bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Determination of Low Molecular Mass Thiols Content in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) Cultivated in the Presence of Various Sulphur Forms and Infected by Late Blight (Phytophora infestans)
Authors: Ryant Pavel , Dolezelova Eva , Fabrik Ivo , Baloun Jiri , Adam Vojtech , Babula Petr , Kizek Rene
Published: May 2008

In the present paper potato plants were cultivated in the presence of ammonium sulphate or elemental sulphur supplementation into the soil to reveal the effects of different sulphur forms on content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur, and yield of tubers. During the investigation of the influence of different sulphur forms on yield of potato tubers we did not observe significant changes. Average weight of tubers of control plants per one experimental pot was 355 g. Application of sulphur in both forms resulted in moderate potato tubers weight reduction per one experimental pot compared to control group; average value ranged from 320 to 350 g per one experimental pot. Further we treated the plants with two different supplementation of sulphur with cadmium(II) ions (4 mg of cadmium(II) acetate per kilogram of the soil). The significantly lowest cadmium content (p < 0.05) was determined in tissues of plants treated with the highest dosage of elemental sulphur (0.64 mg Cd/kg) compared to control plants (0.82 mg Cd/kg). We also aimed our attention on the cadmium content in proteins, lipids or soluble carbohydrates and ash. Application of sulphate as well as elemental sulphur resulted in significant cadmium content reduction in lipid fraction compared to control plants. In addition to this we quantified content of low molecular mass thiols in potatoes tissues. To determine the thiols content we employed differential pulse voltammetry Brdicka reaction. After twelve days of the treatment enhancing of thiols level was observed in all experimental groups regardless to applied sulphur form and its concentration. Finally we evaluated the effect of sulphur supplementation on Phytophora infestans infection of potato plants.
Implantable Microimagers
Authors: Ng David C. , Tokuda Takashi , Shiosaka Sadao , Tano Yasuo , Ohta Jun
Published: May 2008

Implantable devices such as cardiac pacemakers, drug-delivery systems, and defibrillators have had a tremendous impact on the quality of live for many disabled people. To date, many devices have been developed for implantation into various parts of the human body. In this paper, we focus on devices implanted in the head. In particular, we describe the technologies necessary to create implantable microimagers. Design, fabrication, and implementation issues are discussed vis-à-vis two examples of implantable microimagers; the retinal prosthesis and in vivo neuro-microimager. Testing of these devices in animals verify the use of the microimagers in the implanted state. We believe that further advancement of these devices will lead to the development of a new method for medical and scientific applications.
Signature Optical Cues: Emerging Technologies for Monitoring Plant Health
Authors: Liew Oi Wah , Chong Pek Ching Jenny , Li Bingqing , Asundi Anand K.
Published: May 2008

Optical technologies can be developed as practical tools for monitoring plant health by providing unique spectral signatures that can be related to specific plant stresses. Signatures from thermal and fluorescence imaging have been used successfully to track pathogen invasion before visual symptoms are observed. Another approach for noninvasive plant health monitoring involves elucidating the manner with which light interacts with the plant leaf and being able to identify changes in spectral characteristics in response to specific stresses. To achieve this, an important step is to understand the biochemical and anatomical features governing leaf reflectance, transmission and absorption. Many studies have opened up possibilities that subtle changes in leaf reflectance spectra can be analyzed in a plethora of ways for discriminating nutrient and water stress, but with limited success. There has also been interest in developing transgenic phytosensors to elucidate plant status in relation to environmental conditions. This approach involves unambiguous signal creation whereby genetic modification to generate reporter plants has resulted in distinct optical signals emitted in response to specific stressors. Most of these studies are limited to laboratory or controlled greenhouse environments at leaf level. The practical translation of spectral cues for application under field conditions at canopy and regional levels by remote aerial sensing remains a challenge. The movement towards technology development is well exemplified by the Controlled Ecological Life Support System under development by NASA which brings together technologies for monitoring plant status concomitantly with instrumentation for environmental monitoring and feedback control.
ASPIS, A Flexible Multispectral System for Airborne Remote Sensing Environmental Applications
Authors: Papale Dario , Belli Claudio , Gioli Beniamino , Miglietta Franco , Ronchi Cesare , Vaccari Francesco Primo , Valentini Riccardo
Published: May 2008

Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing is a powerful tool for environmental monitoring applications. In this paper we describe a new system (ASPIS) composed by a 4-CCD spectral sensor, a thermal IR camera and a laser altimeter that is mounted on a flexible Sky-Arrow airplane. A test application of the multispectral sensor to estimate durum wheat quality is also presented.
Opto-Electric Cellular Biosensor Using Optically Transparent Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Electrodes
Authors: Choi Chang K. , Margraves Chuck H. , Jun Seung I. , English Anthony E. , Rack Philip D. , Kihm Kenneth D.
Published: May 2008

Indium tin oxide (ITO) biosensors are used to perform simultaneous optical and electrical measurements in order to examine the dynamic cellular attachment, spreading, and proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) as well as cytotoxic effects when exposed to cytochalasin D. A detailed description of the fabrication of these sensors is provided and their superior optical characteristics are qualitatively shown using four different microscopic images. Differential interference contrast microscopy (DICM) images were acquired simultaneously with micro-impedance measurements as a function of frequency and time. A digital image processing algorithm quantified the cell-covered electrode area as a function of time. In addition, cytotoxicity effects, produced by the toxic agent cytochalasin D, were examined using micro-impedance measurements, confocal microscopy images of stained actin-filaments, and interference reflection contrast microscopy (IRCM) capable of examining the bottom morphology of a cell. The results of this study show (1) the dynamic optical and electrical cellular characteristics using optically thin ITO biosensors; (2) qualitative agreement between cell-covered electrode area and electrical impedance during cellular attachment; (3) in vitro cytotoxicity detection of ECs due to 3 mM cytochalasin D. The present opto-electric biosensor system is unique in that a simultaneous and integrated cellular analysis is possible for a variety of living cells.
CD8+ cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma successfully treated with bexarotene: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gopaluni Srivalli , Perzova Raiza , Abbott Lynn , Farah Ramsey , Shrimpton Anthony , Hutchison Robert , Poiesz Bernard J.
Published: May 2008

CD8+ cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a relatively rare subset of the non‐Hodgkins lymphomas. Bexarotene has been FDA‐approved for the treatment of CTCL, but previous studies have been conducted on CD4+ CTL and there have been no reports about its use in CD8+ CTCL. Herein, we report on a patient whose CD8+ CTCL completely responded to treatment with bexarotene. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No association between tagging SNPs of SNARE complex genes (STX1A, VAMP2 and SNAP25) and schizophrenia in a Japanese population
Authors: Kawashima Kunihiro , Kishi Taro , Ikeda Masashi , Kitajima Tsuyoshi , Yamanouchi Yoshio , Kinoshita Yoko , Takahashi Nagahide , Saito Shinichi , Ohi Kazutaka , Yasuda Yuka , Hashimoto Ryota , Takeda Masatoshi , Inada Toshiya , Ozaki Norio , Iwata Nakao
Published: May 2008

Abnormalities in neural connections and the neurotransmitter system appear to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex, which consists of Syntaxin1A, vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) and synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP25), plays an important role in the neurotransmitter system, and is therefore an attractive place to search for candidate genes for schizophrenia. We conducted a two‐stage genetic association analysis of Syntaxin1A (STX1A), VAMP2 and SNAP25 genes with schizophrenia (first‐set screening samples: 377 cases and 377 controls, second‐set confirmation samples: 657 cases and 527 controls). Based on the linkage disequilibrium, 40 SNPs (STX1A, 8 SNPs; VAMP2, 3 SNPs; SNAP25, 29 SNPs) were selected as ‘tagging SNPs’. Only nominally significant associations of an SNP (rs12626080) and haplotype (rs363014 and rs12626080) in SNAP25 were detected in the first‐set screening scan. To validate this significance, we carried out a replication analysis of these SNP and haplotype associations in second‐set samples with a denser set of markers (including five additional SNPs). However, these associations could not be confirmed in the second‐set analysis. These results suggest that the SNARE complex‐related genes do not play a major role in susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic rheological and morphological study of the compatibility of thermoplastic polyurethane/ethylene–octene copolymer blends
Authors: Yang Jin , Chen Xudong , Fu Ruowen , Zhang Mingqiu , Chen Haibin , Wang Jiasheng
Published: May 2008

Two grafted ethylene–octene copolymers [POEs; i.e., POE‐g‐maleic anhydried (MAH) and aminated POE (denoted by POE‐g‐NH2) were used as compatibilizers in immiscible blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and POE. The effects of the compatibilizers on the dynamic rheological properties and morphologies of the TPU/POE blends were investigated. The characteristic rheological behaviors of the blends indicated that the strong interactions between the two phases were due to the compatibilization. Microstructural observation confirmed that the compatibilizers were located at the interface in the blends and formed a stable interfacial layer and smaller dispersed phase particle size. Compared with POE‐g‐MAH, POE‐g‐NH2 exhibited a better compatibilization effect in the TPU/POE blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
The impact of momentary pain and fatigue on physical activity in women with osteoarthritis
Authors: Murphy Susan L. , Smith Dylan M. , Clauw Daniel J. , Alexander Neil B.
Published: May 2008

Objective

To examine the daily life patterns of both pain and fatigue symptoms and objective physical activity (using ambulatory monitoring) in women with symptomatic lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA), and to evaluate how momentary symptoms impact physical activity levels.

Methods

Sixty women age ≥55 years (40 with knee or hip OA and 20 matched controls) participated in an observational study involving 2 laboratory visits and a 5‐day home data collection period. During the home period physical activity levels were assessed continuously, and symptoms were inputted 6 times a day into an enhanced accelerometer at prespecified time points.

Results

In the OA group as compared with the control group over the 5‐day period, average physical activity was significantly lower (P = 0.02) and peak physical activity tended to be lower (P = 0.06). Although pain and fatigue overall were of moderate severity in this cohort, fatigue escalated throughout each day. In a hierarchical linear model, fatigue was most strongly associated with physical activity (β = −30.1, P < 0.0001). Pain was more weakly associated with physical activity and in the direction opposite to what was hypothesized (β = 16.9, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Momentary reports of fatigue negatively predicted physical activity levels and were much more strongly related to physical activity than momentary pain. In order to help women with knee or hip OA manage symptoms and become more physically active, it may be important to emphasize fatigue management.
Abnormal body composition phenotypes in older rheumatoid arthritis patients: Association with disease characteristics and pharmacotherapies
Authors: Giles Jon T. , Ling Shari M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Bartlett Susan J. , Andersen Ross E. , Towns Marilyn , Muller Denis , Fontaine Kevin R. , Bathon Joan M.
Published: May 2008

Objective

To compare measures of body fat and lean mass and the prevalence of abnormal body composition phenotypes (sarcopenia, overfat, and sarcopenic obesity) in men and women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus matched controls, and to explore the disease‐related predictors of abnormal body composition in patients with RA.

Methods

A total of 189 men and women with RA and 189 age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched non‐RA controls underwent dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry for measurement of total and regional body fat and lean mass. Continuous and categorical measures of body composition were compared between RA and control subjects by sex and according to categories of body mass index (BMI). Within the group of RA patients, demographic, lifestyle, and RA disease and treatment characteristics were compared for RA patients with healthy body composition versus those with abnormal body composition phenotypes.

Results

Compared with non‐RA controls, RA status was significantly associated with greater odds of sarcopenia, overfat, and sarcopenic obesity in women, but not in men. Relative differences in body composition phenotypes between RA and control subjects were greatest for patients in the normal weight BMI category (<25 kg/m2). Among RA characteristics, increasing joint deformity, self‐reported disability scores, C‐reactive protein levels, rheumatoid factor seropositivity, and a lack of current treatment with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs were significantly associated with abnormal body composition.

Conclusion

Abnormal body composition phenotypes are overrepresented in patients with RA, particularly in those in the normal weight BMI range. RA‐associated disease and treatment characteristics contribute to this increase in abnormal body composition.
A versatile chiral selector for determination of enantiomeric composition of fluorescent and nonfluorescent chiral molecules using steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Williams Alicia A. , Fakayode Sayo O. , Lowry Mark , Warner Isiah M.
Published: May 2008

A fluorescent chiral molecular micelle (FCMM), poly (sodium N‐undecanoyl‐L‐phenylalaninate) (poly‐L‐SUF), was developed as a chiral selector for enantiomeric recognition and determination of enantiomeric composition of four fluorescent and four nonfluorescent chiral molecules by use of steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy. The influence of FCMM concentration, buffer pH and complexation medium on FCMM‐analyte host–guest complexation, and the emission spectral properties of the resulting complexes were investigated. The chiral interactions of the analytes,1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine, 1‐(9‐anthryl)‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol, propranolol, naproxen, chloromethyl menthyl ether (CME), citramalic acid, tartaric acid, and limonene (LIM), in the presence of poly‐L‐SUF were based on diastereomeric complex formation. The figures of merit obtained from the partial‐least‐squares regression modeling of the calibration samples suggested good prediction ability for the validation of six of the eight chiral analytes. Better host–guest complexation of the more hydrophobic molecules, CME and LIM, were obtained in methanol/water mixtures, resulting in better predictability of the regression models. Prediction ability of the models was evaluated by use of the root‐mean‐square percent relative error (RMS%RE) and was found to range from 1.77 to 15.80% (buffer), 1.26 to 7.95% (25:75 methanol/water), and 1.21 to 4.28% (75:25 methanol/water). Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐molecule chiroptical spectroscopy: Fluorescence excitation of individual helicene molecules in polymer‐supported thin‐films
Authors: Hassey Ruthanne , McCarthy Kevin D. , Swain Ellen , Basak Dipankar , Venkataraman Dhandapani , Barnes Michael D.
Published: May 2008

We present results of fluorescence excitation circular dichroism studies of the chiroptical response of single (bridged triarylamine) helicene molecules immobilized at a polymer interface. We extract directly dissymmetry parameters, and corresponding probability distributions, associated with the single‐molecule fluorescence excitation associated with modulation of a circular polarized excitation field for three different excitation wavelengths (405, 440, 457 nm) showing circular dichroism in bulk films. The observed single molecule chiroptical response is anomalously large in comparison with the results of time‐dependent density functional calculations, and the observed defocused emission patterns seem to indicate a higher multipole nature to the transition probed. Our results provide new insights into chiroptical properties of chiral fluorophores that are hidden under the extensive averaging associated with conventional chiroptical probes. Chirality, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
C–C Coupling Reactions of Pentacarbonyl(trifluoroethenyl isocyanide)chromium with Cyclopentadienyl Complexes
Authors: Lentz Dieter , Mujkic Monika , Roth Stefanie
Published: May 2008

The nucleophic attack of the trifluoroethenyl group of pentacarbonyl(trifluoroethenyl isocyanide)chromium 2 by various cyclopentadienyl ligand containing nucleophiles 1a–f allow an efficient synthesis of functionalized cyclopentadienyl complexes 3a–f. Extension of this method to 1,1′‐dilithioferrocene (4a) and 1,1′‐dilithioruthenocene (4b) yields the difunctionalized derivatives 5a and b, respectively. In general compounds of type 3 and 5 are obtained as mixtures of the E and Z isomers. The crystal and molecular structures of Z‐3a, Z‐3b, Z‐3c and E,Z‐5a were elucidated by X‐ray diffraction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Formation of L‐Threonic Acid from L‐Ascorbic Acid Oxidative Ring Opening and its Coordination to PtII: X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Pt(threonato‐O,O′)(PPh3)2] and [Pt(oxalato)(PPh3)2]
Authors: Bergamini Paola , Marchesi Elena , Marchi Andrea , Bertolasi Valerio , Fogagnolo Marco , Canella Alessandro
Published: May 2008

The oxidative ring opening of L‐ascorbic acid was obtained in three steps giving oxalic and L‐threonic acid. The reactions of these acids with the carbonate complex [Pt(CO)3(PPh3)2] yielded two PtII chelates, [Pt(oxalato)(PPh3)2] and the new complex [Pt(threonato‐O,O′)(PPh3)2], respectively. The X‐ray crystal structures of both complexes were determined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Metal Complexes with Mono‐ and Bis{[bis(2‐pyridyl)amino]carbonyl}ferrocene Ligands
Authors: Aguado Javier E. , Crespo Olga , Gimeno M. Concepción , Jones Peter G. , Laguna Antonio , Nieto Yolanda
Published: May 2008

The ligands {[bis(2‐pyridyl)amino]carbonyl}ferrocene (L1) and 1,1′‐bis{[bis(2‐pyridyl)amino]carbonyl}ferrocene (L2) have been prepared by treatment of the mono‐ or 1,1′‐bis(chlorocarbonyl)ferrocene derivatives with dipyridylamine in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, respectively. The ligand properties of these compounds towards group 11 and palladium complexes have been studied. Ligand L1 coordinates to these compounds to give four‐coordinate [Cu(L1)2]+, [PdCl2(L1)] and [Ag(OTf)(L1)(PR3)] or three‐coordinate [Ag(OTf)(L1)] and [Au(C6F5)(L1)] compounds. The ligand coordinates in a chelate fashion in all cases. The reactivity of L2 is somewhat different because coordination to copper or silver atoms can take place through several pyridine units either from different cyclopentadienido rings, as in [Cu(L2)]+, [Ag2(OTf)2(L2)] and [Ag(OTf)(L2)(PPh3)], or from the same cyclopentadienido ring, as in [Ag2(OTf)2(L2)(PPh3)2]. Coordination as a bridging ligand for four gold atoms has also been achieved in [Au4(C6F5)4(L2)] and [Au4(L2)(PPh3)4](OTf)4. The ligands and some complexes have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction studies and show the presence of several hydrogen bonds that lead to supramolecular structures.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Aminocyclitols
Authors: Delgado Antonio
Published: May 2008

Aminocyclitols are a group of natural products with remarkable biological activities. Over the last years, significant efforts have been made to develop synthetic methodologies directed not only towards their total synthesis but also towards the design of structural analogues with improved or novel biological properties. The aim of this review is to provide the reader with a concise update of the most relevant methods for the synthesis of aminocyclitols described in the literature. The review is organized according to the methodologies used for the construction of the aminocyclitol framework. These methodologies include chemoenzymatic approaches, intramolecular cyclizations, reactions of cyclitol derivatives with nitrogen nucleophiles, and rearrangement reactions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
4′‐Hydrazone Derivatives of 2,2′:6′,2"‐Terpyridine: Protonation and Substituent Effects
Authors: Beves Jonathon E. , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E. , Neuburger Markus , Schaffner Silvia , Zampese Jennifer A.
Published: May 2008

Four 4′‐hydrazone derivatives of 2,2′:6′,2"‐terpyridine which vary in their N‐ and C‐substitution in the R′NN=CRPh unit have been prepared and structurally characterized. Protonation studies and solution behaviour of these compounds are described, as well as representative crystal structures of mono‐ and diprotonated derivatives. In the solid‐state structures of each neutral compound, the tpy domain adopts the anticipated trans,trans‐conformation, and intramolecular steric factors compete with π‐stacking effects to control the amount to which the C‐phenyl substituent twists out of the plane of the tpy unit. When R′ = H, the imine NH group engages in hydrogen bonding interactions in the solid state, except where R = Ph. In solution, variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy shows that on going from R = Me to Ph (with R′ = H), the barrier to rotation about the Cpy–Nimine bond increases; with R = R′ = H, the hydrogen bonding capabilities of the solvent to the imine NH influence this dynamic process. In the N‐methyl derivative (R = H and R′ = Me), rotation about the Cpy–Nimine bond is facile at room temperature. Protonation of the derivative with R = R′ = H results in an increase in the activation barrier to rotation, consistent with a greater π‐contribution to the Cpy–Nimine bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Analysis of anthocyanins in red onion using capillary electrophoresis‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Petersson Erik V. , Puerta Angel , Bergquist Jonas , Turner Charlotta
Published: May 2008

For the first time, a capillary electrophoresis‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry analysis method for detecting anthocyanins in red onion was developed. The analysis method included the use of silica capillaries coated with poly‐LA 313 (polycationic amine‐containing polymer) and an MS‐compatible volatile background electrolyte (BGE). The method was environmentally friendly and sensitive; and its rapidness combined with an acidic BGE helped in preventing anthocyanin degradation. By using high‐resolution TOF‐MS with pre‐run tuning of masses, low mass errors were achieved in the determination of conjugated anthocyanins in red onion, and a simultaneous up‐front fragmentation provided confirmation of the aglycon backbone for their secure identification. Most anthocyanins (at least seven out of ten) known in red onion from the literature were found, as well as one new for this matrix.
Photopatterning of tough single‐walled carbon nanotube composites in microfluidic channels and their application in gel‐free separations
Authors: Makamba Honest , Huang Jia‐Wei , Chen Huang Han , Chen Shu‐Hui
Published: May 2008

We report on the photopatterning of single carbon nanotube composites with soft hydrogel polymers in glass microchannels. Since the hydrogels by themselves are able to withstand liquid flow within the microchannels, we covalently combined them with single‐walled carbon nanotubes to impart mechanical strength. We attempted this approach by patterning the gels within the microchannels without prior surface modifications. Our results show that the 1‐cm nanocomposite hydrogels are far stronger than the free hydrogels. Moreover, the nanocomposites were able to concentrate and separate proteins within a 1.5‐cm distance using gel‐free buffers. The separation cannot only be tuned by changing the running buffer; the lack of gels in the running buffer reduces the chance of channel blockage and thus the lifetime of the device is prolonged. The usefulness of the patterned nanocomposites may be extended by a wide selection of nanocomposite properties and monomers to find a broad range of applications in lab‐on‐chip technology.
Validation of capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing separations optimized for the characterization of two recombinant products of the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a
Authors: Kronsteiner Barbara , Dullnig Verena , Stutz Hanno
Published: May 2008

CZE and CIEF separation systems, both developed previously for a quality control of two recombinant products of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a of Betula verrucosa, were validated including aspects of the International Conference on Harmonization. One product contained carbamylated variants as impurities. Linearity of response was confirmed by Mandel's fitting test between 0.028 and 1.90 mg/mL for CZE and between 0.016 and 0.26 mg/mL for CIEF. Repeatability and intermediate precision were evaluated for the effective mobility (μeff) in CZE, for relative mobilization time in CIEF and the peak area ratio of Bet v 1a. LOQ for Bet v 1a was between 10 and 23 μg/mL for both methods. Evaluation of robustness for CZE revealed susceptibility of μeff of Bet v 1a to alterations in of buffer pH and separation temperature. Selectivity was impaired by an increase in temperature, pH, and buffer concentration. In addition, pH variations influenced the separation profile of impurities. For CIEF, the ratio of narrow pH range carrier ampholytes is the critical parameter to retain robustness. Results demonstrate the suitability of both separation systems to discriminate between nonmodified Bet v 1a and carbamylated variants in the selected recombinant allergen products.
Capillary electrophoresis hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry: A novel approach for the analysis of anticancer metallodrugs in human serum and plasma
Authors: Groessl Michael , Hartinger Christian G. , Polec‐Pawlak Kasia , Jarosz Maciej , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: May 2008

The development of metal‐based chemotherapeutics lacks methods which are capable of providing early indication on the potential of new metal complexes as future anticancer drugs. Since most of these compounds are administered intravenously, serum proteins are the first available biological binding partners in the bloodstream. For platinum‐based anticancer drugs the interaction with serum proteins is regarded as an important contribution to the side effects accompanying chemotherapy. In contrast, newly developed ruthenium compounds are thought to be transported into the tumor in a protein‐bound form. In here, the application of CE hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS, applying Polybrene‐coated capillaries, is demonstrated for studying the interaction of indazolium [trans‐tetrachlorobis(1H‐indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019) with HSA and transferrin, which are important transport proteins. Furthermore, the applicability of the method to human serum and plasma and, more importantly, to real‐world patient samples was proven. KP1019 was found to bind to a high degree to HSA both in serum, plasma and the patient samples. Only minor fractions of ruthenium were found attached to other proteins.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in patients in the final phase of dementia
Authors: Koopmans Raymond T.C.M. , van der Molen Marloes , Raats Monique , Ettema Teake P.
Published: May 2008

Objectives

To assess neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in a group of patients in the final phase of dementia.

Methods

All patients with dementia (n = 216) residing on dementia special care units of two Dutch nursing homes were included in the study provided they met the criteria for the final phase of dementia. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH) and the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). Quality of life was assessed with the QUALIDEM

Results

Of the 216 dementia patients 39 met the criteria for the final phase of dementia. The patients showed a specific pattern of behaviours with a high prevalence of apathy, agitation and behaviours that were mainly observed during morning care such as making strange noises, grabbing, performing repetitious mannerism, spitting, hitting, screaming and pushing. Overall quality of life of these patients in the final phase of dementia was moderate.

Conclusion

In this small sample, patients in the final phase of dementia show specific behavioural problems, that mainly should be addressed with psychosocial interventions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid and long-term prognosis in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Corpechot Christophe , Abenavoli Ludovico , Rabahi Nabila , Chrétien Yves , Andréani Tony , Johanet Catherine , Chazouillères Olivier , Poupon Raoul
Published: May 2008

Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is variable. It has been recently proposed that an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decline of more than 40% in baseline value or a normal level after 1 year of UDCA treatment (Barcelona criteria) could serve as a good marker of long-term prognosis. Our aim was to define the best efficient set of biochemistries able to identify UDCA-treated patients at risk of death or liver transplantation (LT). The efficiency of several combinations of serum bilirubin, ALP, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) threshold values to predict outcome was assessed after 1 year of treatment in 292 patients with PBC. Patients showing ALP <3 upper limit of normal (ULN), AST <2 ULN, and bilirubin ≤1 mg/dL after 1 year of UDCA had a 10-year transplant-free survival rate of 90% (95% confidence interval, 81%–95%), compared to 51% (95% confidence interval, 38%–64%) for those who did not (

P

< 0.001). Patients were less well discriminated by the Barcelona criteria (79% versus 63%). Independent predictive factors of death or LT were baseline serum bilirubin level >1 mg/dL (relative risk [RR], 1.7), histologic stage ≥3 (RR, 1.5), interface hepatitis (RR, 1.9), and the absence of biochemical response (ALP >3 ULN or AST >2 ULN, or bilirubin >1 mg/dL) (RR, 2.3). Antinuclear antibodies against gp210 or Sp100 proteins were associated with death or LT in univariate but not in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

This study defines the best efficient biochemical response to UDCA, which, independent of baseline predictive factors, identifies patients with PBC with a good long-term prognosis. Patients who fail to achieve this response and those with interface hepatitis or advanced histological stage should be targeted for further therapeutic research. (Hepatology 2008.)
The genetic background modulates susceptibility to mouse liver Mallory-Denk body formation and liver injury
Authors: Hanada Shinichiro , Strnad Pavel , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Omary Bishr M.
Published: May 2008

Mallory-Denk bodies (MDBs) are hepatocyte inclusions found in several liver diseases and consist primarily of keratins 8 and 18 (K8/K18) and ubiquitin that are cross-linked by transglutaminase-2. We hypothesized that genetic variables contribute to the extent of MDB formation, because not all patients with an MDB-associated liver disease develop inclusions. We tested this hypothesis using five strains of mice (FVB/N, C3H/He, Balb/cAnN, C57BL/6, 129X1/Sv) fed for three months (eight mice per strain) the established MDB-inducing agent 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC). MDB formation was compared using hematoxylin-and-eosin staining, or immunofluorescence staining with antibodies to K8/K18/ubiquitin, or biochemically by blotting with antibodies to transglutaminase-2/p62 proteins and to K8/K18/ubiquitin to detect keratin cross-linking. DDC feeding induced MDBs in all mouse strains, but there were dramatic strain differences that quantitatively varied 2.5-fold (

P

< 0.05). MDB formation correlated with hepatocyte ballooning, and most ballooned hepatocytes had MDBs. Immunofluorescence assessment was far more sensitive than hematoxylin-and-eosin staining in detecting small MDBs, which out-numbered (by ˜30-fold to 90-fold) but did not parallel their large counterparts. MDB scores partially reflected the biochemical presence of cross-linked keratin-ubiquitin species but not the changes in liver size or injury in response to DDC. The extent of steatosis correlated with the total (large+small) number of MDBs, and there was a limited correlation between large MDBs and acidophil bodies.

Conclusion:

Mouse MDB formation has important genetic contributions that do not correlate with the extent of DDC-induced liver injury. If extrapolated to humans, the genetic contributions help explain why some patients develop MDBs whereas others are less likely to do so. Detection and classification of MDBs using MDB-marker-selective staining may offer unique links to specific histological features of DDC-induced liver injury. (Hepatology 2008.)
A study of best practices in training transfer and proposed model of transfer
Authors: Burke Lisa A. , Hutchins Holly M.
Published: May 2008

Data were gathered from a sample of training professionals of an American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) chapter in the southern United States regarding best practices for supporting training transfer. Content analysis techniques, based on a rigorous methodology proposed by Insch, Moore, & Murphy (1997), were used to analyze the rich data. Findings suggest that interventions for bolstering training transfer are best carried out in the work context and design and delivery phase, take place after training or during, and involve trainers and supervisors. Activities garnering top attention from trainers as best practices include (starting with most frequently reported) supervisory support activities, coaching, opportunities to perform, interactive training activities, transfer measurement, and job‐relevant training. Several new transfer variables also emerged from the data, indicating existing transfer models can be further refined. Ultimately, we propose a refined model of transfer to extend human resource development (HRD) theory in the area of transfer.
Gender differences in metabolic monitoring of second‐generation antipsychotic prescription
Authors: Verdoux Hélène , Boulon Sophie , Cougnard Audrey
Published: May 2008

Objective

To explore whether guidelines for metabolic monitoring of patients receiving second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAP) are respected in clinical practice, and whether patients' and prescribers' characteristics are associated with adequacy of metabolic monitoring.

Method

Survey questionnaires were mailed to all state hospital psychiatrists practising in South‐Western France. Psychiatrists were asked to give information on the baseline metabolic screening of the last patient seen with first prescription of a SGAP. Adequacy of metabolic monitoring was assessed according to published guidelines.

Results

No metabolic parameter was assessed before SGAP onset in more than one out of four patients, and fewer than 5% had a complete baseline assessment of metabolic parameters. The number of parameters assessed was markedly lower in women compared to men.

Conclusion

Efforts should focus on initial training as well as on continuing medical education in order to improve level of awareness about the need for adequate baseline screening monitoring, and about the fact that women treated with SGAP are also at risk of metabolic disturbances. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab‐initio multireference study of an organic mixed‐valence Spiro molecular system
Authors: Helal Wissam , Evangelisti Stefano , Leininger Thierry , Maynau Daniel
Published: May 2008

The electronic structure and some electron transfer properties of a model mixed‐valence Spiro molecular cation have been investigated at CAS‐SCF, CAS+S, and CAS+SD levels starting from canonical and localized orbitals, using SZ, DZ, and TZP basis sets. The potential energy surfaces of the adiabatic ground and the lowest three excited electronic states have been computed, within a two‐state model, and a double‐well potential has been obtained for the ground electronic state. We have demonstrated the low coupling interaction between the two redox moieties of this molecular cation by following the charge localization/delocalization in the valence π system through the reaction coordinate of the intramolecular charge transfer. The effect of dynamical correlation, using either localized or canonical orbitals, was found to be crucial for a quantitative description of the electronic structure and some important electron transfer parameters of this mixed‐valence system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Characterization of shapes for use in classification of starch grains images
Authors: Tong Chong‐Sze , Choy Siu‐Kai , Chiu Sung‐Nok , Zhao Zhong‐Zhen , Liang Zhi‐Tao
Published: May 2008

As tradition Chinese herbal medicine becomes increasingly popular, there is an urgent need for efficient and accurate methods for the authentication of the Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) used in the herbal medicine. In this work, we present a denoising filter and introduce the use of chord length distribution (CLD) for the classification of starch grains in microscopic images of Chinese Materia Medica. Our simple denoising filter is adaptive to the background and is shown to be effective to remove noise, which appears in CMM microscopic starch grains images. The CLD is extracted by considering the frequency of the chord length in the binarized starch grains image, and we shall show that the CLD is an efficient and effective characterization of the starch grains. Experimental results on 240 starch grains images of 24 classes show that our method outperforms benchmark result using the current state‐of‐the‐art method based on circular size distribution extracted by morphological operators at much higher computational cost. cost. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased predation risk modifies lizard scent‐mark chemicals
Authors: Aragón Pedro , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: May 2008

Variation in environmental factors plays a central role on organisms' physiological changes. However, the physiological response to predation risk has rarely been investigated in reptiles. Chemical senses are important for intraspecific communication in squamate reptiles. In male lizards Iberolacerta cyreni the maintenance of relative proportions of lipids in femoral gland secretions is costly, which may ensure honest signalling of quality. We hypothesized that increased predation risk should compromise the maintenance of such lipid proportions, as both a fear response and escaping behavior can have physiological consequences. We simulated predator attacks and found that relative proportions of lipids in femoral gland secretions changed in disturbed lizards but not in control ones. Thus, predator–prey interactions may modulate relative concentrations of chemicals in scents of lizards. Potential consequences of this effect on intraspecific chemical communication are suggested. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:427–433, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of angiogenic and hematopoietic gene expression during brown trout embryogenesis
Authors: Marschallinger Julia , Steinbacher Peter , Haslett John Richard , Sänger Alexandra Maria , Rescan Pierre‐Yves , Stoiber Walter
Published: May 2008

In this article, whole mount in situ hybridization is used to examine early blood vessel and blood cell development in the embryos of the brown trout Salmo trutta lacustris. cDNAs encoding for the angiogenic markers fli1 and flk1, and for the hematopoietic markers gata1 and gata2, were identified from an expressed sequence tag library of rainbow trout. Results show that fli1, flk1 and gata2 are activated in bilateral bands of the lateral trunk mesoderm before the onset of somitogenesis, shortly followed by gata1. These bands then converge toward the ventral midline to form the intermediate cell mass (ICM) (anterior ICM). Subsequent axial vasculogenesis and initial blood cell formation involve a clear spatial separation of fli1 and gata gene expression. Fli1 staining is most intense within the axial vessel (dorsal aorta, posterior cardinal vein) forming and lateral ICM cells, whereas binding of gata1 and gata2 probes becomes confined to the central portion of ICM cells beneath the dorsal aorta. This is followed by a first wave of angiogenesis, indicated by expression of fli1 and flk1. This gives rise to the intersegmental, dorsal longitudinal anastomotic and intestinal vessels. Further angiogenesis and hematopoiesis are activated in the “posterior ICM” of the tail. Here, the absence of gata1 indicates that hematopoiesis in this tissue generates myeloid rather than erythroid cells. The results supplement and validate previous, now historical morphological work in salmonids, thus aiding the elucidation of a comprehensive general scheme of angiogenic and hematopoietic development in the teleost embryo. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:479–491, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling of impedance‐loaded wire frequency‐selective surfaces with tunable reflection and transmission characteristics
Authors: Malyuskin O. , Fusco V. F. , Schuchinsky A.
Published: May 2008

In this paper an efficient means to control the reflection and transmission characteristics of wire‐based frequency‐selective surfaces (FSS) using linear‐lumped impedance loading is presented. We show that by varying the topology of the RLC loading circuits and the component values it is possible to control the resonance frequency of the array as well as its angular characteristics. We discuss several examples, particularly a switchable dual band bandpass filter and enhancement of FSS angle‐of‐arrival properties. The analysis is based on the self‐consistent solution of thin wire Hallen's type integral equation solved by Galerkin's method. The periodic Green's function in the kernel of integral equation has been accelerated using the Ewald transformation, which leads to a highly accurate and efficient numerical procedure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI detects therapeutic effects in weanling Niemann‐Pick type C mice
Authors: Lope‐Piedrafita Silvia , Totenhagen John W. , Hicks Chad M. , Erickson Robert P. , Trouard Theodore P.
Published: May 2008

To noninvasively evaluate the early effects of Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was carried out in the brains of very young (23‐day‐old) mice. The diffusion of water in white matter tracts of Npc1–/– mice at this young age was already abnormal, exhibiting decreased anisotropy, as quantified by fractional anisotropy (FA), compared with their wild‐type littermates, the controls. Postmortem histological staining revealed myelin deficiencies in Npc1–/– mice, consistent with the reduction in FA measured in vivo. Beneficial effects of treatment with allopregnanolone and/or 2 hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin was also detectable at this age by FA, which correlated with increased myelination as seen by histology. This is the earliest detection of a therapeutic effect in Npc1–/– mice. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotection of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor agonists via enhancing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (Ser847) phosphorylation through increased neuronal nitric oxide synthase and PSD95 interaction and inhibited protein phosphatase activity in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Zhou Cui , Li Chong , Yu Hong‐Min , Zhang Fa , Han Dong , Zhang Guang‐Yi
Published: May 2008

It is well documented that exitotoxicity induced by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation plays a pivotal role in delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region after transient global ischemia. However, the effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activation is uncertain in ischemia brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the enhancement of GABA receptor activity could inhibit NMDA receptor‐mediated nitric oxide (NO) production by neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in brain ischemic injury. The results showed that both the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen had neuroprotective effect, and the combination of two agonists could significantly protect neurons against death induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Coapplication of muscimol with baclofen not only enhanced nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation but also increased the interaction of nNOS with PSD95 at 6 hr and 1 day of reperfusion. Interestingly, the inhibitors of calcineurin and PP1/PP2A could enhance nNOS phosphorylation at Ser847 site at 1 day of reperfusion after ischemia but not at 6 hr of reperfusion. From these data, we conclude that GABA receptor activation could exert its neuroprotective effect through increasing nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation by different mechanisms at 6 hr and 1 day of reperfusion. The increased interaction of nNOS and postsynaptic density‐95 induced by GABA agonists is responsible for nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation at both time points, but at 1 day of reperfusion the inhibition of protein phosphatase activity by GABA agonists also contributes to the neuroprotection. Our results suggest that GABA receptor agonists may serve as a potential and important neuroprotectant in therapy for ischemic stroke. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variations in gender ratios support the connection between smoking and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Morozova Natalia , O'Reilly Eilis J. , Ascherio Alberto
Published: May 2008

Smokers have a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), but this association could simply be the result of a common factor causing both PD and aversion to smoking. Smoking behavior in industrialized nations has changed dramatically over the second half of the 20th century, with diverging patterns in male and female smoking rates. We therefore examined whether PD incidence changed concomitantly, as would be expected if smoking truly reduced PD risk. We performed a PUBMED search to identify relevant studies reporting male and female age‐specific prevalence or incidence of PD in different countries. For each country and birth cohort we then estimated the male to female ratio in PD incidence, and correlated these ratios with the corresponding male to female ratios in smoking behavior obtained from national statistics. We show that the relative frequency of PD among women declines when the proportion of women smoking increases. The strength of this correlation (r = 0.28; P = 0.0002) is comparable to the opposite trend observed for lung cancer, and supports an overall 74% reduction in risk of PD among smokers. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that smoking reduces the risk of PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society