bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic cancer cells with macrophage properties: Evidence from a new murine tumor model
Authors: Huysentruyt Leanne C. , Mukherjee Purna , Banerjee Dia , Shelton Laura M. , Seyfried Thomas N.
Published: April 2008

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells disseminate from the primary neoplasm and invade surrounding tissue and distant organs, and is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. Most conventional cancer therapies are ineffective in managing tumor metastasis. This has been due in large part to the absence of in vivo metastatic models that represent the full spectrum of metastatic disease. Here we identify 3 new spontaneously arising tumors in the inbred VM mouse strain, which has a relatively high incidence of CNS tumors. Two of the tumors (VM‐M2 and VM‐M3) reliably expressed all of the major biological processes of metastasis to include local invasion, intravasation, immune system survival, extravasation and secondary tumor formation involving liver, kidney, spleen, lung and brain. Metastasis was assessed through visual organ inspection, histology, immunohistochemistry and bioluminescence imaging. The metastatic VM tumor cells also expressed multiple properties of macrophages including morphological appearance, surface adhesion, phagocytosis, total lipid composition (glycosphingolipids and phospholipids) and gene expression (CD11b, Iba1, F4/80, CD68, CD45 and CXCR4). The third tumor (VM‐NM1) grew rapidly and expressed properties of neural stem/progenitor cells, but was neither invasive nor metastatic. Our data indicate that spontaneous brain tumors can arise from different cell types in VM mice and that metastatic cancer can represent a disease of macrophage‐like cells similar to those described in several human metastatic cancers. The new VM tumor model will be useful for defining the biological processes of cancer metastasis and for evaluating potential therapies for tumor management. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A celecoxib derivative inhibits focal adhesion signaling and induces caspase‐8‐dependent apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Casanova Isolda , Bosch Rosa , Lasa Adriana , Parreño Matilde , Céspedes María Virtudes , Brunet Salut , Nomdedéu Josep F. , Mangues María Antònia , Sierra Jorge , Mangues Ramon
Published: April 2008

Most acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs), including those with c‐Kit or FLT3 mutations, show enhanced anchorage independent growth associated with constitutive activation of focal adhesion proteins. Moreover, these alterations increase cell survival, inhibit apoptosis and are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, the induction of apoptosis by selective inhibition of focal adhesion signaling may represent a novel anti‐AML therapy. Here, we have evaluated the antitumor effect and the mechanism of action of celecoxib and E7123, a non‐Cox‐2 inhibitor derivative, in a panel of human AML cell lines and bone marrow mononuclear cells from AML patients. Both compounds induce cell death by inhibiting focal adhesion signaling through p130Cas, FAK and c‐Src, leading to caspase‐8 dependent apoptosis. This mechanism of action differs from that of classical cytotoxic drugs or of other targeted therapies, and is amenable to rational drug development. Therefore, both drugs could be developed as AML therapeutics; nevertheless, E7123 shows more activity than celecoxib against AML cells, and may not present its Cox‐2 dependent cardiovascular toxicity. Finally, our results support the evaluation of celecoxib in AML patients, and the preclinical evaluation of E7123, before its possible clinical testing. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies of the cellular uptake of hydrogel nanospheres and microspheres by phagocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells
Authors: Nguyen Kytai Truong , Shukla Kajal P. , Moctezuma Miriam , Braden Arthur R. C. , Zhou Jun , Hu Zhibing , Tang Liping
Published: April 2008

Intensive research efforts have been placed on the development of nanospheres for targeted drug delivery for treating a variety of diseases, including coronary restenosis, cancer, and inflammatory reactions. Although most of these drug‐bearing spheres are delivered via intravenous administration, little is known about the effect of sphere physical characteristics on the responses of vascular and blood cells. To find the answer, this work was aimed to investigate the cellular uptake of nanosized (100 nm) and microsized hydrogel spheres (1 μm) made of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) by vascular cells and phagocytes under various flow conditions in vitro. We found that the cellular uptake of nanospheres depended on incubation times and sphere concentrations as well as on the introduced shear stress levels of the medium. Measurements of the intracellular‐released fluorescence and confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed that nanospheres were internalized by endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells more than microspheres, whereas microspheres were rapidly taken up by phagocytes, especially at high concentration. Our results strongly suggest that hydrogel nanospheres are more effective as an intravascular delivery system compared to microspheres in the terms of vascular cellular uptake and biocompatibility. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Electrosynthesis of hydrogel films on metal substrates for the development of coatings with tunable drug delivery performances
Authors: De Giglio E. , Cometa S. , Satriano C. , Sabbatini L. , Zambonin P. G.
Published: April 2008

Novel polyacrylates‐based hydrogel thin films were prepared by electrochemical polymerization, a new method to obtain hydrogels directly onto metal substrates. 2‐Hydroxy‐ethyl‐methacrylate (HEMA), a macromer poly (ethylene‐glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA) and PEGDA copolymerized with acrylic acid (AA) were used to obtain hydrogels. The electrosynthesized coatings were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to assess their surface chemical composition, and by water content determination measurements, to characterize the swelling behavior. In particular, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring was used to evaluate the pH‐dependency of the swelling for AA‐containing hydrogels. Moreover, a model protein (bovine serum albumin) and a model drug (caffeine) were entrapped within the hydrogel coatings during electrosynthesis, to examine the release performances and mechanisms of the electrosynthesized hydrogels. It was observed that all the examined polymers showed significant release properties and, in particular, AA‐containing hydrogel films confirmed a strong pH‐dependence as expected. These coatings seem to be promising in orthopedic field for in situ drug delivery applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Cationic supramolecules consisting of oligoethylenimine‐grafted α‐cyclodextrins threaded on poly(ethylene oxide) for gene delivery
Authors: Yang Chuan , Li Hongzhe , Wang Xin , Li Jun
Published: April 2008

In this study, three cationic polyrotaxanes composed of multiple oligoethylenimine‐grafted α‐cyclodextrin rings threaded on a poly(ethylene oxide) chain have been synthesized and characterized, and investigated for gene delivery. All three cationic polyrotaxanes could efficiently compact pDNA into small nanoparticles, with diameters ranging from 100 to 200 nm. In both BHK‐21 and MES‐SA cell lines, the transfection efficiency mediated by the cationic polyrotaxanes were comparable or even higher than that of branched polyethylenimine (PEI) with a molecular weight of 25 kDa, which is one of the most efficient gene‐delivery vectors to date. Moreover, the cationic polyrotaxanes showed much lower cytotoxicity than branched PEI (25 kDa). Hence, these cationic poly rotaxanes have high potentials as new carriers for gene delivery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Factors influencing collagen biosynthesis
Authors: Kavitha O. , Thampan Raghava Varman
Published: April 2008

The importance of collagen, the major structural protein of animal kingdom, in maintaining the normal structure and function of the skin is well known. The same property is exploited widely in medical and industrial fields in finding agents, which could influence the synthesis of this protein. In this context in vitro production of collagen is of high significance. A literature survey has been made to analyze the various factors that influence collagen biosynthesis. There are various physical and biological factors that can either induce or inhibit collagen biosynthesis at various levels of gene expression. However reports concentrating on the effects of plants‐derived compounds in stimulating collagen synthesis are scanty. Since extracts of many plants are known to be beneficial in the wound healing process, plants‐derived compounds will have a definite role in the regulation of collagen synthesis. The present study emphasizes the need for unearthing the role of these plant derived factors on collagen synthesis which will be of immense application in the medical field. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1150–1160, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protease production by Aspergillus oryzae in solid‐state fermentation using agroindustrial substrates
Authors: Chutmanop Jarun , Chuichulcherm Sinsupha , Chisti Yusuf , Srinophakun Penjit
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: An inexpensive and readily available agroindustrial substrate such as rice bran can be used to produce cheap commercial enzymes by solid‐state fermentation. This work investigates the production of food‐grade proteases by solid‐state fermentation using readily available Thai rice bran.

RESULTS: A local strain of Aspergillus oryzae (Ozykat‐1) was used to produce proteases. Rice bran used alone proved to have poor substrate morphology (insufficient porosity) for satisfactory solid‐state fermentation. A certain amount of wheat bran was necessary to improve the morphology of the substrate. The following variables affected protease production: substrate composition, initial moisture content and initial pH. A high protease activity (∼1200 U g−1 dry solids) was obtained on a substrate that had a wheat bran to rice bran ratio of 0.33 by dry weight, a moisture content of 50%, initial pH of 7.5, and incubation temperature of 30 °C.

CONCLUSION: Nutritionally, rice bran used alone was as good a substrate as mixed bran for producing protease, but rice bran had poor morphological characteristics for consistent fermentation. A substrate that had a wheat bran to rice bran ratio of 0.33 by dry weight was best for producing protease. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Age‐related changes in the human thymus studied with scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Cavallotti Carlo , D'Andrea Vito , Tonnarini Gianfranco , Cavallotti Chiara , Bruzzone Paolo
Published: April 2008

This investigation describes some morphological, age‐related changes in different compartments and cells of the human thymus. Scanning electron microscopic observations were done on human thymus samples obtained from four young and eight elderly patients during thoracic surgery and/or diagnostic biopsy of the thymus, after receiving authorization from the Ethical Committee of our university. The morphological data were submitted to quantitative image analysis so as to obtain quantitative results. Subsequently, the related values were used for statistical analysis. Our findings demonstrate that (1) all thymus compartments (subcapsular spaces, cortical, medullar, thymus microenvironment) contain numerous thymocytes even after the thymus has aged. (2) In older humans, residual thymus lymphoid islets contain, in addition to fatty cells and/or fibrous cells, also the same types of resident and nonresident cells (permanent and moving cells) that are found in young and adult subjects. (3) Endothelial cells of thymus microvessels contain numerous gaps. These gaps are tight in young subjects and become loose with age. (4) Thymocytes, in older subjects, are always found near these loose endothelial gaps of thymus microvessels. (5) While thymus cortical microvessels are provided with pericytes and/or periarteriolar spaces, microvessels of the thymus medullar are free of such spaces. Our morphological and quantitative results lead us to consider the possibility that the thymus fraction of resident and permanent cells (including thymocytes and reticular epithelial cells) is larger in younger subjects compared with older ones. The endothelial loose gaps of thymus microvessels, in older subjects, can allow the bidirectional transit of thymocytes through the wall of the said microvessels. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Air temperature impacts over Eastern North America and Europe associated with low‐frequency North Atlantic SST variability
Authors: Arguez Anthony , O'Brien James J. , Smith Shawn R.
Published: April 2008

Air temperature anomalies over eastern North America and Europe are analysed during the extreme phases of the two leading low‐frequency modes of North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) during the 1906–2005 period. The leading mode of SST is a multi‐decadal signal—commonly referred to as the Atlantic multi‐decadal oscillation—with uniform polarity over the North Atlantic. Air temperature anomalies over the eastern United States and Northern Europe during extreme phases of this mode are of the same sign as the corresponding SST anomalies. The most intense air temperature impacts occur in summer months. The second mode exhibits considerable spectral energy in the quasi‐decadal (∼12 year) range. The spatial signature and associated air temperature anomalies of mode 2 are strongly correlated with both SST and land temperature impacts of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Intervertebral disc degeneration in a naturally occurring primate model: Radiographic and biomechanical evidence
Authors: Nuckley David J. , Kramer Patricia A. , Del Rosario Adeline , Fabro Nathan , Baran Szczepan , Ching Randal P.
Published: April 2008

Classic degenerative disc disease is a serious health problem worldwide, whose etiological basis—mechanical stimulus, biochemical changes, or natural aging—is poorly understood. Animal models are critical to the study of degenerative disc disease initiation and progression and for attempts to regulate, ameliorate, or eliminate it. The macaque represents a primate model with natural disc degeneration that might serve to advance the field; we aimed to provide radiographic (morphologic) and biomechanical evidence of natural disc degeneration in this model. A factorial study design was used to examine the relationship between the radiographic appearance of disc degeneration and its biomechanical consequences. Eighteen macaques of advanced age (22.3 ± 0.9 years) had radiographs taken to assess the degree of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc degeneration using a standard atlas method. Each spine was harvested and dynamic biomechanical tests were performed. Advancing disc degeneration (degree of disc space narrowing and osteophytosis) was associated with increased stiffness, decreased energy absorption, and increased natural frequency of the intervertebral disc. These associations linking the dynamics of the intervertebral disc and its degree of degeneration are similar to those found in humans. Our results indicate the macaque model with morphologic and biomechanical efficacy could aid in understanding the progression of disc degeneration and in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent or inhibit its course. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1283–1288, 2008
The effect of hyaluronidase, phospholipase, lipid solvent and trypsin on the lubrication of canine flexor digitorum profundus tendon
Authors: Sun Yulong , Chen Meng‐Yi , Zhao Chunfeng , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: April 2008

Although the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon's gliding resistance is low, the lubrication mechanism that enables this is unclear. The principal lubricants in joints, such as hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, and lubricin, a lubricating glycoprotein, are known to be present in the canine tendon. In this study, we assessed the effect of these lubricants in the tendon by measuring gliding resistance before and after their removal. Canine FDP tendons were treated with hyaluronidase, phospholipase, lipid solvent, and/or trypsin. The gliding resistance of FDP tendons significantly increased after all treatments (p < 0.05). The largest effect on gliding resistance was observed after trypsin digestion. Scanning electron microscopy and immunostaining for hyaluronic acid and lubricin were used to qualitatively assess the tendon surface after treatments. The trypsin digestion produced the most irregular surface, with many exposed collagen fibers. The results of this study suggest that phospholipids, hyaluronic acid, and protein components are all involved in maintaining the low gliding resistance of the FDP tendon. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1225–1229, 2008
Manipulating the anabolic and catabolic response in bone graft remodeling: Synergism by a combination of local BMP‐7 and a single systemic dosis of zoledronate
Authors: Harding Anna Kajsa , Aspenberg Per , Kataoka Masashi , Bylski David , Tägil Magnus
Published: April 2008

Remodeling of a bone graft can be influenced both by anabolic substances, such as a bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and by anticatabolic substances, such as the bisphosphonates. BMPs are potent bone anabolic substances, but also boost catabolism and cause resorption. Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast function and can be used to postpone resorption. In the present study a combination of both drugs was explored in a rat bone chamber model. Cancellous bone grafts were treated with either BMP‐7 or saline and placed in a bone chamber implanted in the proximal tibia. After 2 weeks, an injection of either zoledronate 0.1 mg/kg or saline was given subcutaneously. The rats were killed after 6 weeks, and bone ingrowth distance into the graft and graft resorption were measured by histomorphometry. BMP‐7 significantly (p = 0.007) increased new bone ingrowth distance into the graft from 2.0 mm (SD = 0.98 mm) in the controls to 3.1 mm (SD = 0.93 mm). If bisphosphonate was not given, most of the newly formed and old graft bone was resorbed. A single injection of zoledronate significantly (p < 0.001) increased the trabecular volume/total volume to 40% (SD = 9%) compared to 14% (SD = 10%) in the nonbisphosphonate treated. In total, the net amount of bone increased by 400% when BMP‐7 and zoledronate combined was compared to saline. A bone graft can be treated with BMP‐7 to increase new bone formation and at the same time be protected against premature catabolism by a single dose of a bisphosphonate. This combination might be useful in various conditions in orthopedic reconstruction. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1245–1249, 2008
Radiographic analysis of femoroacetabular impingement with Hip2norm—reliable and validated
Authors: Tannast Moritz , Mistry Sapan , Steppacher Simon D. , Reichenbach Stephan , Langlotz Frank , Siebenrock Klaus A. , Zheng Guoyan
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility/reliability of a new method for correction of pelvic tilt and rotation of radiographic hip parameters for pincer type of femoroacetabular impingement on an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. Thirty cadaver hips and 100 randomized, blinded AP pelvic radiographs were used for investigation. To detect the software accuracy, the calculated femoral head coverage and classic hip parameters determined with our software were compared to reference measurements based on CT scans or conventional radiographs in a neutral orientation as gold standard. To investigate software consistency, differences among the different parameters for each cadaver pelvis were calculated when reckoned back from a random to the neutral orientation. Intra‐ and interobserver comparisons were used to analyze the reliability and reproducibility of all parameters. All but two parameters showed a good‐to‐very good accuracy with the reference measurements. No relevant systematic errors were detected in the Bland–Altman analysis. Software consistency was good‐to‐very good for all parameters. A good‐to‐very good reliability and reproducibility was found for a substantial number of the evaluated radiographic acetabular parameters. The software appears to be an accurate, consistent, reliable, and reproducible method for analysis of acetabular pathomorphologies. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1199–1205, 2008
Association of child sexual abuse and dating victimization with mental health disorder in a sample of adolescent girls
Authors: Hébert Martine , Lavoie Francine , Vitaro Frank , McDuff Pierre , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: April 2008

The study's aim was to assess the association between adolescent girls' recall of child sexual abuse (CSA) and prevalence of dating victimization in early romantic relationships and to explore the link between multiple trauma history and mental disorders. When demographics and teacher‐reported behavioral problems during childhood were controlled, the risk of presenting with at least one internalized or externalized mental health disorder was higher for adolescent girls with multiple victimization (history of CSA and dating victimization) than for adolescents with no multiple trauma history. Results highlight a strong association between reports of multiple traumatic experiences and mental health disorders of teenaged girls and the need to assess for a broader range of victimization experiences in the design of intervention services.
Dediazoniation of 1‐naphthalenediazonium tetrafluoroborate in aqueous acid and in micellar solutions
Authors: Bravo‐Diaz Carlos , Pastoriza‐Gallego Maria Jose , Losada‐Barreiro Sonia , Sanchez‐Paz Veronica , Fernandez‐Alonso Alejandra
Published: April 2008

We have measured the rates and product yields of dediazoniation of 1‐naphthalenediazonium (1ND) tetrafluoroborate in the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar aggregates by employing a combination of UV–vis spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements. Kinetic data were obtained by a derivatization procedure with product yields were determined by HPLC. HPLC chromatograms show that in aqueous acid and in micellar solutions only one dediazoniation product is formed in significant quantities, 1‐naphthol (NOH), and the observed rate constants (kobs) are the same when 1ND loss is monitored spectrometrically and when NOH formation is monitored by HPLC. Activation parameters were obtained both in the presence and absence of SDS micellar aggregates. In both the systems, the enthalpies of activation are high and the entropies of activation are positive. The enthalpy of activation in the absence of SDS is very similar to that in the presence of SDS micelles, but the entropy of activation is lower by a factor of 4. As a consequence, SDS micelles speed up the thermal decomposition of 1ND and increase kobs by a factor of 1.5 when [SDS] = 0.02 M. In contrast, results obtained in the presence of complexing systems such as crown ethers and polyethers show significant stabilization of the parent arenediazonium ions. Kinetic and HPLC data are consistent with the heterolytic DN + AN mechanism that involves the rate‐determining fragmentation of the arenediazonium ion into a very reactive phenyl cation that reacts competitively with available nucleophiles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 301–309, 2008
Hardy spaces and integral formulas for 𝒟ℱ𝒩‐domains with arbitrary boundary
Authors: Bauer Wolfram
Published: April 2008

Let E be the dual of a Fréchet nuclear space, then it is well‐known that for each open set U in E the space ℋ︁(U) of all holomorphic functions on U is a nuclear Fréchet space. Let 𝒜 be a commutative unital Banach sub‐algebra of all bounded holomorphic functions on U which separates points. Applying the nuclearity of ℋ︁(U) we show that the evaluation on U is given by an integral formula over the Shilov boundary of 𝒜. We obtain Szegö‐ and Bergman kernels together with some boundary estimates. Moreover, we show that there is a notion of Hardy and Bergman space for 𝒟ℱ𝒩‐domains with arbitrary boundary. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Correlation asymptotics for non‐translation invariant lattice spin systems
Authors: Matte Oliver
Published: April 2008

We obtain asymptotic expressions for the Green kernels of certain non‐translation invariant transition matrices using methods of semiclassical and microlocal analysis. Combined with a result by Bach and Møller this yields asymptotic formulas for the truncated two‐point correlation functions of certain non‐translation invariant lattice models of real‐valued spins. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Opérateurs différentiels linéaires à coefficients constants et schémas de Hilbert ponctuels
Authors: D'Almeida Jean
Published: April 2008

We use algebraic methods to study systems of linear partial differential equations with constant coefficients. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polynomial approximation on the sphere using scattered data
Authors: Filbir Frank , Themistoclakis W.
Published: April 2008

We consider the problem of approximately reconstructing a function f defined on the surface of the unit sphere in the Euclidean space ℝq +1 by using samples of f at scattered sites. A central role is played by the construction of a new operator for polynomial approximation, which is a uniformly bounded quasi‐projection in the de la Vallée Poussin style, i.e. it reproduces spherical polynomials up to a certain degree and has uniformly bounded Lp operator norm for 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. Using certain positive quadrature rules for scattered sites due to Mhaskar, Narcowich and Ward, we discretize this operator obtaining a polynomial approximation of the target function which can be computed from scattered data and provides the same approximation degree of the best polynomial approximation. To establish the error estimates we use Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund inequalities, which we derive from our continuous approximating operator. We give concrete bounds for all constants in the Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund inequalities as well as in the error estimates. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Geographical variation of medicated parkinsonism in Finland during 1995 to 2000
Authors: Havulinna Aki S. , Tienari Pentti J. , Marttila Reijo J. , Martikainen Kirsti K. , Eriksson Johan G. , Taskinen Olli , Moltchanova Elena , Karvonen Marjatta
Published: April 2008

We performed a nation‐wide study on geographical variation in the incidence and prevalence of medicated parkinsonism among the Finns aged ≥30 years using Bayesian spatial conditional autoregressive models. Registry of reimbursed medication for parkinsonism and a prescription database of purchase of these drugs were used to identify the study subjects. They were located by the map coordinates of the place of residence and aggregated into regular 100 km2 grid cells. A total of 7,190 incident and 10,616 prevalent cases were found. The age‐adjusted annual incidence was 32.6/100,000 (95% HDR 31.8–33.4) during the years 1995 to 2000 and prevalence was 268/100,000 (95% HDR 263–274) in 2000. The male to female ratio was 1.45 (95% HDR 1.39–1.51) in incidence and 1.54 (95% HDR 1.47–1.61) in prevalence. There was strong evidence for geographic variation in incidence and prevalence. A zone with high incidence and prevalence was identified in the eastern and central part of Finland. There was no evidence for difference in incidence and prevalence between urban and rural areas. The marked (more than two‐fold) geographic variation can hardly be caused solely by practices of the registration and collection of data on diagnosis or by methodological issues, but rather suggests to geographic variation in protective and predisposing factors of Parkinsonism in Finland. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
DGGE and real‐time PCR analysis of lactic acid bacteria in bacterial communities of the phyllosphere of lettuce
Authors: Zwielehner Jutta , Handschur Michael , Michaelsen Astrid , Irez Selen , Demel Michael , Denner Ewald B. M. , Haslberger Alexander G.
Published: April 2008

Food associated indigenous microbial communities exert antagonistic effects on pathogens and may routinely deliver health relevant microorganisms to the GI tract. By using molecular, culture independent methods including PCR‐DGGE of 16S rDNA‐coding regions and real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) as well as BIOLOG metabolic fingerprinting, microbial communities on lettuce were analyzed in samples from fields, from supermarkets and soil. Amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences (57.7%) could be assigned to species previously reported as typical for the phyllosphere including Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas flavescens, Moraxella spp., and Mycobacterium spp. 71.8% of the sequences obtained represented so far undescribed taxa. Principal component analysis of BIOLOG metabolic profiles indicated a seasonal variation in the lettuce phyllosphere microbial community structure. Various lactic acid bacteria were detected including several Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc species in particular on lettuce from organic farming. By RT‐PCR lactobacilli were found with a range of abundances from 1×104 to 1×105 copies/g lettuce. Considering the importance of salad in many diets lettuce may contribute to a constant supply with LAB.
Lagrangian relaxation and enumeration for solving constrained shortest‐path problems
Authors: Carlyle W. Matthew , Royset Johannes O. , Kevin Wood R.
Published: April 2008

The constrained shortest‐path problem (CSPP) generalizes the standard shortest‐path problem by adding one or more path‐weight side constraints. We present a new algorithm for CSPP that Lagrangianizes those constraints, optimizes the resulting Lagrangian function, identifies a feasible solution, and then closes any optimality gap by enumerating near‐shortest paths, measured with respect to the Lagrangianized length. “Near‐shortest” implies ε‐optimal, with a varying ε that equals the current optimality gap. The algorithm exploits a variety of techniques: a new path‐enumeration method; aggregated constraints; preprocessing to eliminate edges that cannot form part of an optimal solution; “reprocessing” that reapplies preprocessing steps as improved solutions are found; and, when needed, a “phase‐I procedure” to identify a feasible solution before searching for an optimal one. The new algorithm is often an order of magnitude faster than a state‐of‐the‐art label‐setting algorithm on singly constrained randomly generated grid networks. On multiconstrained grid networks, road networks, and networks for aircraft routing the advantage varies but, overall, the new algorithm is competitive with the label‐setting algorithm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008
Numerical solution of a coupled Korteweg–de Vries equations by collocation method
Authors: Ismail M.S.
Published: April 2008

A numerical method for solving the coupled Korteweg‐de Vries (CKdV) equation based on the collocation method with quintic B‐spline finite elements is set up to simulate the solution of CKdV equation. Invariants and error norms are studied wherever possible to determine the conservation properties of the algorithm. Simulation of single soliton, interaction of two solitons, and birth of solitons are presented. A linear stability analysis shows the scheme to be unconditionally stable. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Inherited unbalanced structural chromosome abnormalities at prenatal chromosome analysis are rarely ascertained through recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Franssen M. T. M. , Korevaar J. C. , Tjoa W. M. , Leschot N. J. , Bossuyt P. M. M. , Knegt A. C. , Suykerbuyk R. F. , Hochstenbach R. , van der Veen F. , Goddijn M.
Published: April 2008

Objective

To determine the mode of ascertainment of inherited unbalanced structural chromosome abnormalities detected at prenatal chromosome analysis.

Methods

From the databases of three centres for clinical genetics in the Netherlands, all cases of inherited unbalanced structural chromosome abnormalities detected at prenatal chromosome analysis in the period 1992–2000 were selected. The mode of ascertainment was identified by examining the reason for prenatal chromosome analysis and the reason for parental chromosome analysis of the first structural chromosome abnormality detected within the family.

Results

Totally 56 cases of inherited unbalanced structural chromosome abnormalities were detected at prenatal chromosome analysis. Only one case was ascertained through two previous miscarriages (2%). The main modes of ascertainment were a previous child with an unbalanced karyotype (48%), congenital abnormalities at ultrasound examination (20%), and advanced maternal age (9%). The remaining cases had a different mode of ascertainment.

Conclusion

Inherited unbalanced structural chromosome abnormalities detected at prenatal chromosome analysis are rarely ascertained through two or more miscarriages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative personality research: methodological approaches
Authors: Uher Jana
Published: April 2008

In the broadest sense, personality refers to stable inter‐individual variability in behavioural organisation within a particular population. Researching personality in human as well as nonhuman species provides unique possibilities for comparisons across species with different phylogenies, ecologies and social systems. It also allows insights into mechanisms and processes of the evolution of population differences within and between species. The enormous diversity across species entails particular challenges to methodology. This paper explores theoretical approaches and analytical methods of deriving dimensions of inter‐individual variability on different population levels from a personality trait perspective. The existing diversity suggests that some populations, especially some species, may exhibit different or even unique trait domains. Therefore, a methodology is needed that identifies ecologically valid and comprehensive representations of the personality variation within each population. I taxonomise and compare current approaches in their suitability for this task. I propose a new bottom–up approach—the behavioural repertoire approach—that is tailored to the specific methodological requirements of comparative personality research. Initial empirical results in nonhuman primates emphasise the viability of this approach and highlight interesting implications for human personality research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A highly uniform UV transillumination imaging system for quantitative analysis of nucleic acids and proteins
Authors: Chakravarti Bulbul , Louie Melissa , Ratanaprayul Wongrat , Raval Alpan , Gallagher Sean , Chakravarti Deb N.
Published: April 2008

The digital fluorescent imaging for documentation and analysis of gel electrophoretic separations of nucleic acids and proteins is widely used in quantitative biology. Most fluorescent stains used in postelectrophoretic analysis of proteins and nucleic acids have significant excitation peaks with UV light (300–365 nm), making midrange UV (UV‐B) as the excitation source of choice. However, coupling quantitative CCD imaging with UV is difficult due to lack of uniformity found in typical UV transilluminators. The apparent amount of those macromolecules depends on the position of the gel band on the imaging surface of the transilluminator. Here, we report the development and validation of a highly uniform UV transillumination system. Using a novel high density lighting system containing a single lamp formed into a high density grid, an electronic ballast, a phosphor coating, and a bandpass filter to convert 254 nm light produced to 300–340 nm, uniformity of ≤5% CV has been achieved, compared to >80% CV observed in typical UV transilluminators. This system has been used for the quantitative analysis of electrophoretically separated nucleic acids and proteins (CV≤8%) without uniformity correction by software, and continues to outperform typical transilluminators when a uniformity correction is applied.
SET‐LRP of acrylates in the presence of radical inhibitors
Authors: Lligadas Gerard , Percec Virgil
Published: April 2008

The Cu(0)/Me6‐TREN‐catalyzed single‐electron transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of methyl acrylate in the presence of the classic 4‐methoxyphenol free radical inhibitor was investigated. Kinetic experiments, combined with1H NMR, and MALDI‐TOF MS analysis of the resulting polyacrylates demonstrated that SET‐LRP is a robust synthetic method that does not require the purification of the monomers to remove the radical inhibitor. It is anticipated that these results will contribute to the expansion of technological and fundamental applications of SET‐LRP since it allows the synthesis of polymers with a structural perfection that previously was not accessible by any other method, starting from unpurified monomers, solvents, initiators, and ligands. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3174–3181, 2008
D‐brane instantons in 4D supersymmetric string vacua
Authors: Akerblom N. , Blumenhagen R. , Lüst D. , Schmidt‐Sommerfeld M.
Published: April 2008

We review some aspects of D‐instantons in intersecting D‐brane models. In particular, we present applications of the recently proposed instanton calculus to computations of charged matter superpotential couplings and corrections to the gauge kinetic function in the low energy effective action of type IIA orientifolds. As an interesting byway, we also discuss how one‐loop corrections to the gauge kinetic function can be deduced from gauge threshold corrections in the type IIA setting.
Exact solvability of a model of nonequilibrium physics
Authors: Aneva B.
Published: April 2008

We discuss the exact solvability of a lattice model with a flow within the matrix product ansatz to interacting many‐body systems from the point of view of a tridiagonal boundary algebra. It reveals deep symmetry properties of the multiparticle process which allow for the exact solution in the stationary state and puts the description of the dynamics into perspective.
Open‐closed string correspondence in open string field theory
Authors: Baumgartl M. , Sachs I.
Published: April 2008

We address the problem of describing different closed string backgrounds in background independent open string field theory: A shift in the closed string background corresponds to a collective excitation of open strings. As an illustration we apply the formalism to the case where the closed string background is a group manifold.
On Poisson energy
Authors: Burić M. , Madore J. , Zoupanos G.
Published: April 2008

It is suggested that noncommutative geometry modifies the Einstein field equations through the introduction of a field energy associated to the gradient of the commutator. An expression is found for the new term in the quasi‐classical, weak‐field, WKB approximation.
Five‐dimensional black holes in heterotic string theory
Authors: Cvitan M. , Dominis Prester P. , Ficnar A. , Pallua S. , Smolić I.
Published: April 2008

We review recent results on near‐horizon static black hole solutions and entropy in R2‐corrected N = 2 SUGRA in D = 5, focusing on actions connected to heterotic string compactified on K3 × S1. Comparison with α′‐perturbative results, results obtained by using simple Gauss‐Bonnet R2‐correction, OSV conjecture and microscopic stringy description (for small black holes) shows that situation in D = 5 is, in a sense, even more interesting than in D = 4.
Coset space dimensional reduction and classification of semi‐realistic particle physics models
Authors: Douzas G. , Grammatikopoulos T. , Madore J. , Zoupanos G.
Published: April 2008

Starting from a Yang‐Mills‐Dirac theory defined in ten dimensions we classify the semi‐realistic particle physics models resulting from their Forgacs‐Manton dimensional reduction. The higher‐dimensional gauge group is chosen to be E8. This choice as well as the dimensionality of the space‐time is suggested by the heterotic string theory. Furthermore, we assume that the space‐time on which the theory is defined can be written in the compactified form M4 × B, with M4 the ordinary Minkowski spacetime and B = S/R a 6 ‐ dim homogeneous coset space. We constrain our investigation in those cases where the dimensional reduction leads in four dimensions to phenomenologically interesting and anomaly‐free GUTs such as E6, SO(10) and SU(5). However the four‐dimensional surviving scalars transform in the fundamental of the resulting gauge group are not suitable for the superstrong symmetry breaking of the Standard Model. The main objective of our work is the investigation to which extent the latter can be achieved by employing the Wilson flux breaking mechanism.
Emergent 4D gravity from matrix models
Authors: Steinacker H.
Published: April 2008

Recent progress in the understanding of gravity on noncommutative spaces is discussed. A gravity theory naturally emerges from matrix models of noncommutative gauge theory. The effective metric depends on the dynamical Poisson structure, absorbing the degrees of freedom of the would‐be U(1) gauge field. The gravity action is induced upon quantization.
Renormalizability and phenomenology of θ‐expanded noncommutative gauge field theory
Authors: Trampetić J.
Published: April 2008

In this article we consider θ‐expanded noncommutative gauge field theory, constructed at the first order in noncommutative parameter θ, as an effective, anomaly free theory, with one‐loop renormalizable gauge sector. Related phenomenology with emphasis on the standard model forbidden decays, is discussed. Experimental possibilities of Z → γγ decay are analyzed and a firm bound to the scale of the noncommutativity parameter is set around few TeV's.
Instanton solutions for Euclidean N = 2 vector multiplets
Authors: Mohaupt T.
Published: April 2008

We present instanton solutions for vector multiplets in a Euclidean version of N = 2 supergravity.
Structure of the partially unliganded met state of 400 kDa hemoglobin: Insights into ligand‐induced structural changes of giant hemoglobins
Authors: Numoto Nobutaka , Nakagawa Taro , Kita Akiko , Sasayama Yuichi , Fukumori Yoshihiro , Miki Kunio
Published: April 2008

Recent crystallographic studies have revealed the structures of some invertebrate extracellular giant hemoglobins of 3,600 kDa or 400 kDa and their common quaternary structure of dodecameric subassembly composed of four kinds of globin subunits (A1, A2, B1, and B2). These results have provided insight into the mechanisms of their unique functional properties of oxygen binding and sulfide binding. All of these structures were solved with oxygenated or CO‐liganded forms at low or moderate resolutions. We have determined the crystal structure of 400 kDa Hb from a polychaete Oligobrachia mashikoi at 1.95 Å resolution. The electron densities at higher resolution confirm the existence of an isoform of the B1 subunit because of the inconsistency with the model that was built from the formerly known amino acid sequence. The brownish color of the crystals used in this study and the absorption spectrum from the dissolved crystals strongly indicated that the obtained structure was a ferric met state, whereas completele absence of electron density around the distal heme pockets were observed at the A2, B1, and B2 subunits. We concluded that the obtained structure was in unliganded met forms at three of four globin subunits in the 24mer assembly and in oxygenated forms at the remaining A1 subunits. The partially unliganded structure showed remarkable structural changes at the AB loop regions causing quaternary rearrangements of the EF‐dimer structure. In contrast, few changes occurred at the interface regions composed of the E and F helices. These results suggest that the ligand‐induced structural changes of Oligobrachia Hb are quite different from those of the well‐studied mollusk Hb having the same EF‐dimer structure. The structural rearrangements make the dodecameric subassembliy form a tighter conformation than those of fully oxygenated or CO‐liganded dodecamer structure. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative molecular dynamics simulations of histone deacetylase‐like protein: Binding modes and free energy analysis to hydroxamic acid inhibitors
Authors: Yan Chunli , Xiu Zhilong , Li Xiaohui , Li Shenmin , Hao Ce , Teng Hu
Published: April 2008

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in gene transcription, and inhibitors of HDACs can induce cell differentiation and suppress cell proliferation in tumor cells. Histone deacetylase1 (HDAC1) binds suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) and 7‐phenyl‐2, 4, 6‐hepta‐trienoyl hydroxamic acid (CG‐1521) with moderately low affinity (ΔG = −8.6 and −7.8 kcal mol−1). The structurally related (E)‐2‐(3‐(3‐(hydroxyamino)‐3‐oxoprop‐1‐enyl)phenyl)‐N1,N3‐diphenylmalonamide (SK‐683), a Trichostatin A (TSA)‐like HDAC1 inhibitor, and TSA are bound to the HDAC1 with −12.3 and −10.3 kcal mol−1 of ΔG, higher binding free energies than SAHA and CG‐1521. Histone deacetylase‐like protein (HDLP), an HDAC homologue, shows a 35.2% sequence identity of HDLP and human HDAC1. Molecular dynamics simulation and the molecular mechanics/generalized‐Born surface area (MM‐GBSA) free energy calculations were applied to investigate the factors responsible for the relatively activity of these four inhibitors to HDLP. In addition, computational alanine scanning of the binding site residues was carried out to determine the contribution components from van der Waals, electrostatic interaction, nonpolar and polar energy of solvation as well as the effects of backbones and side‐chains with the MM‐GBSA method. MM‐GBSA methods reproduced the experimental relative affinities of the four inhibitors in good agreement (R2 = 0.996) between experimental and computed binding energies. The MM‐GBSA calculations showed that, the number of hydrogen bonds formed between the HDLP and inhibitors, which varied in the system studied, and electrostatic interactions determined the magnitude of the free energies for HDLP‐inhibitor interactions. The MM‐GBSA calculations revealed that the binding of HDLP to these four hydroxamic acid inhibitors is mainly driven by van der Waals/nonpolar interactions. This study can be a guide for the optimization of HDAC inhibitors and future design of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exciton dynamics in blends of phosphorescent emitters
Authors: Schütz Christoph , Höfer Bianca , Jaiser Frank , Krueger Hartmut , Thesen Manuel , Janietz Silvia , Köhler Anna
Published: April 2008

Cascading energy transfer is a usually undesired effect in organic‐host guest systems that are designed for light‐emitting purposes. Here we demonstrate a chemical approach to suppressing undesired energy transfer from the blue to the red emitter in multicomponent polymer blends. We have combined a red, green and blue emitting Ir‐complex each with charge transporting molecules to a side‐chain copolymer. The covalent attachment of the phosphorescent emitter is found to prevent cascading energy transfer through steric shielding. This approach approximately doubles the efficiency and brightness of polymer light emitting diodes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)