bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the ThinPrep® imaging system in a high‐volume metropolitan laboratory
Authors: Miller Fern S. , Nagel Lynn E. , Kenny‐Moynihan Mary B.
Published: March 2007

The Papanicolaou test has proven to be the most effective cancer screening test ever developed. However, with a declining number of skilled cytotechnologists, there is an increased need for computer assistance in cervical cancer screening. The ThinPrep® Imaging System (Cytyc Corporation, Marlborough, MA) is a unique system that combines computer imaging technology and human interpretive expertise in the review of ThinPrep Pap test slides. The purpose of this study is to report on the introduction and validation of this technology and present data related to the performance and productivity in our laboratory.

Following completion of the ThinPrep Imaging System validation protocol, all imaged ThinPrep Pap test results were tracked and compared with year‐2003 manually screened results to identify whether the Imaging System was effective in aiding human interpretive skills. Cases rescreened in the 10% random quality control (QC) program from the negative population that showed abnormal cells consistent with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and above were compared with imaged versus nonimaged cases to establish an estimated laboratory false‐negative (F/N) rate.

The study compared results of 82,063 manually screened ThinPrep Pap tests in 2003 with 84,473 imaged ThinPrep Pap tests in 2004. Results demonstrated a significant increase in LSIL (37%) and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (42%) detection on the Imager cohort. The F/N rate was reduced by half.

The evaluation period after validation of the Imager showed a significant increase in LSIL and HSIL detection with the ThinPrep Imaging System compared to manual screening. These results demonstrate that the Imager has the potential to allow the cytotechnologists to detect more disease and reduce the false‐negative rate for the laboratory. Although not evaluated in this study, cytotechnologists reported increased job satisfaction. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:213–217. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure‐function relationship and immunochemical mapping of external and intracellular antigenic sites on the lymphocyte activation inducer molecule, AIM/CD69
Authors: Sánchez‐Mateos Paloma , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco
Published: March 2007

Human activation inducer molecule (AIM/CD69), a dimeric glycoprotein structure of 33 and 27 kDa, is the earliest inducible cell surface antigen expressed during lymphocyte activation and is implicated in the induction of T and B cell proliferative responses. Cross‐competition monoclonal antibodies (mAb) binding assays have allowed the definition of four antigenic epitopes. Three of them (antigenic sites El‐3) are extracellular while the fourth (site I) is a sequential epitope localized intracellularly and highly conserved interspecies. Site E1 is shown to be an immunodominant antigenic determinant closely related to a functional domain of AIM important for triggering of T cell proliferation. Studies of peptide fragmentation of the two isolated AIM subunits with different proteases have demonstrated that both AIM chains are differentially glycosylated forms of a single 24‐kDa core protein. Moreover, the two denatured and isolated AIM chains share common epitope(s) as demonstrated by their reactivity with an mAb by both Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation of the separated AIM subunits. Biosynthesis studies revealed the rapid appearance of two intermediate precursor forms of 29 and 26 kDa which arise from the 24‐kDa unglycosylated AIM polypeptide. This 24‐kDa unglycosylated form could be also precipitated from iodinated cells pretreated with tunicamycin, indicating that glycosylation of the protein was neither required for AIM cell surface expression nor for acquisition of external epitopes E1‐E3. Cell treatment with pronase resulted in the loss of the external epitopes E1‐3 and the generation of a proteolytic peptide of 16 kDa that could be precipitated by the anti‐AIM mAb specific for the internal site I. This proteolytic fragment retained the transmem‐brane and cytoplasmic regions of the molecule where both epitope I and phosphorylation sites reside. These results demonstrate that AIM is an integral membrane homodimeric glycoprotein with a large cytoplasmic domain probably involved in the activation signals transduced through this molecule to lymphocytes.
Diversity of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene segment rearrangement in B lymphoblastoid cell lines from X‐linked agammaglobulinemia patients
Authors: Timmers Erik , Kenter Marcel , Thompson Allan , Kraakman Margriet E. M. , Berman Jeffrey E. , Alt Frederick W. , Schuurman Ruud K. B.
Published: March 2007

X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is characterized by an arrest in early B lymphocyte differentiation. Precursor B cells are present in the bone marrow (BM), whereas peripheral blood B cell numbers are severely decreased. A series of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines (BLCL) was established from peripheral blood of three XLA patients belonging to one pedigree. These BLCL manifested productive VHDJH rearrangements and a random utilization of the VH families. The CDR3 regions of the rearrangements varied in length from 12 to 47 nucleotides and included N regions in all cases. The results supported the conclusion that the few B lymphocytes in peripheral blood of XLA patients exhibit all mechanisms that generate immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) chain diversity. However, no evidence for somatic mutation was found. Within the VH3 family 50% of the expressed VH4 gene segments belonged to a single subgroup and within the VH4 family a preferential utilization of one VH4 gene element was observed. The utilization of H chain joining (HH) elements was biased to JH4 and JH6 and a high percentage of the CDR3 regions was found to be generated by unconventional mechanisms, such as multiple D usage and the fusion of D elements to D segments with irregular recombination recognition signals. These unique features of the recombined and expressed VHDJH regions in XLA may explain the inability of XLA patients to respond to a variety of antigens. Alternatively, they could be secondary to a B lymphocyte maturation defect in XLA.
The B cell antigen receptor of class IgD can be expressed on the cell surface in two different forms
Authors: Wienands Jürgen , Reth Michael
Published: March 2007

Membrane‐bound immunoglobulins of the IgM and IgD class are expressed on the B cell surface in association with a disulfide‐linked heterodimer consisting of α and β subunits. While the α component of the IgM antigen receptor (IgM‐α, 34‐kDa) is encoded by the B cell‐specific gene mb‐1, the gene coding for IgD‐α (35 kDa) has not yet been identified. We show here that the α component of the IgD antigen receptor is also encoded by the mb‐1 gene. The difference in molecular weight between IgM‐α and IgD‐α thus seems to be due to post‐translational modifications of the mb‐1 gene product. We also demonstrate that the previously described myeloma variant J558Lδm2.6 expresses an alternative form of the IgD antigen receptor, which does not contain an α/β heterodimer.
Chimeric mouse human IgG3 antibodies with an IgG4‐like hinge region induce complement‐mediated lysis more efficiently than IgG3 with normal hing
Authors: Norderhaug Lars , Brekke Ole Henrik , Bremnes Bjørn , Sandin Randi , Aase Audun , Michaelsen Terje E. , Sandlie Inger
Published: March 2007

We have altered the amino acid sequence of the hinge and the first constant domain (CH1) of mouse/human chimeric IgG3 antibodies by site‐directed mutagenesis, so as to make the sequences identical to those of IgG4. All the mutant antibodies with altered hinge region were more active in complement activation and complement‐mediated lysis than native IgG3. The mutations in CH1, however, did not alter the activity. This demonstrates the importance of the hinge region in modulating this effector function. The results show that the primary structure of neither CH1 nor the hinge of IgG4 is responsible for the lack of complement activation shown by this subclass.
Expression, function and regulation of the intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) on human intestinal epithelial cell lines
Authors: Kaiserlian Dominique , Rigal Dominique , Abello Jacques , Revillard Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2007

We have characterized the presence of the intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (CD54) on human intestinal adenocarcinoma cell lines as a nonreducible polypeptide of Mr 93 kDa, identified as a rhinovirus receptor. Expression of ICAM‐1 was positively correlated with enterocytic maturation, in that the percentage of ICAM‐1+ cells was highest in the most differentiated cell line Caco‐2. ICAM‐1 could be up‐regulated only on the less differentiated cell lines HT29 and T84 by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and by the cytokines interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin (IL) 1β. Enterocyte ICAM‐1 was involved in adhesion to activated T cells through binding to the leukocyte function associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1). These data provide evidence that colon adenocarcinoma cell lines express functional ICAM‐1 sensitive to cytokine regulation. These findings support the hypothesis that lympho‐epithelial interactions involving the ICAM‐1/LFA‐1 pathway may be implicated in immunosurveillance of colon adenocarcinomas, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, where increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines are locally produced within the gut mucosa.
Inhibition of immunological memory and T‐independent humoral responses by monoclonal antibodies specific for murine complement receptors
Authors: Wiersma Erik J. , Kinoshita Taroh , Heyman Birgitta
Published: March 2007

The importance of the complement system for mounting an antibody response in vivo was investigated by down‐regulating and blocking the complement receptors (CR) in mice with three different monoclonal rat antibodies (mAb): mAb 8C12 recognized the C3b‐binding site of CR1, mAb 7G6 recognized another site of CR1 and the C3d‐binding site of CR2 and mAb 7E9 again recognized other epitopes on CR1 and CR2. We have earlier shown that 7G6, is the only mAb that completely suppresses the primary antibody response to horse erythrocytes. This antibody was also shown to suppress induction of immunological memory and a secondary, antibody response. In contrast to what seems to be the case for thymus‐dependent antibody responses, all three mAb could inhibit the antibody response to a thymus‐independent antigen, dextran B 1355S.
Expression and regulation of β7(βp) integrins on mouse lymphocytes: Relevance to the mucosal immune system
Authors: Kilshaw Peter J. , Murant Susan J.
Published: March 2007

A mouse lymphocyte surface molecule which is selectively expressed by mucosal T cells and detected with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) M290 has provisionally been identified as a β7 integrin. Identification was based on close homology of its β subunit at the N terminus with the recently reported, highly distinctive, human β7 sequence. mAb were prepared against the β and α subunits of the mouse molecule, termed β7 and αM290, respectively, and used to study surface expression of the two components. β7 was present on most lymph node lymphocytes in association with α4 rather than αM290. This integrin, β7α4, was shown to be identical to LPAM‐1 (βpα4) the Peyer's patch homing receptor. Stimulation in vitro of mouse lymph node T cells with anti‐CD3 in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β increased β7 expression in about 40% of cells and changed the associated α chain from α4 to the novel αM290 subunit, which, in most cells, was expressed de novo. Immunoprecipitation of β7 both from these cells and from intraepithelial lymphocytes gave closely similar results and showed predominance of the β7αM290 integrin. It is suggested that in vivo this change in α‐chain usage occurs in mucosal T cells in response to TGF‐β acting in the mucosal microen‐vironment and that the new integrin confers particular adhesive properties, possibly homing specificity, on the cells.
Plasmodium falciparum merozoites primarily stimulate the Vγ9 subset of human γ/δ T cells
Authors: Goerlich Roland , Häcker Georg , Pfeffer Klaus , Heeg Klaus , Wagner Hermann
Published: March 2007

Peripheral blood‐derived T cells from six unprimed caucasian donors were tested for the in vitro reactivity to Plasmodium falciparum merozoites (PFM). Without exception vigorous proliferative responses were observed within the donors tested. The frequency of PFM‐reactive T cells ranged from 1/150–1/300. Phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured in the presence of PFM revealed the preferential outgrowth of γ/δ T cells, which represented within 7 days about 70% of the reactive T cell blasts. All reactive γ/δ T cell blasts displayed the Vγ9+ TcR phenotype. We conclude that human γ/δ T cells respond vigorously to PFM, and that this property is confined to Vγ9+ T cell subset.
The expression of human intercellular adhesion molecule‐2 is refractory to inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Nortamo Pekka , Li Rui , Renkonen Risto , Timonen Tuomo , Prieto Jacqueline , Patarroyo Manuel , Gahmberg Carl G.
Published: March 2007

The β2‐intergrin CD11a/CD18 binds to the intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM)‐1 (CD54) and ICAM‐2. ICAM‐1 has a wide distribution, and its expression is up‐regulated by various cytokines. In contrast, ICAM‐2 has a more restricted distribution, and is mainly expressed on endothelial cells. In the present study we show that it is not induced by inflammatory cytokines or other treatments on any of several cells studied. Moreover, antibodies to the intercellular adhesion ligands were not able to block all CD11a/CD18‐dependent adhesion, indicating the presence of additional CD11a/CD18 ligands.
Preparation and Reactivity of Hydridorhenium Complexes with Polypyridine and Phosphonite Ligands
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Castro Jesús , García‐Fontán Soledad , Schipilliti Giorgio
Published: March 2007

The hydrido complexes [ReH(Cl)(N–N)P3]BPh4 [P = PPh(OEt)2; N–N = 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), 5,5′‐dimethylbipyridine (5,5′‐Me2bpy), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)] have been prepared by allowing ReCl3P3 to react with the polypyridine in refluxing ethanol. The dihydrido [ReH2(bpy)P3]BPh4 complex has also been prepared by treating [ReHCl(bpy)P3]+ cation with NaBH4 in ethanol. Similarly, the hydrido tricarbonyl derivative [ReH2(bpy)(CO)3]BPh4 has been synthesized by allowing [ReH(bpy)(CO)3] to react with HBF4·Et2O. All complexes have been characterized spectroscopically (IR and NMR spectroscopic data) and the [ReHCl(bpy){PPh(OEt)2}3]BPh4 derivative by X‐ray crystallography. Protonation of both [ReHCl(bpy)P3]BPh4 and [ReH2(bpy)P3]BPh4 with HBF4·Et2O leads to the classical cations [ReH2Cl(bpy)P3]2+ and [ReH3(bpy)P3]2+, respectively. The vinyl complexes [Re{CH=C(H)R}2(bpy)P3]BPh4 (R = Ph, p‐tolyl, tert‐butyl) have also been prepared by allowing the dihydrido derivative [ReH2(bpy)P3]BPh4 to react with an excess of terminal alkyne in 1,2‐dichloroethane.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Advanced Procedure for the Preparation of cis‐1,2‐Dialkylcyclopropanols – Modified Ate Complex Mechanism for Titanium‐Mediated Cyclopropanation of Carboxylic Esters with Grignard Reagents
Authors: Kulinkovich Oleg G. , Kananovich Dzmitry G.
Published: March 2007

A procedure for the preparation of cis‐1,2‐dialkylcyclopropanols by titanium(IV) alkoxide‐mediated cyclopropanation of carboxylic esters with Grignard reagents, involving the addition of 1.5 equiv. of a higher homologue of ethylmagnesium halide to a mixture of 1 equiv. of carboxylic ester, 1 equiv. of titanium(IV) isopropoxide, and 1.5 equiv. of methylmagnesium halide in ether or tetrahydrofuran at room temperature, has been elaborated. This procedure minimizes the formation of secondary alcohol side products with chromatographic retention factors close to those of the cis‐1,2‐disubstituted cyclopropanols. Inhibitory action of carboxylic esters toward the reduction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with Grignard reagents was observed. This observation, along with some other data, allowed us to suggest a modified ate complex mechanism for the cyclopropanation, proceeding via the corresponding octahedral titanium intermediates. In the context of this mechanism, a suitable explanation for the necessity to use an additional equivalent of Grignard reagent in a stoichiometric version of the reaction was found and experimentally verified. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
An electrical pumping approach to eliminate sample bias in capillary electrokinetic injection
Authors: Yang Yan , Bao James J.
Published: March 2007

A general pumping injection (PI), which involves the use of two capillaries with different diameters, was taken to evaluate systematically the effects on eliminating sample bias associated with the electrokinetic injection process in CE. One end of the separation capillary of the smaller diameter was inserted into another pumping capillary of larger diameter. When a high voltage was applied to the pumping capillary, the EOF generated inside will act as a pump to drive the solution stream in the separation capillary. The results have demonstrated that PI is suitable for both normal and reverse EOF situations. Second, the bias degree (BD) and SD of bias we presented were used to evaluate the degree of the bias under different conditions, and the factors of bias elimination have been investigated. Under optimal conditions, the bias was satisfactorily eliminated by PI. This EOF pumping system was successfully applied to the analysis of samples in CEC for a bias‐free injection. Moreover, this two‐capillary pumping system did not significantly affect the EOF, current, and the column efficiency of the separation process. Finally, a PI with grounded electrode was proposed and shown to be suitable for samples with low conductivity and ions with different mobility.
Comparison of atmospheric pressure photoionization and ESI for CZE‐MS of drugs
Authors: Hommerson Paul , Khan Amjad M. , de Jong Gerhardus J. , Somsen Govert W.
Published: March 2007

The performance of atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) and ESI for CZE was compared using a set of seven drugs (basic amines, quaternary amines and steroids) and four different BGEs. The influence of volatile and nonvolatile BGEs of acidic and neutral pH on the MS responses of test compounds was evaluated by infusion of test solutions into the respective ion sources, and by actual CZE‐MS experiments. The infusion experiments indicate that sodium phosphate buffers cause ionization suppression in ESI‐MS, although for the amines the suppression was modest (25–60% signal reduction). By contrast, APPI‐MS responses were not affected by nonvolatile BGEs. With phosphate buffers, ESI‐MS responses for the basic amines were still a factor 3–13 higher than the APPI‐MS signals, whereas the steroids yielded similar responses in ESI‐MS and APPI‐MS. The quaternary amines could readily be detected in ESI‐MS, but detection in APPI‐MS required specific interface conditions. Using typical CZE‐APPI‐MS settings, quaternary amines remained undetected. Remarkably, the S/Ns observed in CZE‐ESI‐MS for the test compounds, were generally similar when using volatile and nonvolatile BGEs. For basic compounds, the S/Ns obtained in CZE‐ESI‐MS were a factor 2–5 higher than in CZE‐APPI‐MS, whereas steroids yielded equal S/Ns in both methods. Overall, it is concluded that when using relatively low BGE concentrations, the sensitivity of ESI‐MS detection in CZE is more favorable than APPI‐MS detection, even when nonvolatile BGEs are employed.
Currency invoicing of US imports
Authors: Donnenfeld Shabtai , Haug Alfred A.
Published: March 2007

This paper provides an explanation for the choice of currency of invoice of exports to the US. We find an empirical relationship between the riskiness of the exchange rate and the fraction of imports invoiced in the importer's currency, the exporter's currency, and a third country currency. The higher the volatility of the exchange rate, the larger is the fraction of imports invoiced in the importer's currency. Consequently, the fraction of invoicing in the exporter's or a third country currency is inversely related to the volatility of the exchange rate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monetary policy shocks in the euro area and global liquidity spillovers
Authors: Sousa João , Zaghini Andrea
Published: March 2007

We analyse the international transmission of monetary shocks with a focus on the effects of foreign liquidity on the euro area. We estimate two domestic structural VAR models for the euro area and then we introduce a global liquidity aggregate. The impulse responses show that a positive shock to foreign liquidity leads to permanent increases in the euro area M3 aggregate and the price level, a temporary rise in real output and a temporary appreciation of the euro real effective exchange rate. Moreover, we find that innovations in global liquidity play an important role in explaining price and output fluctuations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monetary policy in high inflation open economies: evidence from Israel and Turkey
Authors: Mallick Sushanta K. , Mohsin Mohammed
Published: March 2007

With quarterly data from Israel and Turkey we estimate generalized impulse response functions to show that inflation has no long‐run real effects on consumption, investment and the current account balance. The findings are robust even after allowing for inflation volatility obtained through GARCH estimates. We develop an inter‐temporal optimizing model of a small open economy with a fixed rate of time preference that supports the empirics. Our model, thus, extends the super‐neutrality results (à la Sidrausky) in an open economy paradigm. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching pursuit‐based shape representation and recognition using scale‐space
Authors: Mendels François , Vandergheynst Pierre , Thiran Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we propose an analytical low‐level representation of images, obtained by a decomposition process, namely the matching pursuit (MP) algorithm, as a new way of describing objects through a general continuous description using an affine invariant dictionary of basis function (BFs). This description is used to recognize multiple objects in images. In the learning phase, a template object is decomposed, and the extracted subset of BFs, called meta‐atom, gives the description of the object. This description is then naturally extended into the linear scale‐space using the definition of our BFs, and thus providing a more general representation of the object. We use this enhanced description as a predefined dictionary of the object to conduct an MP‐based shape recognition task into the linear scale‐space. The introduction of the scale‐space approach improves the robustness of our method: we avoid local minima issues encountered when minimizing a nonconvex energy function. We show results for the detection of complex synthetic shapes, as well as real world (aerial and medical) images. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 16, 162–180, 2006
Fertile triploid males—an uncommon case among hybrid vertebrates
Authors: Sousa‐Santos Carla , Collares‐Pereira Maria João , Almada Vitor
Published: March 2007

The endemic Iberian minnow Squalius alburnoides is a complex of fishes of hybrid origin including both males and females with distinct ploidy levels and varying proportions of the parental genomes. In this paper we demonstrated that in contrast to many vertebrate hybrid lineages the sperm of triploid hybrid males of S. alburnoides is viable and fully functional. Flow cytometry and analysis of sequences of a fragment of the beta‐actin nuclear gene applied to progenitors and offspring evidenced that these males produced their sperm clonally, as already described for diploid hybrids. The presence of different types of fertile males (nonhybrid diploids with normal meiosis and both diploid and triploid hybrids) coupled with hybridogenetic meiosis in females endows this vertebrate complex with a high level of independence from other species and contributes to maintain its genetic variability. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:220–225, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Micromere‐derived signal regulates larval left‐right polarity during sea urchin development
Authors: Kitazawa Chisato , Amemiya Shonan
Published: March 2007

The micromeres (Mics) lineage functions as a morphogenetic signaling center in early embryos of sea urchins. The Mics lineage releases signals that regulate the specification of cell fates along the animal‐vegetal and oral‐aboral axes. We tested whether the Mics lineage might also be responsible for differentiation of the left‐right (LR) axis by observing of the placement of the adult rudiment, which normally forms only on the left side of the larvae, after removal of the Mics lineage. When all of the Mics lineage were removed from embryos of the regular sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus between the 16‐ and 64‐cell stages, the LR placement of the rudiment became randomized. However, the immediate retransplantation of the Mics rescued the normal LR placement of the rudiment, indicating that the Mics lineage releases a signal that specifies LR polarity. Additionally, we investigated whether the specification of LR polarity of whole embryos in the indirect‐developing sea urchin H. pulcherrimus is affected by LiCl exposure, which disturbs the establishment of LR asymmetry in a direct‐developing sea urchin. Larvae derived from normal animal caps combined with LiCl‐exposed Mics descendants were defective in normal LR placement of the rudiment, suggesting that LiCl interferes with the Mics‐derived signal. In contrast, embryos of two sand dollar species (Scaphechinus mirabilis and Astriclypeus manni) were resistant to alteration of LR placement of the rudiment by either removal of the Mics lineage or LiCl exposure. These results indicate that the Mics lineage is involved in specification of LR polarity in the regular sea urchin H. pulcherrimus, and suggest that LiCl impairs the normal LR patterning by affecting Mics‐derived signaling. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:249–262, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of the main bioactive metabolites of Radix Salvia miltiorrhizae in Compound Danshen Dripping Pills and the tissue distribution of Danshensu in rabbit by SPE‐HPLC‐MSn
Authors: Xiaohui Zheng , Xinfeng Zhao , Xin Zhao , Shixiang Wang , Yinmao Wei , Jianbin Zheng
Published: March 2007

A fast solid phase extraction‐high performance liquid chromatography‐ion trap mass spectrometry (SPE‐HPLC‐MSn) method is presented for quantitative determination of 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxylpropionic acid (Danshensu, DSS) from Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) in rabbits' heart, liver, kidney, and lung and for qualitative analysis of the bioactive metabolites of Radix Salvia miltiorrhizae (DS) from CDDP in these tissues. The proposed method was validated with a detection limit of 0.06 ng/mL and a linear range of 5.0–200 ng/mL for DSS. The main metabolites of DS were pyrocatechol, vanillic acid, isopropyl 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxypropanoate, and 2‐hydroxyl‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)propinonic sulfuric anhydride. In vitro pharmacological experiments demonstrated that isopropyl 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxypropanoate had a distinct vasodilatating action.
Recent developments and contributions from Chinese scientists in multidimensional separations for proteomics and traditional Chinese medicines
Authors: Gao Mingxia , Deng Chunhui , Lin Shuang , Hu Fengli , Tang Jia , Yao Ning , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: March 2007

The most basic task in proteomics remains the detection and identification of proteins from a biological sample, and the most traditional way to achieve this goal consists in protein separations performed by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2‐D PAGE). Yet the 2‐D PAGE‐mass spectrometry (MS) approach has its drawbacks with regard to automation, sensitivity, and throughput. Consequently, considerable effort has been devoted to the development of non‐gel‐based proteome separation technologies in an effort to alleviate the shortcomings of 2‐D PAGE. In addition, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), due to their long period of clinical testing and reliable therapeutic efficacy, are attracting increased global attention. However, hundreds or even thousands of components are usually present in TCMs, which results in great difficulties of separation. As a mainstream separation tool, multidimensional liquid separation systems have shown powerful separation ability, high peak capacity, and excellent detectability in the analysis of complex samples including biological samples and TCMs, etc. Therefore, this review emphasizes the most recent advances in multidimensional liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis‐based separation techniques, and the corresponding applications in proteomics and TCMs. In view of the significant contributions from Chinese scientists, this review focuses mainly on the work of Chinese scientists in the above fields.
False or fitting recognition? The use of high performance bonuses in motivating organizational achievements
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J.
Published: March 2007

This research undertakes a theoretical and empirical examination of (high performance bonus) systems in government, that is, incentive payments awarded by the federal government to state organizations or statewide programs to motivate and recognize high performance achievements. The paper draws from a multidisciplinary literature on incentives in organizations to first derive implications for the design and implementation of high performance bonus systems. An empirical analysis of the Workforce Investment Act performance bonus system and its effectiveness in recognizing and rewarding performance follows. The results of the theoretical and empirical investigation suggest that high performance bonus systems are more likely to encourage misrepresentation of performance and other strategic behaviors than to recognize and motivate exceptional performance or performance improvements. © 2007 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
The impact of the introduction of premiums into a SCHIP program
Authors: Marton James
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the introduction of premiums into theSCHIPprogram in Kentucky. Kentucky introduced a $20 monthly premium forSCHIPcoverage for children with family incomes between 151 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level in December 2003. Administrative data between 2001 and 2004 is used to estimate a Cox proportional hazard model that predicts enrollment duration in this premiumpaying category. The results suggest that a premium reduces the length of enrollment, with the impact concentrated in the first three months after the introduction of the premium. Similar results are not found for the non‐premium‐paying category. © 2007 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
Protein expression profile in the striatum of rats with methamphetamine‐induced behavioral sensitization
Authors: Iwazaki Takeshi , McGregor Iain S. , Matsumoto Izuru
Published: March 2007

Repeated administration of methamphetamine (MAP) results in an increased behavioral response to the drug during subsequent exposure. This phenomenon is called behavioral sensitization. Sensitization is an enduring phenomenon, and suggests chronic alterations in neuronal plasticity. MAP‐induced sensitization has been proposed and widely investigated as an animal model of MAP psychosis and schizophrenia. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying MAP‐induced sensitization. 2‐DE‐based proteomics allows us to examine global changes in protein expression in complex biological systems and to propose hypotheses concerning the mechanisms underlying various pathological conditions. In the present study, we examined protein expression profiles in the striatum of MAP‐sensitized rats using 2‐DE‐based proteomics. Repeated administration of MAP (4.0 mg/kg, once a day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) for 10 days significantly augmented the locomotor response to an MAP challenge injection (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 11. This enhanced activity was maintained even after a week of drug abstinence. 2‐DE analysis revealed 42 protein spots were differentially regulated in the striatum of MAP‐sensitized rats compared to control. Thirty‐one protein spots were identified using MALDI‐TOF, including synapsin II, synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25), adenylyl cyclase‐associated protein 1 (CAP1), and dihydropyrimidinase‐related protein 2 (DRP2). These proteins can be related to underlying mechanisms of MAP‐induced behavioral sensitization, indicating cytoskeletal modification, and altered synaptic function.
Association between inflammatory markers in induced sputum and clinical characteristics in children with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Guran Tulay , Ersu Refika , Karadag Bulent , Nuri Akpinar Ihsan , Yanikkaya Demirel Gulderen , Hekim Nezih , Dagli Elif
Published: March 2007

To study clinical, radiological and laboratory features of children with non‐cystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis (BE) and the association between symptom scores, spirometry, high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and inflammatory markers in induced sputum in these children. Twenty‐seven children with steady‐state non‐CF BE were cross‐sectionally evaluated by symptom scores, pulmonary function tests, anatomic extension and severity scores of BE in HRCT and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) levels in induced sputum. There were 16 girls and 11 boys. Median (interquartile range) age of study group was 11.4 (9.5–13.6) years, follow‐up duration was 3.5 (2–6.5) years and symptom scores were 4 (3–6). Pulmonary function tests revealed FEV1 of 82%pred (72–93), FVC of 82%pred (74–92), and FEF25–75% of 82%pred (68–95). According to anatomic extent of BE on HRCT; 2 patients had mild, 4 had moderate and 21 had severe BE. Based on severity scores of HRCT; 10 patients had mild, 10 had moderate and 7 had severe BE. Neutrophils consisted 29.9% (14.9–53.7) of the total leucocytes in induced sputum samples. Sputum concentration of TNF‐α was 58 pg/ml (9.2–302) while IL‐8 concentration was 2.7 ng/ml (1.7–2.8). Symptom scores correlated with FEV1 and sputum IL‐8 levels (r = −0.49, r = 0.67, P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between HRCT severity scores and symptoms, FEV1, sputum IL‐8 and TNF‐α levels (r = 0.64, r = −0.68, r = 0.41, r = 0.41, respectively, P < 0.05). In children BE is associated with ongoing inflammation. This inflammation can be reliably monitored by radiological scores, spirometry, as well as sputum inflammatory markers. Follow‐up of children with BE using these clinical tools may improve patient care. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:362–369. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of glyphosate on soil microbial communities and its mineralization in a Mississippi soil
Authors: Weaver Mark A , Krutz L Jason , Zablotowicz Robert M , Reddy Krishna N
Published: March 2007

Transgenic glyphosate‐resistant (GR) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has enabled highly effective and economical weed control. The concomitant increased application of glyphosate could lead to shifts in the soil microbial community. The objective of these experiments was to evaluate the effects of glyphosate on soil microbial community structure, function and activity. Field assessments on soil microbial communities were conducted on a silt loam soil near Stoneville, MS, USA. Surface soil was collected at time of planting, before initial glyphosate application and 14 days after two post‐emergence glyphosate applications. Microbial community fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were analyzed from these soil samples and soybean rhizospheres. Principal component analysis of the total FAME profile revealed no differentiation between field treatments, although the relative abundance of several individual fatty acids differed significantly. There was no significant herbicide effect in bulk soil or rhizosphere soils. Collectively, these findings indicate that glyphosate caused no meaningful whole microbial community shifts in this time period, even when applied at greater than label rates. Laboratory experiments, including up to threefold label rates of glyphosate, resulted in up to a 19% reduction in soil hydrolytic activity and small, brief (<7 days) changes in the soil microbial community. After incubation for 42 days, 32–37% of the applied glyphosate was mineralized when applied at threefold field rates, with about 9% forming bound residues. These results indicate that glyphosate has only small and transient effects on the soil microbial community, even when applied at greater than field rates. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating high time‐resolved changes in carbon isotope ratio of respired CO2 by a rapid in‐tube incubation technique
Authors: Werner Christiane , Hasenbein Nils , Maia Rodrigo , Beyschlag Wolfram , Máguas Cristina
Published: March 2007

Recent insights into fractionation during dark respiration and rapid dynamics in isotope signatures of leaf‐ and ecosystem‐respired CO2 indicate the need for new methods for high time‐resolved measurements of the isotopic signature of respired CO2 (δ13Cres). We present a rapid and simple method to analyse δ13Cres using an in‐tube incubation technique and an autosampler for small septum‐capped vials. The effect of storage on the δ18O and δ13C ratios of ambient CO2 concentrations was tested with different humidity and temperatures. δ13C ratios remained stable over 72 h, whereas δ18O ratios decreased after 24 h. Storage at 4°C improved the storage time for δ18O. Leaves or leaf discs were incubated in the vials, flushed with CO2‐free air and respired CO2 was automatically sampled within 5 min on a µGas autosampler interfaced to a GV‐Isoprime isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Results were validated by simultaneous on‐line gas‐exchange measurements of δ13Cres of attached leaves. This method was used to evaluate the short‐term (5–60 min) and diurnal dynamics of δ13Cres in an evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) and a herb (Tolpis barbata). An immediate depletion of 2–4‰ from the initial δ13Cres value occurred during the first 30 min of darkening. Q. ilex exhibited further a substantial diurnal enrichment in δ13Cres of 8‰, followed by a progressive depletion during the night. In contrast, T. barbata did not exhibit a distinct diurnal pattern. This is in accordance with recent theory on fractionation in metabolic pathways and may be related to the different utilisation of the respiratory substrate in the fast‐growing herb and the evergreen oak. These data indicate substantial and rapid dynamics (within minutes to hours) in δ13Cres, which differed between species and probably the growth status of the plant. The in‐tube incubation method enables both high time‐resolved analysis and extensive sampling across different organs, species and functional types. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of discharge and temperature variation in determining invertebrate community structure in a regulated river
Authors: Jackson H. M. , Gibbins C. N. , Soulsby C.
Published: March 2007

This paper quantifies patterns of discharge and temperature variation in the regulated river Lyon and the adjacent, unregulated river Lochay (Scotland) and assesses the importance of these patterns for benthic invertebrate community structure. Invertebrates were sampled at sites in each catchment in autumn, winter and spring during the 2002–2003 hydrological year. Metrics were used to characterize the discharge and temperature regimes in the period immediately preceding invertebrate sample collection. Metric values were then used in a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of the invertebrate sample data, in order to assess the significance of individual metrics and the overall importance of flow and temperature variability for community structure. The variance in the invertebrate data explained by this CCA was compared to that from a CCA using a range of environmental data from the sites (stream‐bed algal cover, channel hydraulic, sedimentary and water quality characteristics). This comparison allowed assessment of the relative importance of environmental variables versus hydrologic and thermal regimes.

Invertebrate communities in the Lyon were relatively poor and uneven, with Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Coleoptera poorly represented. Distinct site and seasonal clusters were evident in the CCA ordination biplots, with Lyon and Lochay sites separated in dimensions represented by geometric mean sediment size, water temperature and algal cover. The cumulative variance values from ordinations using the discharge and temperature metrics were consistently highest, suggesting that differences in invertebrate communities showed a stronger relation to patterns of discharge and temperature variability than to the broader suite of environmental conditions. Although there were marked thermal differences between sites, temperature metrics appeared no more important than discharge metrics in explaining differences in invertebrate community structure. A number of the temperature and discharge metrics appeared similarly important, suggesting that no one aspect of the hydrothermal regime was any more important than others in helping to understand differences in invertebrate community between the study sites. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Routing complexity of faulty networks
Authors: Angel Omer , Benjamini Itai , Ofek Eran , Wieder Udi
Published: March 2007

One of the fundamental problems in distributed computing is how to efficiently perform routing in a faulty network in which each link fails with some probability. This article investigates how big the failure probability can be, before the capability to efficiently find a path in the network is lost. Our main results show tight upper and lower bounds for the failure probability, which permits routing both for the hypercube and for thed‐dimensional mesh. We use tools from percolation theory to show that in thed‐dimensional mesh, once a giant component appears—efficient routing is possible. A different behavior is observed when the hypercube is considered. In the hypercube there is a range of failure probabilities in which short paths exist with high probability, yet finding them must involve querying essentially the entire network. Thus the routing complexity of the hypercube shows an asymptotic phase transition. The critical probability with respect to routing complexity lies in a different location than that of the critical probability with respect to connectivity. Finally we show that an oracle access to links (as opposed to local routing) may reduce significantly the complexity of the routing problem. We demonstrate this fact by providing tight upper and lower bounds for the complexity of routing in the random graphGn,p. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
A new non‐randomized model for analysing sensitive questions with binary outcomes
Authors: Tian Guo‐Liang , Yu Jun‐Wu , Tang Man‐Lai , Geng Zhi
Published: March 2007

We propose a new non‐randomized model for assessing the association of two sensitive questions with binary outcomes. Under the new model, respondents only need to answer a non‐sensitive question instead of the original two sensitive questions. As a result, it can protect a respondent's privacy, avoid the usage of any randomizing device, and be applied to both the face‐to‐face interview and mail questionnaire. We derive the constrained maximum likelihood estimates of the cell probabilities and the odds ratio for two binary variables associated with the sensitive questionsviathe EM algorithm. The corresponding standard error estimates are then obtained by bootstrap approach. A likelihood ratio test and a chi‐squared test are developed for testing association between the two binary variables. We discuss the loss of information due to the introduction of the non‐sensitive question, and the design of the co‐operative parameters. Simulations are performed to evaluate the empirical type I error rates and powers for the two tests. In addition, a simulation is conducted to study the relationship between the probability of obtaining valid estimates and the sample size for any given cell probability vector. A real data set from an AIDS study is used to illustrate the proposed methodologies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of vaccine efficacy and the vaccination threshold
Authors: Yip Paul S. F. , Watson Ray , Chen Qizhi
Published: March 2007

This paper considers the effect of imperfect vaccination in a susceptible–infected–removal (SIR) epidemic model. The minimum proportion of the population that needs to be vaccinated to prevent a major epidemic depends on the vaccine efficacy and the basic reproductive rate for the SIR model, allowing for imperfect and variable vaccination. Martingale theory is used to derive estimates and associated standard errors for these parameters. Asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are investigated. Data for a mumps outbreak are used as an illustrative example. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microevolution in genomic short sequence repeats of Candida albicans in non‐neutropenic patients
Authors: Al‐Aidan Al Waleed , Goessens Wil , Lemmens‐den Toom Nicole , Al‐Ahdal Mohammed , van Belkum Alex
Published: March 2007

The genome of the yeast Candida albicans harbours many genomic short sequence repeats (SSRs). These are stable upon transition of colonization to infection in immune‐compromised patients. We show here that in non‐neutropenic patients this transition may coincide with variation in several of the SSRs. This may have implications for stage‐specific expression of C. albicans pathogenicity factors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A late-glacial transition from Picea glauca to Picea mariana in southern New England
Authors: Lindbladh Matts , Oswald W. Wyatt , Foster David R. , Faison Edward K. , Hou Juzhi , Huang Yongsong
Published: March 2007

Picea is an important taxon in late-glacial pollen records from eastern North America, but little is known about which species of Picea were present. We apply a recently developed palynological method for discriminating the three Picea species in eastern North America to three records from New England. Picea glauca was dominant at ∼ 14,500–14,000 cal yr BP, followed by a transition to Picea mariana between ∼ 14,000 and 13,500 cal yr BP. Comparison of the pollen data with hydrogen isotope data shows clearly that this transition began before the beginning of the Younger Dryas Chronozone. The ecological changes of the late-glacial interval were not a simple oscillation in the position of a single species' range, but rather major changes in vegetation structure and composition occurring during an interval of variations in several environmental factors, including climate, edaphic conditions, and atmospheric CO2 levels.