with Betaproteobacteria, which favorably utilized methanol, was detected only in the SD‐tank to which methanol was added. Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrosomonas marina were detected as the ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria affiliated with Betaproteobacteria throughout this plant, although the dominant species of them was different among three tanks. Nitrifying bacteria were mainly detected in the upper parts of the PD‐biofilm whereas their populations were low in the upper parts of the N‐biofilm. The presence of denitrifying bacteria affiliated with Hyphomicrobium spp. in SD‐ and N‐biofilms was verified by FISH analysis. Microelectrode measurements showed that the nitrifying bacteria present in the N‐ and PD‐biofilms were active and the bacteria present in the SD‐biofilm could denitrify. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study of biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes with sedimentation and membrane‐based separation
Authors: Monti Alessandro , Hall Eric R. , Dawson Robert N. , Husain Hadi , Kelly Harlan G.
Published: February 2006

A membrane‐enhanced biological phosphorus removal (MEBPR) process was operated in parallel with a conventional EBPR (CEBPR) process under challenging operating conditions to uncover fundamental differences in their ability to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) from municipal wastewater. Both systems exhibited the same potential to achieve excellent soluble‐P removal when a favorable COD to P ratio was maintained in the influent. The MEBPR train generated a superior effluent quality when measured as total P. The CEBPR effluent contained significantly lower levels of nitrates due to the extra denitrification occurring in the sludge blanket of the secondary clarifier. The observed sludge yield in the MEBPR system was estimated to be between 0.23 and 0.28 g VSS/g COD, and this was 15% lower than the CEBPR sludge yield. When the influent volatile fatty acids (VFAs) became limiting, the CEBPR train exhibited better performance in the removal of soluble‐P, due to the higher observed sludge yield and an overall greater denitrification activity that led to a more efficient use of VFAs in the anaerobic zone. After experiencing a severe deterioration of the biological P activity in both processes, the MEBPR train exhibited faster recovery than the CEBPR side. In this experimental work, it was demonstrated that an MEBPR process can sustain long‐term satisfactory bio‐P performance at HRTs as low as 7 h. However, the lower sludge yield and the reduced denitrification capacity are two important factors that impact the design of high rate membrane‐assisted biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of multiple coronary guidewires to occupy secondary branch vessels and facilitate PCI of a complex aneurysmal stenosis
Authors: Pulukurthy Satyauardhan , Carter Andrew J.
Published: February 2006

Percutaneous revascularization of complex coronary stenosis is dependent on establishing suitable guidewire position in the vascular bed distal to the lesion. We report the use of multiple 0.0014″ coronary guidewires to occupy unintended branch vessels and to facilitate PCI of a high‐grade left circumflex obtuse marginal branch lesion with post‐stenotic aneurysmal dilation of the vessel and multiple branch vessels. This technique enabled successful placement of a nitinol hydrophilic‐coated wire into the distal vascular bed beyond the region of obstruction followed by placement of a drug‐eluting stent with restoration of luminal dimensions and TIMI‐3 angiographic flow. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards inference of a biochemical ontology from a metabolic database
Authors: McShan D. C.
Published: February 2006

In order to predict the metabolic fate of an arbitrary compound based solely on structure, it is useful to be able to identify substructural ‘functional groups’ that are biochemically reactive. These functional groups are the substructural elements that can be removed and replaced to transform one compound into another. This problem of identifying functional groups is related to the problem of classifying compounds. The research presented here discusses the state of the art in biochemical databases and how these sources may be applied to the problem of classifying compounds based solely on structure. We describe a biochemical informatics system for processing molecular data and describe how 100 255 compositional (hasA) relationships are inferred between 835 abstractions and 9500 metabolites from the KEGG Ligand database. Specifically, we focus on the identification of amino acids and consider ways in which the inference of biochemical ontologies for metabolites will be improved in the future. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Diphosphane to Diphosphodiide Gold(III) Derivatives of 1,2‐Diphosphinobenzene
Authors: Blanco M. Carmen , Fernández Eduardo J. , Olmos M. Elena , Pérez Javier , Laguna Antonio
Published: February 2006

Treatment of 1,2‐diphosphinobenzene with [Au(C6F5)3(tht)] leads to the diphosphane derivative [{Au(C6F5)3}(1,2‐PH2C6H4PH2)] (1), which further reacts with other pentafluorophenylgold(III) reagents in the presence of acetylacetonate as deprotonating agent to afford phosphane–phosphide complexes. The noncyclic PPN[{Au(C6F5)3}2(1,2‐PHC6H4PH2)] (2; PPN=bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium) has been shown to be a useful starting material for the synthesis of higher nuclearity cyclic or noncyclic diphosphide or even diphosphodiide derivatives through similar reactions. The crystal structures of the trinuclear anionic NBu4[{Au(C6F5)3}(1,2‐PHC6H4PH){Au(C6F5)2Cl}{μ‐Au(C6F5)2}] (3) and the hexanuclear [{Au(C6F5)3}(1,2‐PC6H4P){Au(C6F5)3}{μ‐M(dppe)M}2] (M=Au (12), Ag (13)) have been established by X‐ray diffraction methods, the last complexes having a bicyclic ring containing three intramolecular interactions between the MI centres.
Electrochromic Films Composed of MnO2 Nanosheets with Controlled Optical Density and High Coloration Efficiency.
Authors: Sakai Nobuyuki , Ebina Yasuo , Takada Kazunori , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: February 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regioselective One‐Pot Synthesis of 3,5‐Diarylpyrazoles.
Authors: Lokhande P. D. , Waghamare B. Y. , Sakate S. S.
Published: February 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Thienopyrimidines as Hetryl Moiety in 2‐Azetidinones: Synthesis of 4‐Hetryl‐2‐azetidinones.
Authors: Kanwar Seema , Sharma S. D.
Published: February 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Clinical outcomes of single‐fraction stereotactic radiation therapy of lung tumors
Authors: Hara Ryusuke , Itami Jun , Kondo Tatsuya , Aruga Takashi , Uno Takashi , Sasano Nakashi , Ohnishi Kayoko , Kiyozuka Makoto , Fuse Masashi , Ito Masashi , Naoi Kuniji , Kohno Yuzuru
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects and the morbidities of single‐fraction stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for lung tumors.

METHODS

A Microtron device was modified to deliver stereotactic irradiation under respiratory gating. Between August 1998 and December 2004, 59 malignant lung tumors (11 primary tumors, 48 metastases) that measured < 40 mm in greatest dimension were treated by single‐fraction SRT. Nine tumors received a minimal dose of < 30 grays (Gy), and 50 tumors received a minimal dose of ≥ 30 Gy. The macroscopic target volume ranged from 1 cc to 19 cc (mean, 5 cc).

RESULTS

The 1‐year and 2‐year local progression‐free rates (LPFRs) were 93% and 78%, respectively. The overall survival rate was 76.5% at 1 year and 41% at 2 years. Local regrowth of the irradiated tumor was a direct cause of death in two patients. Only the minimal radiation dose to the reference target volume tended to have an influence on the LPFR (P = 0.068). The 2‐year LPFRs for patients who received irradiation doses of ≥ 30 Gy and < 30 Gy were 83% and 52%, respectively. With regard to morbidities, Grade 3 respiratory symptoms (according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer late radiation morbidity scoring scheme) were noted in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the current study suggested that single‐fraction SRT was tolerable and was capable of attaining excellent local control in patients who had malignant lung tumors that measured < 4 cm in greatest dimension. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Iterative restaining as a pivotal tool for n‐color immunophenotyping by slide‐based cytometry
Authors: Laffers Wiebke , Mittag Anja , Lenz Dominik , Tárnok Attila , Gerstner Andreas O. H.
Published: February 2006

Aim

Slide‐based cytometry (SBC) allows to “ask a cell a second time.” We used this tool for detailed immunophenotyping of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs).

Methods

PBLs primarily stained for CD‐markers and DNA were immobilized on a glass slide and analyzed by laser scanning cytometry. Then, iterative restaining was applied for a second and a third analysis. Based on the cells' fixed location, analyses were merged on a single‐cell level.

Results

We analyzed six virtual immunostainings by “recycling” the PE‐channel for four CD‐markers.

Conclusion

Iterative restaining might prove to be a pivotal tool for n‐color immunophenotyping exclusive to SBC concepts. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
A new method to quantify phagocytosis and intracellular degradation using green fluorescent protein‐labeled Escherichia coli: Comparison of cord blood macrophages and peripheral blood macrophages of healthy adults
Authors: Gille Christian , Spring Baerbel , Tewes Lena , Poets Christian F. , Orlikowsky Thorsten
Published: February 2006

Interactions between innate and adaptive immune functions in neonatal macrophages (MΦ) are still unclear. We therefore established a method to quantify bacterial phagocytosis and intracellular degradation, using green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled Escherichia coli in combination with phenotypic analysis. The kinetics of the proportion of phagocyting MΦ, phagocytosed bacteria per MΦ, and bacterial degradation were comparable for cord blood MΦ of term neonates and MΦ of healthy adults. Phenotyping revealed CD14 and CD16 to be down‐modulated within minutes. GFP‐labeled E. coli may be useful tools to further study MΦ subpopulations and determinants of phagocytosis in cord blood MΦ. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Proteasome inhibitor‐induced apoptosis in human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Nencioni Alessio , Garuti Anna , Schwarzenberg Karin , Cirmena Gabriella , Dal Bello Giovanna , Rocco Ilaria , Barbieri Eleonora , Brossart Peter , Patrone Franco , Ballestrero Alberto
Published: February 2006

Proteasome inhibitors possess potent antitumor activity against a broad spectrum of human malignancies. However, the effects of these compounds on the immune system still have to be clearly determined. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of proteasome inhibitors on dendritic cells (DC), antigen‐presenting cells playing a key role in the initiation of immune responses. Exposure to the proteasome inhibitors bortezomib, MG132 or epoxomicin was found to promote apoptosis of human monocyte‐derived DC and to reduce the yield of viable DC when given to monocytes early during differentiation to DC. DC apoptosis via proteasome inhibition was accompanied by mitochondria disruption and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. Up‐regulation and intracellular redistribution of Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), a pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein, were observed in DC treated with these compounds and represent a suitable mechanism leading to activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, active protein synthesis was found to represent an upstream prerequisite for DC apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitors, since the translation inhibitor cycloheximide blocked all of the steps of the observed apoptotic response. In conclusion, induction of apoptosis in DC may represent a novel mechanism by which proteasome inhibitors affect the immune response at the antigen‐presenting cell level.
Pertussis toxin as an adjuvant suppresses the number and function of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells
Authors: Chen Xin , Winkler‐Pickett Robin T. , Carbonetti Nicholas H. , Ortaldo John R. , Oppenheim Joost J. , Howard O. M. Zack
Published: February 2006

We observed a remarkable reduction in the frequency and immunosuppressive activity of splenic CD4+CD25+ T cells in C57BL/6 mice with MOG33–55‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our study revealed that pertussis toxin (PTx), one component of the immunogen used to induce murine EAE, was responsible for down‐regulating splenic CD4+CD25+ cells. Treatment of normal BALB/c mice with PTx in vivo reduced the frequency, suppressive activity and FoxP3 expression by splenic CD4+CD25+ T cells. However, PTx treatment did not alter the expression of characteristic phenotypic markers (CD45RB, CD103, GITR and CTLA‐4) and did not increase the expression of CD44 and CD69 by the residual splenic and lymph node CD4+CD25+ T cells. This property of PTx was attributable to its ADP‐ribosyltransferase activity. PTx did not inhibit suppressive activity of purified CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells in vitro, but did so in vivo, presumably due to an indirect effect. Although the exact molecular target of PTx that reduces Treg activity remains to be defined, our data suggests that alteration of both distribution and function of splenic immunocytes should play a role. This study concludes that an underlying cause for the immunological adjuvanticity of PTx is down‐regulation of Treg cell number and function.
Alternative activation deprives macrophages of a coordinated defense program to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kahnert Antje , Seiler Peter , Stein Maik , Bandermann Silke , Hahnke Karin , Mollenkopf Hans , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: February 2006

A potent Th1 immune response is critical to the control of tuberculosis. The impact of an additive Th2 response on the course of disease has so far been insufficiently characterized, despite increased morbidity after co‐infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Th2‐eliciting helminths and possible involvement of Th2 polarization in reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Here, we describe the gene expression profile of murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages alternatively activated by IL‐4 in response to infection with M. tuberculosis. Comparison of transcriptional profiles of infected IL‐4‐ and IFN‐γ‐activated macrophages revealed delayed and partially diminished responses to intracellular bacteria in alternatively activated macrophages, characterized by reduced exposure to nitrosative stress and increased iron availability, respectively. Alternative activation of host macrophages correlated with elevated expression of the M. tuberculosis iron storage protein bacterioferritin as well as reduced expression of the mycobactin synthesis genes mbtI and mbtJ. The extracellular matrix‐remodeling enzyme matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐12 was induced in alternatively activated macrophages in vitro, and MMP‐12‐expressing macrophages were abundant at late, but not early, stages of tuberculosis in murine lungs. Our findings emphasize that alternative activation deprives macrophages of control mechanisms that limit mycobacterial growth in vivo, thus supporting intracellular persistence of M. tuberculosis.
Measurement of specific radioactivity in proteins separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Zhou Shaobo , Mann Christopher J. , Dunn Michael J. , Preedy Victor R. , Emery Peter W.
Published: February 2006

We report a method to quantify the specific radioactivity of proteins that have been separated by 2‐DE. Gels are stained with SyproRuby, and protein spots are excised. The SyproRuby dye is extracted from each spot using DMSO, and the fluorescence is quantified automatically using a plate reader. The extracted gel piece is then dissolved in hydrogen peroxide and radioactivity is quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Gentle agitation with DMSO for 24 h was found to extract all the SyproRuby dye from gel fragments. The fluorescence of the extract was linearly related to the amount of BSA loaded onto a series of 1‐D gels. When rat muscle samples were run on 2‐DE gels, the fluorescence extracted from 54 protein spots showed a good correlation (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) with the corresponding spot intensity measured by conventional scanning and image analysis. DMSO extraction was found not to affect the amount of radioactive protein left in the gel. When a series of BSA solutions of known specific radioactivity were run on 2‐DE gels, the specific radioactivity measured by the new method showed a good correlation (r = 0.98, p < 0.01, n = 5) with the specific radioactivity measured directly before loading. Reproducibility of the method was measured in a series of 2‐DE gels containing proteins from the livers of rats and mice that had been injected with [35S]methionine. Variability tended to increase when the amount of radioactivity in the protein spot was low, but for samples containing at least 10 dpm above background the CV was around 30%, which is comparable to that obtained when measuring protein expression by conventional image analysis of SyproRuby‐stained 2‐DE gels. Similar results were obtained whether spots were excised manually or using a spot excision robot. This method offers a high‐throughput, cost‐effective and reliable method of quantifying the specific radioactivity of proteins from metabolic labelling experiments carried out in vivo, so long as sufficient quantities of radioactive tracer are used.
Theoretical and empirical approaches to express the mobility of small ions in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Jouyban Abolghasem , Kenndler Ernst
Published: February 2006

A discussion is given about the concepts of the ion mobility, the analyte property which governs migration and thus separation selectivity in CE. It deals with small organic and inorganic ions, not with charged polymers or large particles like colloids. The discussion is directed to two main concepts. (i) The first is based on physico‐chemistry of ion conductance in solution, and distinguishes three types of mobility. The absolute mobility is the limiting mobility at zero ionic strength; it depends on the solvent and the temperature. It is obtained by extrapolation of the actual mobilities, those of the fully charged particles at finite ion concentration. The observed reduction of the absolute mobility with ionic concentration is related to an ion cloud, and is formulated by the established theories of ion conductance. It explains the actual mobility as function of (beside other factors) the ionic strength, the viscosity and relative permittivity of the solvent, the temperature, the relaxation time of solvent polarisation and the distance of closest approach between ion and counterion. The effective mobility, finally, is the mobility when association and dissociation equilibria play a role. Most important are acid–base reactions, but complexation, ion pairing and homo‐ and heteroconjugation were considered as well. (ii) The second approach treats mobility data with different mathematical methods, and formulates their dependence on variables like solvent composition with appropriate algorithms. These empirical methods mainly include least squares and neural network‐based methods. The least square methods ranges from the simplest model, which uses only the molecular weight of the analyte, to more complicated model requiring three‐dimensional structural descriptors of the solutes. Neural networks have been applied to model the mobility using different input variables and various architectures. Work comparing the accuracy of least squares and neural network methods was discussed; the results showed that the neural network method leads to a more accurate mobility calculation. However, the least squares methods could give some information to the factors affecting the mobility of the analytes. The resulting methods allow the prediction of mobilities under different experimental conditions with certain accuracy. It has been shown that using such models, it is possible to predict mobility of analytes after training the models by a minimum number of data to speed up the method development stage.