bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen‐induced cholestasis results in a dramatic increase of b‐series gangliosides in the rat liver
Authors: Majer Filip , Trnka Ladislav , Vítek Libor , Jirkovská Marie , Mareček Zdeněk , Šmíd František
Published: March 2007

Hepatic ganglioside composition was investigated in normal and cholestatic Wistar rats. Cholestasis was induced by 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE; 5 mg/kg body weight s.c. for 18 days). As compared with controls, the EE administration resulted in severe cholestasis, as indicated by biochemical as well as morphological signs. Gangliosides isolated from the liver tissue were separated by TLC, with resorcinol‐HCl detection and densitometric evaluation. As compared with controls, the total hepatic lipid sialic acid content in cholestatic rats was increased almost 2‐fold (44.3 ± 15.2 vs 79.1 ± 9.0 nmol/g wet weight of liver tissue, p < 0.01). This increase was primarily due to the increase of ganglioside GD1a (3.6 ± 1.0 vs 11.8 ± 3.0 nmol/g wet weight of liver tissue, p = 0.001), as well as to the enormous up‐regulation of b‐series gangliosides GD3 (0.08 ± 0.03 vs 2.0 ± 1.2 nmol/g wet weight of liver tissue, p = 0.002), GD1b (0.1 ± 0.06 vs 5.4 ± 1.6 nmol/g wet weight of liver tissue, p = 0.002) and GT1b (0.06 ± 0.03 vs 6.4 ± 2.6 nmol/g wet weight of liver tissue, p = 0.002). As the majority of gangliosides are concentrated in cell membranes, our findings suggest that dramatic increase of b‐series gangliosides might contribute to the protection of hepatocytes against the deleterious effects of cholestasis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomy and quantitation of the subscapular nerves
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios , Shahid Kameron , Judge Tanya , Pinyard Jeremy , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Slappey John B. , McEvoy William C. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: March 2007

Information regarding branches of the brachial plexus can be of utility to the surgeon for neurotization procedures following injury. Sixty‐two adult cadaveric upper extremities were dissected and the subscapular nerves identified and measured. The upper subscapular nerve originated from the posterior cord in 97% of the cases and in 3% of the cases directly from the axillary nerve. The upper subscapular nerve originated as a single nerve in 90.3% of the cases, as two independent nerve trunks in 8% of the cases and as three independent nerve trunks in 1.6% of the cases. The thoracodorsal nerve originated from the posterior cord in 98.5% of the cases and in 1.5% of the cases directly from the proximal segment of the radial nerve. The thoracodorsal nerve always originated as a single nerve from the brachial plexus. The lower subscapular nerve originated from the posterior cord in 79% of the cases and in 21% of the cases directly from the proximal segment of the axillary nerve. The lower subscapular nerve originated as a single nerve in 93.6% of the cases and as two independent nerve trunks in 6.4% of the cases. The mean length of the lower subscapular nerve from its origin until it provided its branch into the subscapularis muscle was 3.5 cm and the mean distance from this branch until its termination into the teres major muscle was 6 cm. The mean diameter of this nerve was 1.9 mm. The mean length of the upper subscapular nerve from its origin to its termination into the subscapularis muscle was 5cm and the mean diameter of the nerve was 2.3 mm. The mean length of the thoracodorsal nerve from its origin to its termination into the latissimus dorsi muscle was 13.7 cm. The mean diameter of this nerve was 2.6 mm. Our hopes are that these data will prove useful to the surgeon in surgical planning for potential neurotization procedures of the brachial plexus. Clin. Anat. 20:656–659, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensory innervation of mandibular teeth by the nerve to the mylohyoid: Implications in local anesthesia
Authors: Stein Pamela , Brueckner Jennifer , Milliner Matthew
Published: March 2007

Traditionally, the nerve to the mylohyoid has been considered a motor nerve. However, dissection and clinical studies have challenged this dogma implicating the nerve to the mylohyoid as a nerve of accessory sensory innervation to mandibular teeth. Within the infratemporal fossa, the nerve to the mylohyoid branches from the inferior alveolar nerve and may be anesthetized with an inferior alveolar nerve block. However, because of the variability in location of branching and the potential barriers formed by both the pterygomandibular fascia and the sphenomandibular ligament, the nerve to the mylohyoid may escape anesthesia in an inferior alveolar nerve block. This may prevent profound local anesthesia of the mandibular teeth and may account, at least in part, for the high failure rate of the inferior alveolar nerve block. Alternative local anesthesia procedures may be employed to ensure adequate anesthesia of the nerve to the mylohyoid is achieved. This review provides a background of anatomical and clinical research of the nerve to the mylohyoid and outlines techniques suggested for providing a neural blockade of the nerve to the mylohyoid. Clin. Anat. 20:591–595, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomic variation of the 5th extensor tendon compartment and extensor digiti minimi tendon
Authors: Tanaka Toshikazu , Moran Steven L. , Zhao Chunfeng , Zobitz Mark E. , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: March 2007

Anatomic variation within the 5th extensor compartment may contribute to the development of tenosynovitis and limit the usefulness of the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) for tendon transfer. The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomic variation of the EDM tendon and its surrounding retinaculum, with particular attention to anatomical variation between specimens. Forty‐one fresh cadaver hands were dissected. The length of the 5th compartment retinaculum was noted. The incidence of an intercompartmental septum was noted in each specimen as well as the type of tendinous attachments present between the EDM and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendons. The presence and length of any accessory retinacular bands distal to the edge of proper extensor retinaculum was also noted. Only one specimen contained a single EDM tendon, while 71% (n = 29) of specimens contained two slips and 23% (n = 9) had three slips; 24% (n = 10) of EDC tendons had no slip to the small finger, while 61% (n = 25) of specimens had a single slip to the small finger. The EDC's contribution to the small finger was found to be an independent tendon in 42% of cases (n = 17), while 34% (n = 14) of specimens were found to have a common EDC slip, which branched to both the ring and small finger. Three EDM tendons divided distal to the extensor retinaculum, while the remaining EDM tendons divided beneath or proximal to the extensor retinaculum. Seventy‐three percent (n = 30) of the specimens had an accessory retinacular band surrounding the EDM tendon identified at the base of the 5th metacarpal. Eighty‐eight percent (n = 36) of hands had a septum between the EDM slips. The surgeon should be aware of variability within the 5th dorsal compartment in cases of trauma and in cases of tendon transfer. In our series 30 of 41 specimens were noted to contain an accessory dorsal retinacular band surrounding the EDM and 36 specimens were noted to contain a septum within the 5th compartment. The presence of an accessory retinacular band surrounding the EDM at the level of the 5th metacarpal base is an anatomic finding that requires further investigation. Clin. Anat. 20:677–682, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anomer‐Selective Glycosidase Inhibition by 2‐N‐Alkylated 1‐Azafagomines
Authors: Lopez Lopez Oscar , Bols Mikael
Published: March 2007

Alkylation of 1‐azafagomine at the 2‐N position was achieved by reductive amination of 1‐N‐acetyl‐3,4,6‐tri‐O‐benzyl‐1‐azafagomine by using aldehydes, palladium hydroxide, and hydrogen in EtOAc/water/acetic acid followed by deprotection. The 2‐N‐butyl, hexyl, heptyl, nonyl, decyl, and 3‐phenylpropyl derivatives were made in this manner, and were tested for inhibition of α‐glucosidase from yeast, and of β‐glucosidase from almonds. The new compounds were stronger β‐glucosidase inhibitors than 1‐azafagomine, but weaker α‐glucosidase inhibitors.
Quantitative assessment of regional left ventricular function with cardiac MRI: Three‐dimensional centersurface method
Authors: Beohar Nirat , Flaherty James D. , Davidson Charles J. , Vidovich Mladen I. , Brodsky Adam , Lee Daniel C. , Wu Edwin , Bolson Edward L. , Bonow Robert O. , Sheehan Florence H.
Published: March 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide the first in vivo validation of a three‐dimensional (3D) method to quantify regional left ventricular (LV) function with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging after myocardial infarction (MI). Background: Current cardiac methods to analyze LV function are limited by geometric assumptions and observer biases. Methods: MI was induced percutaneously by 90‐min proximal left circumflex artery balloon occlusion in 25 Yucatan minipigs. Cine and contrast‐enhanced (CE) CMR imaging was performed at 5 days (n = 21) and 8 weeks (n = 22) post‐MI. Twelve control animals without MI were also imaged. Regional wall thickening was measured orthogonal to the myocardial wall using the centersurface method. The left ventricle was divided into 16 segments (six basal 60°, six middle 60°, four apical 90°). Normal ranges for segmental wall thickness and wall thickening were defined as mean ± 2D in control hearts. Hypokinesis was defined as a segmental thickening value below the normal range. Results: Hypokinesis following MI was identified in the inferior, inferolateral and anterolateral segments when compared with controls and corresponded to areas of infarction by CE CMR. The aggregate wall thickening was also expressed as a percentage at 5 days (Infarct zone: 15% ± 16% vs. NonInfarct zone 33% ± 20%, P < 0.001) and 8 weeks (Infarct zone 20% ± 20% vs. NonInfarct zone 32% ± 22%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The centersurface method can quantify regional wall thickening and spatially identify regions of abnormal function in 3D after MI without relying on geometric assumptions. This method may be a valuable tool to quantify regional LV function in the assessment of myocardial viability, ischemia, infarction, and the response to therapeutic interventions. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypnosis induces a changed composition of brain oscillations in EEG: a case study
Authors: Fingelkurts Alexander A. , Fingelkurts Andrew A. , Kallio Sakari , Revonsuo Antti
Published: March 2007

Cognitive functions associated with the frontal lobes of the brain may be specifically involved in hypnosis. Thus, the frontal area of the brain has recently been of great interest when searching for neural changes associated with hypnosis. We tested the hypothesis that EEG during pure hypnosis would differ from the normal non‐hypnotic EEG especially above the frontal area of the brain. The composition of brain oscillations was examined in a broad frequency band (1–30 Hz) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of a single virtuoso subject. Data was collected in two independent data collection periods separated by one year. The ‘hypnotic’ and ‘non‐hypnotic’ conditions were repeated multiple times during each data acquisition session. We found that pure hypnosis induced reorganization in the composition of brain oscillations especially in prefrontal and right occipital EEG channels. Additionally, hypnosis was characterized by consistent right‐side‐dominance asymmetry. In the prefrontal EEG channels the composition of brain oscillations included spectral patterns during hypnosis that were completely different from those observed during non‐hypnosis. Furthermore, the EEG spectral patterns observed overall during the hypnotic condition did not return to the pre‐hypnotic baseline EEG immediately when hypnosis was terminated. This suggests that for the brain, the return to a normal neurophysiological baseline condition after hypnosis is a time‐consuming process. The present results suggest that pure hypnosis is characterized by an increase in alertness and heightened attention, reflected as cognitive and neuronal activation. Taken together, the present data provide support for the hypothesis that in a very highly hypnotizable person (a hypnotic virtuoso) hypnosis as such may be accompanied by a changed pattern of neural activity in the brain. Copyright © 2007 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elucidating the Mechanism of the Asymmetric Aza‐Michael Reaction
Authors: Phua Pim Huat , Mathew Suju P. , White Andrew J. P. , de Vries Johannes G. , Blackmond Donna G. , Hii King Kuok (Mimi)
Published: March 2007

The mechanism of the palladium‐catalysed asymmetric aza‐Michael addition of aniline to α,β‐unsaturated N‐imide was examined from several aspects using a combination of techniques, including X‐ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and kinetic studies. The binding of aniline to the dicationic palladium(II) metal centre was found to occur in two consecutive steps: The binding of the first aniline is fast and reversible, whereas the binding of the second aniline is slower and irreversible. This occurs in competition with the binding of the N‐imide, which forms a planar six‐membered chelate ring with the metal centre; coordinating through the 1,3‐dicarbonyl moiety. Isotopic labelling revealed that the addition of N‐H occurs in a highly stereoselective manner, allowing the synthesis of optically active β2‐ and β2,3‐amino acid derivatives. The stereochemistry of the addition is postulated to be syn. In situ kinetic studies provided evidence for product inhibition. The binding of the N‐imide to the catalyst was found to be the rate‐limiting step. Aniline was found to be an inhibitor of the pre‐catalyst. The study culminated in the design of a new reaction protocol. By maintaining a low concentration of the aniline substrate during the course of the reaction, significant enhancement of yield and enantioselectivity can be achieved.
Homochiral oligopeptides via surface recognition and enantiomeric cross impediment in the polymerization of racemic phenylalanine N‐carboxyanhydride crystals suspended in water
Authors: Nery Jose Geraldo , Eliash Ran , Bolbach Gerard , Weissbuch Isabelle , Lahav Meir
Published: March 2007

As part of our program on the search of possible prebiotic routes for the formation of oligopeptides of homochiral sequence (isotactic) from racemic precursors in aqueous environment, we report the polymerization of racemic crystals of phenylalanine N‐carboxyanhydrides, enantioselectively tagged with five deuterium atoms, suspended in water containing various amine initiators. Racemic mixtures of isotactic oligopeptides, comprising up to 25 repeat units of the same handedness, as the dominant component for each length, were observed in a MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry analysis. The racemic mixtures of the peptides could be desymmetrized by initiating the polymerization reaction with water‐soluble methyl esters of either enantiopure α‐amino acids or dipeptides. A three‐step mechanism is proposed to account for these results: (i) Surface recognition of the chiral initiator by the chiral sites present at specific faces of the crystal; (ii) Oligopeptide elongation at the polymer/crystal interface; and (iii) Self‐assembly of the short isotactic peptides into racemic antiparallel β‐sheets as templates followed by cross‐enantiomeric impediment in the growth of enantiomeric chains at the peptide β‐sheet/crystal interface. Chirality 19:612–624, 2007 © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parallel kinetic resolution of an oxazolidinone using a quasi‐enantiomeric combination of [D,13C]‐isotopomers of pentafluorophenyl 2‐phenyl propionate
Authors: Coumbarides Gregory S. , Dingjan Marco , Eames Jason , Flinn Anthony , Northen Julian
Published: March 2007

Parallel kinetic resolution of Evans' phenylglycine derived oxazolidinone using an equimolar combination of quasi‐enantiomeric active esters (derived from [D,13C]‐labeled 2‐phenylpropionic acid) was achieved. The levels of stereocontrol were high, leading to products with predictable configurations. Chirality, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategic use of preparative chiral chromatography for the synthesis of a preclinical pharmaceutical candidate
Authors: Leonard William R. , Henderson Derek W. , Miller Ross A. , Spencer Glenn A. , Sudah Osama S. , Biba Mirlinda , Welch Christopher J.
Published: March 2007

The modern use of preparative chromatography in pharmaceutical development is illustrated by the case of a recent preclinical candidate from these laboratories. The synthesis of the candidate employed a coupling of two enantiopure intermediates, each of which could be resolved using preparative chiral chromatography. SFC screening was employed to identify the enantioselective stationary phases, and semipreparative SFC methods derived from this screening were used to produce gram amounts of enantiopure intermediate for initial studies. However, initial larger scale resolution required the translation of the SFC methods to HPLC conditions. Preparative chiral HPLC on a 30‐cm i.d. column was then used to produce enantiopure intermediates which were coupled to give 170 g of the preclinical candidate. Subsequent preparation of the candidate at larger scale for later‐stage clinical evaluation employed an improved synthesis in which one component was constructed by asymmetric synthesis. Resolution of the other component, now a more advanced intermediate, was carried out using newly obtained large‐scale SFC equipment. Some discussion is presented on the varying strategies whereby preparative chiral chromatography can be used to support either short‐term or long‐term synthetic goals in preclinical pharmaceutical development. Chirality, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the linkage of MYRIP and MYO7A to melanosomes by RAB27A in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Klomp Adriana E. , Teofilo Karen , Legacki Erin , Williams David S.
Published: March 2007

The apical region of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) typically contains melanosomes. Their apical distribution is dependent on RAB27A and the unconventional myosin, MYO7A. Evidence from studies using in vitro binding assays, melanocyte transfection, and immunolocalization have indicated that the exophilin, MYRIP, links RAB27A on melanosomes to MYO7A, analogous to the manner that melanophilin links RAB27A on melanocyte melanosomes to MYO5A. To test the functionality of this hypothesis in RPE cells, we have examined the relationship among MYRIP, RAB27A and MYO7A with studies of RPE cells in primary culture (including live‐cell imaging), analyses of mutant mouse retinas, and RPE cell fractionation experiments. Our results indicate that the retinal distribution of MYRIP is limited to the RPE, mainly the apical region. In RPE cells, RAB27A, MYRIP, and MYO7A were all associated with melanosomes, undergoing both slow and rapid movements. Analyses of mutant mice provide genetic evidence that MYRIP is linked to melanosomes via RAB27A, but show that recruitment of MYRIP to apical RPE is independent of melanosomes and RAB27A. RAB27A and MYRIP also associated with motile small vesicles of unknown origin. The present results provide evidence from live RPE cells that the RAB27A‐MYRIP‐MYO7A complex functions in melanosome motility. They also demonstrate that RAB27A provides an essential link to the melanosome. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase mutations, EGFR gene amplifications, and KRAS mutations on survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Jeeyun , Jang Kee‐Taek , Ki Chang‐Seok , Lim Taekyu , Park Young Suk , Lim Ho Yeong , Choi Dong‐Wook , Kang Won Ki , Park Keunchil , Park Joon Oh
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

Erlotinib, in combination with gemcitabine, has shown clinical benefits in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. The presence of EGFR mutations and increased EGFR copy numbers in pancreatic adenocarcinoma was explored.

METHODS.

Sixty‐six pancreatic cancer patients were included in the analysis. The EGFR mutation was analyzed by DNA sequencing of exons 18–21 in the tyrosine kinase domain. KRAS mutation was analyzed by sequencing codons 12, 13, and 61. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the copy number of EGFR.

RESULTS.

In the current study the EGFR mutation was harbored in only 1 (1.5%) of the 66 inoperable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Amino acid substitution was detected in exon 20 of the EGFR gene. Increased EGFR copy numbers (≥3.0 per cell) were detected in 26 (41%) patients. There was only 1 patient, who had a highly increased EGFR copy number (≥6.0 per cell), who died, 2.1 months from the date of diagnosis. The EGFR amplification did not significantly influence survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients (P = .935). Thirty‐two (49%) of the 65 pancreatic adenocarcinomas examined harbored a point mutation in codons 12 (n = 31) and 61 (n = 1) of the KRAS gene. The presence of a point mutation in codon 12 adversely influenced survival of pancreatic cancer patients (P = .030).

CONCLUSIONS.

The incidence of somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domains of EGFR was very low and the increased gene copy number of EGFR did not significantly influence survival. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Kallikrein 7 enhances pancreatic cancer cell invasion by shedding E‐cadherin
Authors: Johnson Sarah K. , Ramani Vishnu C. , Hennings Leah , Haun Randy S.
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is characterized by local invasion and early metastasis. Serine proteases have been associated with invasion and metastasis of many cancers due to their ability to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and to activate other proteases; thus, the serine proteases expressed in PaC were investigated.

METHODS.

An expression profile of serine proteases was generated from both normal and malignant pancreatic tissues using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based screen and differential expression of kallikrein 7 was examined by reverse‐transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical analyses. The ability of human kallikrein 7 (hK7) to cleave the epithelial cell adhesion molecule E‐cadherin was tested in vitro using both recombinant E‐cadherin and BxPC‐3 cells and the effects of hK7 proteolytic activity on pancreatic cell invasion and aggregation were examined.

RESULTS.

Expression profiling revealed that kallikrein 7 (KLK7) was overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinomas and its differential expression was confirmed by RT‐PCR analysis. hK7 was observed in neoplastic cells of all tumors examined with moderate‐to‐intense staining in 70% of tumors examined (16/23). In contrast, only 15% of nonmalignant tissue specimens (2/13) displayed moderate hK7 staining, whereas the remaining specimens yielded weak, if any, immunoreactivity. Using in vitro assays, hK7 was shown to cleave E‐cadherin and the soluble E‐cadherin fragment produced significantly enhanced Panc‐1 cell invasion through ECM proteins with a corresponding reduction in Panc‐1 cell aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS.

These results suggest that aberrant expression of KLK7 plays an important role in PaC and provides novel insight into the effects of elevated hK7 proteinase activity in this, and perhaps other, adenocarcinomas. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Stability and convergence of efficient Navier‐Stokes solvers via a commutator estimate
Authors: Liu Jian‐Guo , Liu Jie , Pego Robert L.
Published: March 2007

For strong solutions of the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations in bounded domains with velocity specified at the boundary, we establish the unconditional stability and convergence of discretization schemes that decouple the updates of pressure and velocity through explicit time stepping for pressure. These schemes require no solution of stationary Stokes systems, nor any compatibility between velocity and pressure spaces to ensure an inf‐sup condition, and are representative of a class of highly efficient computational methods that have recently emerged. The proofs are simple, based upon a new, sharp estimate for the commutator of the Laplacian and Helmholtz projection operators. This allows us to treat an unconstrained formulation of the Navier‐Stokes equations as a perturbed diffusion equation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐time asymptotics of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation shock problem
Authors: Buckingham Robert , Venakides Stephanos
Published: March 2007

The long‐time asymptotics of two colliding plane waves governed by the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation are analyzed via the inverse scattering method. We find three asymptotic regions in space‐time: a region with the original wave modified by a phase perturbation, a residual region with a one‐phase wave, and an intermediate transition region with a modulated two‐phase wave. The leading‐order terms for the three regions are computed with error estimates using the steepest‐descent method for Riemann‐Hilbert problems. The nondecaying initial data requires a new adaptation of this method. A new breaking mechanism involving a complex conjugate pair of branch points emerging from the real axis is observed between the residual and transition regions. Also, the effect of the collision is felt in the plane‐wave state well beyond the shock front at large times. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene polymorphism in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients with and without nephropathy
Authors: Eroglu Z. , Erdogan M. , Tetik A. , Karadeniz M. , Cetinalp S. , Kosova B. , Gunduz C. , Ozgen A. G. , Yılmaz C.
Published: March 2007

Background

Poor glycaemic control, hypertension and duration of diabetes are risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy, but there may be genetic factors. Recently, a common C to T mutation at nucleotide position 677 of the MTHFR gene (MTHFR677C > T) has been reported to be correlated with hyperhomocysteinemia and the severity of coronary artery disease as macroangiopathy. We aim to investigate Turkish type 2 diabetic patients with/without diabetic nephropathy and healthy group and examine the contribution of the MTHFR gene polymorphism to the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of the subjects. Genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism for all individuals was performed by melting curve analysis of the generated amplicons after real‐time online PCR.

Results

This genotype distribution did not differ between control subjects and type 2 diabetic patients in which 6.8% were TT, 43.7% were CT and 49.5% were CC (χ2 = 0.201, p > 0.05). The frequency of the mutant T allele was 23.4% in diabetic patients with nephropathy versus 33.0% in those without nephropathy. The genotype frequencies were TT, 2.1%; CT, 46.6%; CC, 55.3% in diabetic patients with nephropathy versus TT, 10.7%; CT, 44.6%; CC, 44.6% in those without nephropathy.

Conclusions

The MTHFR genotype and allele frequencies were not different between diabetic patients with and without nephropathy (χ2 = 3, 386, p > 0.005; χ2 = 2.320, p > 0.005, respectively). Therefore, we conclude that the MTHFR gene polymorphism is not associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No essential role for tripeptidyl peptidase II for the processing of LCMV‐derived T cell epitopes
Authors: Basler Michael , Groettrup Marcus
Published: March 2007

The proteasome is critically involved in the production of MHC class I‐restricted T cell epitopes. Approximately 20% of all peptides generated by the proteasome are too large for direct presentation by MHC class I molecules. Reits et al. (Immunity 2004. 20: 495–506) suggested that a major portion of proteasomal products are larger than 15 amino acids and require further degradation by the tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII) before becoming ligands of MHC class I molecules. Using the well‐characterized lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model, the role of TPPII in the processing of several LCMV‐derived T cell epitopes was investigated. In contrast to Reits’ proposal, TPPII inhibition and TPPII overexpression experiments revealed that five out of six LCMV‐derived CD8+ T cell epitopes were not affected by inhibition of TPPII, while one epitope (GP276) was slightly reduced upon TPPII overexpression. Additionally, we demonstrated that the processing of two epitopes derived from ovalbumin and murine cytomegalovirus were not altered by TPPII inhibition. We propose that TPPII is not generally required for the production of MHC class I peptides, but the presentation of some peptides can be negatively affected by TPPII.
The impact of HLA‐B micropolymorphism outside primary peptide anchor pockets on the CTL response to CMV
Authors: Burrows Jacqueline M. , Wynn Katherine K. , Tynan Fleur E. , Archbold Julia , Miles John J. , Bell Melissa J. , Brennan Rebekah M. , Walker Susan , McCluskey James , Rossjohn Jamie , Khanna Rajiv , Burrows Scott R.
Published: March 2007

The factors controlling epitope selection in the T cell response to persistent viruses are not fully understood, and we have examined this issue in the context of four HLA‐B*35‐binding peptides from the pp65 antigen of human cytomegalovirus, two of which are previously undescribed. Striking differences in the hierarchy of immunodominance between these four epitopes were observed in healthy virus carriers expressing HLA‐B*3501 versus B*3508, two HLA‐B allotypes that differ by a single amino acid at position 156 (HLA‐B*3501, 156Leucine; HLA‐B*3508, 156Arginine) that projects from the α2 helix into the centre of the peptide‐binding groove. While HLA‐B*3501+ individuals responded most strongly to the 123IPSINVHHY131 and 366HPTFTSQY373 epitopes, HLA‐B*3508+ individuals responded preferentially to 103CPSQEPMSIYVY114 and 188FPTKDVAL195. By comparing peptide‐MHC association and disassociation rates with peptide immunogenicity, it was clear that dissociation rates correlate more closely with the hierarchy of immunodominance among the four pp65 peptides. These findings demonstrate that MHC micropolymorphism at positions outside the primary anchor residue binding pockets can have a major impact on determinant selection in antiviral T cell responses. Such influences may provide the evolutionary pressure that maintains closely related MHC molecules in diverse human populations.
70‐kDa heat shock proteins: Specific interactions with HLA‐DR molecules and their peptide fragments
Authors: Haug Markus , Schepp Carsten P. , Kalbacher Hubert , Dannecker Guenther E. , Holzer Ursula
Published: March 2007

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70):peptide complexes are involved in MHC class I and class II‐restricted antigen presentation enabling enhanced activation of antigen‐specific T cells. Here, we investigated the potential of bacterial and mammalian HSP70 molecules to interact with peptide fragments from HLA‐DR and the corresponding complete HLA‐DR molecules. Peptide fragments were found to interact with DnaK, the HSP70 homologue from E. coli, but less with stress‐inducible human Hsp70. Only a peptide sequence exclusively found in rheumatoid arthritis‐protective HLA‐DR molecules did not interact with DnaK. Subsequently, we investigated the interaction of complete HLA‐DR molecules with HSP70 and detected a specific HSP70:HLA‐DR interaction, with highest affinity for human stress‐inducible Hsp70. In contrast to the peptide fragments, no allele‐specific differences in Hsp70 affinity were detected with complete HLA‐DR molecules. Interaction with HLA‐DR molecules was increased at lowered pH values, whereas HSP70‐chaperoned peptides were released at acidic pH, thus HSP70 could serve as scanner and carrier for antigenic peptides of self or foreign origin and transfer chaperoned peptides onto MHC class II molecules in acidic late endosomal compartments. Our findings indicate that direct interaction between mammalian HSP70 and HLA‐DR molecules could be involved in the HSP70‐mediated enhancement of MHC class II‐restricted peptide presentation and CD4+ T cell activation.
Syntheses and Characterization of Molybdenum/Zinc Porphyrin Dimers Bridged by Aromatic Linkers
Authors: Song Sai‐Nan , Li Dong‐Mei , Wu Jun‐Feng , Zhuang Chang‐Fu , Ding Hong , Song Wen‐Bo , Cui Li‐Feng , Cao Geng‐Zhen , Liu Guo‐Fa
Published: March 2007

Two new heterobinuclear porphyrin dimers, namely [{MoVIO2}‐DBPA‐Zn] (1; H4DBPA = N,N′‐dibenzylidenebis[4‐(10,15,20‐triphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphin‐5‐yl)phenylamine]) and [{MoVIO2}‐PBDA‐Zn] (2; H4PBDA = N,N′‐bis[4‐(10,15,20‐triphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphin‐5‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3‐benzenedicarboxamide), have been synthesized. These bis(porphyrin)s were obtained by treating 5‐(p‐aminophenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrinatomolybdenum and ‐zinc with benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxaldehyde or benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid. They have been characterized by UV/Vis, IR, X‐ray photoelectron, luminescence, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and their TG‐DTA behavior and molar conductances have also been determined. Th cis‐dioxomolybdenum(VI) unit in these complexes is contained in one of the porphyrin moieties and zinc(II) ion is tetracoordinated in the other. Their electrochemical properties have also been investigated in detail. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A Trinuclear Aqua Cyano‐Bridged Ruthenium Complex [{(η5‐C5H5)(PPh3)2Ru(μ‐CN)}2RuCl2(PPh3)(H2O)]PF6: Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structure
Authors: Vertlib Viatcheslav , Figueira João , Mesquita José , Rodrigues João , Nättinen Kalle , Rissanen Kari
Published: March 2007

The organometallic trinuclear aqua cyano‐bridged complex [{(η5‐C5H5)(PPh3)2Ru(μ‐CN)}2RuCl2(PPh3)(H2O)]PF6 (1), in which the fragment [RuCl2(PPh3)(H2O)] acts as a bridge and an acceptor group between the two terminal cyclopentadienyl ruthenium cyano moieties, was isolated in moderate yield from the reaction of [(η5‐C5H5)(PPh3)2RuCN] with [RuCl2(PPh3)3] in THF. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1 is one of the few examples of a trinuclear array of ruthenium fragments bridged by the nitrogen atom of the–C≡N– group (Ru–C≡N–Ru′–N≡C–Ru) with a Ru‐coordinated water molecule. The new aqua complex was structurally characterized by FTIR, 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and cyclic voltammetry. The title complex crystallizes in a triclinic unit cell a = 17.3477(6) Å, b = 17.8551(5) Å, c = 18.2460(7) Å, α = 95.693(2)°, β = 111.648(2)°, and γ = 97.839(2)° in the space group P$\bar {1}$ with Z = 2.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
New Massarilactones, Massarigenin E, and Coniothyrenol, Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus Coniothyrium sp. from Carpobrotus edulis
Authors: Kock Ines , Krohn Karsten , Egold Hans , Draeger Siegfried , Schulz Barbara , Rheinheimer Joachim
Published: March 2007

New massarilactones C (3) and D (4), massarigenin E (5), and coniothyrenol (6) were isolated from Coniothyrium sp. together with the known graphislactone A (1) and massarilactone A (2). The relative configuration of coniothyrenol (6) with an unprecedented benzo[a]xanthene skeleton and ten chirality centers was determined by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Stereochemically Defined Polyhydroxylated Propargylamines by Alkynylation of N‐Benzylimines Derived from (R)‐Glyceraldehyde
Authors: Díez Roberto , Badorrey Ramón , Díaz‐de‐Villegas María D. , Gálvez José A.
Published: March 2007

The addition of the lithium derivative of tert‐butyldimethylsilyl propargyl ether to N‐benzylimines derived from (R)‐2,3‐O‐isopropylideneglyceraldehyde has been achieved with acceptable yields and high diastereoselectivities. The syn/anti diastereoselectivity of the addition reaction can be controlled and reversed by the appropriate use of Lewis acids as imine precomplexing agents. Double stereodifferentiation processes using imines derived from (R)‐2,3‐O‐isopropylideneglyceraldehyde and (R)‐ or (S)‐α‐methylbenzylamine as starting materials occur with total stereocontrol to afford syn and anti vic‐propargylamino alcohol derivatives with orthogonally protected hydroxymethyl groups on both sides of the central core.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Structure and Biosynthesis of Chaetocyclinones, New Polyketides Produced by an Endosymbiotic Fungus
Authors: Lösgen Sandra , Schlörke Oliver , Meindl Kathrin , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Zeeck Axel
Published: March 2007

Three new fungal polyketide metabolites, chaetocyclinone A to C, were produced by cultures of Chaetomium sp. (strain Gö 100/2), which was isolated from marine algae. The structures of the novel compounds were established by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Additionally, an X‐ray analysis of chaetocyclinone C (5) was performed. Chaetocyclinone A (1) exhibits inhibitory activity against selected phytopathogenic fungi. The biosynthesis of 1 and 5 was studied by feeding 13C‐labelled acetate. The results suggest the polyketide pathway for the isolated metabolites. In the case of chaetocyclinone C (5), we assume an unusual condensation of two highly reactive heptaketide intermediates. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction of Lactam‐, Lactone‐, and Thiolactone‐Derived Enol Triflates for the Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Dienones
Authors: Bartali Laura , Guarna Antonio , Larini Paolo , Occhiato Ernesto G.
Published: March 2007

A thorough study of the carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of enol triflates with alkenylboronic acids for the synthesis of unsymmetrical dienones is reported. Conditions were found that enabled the coupling of structurally different enol triflates derived from lactams, lactones, and thiolactones (i.e., cyclic ketene aminal, acetal, and thioacetal triflates, respectively) with various alkenylboronic acids at room temperature under 1 atm of CO pressure with 1–5 % palladium catalyst; the carbonylated products were obtained in 50–86 % overall yields. The methodology allows for a convergent and rapid preparation of substrates useful in conjugate additions and Nazarov reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Design and Synthesis of Long‐Wavelength Fluorescent Boronic Acid Reporter Compounds
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Jin Shan , Akay Senol , Wang Binghe
Published: March 2007

Three new fluorescent probes based on the 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide structure were synthesized, and their sugar binding properties were studied by usingD‐fructose,D‐glucose andD‐sorbitol in 0.1Mphosphate buffer at pH 7.4. All three compounds showed fluorescence intensity changes upon addition of sugars. In this series, compound1cgave the longest emission wavelength (570 nm) and fluorescence intensity increases of up to 2.5‐fold after addition ofD‐fructose.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Concise Synthesis of 2,6‐Disubstituted Morpholines by Cyclization of Epoxy Alcohols
Authors: Albanese Domenico , Salsa Matteo , Landini Dario , Lupi Vittoria , Penso Michele
Published: March 2007

A novel, straightforward and high yielding synthesis of enantiomerically pure 2,6‐disubstituted morpholines was developed by acid‐catalyzed cyclization of epoxy alcohols. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Polymeric Acid Doped Polyaniline Nanotubes for Oligonucleotide Sensors
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Peng Hui , Kilmartin Paul A. , Soeller Christian , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: March 2007

Template‐free, self‐assembled polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes were prepared in a solution of poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic acid) (PMVEA) by oxidative polymerization using ammonium persulfate as the oxidant. The weight ratio of the polymeric acid to aniline in the solution had a significant effect on the size of the polyaniline nanotubes as determined by SEM. The outer diameter of the nanotubes increased from 65 nm to 160 nm with increased levels of PMVEA in the reaction solution from 1 to 4 wt/v%. The PANI/PMVEA nanotubes were characterized by FTIR and cyclic voltammetry. The nanotubes were used to construct a simple electrochemical oligonucleotide (ODN) sensor where ODN probes were covalently grafted onto the residual carboxylic acid functionalities on the nanotubes. The potential pulse amperometry technique was used to obtain a direct and fast electrochemical readout.
Wavelet‐based approach for high impedance fault detection of high voltage transmission line
Authors: NengLing Tai , JiaJia Chen
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a new method for high impedance single‐phase ground fault (HIF) detection based on wavelet transform (WT) in the high voltage transmission line. As high impedance single‐phase ground faults usually have low fault currents, it cannot be easily detected by the conventional protection. The voltages and currents vary simultaneously when a ground fault occurs in the transmission lines, even if it is grounded with a high impedance. Therefore, the signals measured by the protective device contain significant transient components. They have much more fault information than the steady components. With the WT the modulus maxima of the zero sequence current, the faulted phase current, and the zero sequence voltage present special characteristics which can be used to detect HIF. The new scheme can also discriminate if the ground fault locates in the forward zone or the backward zone. The realization of the proposed protection device is also described in this paper. Both simulation and field results show that the scheme can detect HIF with high reliability during all operating conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A useful model for multi‐wire concentric neutral cables
Authors: Andreotti Amedeo , Mottola Fabio
Published: March 2007

In literature, as well as in popular software packages for power system analysis and applications, multi‐wire concentric neutral cables are considered to behave like uniform sheath concentric neutral cables, provided that the neutral size is the same. This assumed equivalence greatly simplifies the cable's study, however, it has been proved only for particular operative conditions. Aims of the paper are to analyse limits and applicability of this equivalence, carrying out a rigorous study on the behavior of both types of cables, and to propose an alternative model for multi‐wire concentric neutral cable, which is at the same time simple and effective. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum mean square error vector precoding
Authors: Schmidt David A. , Joham Michael , Utschick Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

We derive theminimum mean square error(MMSE) solution to vector precoding for frequency flat multiuser scenarios with a centralised multi‐antenna transmitter. The receivers employ a modulo operation, giving the transmitter the additional degree of freedom to choose aperturbation vector. Similar to existing vector precoding techniques, the optimum perturbation vector is found with a closest point search in a lattice. The proposed MMSE vector precoder does not, however, search for the perturbation vector resulting in the lowest unscaled transmit power, as proposed in all previous contributions on vector precoding, but finds an optimum compromise between noise enhancement and residual interference. We present simulation results showing that the proposed technique outperforms existing vector precoders, as well as the MMSETomlinson‐Harashima precoder, and compare the turbo‐coded performance to the capacity of the broadcast channel. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil chemical surveying: A path to a deeper understanding of prehistoric sites and societies in Sweden
Authors: Linderholm Johan
Published: March 2007

A large number of contract archaeological investigations have been conducted in Sweden over the last 10–15 years. In this article, the applicability of soil chemical surveying in connection with contract archaeology is discussed, focusing on soil sampling, soil magnetic susceptibility, and phosphate analysis. Results from case studies from an area of the west coast of southern Sweden are presented. The investigated sites cover periods ranging from the Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age/Medieval time (3500–1000 B.P.). Results show that the chemical loading of prehistoric settlements varies considerably both quantitatively and spatially depending on different socioeconomic strategies and behavior. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical residues in lime‐plastered archaeological floors
Authors: Barba Luis
Published: March 2007

In addition to research carried out on soils and sediments, there is a parallel field of research applying the same analytical techniques to the study of chemical residues in stuccoes. The most common material used to build floors in Mesoamerica after the Classic period was lime plaster. The study of residues in stuccoes becomes, therefore, a very promising study area. In last 25 years the Archaeological Prospection Laboratory at Mexico's National Autonomous University has developed a research strategy to study human activities based on ethnoarchaeological studies to interpret the distribution of chemical residues in archaeological floors. The most successful applications have been in lime‐plastered surfaces; this article presents a brief review of these works. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Midden formation and intrasite chemical patterning in Kalinga, Philippines
Authors: Beck Margaret E.
Published: March 2007

Middens are surprisingly fluid entities in occupied communities, as shown by ethnoarchaeological research in Dalupa, Kalinga Province, northern Luzon, the Philippines. This study combines ethnoarchaeological observations of midden formation and disturbance in Dalupa with data from soils and sediments in natural, habitation, and midden contexts, including elemental data for 80 samples collected using inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy. Most surface samples from habitation areas cluster with midden samples, although samples from the lower parts of theses profiles resemble samples from natural contexts around Dalupa. One explanation is a changing spatial distribution of active middens due to changes in house placement and occupation in Dalupa's history. Some habitation areas that chemically resemble middens may once have held middens, as suggested by the periodic changes in midden location from the cleaning and management of extramural space. Surface scatters of human and animal refuse throughout the habitation area may also contribute to this pattern. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.