bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Donegal ice dome, northwest Ireland: dimensions and chronology
Authors: Ballantyne Colin K. , McCarroll Danny , Stone John O.
Published: July 2007

Geomorphological evidence indicates that Donegal was formerly occupied by an ice dome that extended offshore to the west, northwest and north and was confluent with adjacent ice masses to the east and south. Erosive warm‐based ice over‐rode almost all the highest mountains, implying an ice‐divide altitude greater than 700 m. Only six peripheral summits escaped glacial modification, implying either that they remained above the ice surface as nunataks or supported a thin cover of protective cold‐based ice. Gibbsite, a pre‐last glacial weathering product, is preferentially represented on summits that escaped glacial modification. Cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages of 18.6 ± 1.4 to 15.9 ± 1.0 k yr for coastal sites confirm that Donegal ice extended offshore at the last glacial maximum. Reconstruction of the form of the Donegal ice dome suggests a former minimum ice thickness of ∼500 m close to the present coastline in the west and northwest, and ∼400 m near the coast of the Inishowen Peninsula in the north, with the ice extending at least 20 km across the adjacent shelf to the west and northwest. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Journal: A Retrospective
Authors: Niss Barbara J. , Aufses Arthur H.
Published: July 2007

With this issue, The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine moves from being a general medical publication to one specializing in translational and personalized medicine. This article traces the history of The Journal from its beginning in 1934 to the present day. The Editors and their editorial policies are discussed, with mention of many articles over the years that have made the Journal truly a part of Mount Sinai's history. Mt Sinai J Med 74:2–6, 2007. Copyright © 2007 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Network analysis of FDA approved drugs and their targets
Authors: Ma'ayan Avi , Jenkins Sherry L. , Goldfarb Joseph , Iyengar Ravi
Published: July 2007

The global relationship between drugs that are approved for therapeutic use and the human genome is not known. We employed graph‐theory methods to analyze the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs and their known molecular targets. We used the FDA Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations 26th Edition Electronic Orange Book (EOB) to identify all FDA approved drugs and their active ingredients. We then connected the list of active ingredients extracted from the EOB to those known human protein targets included in the DrugBank database and constructed a bipartite network. We computed network statistics and conducted Gene Ontology analysis on the drug targets and drug categories. We find that drug to drug‐target relationship in the bipartite network is scale‐free. Several classes of proteins in the human genome appear to be better targets for drugs since they appear to be selectively enriched as drug targets for the currently FDA approved drugs. These initial observations allow for development of an integrated research methodology to identify general principles of the drug discovery process. Mt Sinai J Med 74:27–32, 2007. © 2007 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
‘Therefore is the name ‥ Babel’
Authors: Martin Roscoe C.
Published: July 2007

Amid the tumult and the shouting of the specialists, who is there to speak for either the citizen or the government?
Direct legislation laboratory
Authors: Crouch Winston W.
Published: July 2007

Use of initiative, referendum and recall in California municipalities aids in extension of principles to state.
Partisan elections in cities
Authors: Bromage Arthur W.
Published: July 2007

Professor‐councilman finds they frustrate united civic action and bar independents from seeking public office.
They don't vote for ghosts
Authors: Crosser C. A.
Published: July 2007

Sajegumda and sound manugement provided by New Jersey law calling for single responsible head, full publicity.
The governor as legislator
Authors: Solomon Samuel R.
Published: July 2007

Veto as used in New York endows the chief executive with an unusually vigorous role in aflairs of state.
Efficient finite element formulation for the analysis of localized failure in beam structures
Authors: Wackerfuß Jens
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a finite element formulation for the analysis of localized failures in beam structures. Each member is considered to be a prismatic body that, in case of a localized failure, is divided by a singular surface into two elastic bulks. The fracture process on this surface is described by the cohesive crack concept using a traction–separation law. A plane cross section is assumed, which implies a link between the continuous and the structural (classical beam theory) description of the beam. For the numerical treatment of the model a finite beam element exhibiting an internal interface is proposed, whereas the strong discontinuities are approximated by means of additional degrees of freedom that are placed at the centroid of the singular surface. Hence, each bulk can be described individually by a common beam element with the normal set of nodal degrees of freedom, whereas the singular surface is described layer‐wise. The residuum vector and the symmetric stiffness matrix of the
resulting element are obtained by assembling the contributions of the two bulks and the singular surface and afterwards by eliminating the additional degrees of freedom by a static condensation. The formulation, which does not change the global degrees of freedom, is numerically very efficient, especially in the case of extensive beam structures, and can easily be implemented in any conventional finite element code. Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed method. The equilibrium iterations show an optimal convergence rate, even if many cracks emerge simultaneously. The results do not exhibit any artificial mesh dependencies or artificial stress‐locking effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modal criteria for optimizing the acoustic behaviour of a coupled fluid–structure system based on a systemic approach
Authors: Besset S. , Jézéquel L.
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes modal criteria to represent various noise sources within a complex structure, such as an automobile. By optimizing a complex system using criteria linked to modal mass and stiffness matrices, different modes of noise propagation can be investigated separately. Several criteria are thus suggested, each related to a vibrational propagation path. Since the system is studied using modal analysis, criteria can be found based on modes associated with the structure's hollow parts, plates, and cavities. These different criteria are analysed based on the assumption of a complex vibroacoustic system. It is shown that by analysing such criteria, one can determine which part of the structure needs to be optimized. The optimization of such a system could constitute a research topic in its own right, and is beyond the scope of the present paper. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd.
A phase II trial of rebeccamycin analogue (NSC #655649) in children with solid tumors: A Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Langevin Anne‐Marie , Bernstein Mark , Kuhn John G. , Blaney Susan M. , Ivy Percy , Sun Junfeng , Chen Zhengjia , Adamson Peter C.
Published: July 2007

Background

Rebeccamycin Analogue (NSC #655649), a chemically synthesized glycosyl‐dichloro‐indolocarbazole derivative of rebeccamycin with topoisomerase inhibiting activity, has in vitro activity against pediatric tumor cell lines and tumor specimens including rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma and medulloblastoma.

Procedure

The primary objective of this trial was to determine the response rate to Rebeccamycin analogue NSC #655649 in children with refractory solid and CNS tumors. Secondary objectives included further evaluation of the toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile of Rebeccamycin analogue in children with relapsed and refractory cancer. A two‐stage design was used for this Phase II trial. Rebeccamycin analogue, 650 mg/m2, was administered every 21 days, and could be escalated to 780 mg/m2 in subsequent cycles to achieve a maximum plasma drug concentration >5 µg/ml.

Results

From July 2000 to October 2004, 72 male and 61 female eligible patients were enrolled. Of 126 evaluable patients for response, only 4 patients had an objective response: 3 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (1 CR and 2 PR) and 1 patient with neuroblastoma (1 PR). Grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression occurred in 81% (215/265) of patient courses and hepatotoxicity in 14% (37/265) of patient courses. Transient pancreatitis and/or elevation of amylase and lipase occurred in 6 patients.

Conclusions

The 15% response rate to Rebeccamycin analogue observed in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, while of interest, is associated with significant myelosuppression. With a global response rate of 3% observed in children with relapsed CNS and non‐CNS solid tumors, further development of Rebeccamycin analogue in pediatric solid tumors is not recommended. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:577–580. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stress‐related mental disorders in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Schrag Nicole M. , McKeown Robert E. , Jackson Kirby L. , Cuffe Steven P. , Neuberg Ronnie W.
Published: July 2007

Background

This report evaluated the association between surviving pediatric cancer and receiving a diagnosis of a stress‐related mental disorder (SRMD) (i.e., post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, or adjustment disorders).

Procedure

The dataset comprised a cohort of Medicaid eligible children, ages birth to 15 years during baseline years 1996–2001 and followed at least 1 year until age 19 years or the end of 2003. Childhood cancer survivors (N = 390) identified from the SC Central Cancer Registry were frequency matched within age groups at each baseline year to children with no history of malignancy (N = 1,329). Survival curves and cumulative incidence of SRMD were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pediatric cancer survival and selected covariates.

Results

The 8‐year incidence of SRMD was 18.6% (95% CI: 12.47, 24.8) among childhood cancer survivors and 7.3% (5.0, 9.6) among children with no history of malignancy, HR = 3.22 (2.17, 4.76). Significant covariates for this group included race, sex, and previous mental disorder, adjusted HR = 3.00 (2.02, 4.45). Significant predictors among the childhood cancer survivors included cancer type, age group, treatment, and previous mental disorder.

Conclusions

Given the potential benefit of interventions for those with prior psychopathology, that children are less likely to verbalize emotional problems, and the detrimental implications of undiagnosed mental disorders, the health evaluations of childhood cancer patients and the follow‐up visits for the survivors should incorporate assessment for mental disorders, especially SRMD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:98–103. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and polymerization reactions of cyclic imino ethers. II. Preparation of novel hyperbranched polymers from AB2 monomers of 2‐oxazoline type with nonequivalent B units
Authors: Lustoň J. , Kronek J.
Published: July 2007

To study the effect of nonequal reactivity of B units in ABx monomers, two novel monomers for synthesis of hyperbranched polymers of the polyaddition type, namely 2‐(2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐oxazoline (2a) and 2‐(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐oxazoline (2b) were prepared and characterized. Both monomers have one free phenolic group and one hydrogen‐bonded phenolic group with the difference in chemical shift more than 2 ppm. Both monomers undergo thermally initiated polymerization in bulk and in solution at the temperature 220°C during 1 h in bulk and 24 h in solution of 1‐chloronaphthalene. Products are white powders with degree of polymerization 17 and 13 for the respective polymer 3a and 3b. The degree of branching is 0.37 and 0.3 for the respective polymer. The structure of polymers is in agreement with the structure, which was expected from the structure of monomers and consists of linear, dendritic, and terminal units. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1272–1280, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Exfoliation behavior of montmorillonite modified by poly(oxyalkylene)s in polypropylene and the properties of the resulting nanocomposites
Authors: Pospiech Doris , Kretzschmar Bernd , Willeke Meike , Leuteritz Andreas , Jehnichen Dieter , Janke Andreas , Omastová Mária
Published: July 2007

The exfoliation behavior of montmorillonites modified with poly(oxyalkylene)s (POAs) in polypropylene (PP) as polymer matrix was examined to evaluate their use for minimization of interfacial tension in the system, as well as to explore the possibility to use the POA intercalation in clay layers to improve the electrical conductivity of polymers moderately. The results were compared with those of PP nanocomposites (NC's) containing conventional alkylammonium modified clays using FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally the exfoliation process without shear stress was followed by time‐resolved small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements of premixed samples at 200°C. PP NC's with an inorganic content of 5 wt% were prepared by melt compounding using a batch process combining a cokneader and a twin screw extruder, and the mechanical properties of injection molded samples were evaluated. The mechanical testing of the NC's reflected the influence of the structure and molecular weight of the polymeric modifiers. Furthermore, the influence of clay, clay modification, and polymer on the electrical conductivity of the samples were systematically examined and improvements compared to PP could be achieved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1262–1271, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Micromechanical deformation processes in PA/layered silicate nanocomposites: Correlation of structure and properties
Authors: Renner Károly , Henning Sven , Móczó János , Yang Min Soo , Choi Hyoung Jin , Pukánszky Béla
Published: July 2007

Polyamide/organophilic montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared from two silicates with different organophilization resulting in strong and weak matrix/silicate adhesion, respectively; uncoated sodium montmorillonite was used as reference. The silicate content of the composites changed between 0 and 10 vol% in seven steps. Composite structure was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Micromechanical deformation processes were followed by acoustic emission and volume strain measurements. The structure of the composites is more complicated than usually claimed; they contain individual silicate platelets, tactoids with different degree of intercalation, and larger particles. Elastic deformation and shear yielding dominates during the elongation of the specimens. The matrix polymer and the composites deform according to different mechanisms. Sound is emitted by cavitation in the former, while sound emitting processes are related tactoids and nonexfoliated particles in the composites. Acoustic events are generated mainly by the fracture of the particles. Matrix/silicate adhesion seems to be strong, debonding rarely takes place, and volume increase is initiated primarily by particle failure. The type and amount of the surfactant used for organophilization plays an important role in the determination of deformation processes and properties, since it influences both matrix/filler interaction and the inherent strength of the particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1235–1245, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Wood flour filled polypropylene composites: Interfacial adhesion and micromechanical deformations
Authors: Dányádi Lívia , Renner Károly , Móczó János , Pukánszky Béla
Published: July 2007

Polypropylene/wood flour composites were prepared in a wide composition range from 0 to 80 wt% filler content. The adhesion of the components was modified by two maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylenes (MAPP) with different maleic anhydride content and molecular weight. The components were homogenized in an internal mixer and then compression molded to 4 mm thick plates. Tensile properties were measured and micromechanical deformation processes were followed by acoustic emission as well as volume strain measurements. The detailed analysis of the results identified four micromechanical deformation processes in the matrix and the composites, respectively. The matrix polymer deforms mainly by shear yielding, which basically does not emit sound. The presence of wood flour initiates particle related processes in the composites. Debonding dominates in the absence of coupling agent. Pull‐out of fibers may follow the debonding of large particles at an intermediate stress level. The introduction of functionalized polymer increases interfacial adhesion considerably and completely changes the deformation mechanism; the fracture of wood particles becomes the dominating process in this case. Further improvement of composite strength is possible only by the increase of the inherent strength of the wood. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1246–1255, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study of surface and adhesive properties of polypropylene grafted by maleic anhydride
Authors: Novák Igor , Borsig Eberhard , Hrčková L'udmila , Fiedlerová Agnesa , Kleinová Angela , Pollák Vladimír
Published: July 2007

The surface and adhesive properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) grafted by maleic anhydride (MA) have been investigated. The attention has been paid to the analysis of the change in hydrophilicity as well as to the interfacial equilibrium and mechanical work of the adhesion of MA grafted iPP copolymer (iPP‐g‐MA) containing various level of the grafted MA. The surface energy of iPP‐g‐MA increases with MA level. The value of the interfacial energy in adhesive joint of iPP‐g‐MA with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) decreases. The interfacial work of adhesion of iPP‐g‐MA to PVAc significantly increases with the growing content of the MA in the iPP‐g‐MA, mainly in its polar component. The mechanical work of adhesion of iPP‐g‐MA to PVAc enhances as well. The shear strength of joint between iPP‐g‐MA and the aluminum increases significantly with the content of the grafted MA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1207–1212, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polymer composites with cellulose microfibrils
Authors: Panaitescu Denis Mihaela , Donescu Dan , Bercu Cristiana , Vuluga Dumitru Mircea , Iorga Michaela , Ghiurea Marius
Published: July 2007

Polymer composites with cellulose microfibrils are materials with unique properties compared to existing materials: high strength, formability, and geometrical complexity at very small scale, low density, and abrasivity, biomedical compatibility, and possibility of recycling. Polymer composites from polypropylene and two types of cellulose microfibrils were prepared and characterized. To enhance the compatibility of cellulose microfibrils with polypropylene matrix, a silane‐coupling agent and a modified polypropylene were used. Depending on the applied method, composite materials with enhanced mechanical properties were obtained. Morphostructural properties of cellulose microfibrils and polymer composites with treated and untreated microfibrils were investigated using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1228–1234, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Phosphoproteomic analysis of neuronal cell death by glutamate‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Kang Tae Hyuk , Bae Kwang‐Hee , Yu Min‐jung , Kim Won‐Kon , Hwang Hyang‐Ran , Jung Hyeyun , Lee Phil Young , Kang Sunghyun , Yoon Tae‐Sung , Park Sung Goo , Ryu Seong Eon , Lee Sang Chul
Published: July 2007

Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of neuronal cell death in disorders such as perinatal hypoxia and ischemia. Protein phosphorylation is the most significant PTM of proteins and plays an important role in stress‐induced signal transduction. Thus, the analysis of alternative protein phosphorylation states which occur during oxidative stress‐induced cell death could provide valuable information regarding cell death. In this study, a reference phosphoproteome map of the mouse hippocampal cell line HT22 was constructed based on 125 spots that were identified by MALDI‐TOF or LC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS analysis. In addition, proteins of HT22 cells at various stages of oxidative stress‐induced cell death were separated by 2‐DE and alterations in phosphoproteins were detected by Pro‐Q Diamond staining. A total of 17 spots showing significant quantitative changes and seven newly appearing spots were identified after glutamate treatment. Splicing factor 2, peroxiredoxin 2, S100 calcium binding protein A11, and purine nucleoside phosphorylase were identified as up‐ or down‐regulated proteins. CDC25A, caspase‐8, and cyp51 protein appeared during oxidative stress‐induced cell death. The data in this study from phosphoproteomic analysis provide a valuable resource for the understanding of HT22 cell death mechanisms mediated by oxidative stress.
Novel eye‐specific calmodulin methylation characterized by protein mapping in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Takemori Nobuaki , Komori Naoka , Thompson James N. , Yamamoto Masa‐Toshi , Matsumoto Hiroyuki
Published: July 2007

Post‐translational methylation of the epsilon‐amino group of lysine residues regulates a number of protein functions. Calmodulin, a key modulator of intracellular calcium signaling, is methylated on lysine 115 in many species. Although the amino acid sequence of calmodulin is highly conserved in eukaryotes, it has been shown that lysine 115 is not methylated in Drosophila calmodulin and no other methylation site has been reported. In this study, we characterized in vivo modification states of Drosophila calmodulin using proteomic methodology involving the protein mapping of microdissected Drosophila tissues on 2‐D gels. We found that Drosophila calmodulin was highly expressed in methylated forms in the compound eye, whereas its methylation was hardly detected in other tissues. We identified that lysine 94 located in an EF‐hand III is the methylation site in Drosophila calmodulin. The predominance of methylated calmodulin in the compound eye may imply the involvement of calmodulin in photoreceptor‐specific functions through methylation.
Influence of inorganic fullerene‐like WS2 nanoparticles on the thermal behavior of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Naffakh M. , Martín Z. , Fanegas N. , Marco C. , Gómez M. A. , Jiménez I.
Published: July 2007

A new family of thermoplastic nanocomposites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and inorganic fullerene‐like tungsten disulfide (IF‐WS2) has been successfully prepared. A very efficient dispersion of IF‐WS2 material was obtained by mixing in the melted polymer without using modifiers or surfactants. The addition of IF‐WS2 nanoparticles induces a remarkable enhancement of the thermal stability of iPP, as well as an increase in the crystallization rate of the matrix when compared with pure iPP. The nucleating efficiency of IF‐WS2 solid lubricant nanoparticles on the α‐phase of iPP reaches very high values (60–70%), the highest values observed hitherto for polypropylene nanocomposites. The incorporation of IF‐WS2 has also been observed to increase the size and stability of the crystals formed. The melting behavior of the nanocomposites indicates the formation of more perfect crystals as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and time‐resolved synchrotron X‐ray scattering experiments. The new nanocomposites show an increase in the storage modulus with respect to pure iPP measured by dynamic mechanical analysis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2309–2321, 2007
Resonant Raman scattering at exciton intermediate states in ZnO
Authors: Wagner M. R. , Zimmer P. , Hoffmann A. , Thomsen C.
Published: July 2007

We present results on resonant Raman scattering in single crystal ZnO using a continuously tuneable excitation in the energy region of the free and bound excitons. The PL and Raman spectra show the presence of a dominant luminescence band at 3.310 eV as well as the A1(TO), E2(high), E1(LO), and 2E1(LO) Raman modes at liquid nitrogen temperature. A strong resonance of the Raman scattering cross section was found for the second‐order 2E1(LO) phonon mode. This enhancement is considerably larger than for the non‐polar E2 (high) mode due to Fröhlich interaction. Furthermore, the resonance enhancement at bound excitons was studied at liquid helium temperature proving the essential role of excitonic intermediate states for resonant Raman scattering in ZnO. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preventive doping control analysis: liquid and gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for detection of designer steroids
Authors: Georgakopoulos Costas G. , Vonaparti Ariadni , Stamou Marianna , Kiousi Polyxeni , Lyris Emmanouil , Angelis Yiannis S. , Tsoupras George , Wuest Bernhard , Nielen Michel W. F. , Panderi Irene , Koupparis Michalis
Published: July 2007

A new combined doping control screening method for the analysis of anabolic steroids in human urine using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LCoaTOFMS) and gas chromatography/electron ionization orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GCoaTOFMS) has been developed in order to acquire accurate full scan MS data to be used to detect designer steroids. The developed method allowed the detection of representative prohibited substances, in addition to steroids, at concentrations of 10 ng/mL for anabolic agents and metabolites, 30 ng/mL for corticosteroids, 500 ng/mL for stimulants and β‐blockers, 250 ng/mL for diuretics, and 200 ng/mL for narcotics. Sample preparation was based on liquid‐liquid extraction of hydrolyzed human urine, and the final extract was analyzed as trimethylsilylated derivatives in GCoaTOFMS and underivatized in LCoaTOFMS in positive ion mode. The sensitivity, mass accuracy, advantages and limitations of the developed method are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural analysis of poly[(R,S)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐L‐lactide] copolyesters by electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Adamus Grazyna
Published: July 2007

Two random copolyesters of poly[(R,S)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐L‐lactide] (P[(R,S)‐3HB‐co‐LA]), prepared by equimolar reaction of (R,S)‐β‐butyrolactone with L‐lactic acid and (R,S)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid with L‐lactide, respectively, were characterized by electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI‐ITMS). Detailed studies of these copolyesters were performed by means of collision‐induced dissociation (CID). The molecular architecture of individual copolyester macromolecules, including chemical structures of their end groups (hydroxyl and carboxylate), were established on the basis of their ESI mass spectra. The influence of an intermolecular transesterification reaction on the microstructure of the copolyester synthesized by equimolar reaction of (R,S)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid with L‐lactide was observed. The mass spectra provided information on sequence distribution and indicated that, despite the synthetic pathway applied, random P[(R,S)‐3HB‐co‐LA] copolyesters were formed predominantly. The arrangements of comonomer structural units along the copolyester chains were evaluated by the respective ESI‐MS/MS fragmentation pathways. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combinatorial synthesis, reversed‐phase and normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography elution data and liquid chromatography/positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectra of methoxylated and glycosylated resveratrol analogues
Authors: Jerkovic Vesna , Nguyen Fanny , Nizet Sabrina , Collin Sonia
Published: July 2007

Analyses of methoxylated and glycosylated stilbenes remain scarce in the literature because of the commercial unavailability of these compounds. Here a library of 22 compounds was synthesized by combinatorial chemistry. Their elution profiles were compared on three different columns (C18, C8, and silica) with those of seven commercial resveratrol analogues and two viniferins. The spectra recorded by liquid chromatography/positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐APCI(+)‐MS/MS) are discussed and recommendations made for easier identification of new stilbenes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a microcolumn packed with modified carbon nanofibers coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for simultaneous on‐line preconcentration and determination of trace rare earth elements in biological samples
Authors: Chen Shizhong , Xiao Mingfa , Lu Dengbo , Zhan Xilin
Published: July 2007

In this work, a new method was developed for the determination of trace rare earth elements (REEs) in biological samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) after preconcentration on a microcolumn packed with modified carbon nanofibers (CNFs). CNFs oxidized with nitric acid have been proved to possess an exceptional adsorption capability for REEs due to their surface functionalization. The effects of the experimental parameters, including pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution solution and interfering ions, on the recoveries of the analytes have been investigated systematically. A 100‐fold enrichment factor was obtained. The adsorption capacity of CNFs was found to be 18.1, 19.3, 23.6, 17.6, 22.3 and 19.5 mg/g for La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Dy and Y, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limits of this method ranged from 0.2 pg/mL (Dy) to 1.2 pg/mL (Ce) with an enrichment factor of 15‐fold, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the determination of REEs at the 1.0 ng/mL level were less than 4% (n = 9). This method was applied to the analysis of trace REEs in a real sample of human hair with recoveries of 95–115%. In order to validate the proposed method, a certified reference material of human hair (GBW 07601) was analyzed with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post-Glacial climatic change on Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Zabenskie Susan , Gajewski Konrad
Published: July 2007

A high temporal resolution pollen diagram from a lake in the mid-Arctic region of the Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut, Canada, documents the history of the regional vegetation and climate for the past 7200 yr. Major tundra pollen taxa in the core include Cyperaceae and Salix, with Cyperaceae comprising over 50% of the pollen in the early and late Holocene. Tree pollen, transported from far to the south, comprised a large percentage of the pollen sum, with Pinus accounting for 30% of the pollen in some levels of the core. Pollen percentages and concentrations of taxa typical of the mid-Arctic were highest in the mid-Holocene, corresponding to warm conditions. Decreasing pollen concentrations indicate cooling temperatures, with more rapid decreases occurring around 4200, 3800–3400, and 2500 cal yr BP. Pollen percentages of Salix, Cyperaceae, and Artemisia increased in the past 35 yr in response to global warming. Reconstructions of July temperature using the modern analog technique showed that the mid-Holocene (5800–2800 cal yr BP) was approximately 1 °C higher than during the past 1000 yr.
Cysts of the parotid gland
Authors: Shaheen N. A. , Harboyan G. T. , Nassif R. I.
Published: July 2007

CYSTS of the major salivary glands are most frequent in the parotid where they form a small percentage of its benign tumours. They can be congenital or acquired and of parotid or extraparotid origin. Two unusual cysts are reported: a cholesteatoma arising from the ipsilateral mastoid, twenty years after successful radical mastoidectomy, and a deeply located cyst of probable congenital origin. The literature is reviewed and the management discussed. Parotidectomy, often with extensive dissection, remains in general the treatment of choice.

Cysts in the parotid gland represent a small percentage of benign parotid masses. They usually arise within the gland from salivary or non-salivary parotid tissue, and may be congenital or acquired. Some, however, may arise from surrounding structures.

Unless the cyst is superficial and therefore readily amenable to proper examination, it usually escapes a definite diagnosis even with the help of sialography or more sophisticated procedures. Exploration is eventually resorted to for diagnosis and treatment. That is why the surgeon should be ready to perform extensive surgery if the findings at exploration necessitate it.

The purpose of this article is to present two cystic lesions of the parotid. The first is a rarity, a cholesteatoma originating from the ipsilateral mastoid; and the second an unusually deeply located cyst. These cases illustrate well the problems met with in the management of preauricular masses.
Determination of remnant thyroid volume: comparison of ultrasonography, radioactive iodine uptake and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level
Authors: Erbil Y , Barbaros U , Salmaslıoglu A , Issever H , Tukenmez M , Adalet I , Bozbora A , Özarmagan S , Tezelman S
Published: July 2007

Purpose:

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography, radioactive iodine uptake and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level in predicting the volume of remnant thyroid gland.

Methods:

Sixty-six thyroidectomy patients were divided into two groups according to their functional status, i.e. those operated upon for nontoxic multinodular goitre (group one) and those operated upon for hyperthyroidism (group two). Ultrasonography, radioactive iodine uptake and thyroid-stimulating hormone assay were performed in all patients during the first post-operative month. The two groups were subdivided according to the amount of remnant thyroid volume detected on ultrasonography: <2 ml, 2–5 ml and >5 ml.

Results:

The remnant thyroid volume was positively correlated with the radioactive iodine uptake (rs = 0.684, p = 0.0001). The increase in remnant thyroid tissue radioactive iodine uptake was significantly greater in the patients operated upon for hyperthyroidism compared with those operated upon for nontoxic multinodular goitre (p = 0.0001). There was a negative correlation between remnant thyroid volume and post-operative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level (rs =  −0.865, p = 0.0001) and between remnant thyroid tissue radioactive iodine uptake and post-operative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level (rs = −0.682, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography is a more accurate measure of remnant thyroid volume than radioactive iodine uptake in patients operated upon for hyperthyroidism, compared with those operated upon for nontoxic multinodular goitre.
Mode of action of levamisole and pyrantel, anthelmintic resistance, E153 and Q57
Authors: MARTIN R. J. , ROBERTSON A. P.
Published: July 2007

Here we review molecular information related to resistance to the cholinergic anthelmintics in nematodes. The amount of molecular information available varies between the nematode species, with the best understood so far beingC. elegans. More information is becoming available for some other parasitic species. The cholinergic anthelmintics act on nematode nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located on somatic muscle cells. Recent findings demonstrate the presence of multiple types of the nicotinic receptors in several nematodes and the numerous genes required to form these multimeric proteins. Not only are the receptors the product of several genes but they are subject to modulation by several other proteins. Mutations altering these modulatory proteins could alter sensitivity to the cholinergic anthelmitics and thus lead to resistance. We also discuss the possibility that resistance to the cholinergic anthelmintics is not necessarily the result of a single mutation but may well be polygenic in nature. Additionally, the mutations resulting in resistance may vary between different species or between resistant isolates of the same species. A list of candidate genes to examine for SNPs is presented.
Predictors of Australian consumers’ intentions to consume
conventional and novel sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids
Authors: Cox DN , Evans G , Lease HJ
Published: July 2007

Objectives

To elicit predictors of variation in likelihood to purchase foods rich in
long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Design, setting and subjects

Responses from a community sample (n =
220) were elicited using a computer-administered questionnaire based on an
adaptation of Protection Motivation Theory including measures of perceived
risk and vulnerability to coronary heart disease (CHD). Other measures
included health status, body mass index (BMI), perceived risk/benefits of
novel technologies and sociodemographics. Descriptions of model products
were presented, including farmed fish fed fishmeal (FFFF); farmed fish fed
genetically modified (GM) oilseed (FFFGM); bread, milk and supplements
containing fish oil (SFO) or GM oilseed. It was hypothesised that perceived
vulnerability to CHD would enhance acceptance of GM products (H1).
Furthermore, information describing the benefits of LCO3FA, limitations to
fish supply and potential alternatives was given to a treatment group (50%)
and hypothesised to have a positive effect on the acceptance of GM products
(H2).

Results

No evidence was found to support H1 or H2. FFFF was most likely to be
purchased (P < 0.01), followed
by SFO and FFFGM. Multivariate regression analysis identified significant
(P < 0.05) predictors
(standardised β) for
likelihood to purchase FFFF: self-efficacy 0.56; behaviour (product)
efficacy 0.19; belief that fishmeal is unnatural −0.14 (R2 = 0.44) and for FFFGM:
self-efficacy 0.65; perceived severity of CHD 0.15; BMI −0.13;
significant other has/had arthritis 0.11; belief that GM oilseed is
unnatural 0.11 (R2 =
0.49).

Conclusions

Self-efficacy (confidence to consume) was the most important predictor of
likelihood to purchase all products.
Alteration within a discrete region of the H‐2Ldα1 helix up on association with human β2 microglobulin
Authors: SMITH M. J. , BASORA T. , KIERAN J. E. , NIETO M. C.
Published: July 2007

The utilization of the β2‐microglobulin (B2m) exchange assay allowed for the association of H 2Ld with human B2m. Upon association with H‐2Ld, human B2m induces structural alterations in H‐2Ld that appear dependent upon xenogeneic B2m amino acid sequence variability. In this regard, xenogeneic B2m exchange is used as a tool to induce structural alterations in class I as a means of analysing the structural‐functional relationship of B2m/class I association. Incorporating H‐2Ld site‐directed mutants into the experimental approach provided strong evidence that B2m makes indirect contact with discrete class I specific amino acid positions located in the helical region of the α1 domain.
Killing by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells: Multiple granule serine proteases as initiators of DNA fragmentation
Authors: TRAPANI JOSEPH A. , SMYTH MARK J.
Published: July 2007

The vectorial secretion of the contents of highly specialized cytoplasmic granules is of pivotal importance to the killing by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. The purification and biochemical characterization of some of the granule constituents, in particular the pore‐forming protein perforin, had engendered the notion that the killing of cellular targets was largely an osmotic phenomenon analogous to the insult delivered by complement attack. However, the apparent absence of membrane perforation in various examples of lymphocyte‐mediated killing, and the observation that perforation alone could not account for apoptosis associated with programmed cell death, suggested that perforin activity represented, at best, only a part of the whole mechanism. More recently, the characterization of a large family of granule serine proteases (granzymes) has provided evidence that these molecules may collaborate in the killing process by inducing a ‘suicide’ pathway in target cells, resulting in DNA fragmentation. However, the serine proteases are inactive alone, their natural substrates have not been defined and they require access into the target cell cytoplasm via perforin‐induced pores to exert their deleterious effects. Thus, we propose that the cytotoxic granule‐mediated mechanism comprises at least two interdependent arms, perforin and serine proteases, that together are capable of inflicting cell death by osmotic shock and/or nuclear collapse.
The maintenance of self‐tolerance
Authors: LAFFERTY KEVIN J. , GILL RONALD G.
Published: July 2007

Two signal models for lymphocyte activation build on the Talmage/Burnet concept that receptor diversity is generated within the immune system by a random process, and that individual lymphocytes carry a single receptor on their surface that determines their specificity. Such models cannot use a concept of signal one anergy (or deletion) to explain the maintenance of self‐tolerance in terms of the Bretscher/Cohn theory if they abandon the concept of associative recognition.
Recombinant cytokines as immunological adjuvants
Authors: NASH A. D. , LOFTHOUSE S. A. , BARCHAM G. J. , JACOBS H. J. , ASHMAN K. , MEEUSEN E. N. T. , BRANDON M. R. , ANDREWS A. E.
Published: July 2007

This paper describes the bacterial expression and purification of bioactive recombinant ovine interleukin‐2 (rovIL‐2), interleukin‐lα (rovlL‐lα) and tumour necrosis factor α. These purified proteins had specific activities in appropriate bioassays of 1 × 107, 1 times; 107 and 1 × 105 U/mg, respectively. Recombinant ovIL‐lα was assessed as an immunological adjuvant for the sheep response to the model protein avidin. When delivered either intradermally or intramuscularly in conjunction with avidin in aluminium hydroxide the rovIL‐1α significantly enhanced the secondary humoral response. Doses of 1, 10 or 100 μg per sheep enhanced the humoral response to a similar extent. Recombinant ovIL‐1β had similar adjuvant activity in that it was demonstrated to significantly enhance the sheep humoral response to an experimental H. contortus antigen. This increase in specific antibody, however, did not correlate with enhanced protection against infection with third stage H. contortus larvae. In addition incorporation of rovIL‐1 P into the formulation was shown not to alter the isotype profile of H. contortus antigen specific antibody.
Genetically engineered multi‐component virus‐like particles as veterinary vaccines
Authors: PEARSON L. D. , ROY POLLY
Published: July 2007

Multiprotein structures can be constructed to mimic virus particles. These engineered particles lack genetic material and are not infectious but they can elicit protective immune responses in animals against challenges with infectious viruses. As a prototype, insect cells were co‐infected with two recombinant baculoviruses. One recombinant baculovirus contained an insert of L2 and M5 genes, which encode for outer capsid proteins VP2 and VP5, respectively, from bluetongue virus (BTV) downstream of duplicated copies of the baculovirus (Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus, AcNPV) polybedrin promoter. Another recombinant baculovirus expressed two major core proteins (VP3 and VP7) from BTV virions. The co‐infected cells synthesized no n‐in factious, double‐shelled, virus‐like particles (VLP). The VLP resembled the authentic BTV in size, appearance, and biochemical constitution but they lacked the double‐stranded‐RNA genome and three minor polypeptides normally contained in the icosahedral inner capsid. The VLP consisted of an outer shell of VP2 and VP5 from US BTV‐10 attached to an icosahedral framework formed by the two major core proteins VP3 and BTV‐17 and VP7 from US BTV‐10. Sheep immunized with VLP expressing BTV capsid proteins produced antibodies that neutralized homologous serotypes of BTV. The assembly of VLP from different proteins simultaneously expressed indicates the potential of this novel approach for producing safe and effective vaccines against several viral agents.
Circumvention of maternal antibody interference by immunization of newborn pigs with glycoprotein gIII‐deleted marker vaccine
Authors: KIT S. , McCONNELL S. , KIT M. , LAWHORN B.
Published: July 2007

Maternal antibodies interfere with the immunization of swine by modified live‐virus pseudorabies virus (PRV) vaccines. To test the hypothesis that a PRV vaccine attenuated by deletions in the thymidine kinase (TK) and gIII genes might reduce interference by maternal antibodies, pigs with moderate to low levels of colostral PRV antibodies were immunized with the TK−gIII−OMNIMARK‐PRV vaccine. Vaccinates and non‐vaccinates were challenged intranasally with virulent PRV at 7 weeks of age. In support of the hypothesis, it was found that central nervous system (CNS) and/or respiratory disease developed in six out of 10 controls with a fatal outcome in one, while two out of 13 vaccinates showed only very mild and transient CNS or respiratory disease signs with no fatalities. AH vaccinates gained weight while non‐vaccinates initally lost weight. At post‐challenge day (PCD) 11, vaccinates showed 4.5 Ib/pig greater weight gain than non‐vaccinates. Virus neutralization (VN) analyses before and after challenge showed that vaccinates had been primed immunologically. In another experiment, newborn pigs from a pseudorabies disease‐quarantined herd with high VN antibody titres were vaccinated, respectively, with the gIII−TK−OMNIMARK‐PRV vaccine, a TK gI−gX−vaccine, or no vaccine and challenged with virulent PRV at 14 weeks of age when VN titres were <1: 2. By PCD 9, the TK−gIII−group had outgained the TK−gI−gX−and the control groups, respectively, by 6.0 and 3.2 lb per pig.
Vaccination against cestode parasites
Authors: LIGHTOWLERS MARSHALL W. , RICKARD MICHAEL D.
Published: July 2007

Cestodes are tapeworm parasites. Infection in the intermediate host with larval (metacestode) parasites causes medically and economically important diseases known as hydatidosis and cysticercosis. Immunization against experimental infection with metacestode parasites has been highly successful, in marked contrast with the relative ineffectiveness of vaccines against infection with most parasitic organisms. High levels of immunity against a challenge infection with taeniid cestode eggs can be stimulated by immunization with extracts of the parasites, particularly with extracts of the oncosphere life‐cycle stage. This led to the production of a recombinant antigen vaccine against infection in sheep with the parasite Taenia ovis, the first highly effective, non‐living vaccine against a parasitic infection in animals or humans. This paper reviews immunity to the adult and metacestode life‐cycle stages of cestode parasites, development and application of the T. ovis vaccine, and prospects for vaccines against other cestode infections.