bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Total Calcium in Plasma by Flow Injection Analysis with Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) Electrochemiluminescent Detection
Authors: Shi Lihong , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Haijuan , Xu Guobao 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe described here a new method for the determination of total calcium in plasma. The method is based on the precipitation of calcium with excess oxalate and the measurement of residual oxalate by flow injection analysis with Ru(bpy)32+ electrochemiluminescent detection. It has the advantages of extremely stable reagent, user‐friendly instrument, high selectivity, good analytical recovery, wide dynamic range, and nice correlation with atomic absorption spectroscopy. The calibration plot for calcium is linear over a concentration range from 0.5 mmol L−1 to 4.8 mmol L−1, which is wider than those obtained by most other methods. The analytical recoveries for plasma calcium are 98.4–101.2% with coefficients of variation (CVs) of 1.96–2.52%. The within‐day CVs range from 0.76% to 0.95%, and between‐day CVs were from 1.12% to 1.46%. The time for each injection is one minute. Because the proposed method can be readily carried out on increasingly popular instruments for Ru(bpy)32+ ECL immunoassays and DNA probe assays, Ru(bpy)32+ ECL method is suitable for routine clinical analysis of calcium.
Comparative Permeation Study of Different Types of Myoglobin Layer‐by‐Layer Films and the Effect of Film Permeability on Their Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis
Authors: Lu Haiyun , Hu Naifei 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThree different types of myoglobin (Mb) layer‐by‐layer films were assembled respectively with TiO2 sol‐gel by vapor‐surface deposition, TiO2 nanoparticles, and poly(styrenesulfonate), designated as {SG‐TiO2/Mb}n, {NP‐TiO2/Mb}n, and {PSS/Mb}n. The permeability of the films was studied and compared by rotating disk voltammetry (RDV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with different electroactive probes, showing a general permeability sequence of {SG‐TiO2/Mb}n>{NP‐TiO2/Mb}n>{PSS/Mb}n. The electrochemical and electrocatalytic activity of Mb in these films were also investigated and compared by cyclic voltammetry (CV), RDV, and amperometry, indicating that among the three Mb films, {SG‐TiO2/Mb}n films demonstrated the highest maximum surface concentration of electroactive Mb and the best electrocatalytic performances toward reduction of H2O2. All these advantages could be attributed to the unique architecture and porous structure of {SG‐TiO2/Mb}n films, which could greatly facilitate the mass transport of small counterions and catalytic substrates within the films. The various influencing factors on the permeability, electrochemistry, and electrocatalysis of the Mb films were also investigated in detail.
p51/p63, a novel p53 homologue, potentiates p53 activity and is a human cancer gene therapy candidate
Authors: Kunisaki Reiko , Ikawa Shuntaro , Maeda Toyoki , Nakazaki Yukoh , Kurita Ryo , Harata Masamitsu , Shutoh Yukinobu , Bai Yuang Sung , Soda Yasushi , Tanabe Tsuyoshi , Dohi Taeko , Kato Rie , Ikawa Yoji , Asano Shigetaka , Tani Kenzaburo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundp51 (p73L/p63/p40/KET), a recently isolated novel p53 homologue, binds to p53‐responsive elements to upregulate some p53 target genes and has been suggested to share partially overlapping functions with p53. p51 may be a promising candidate target molecule for anti‐cancer therapy.MethodsIn this study, we adenovirally transduced p51A cDNA into human lung, gastric and pancreatic cancer cells and analyzed the intracellular function of p51 in anti‐oncogenesis in vitro and in vivo.ResultsOverexpression of p51A revealed an anti‐proliferative effect in vitro in all the cancer cells examined in this study. The anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent cell growth of EBC1 cells carrying mutations in both p51 and p53 was suppressed and significant apoptosis following adenoviral transduction with p51 and/or p53 was seen. This growth suppression was cooperatively enhanced by the combined infection with adenoviral vectors encoding both p51 and p53. Furthermore, p51 activated several, but not all, p53‐inducible genes, indicating that the mechanisms controlling p51‐ and p53‐mediated tumor suppression differed.ConclusionsOur observations indicate that, although p51 exhibited reduced anti‐oncogenetic effects compared with p53, it cooperatively enhanced the anti‐tumor effects of p53. Our results suggest that p51 functions as a tumor suppressor in human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and may be useful as a potential tool for cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of different atmospheric‐pressure interfaces for LC‐MS/MS determination of acrylamide in water at sub‐ppb levels
Authors: Marín José M. , Pozo Óscar J. , Sancho Juan V. , Pitarch Elena , López Francisco J. , Hernández Félix 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA rapid, sensitive and selective method based on LC‐MS/MS has been developed for the direct determination of acrylamide residues in water in compliance with the current European Union (EU) 98/83 Drinking Water Directive. Given the high polarity of acrylamide, the application of a rapid on‐line solid phase extraction step, commonly used for preconcentrating low analyte levels, was not found to be completely satisfactory. Therefore, an alternative approach based on the use of direct large‐volume injection into the LC‐MS/MS system has been used. Three atmospheric‐pressure interfaces (ESI, APCI and Ion Sabre APCI) were checked to reach the required sensitivity (0.1 µg/l). All three interfaces were tested by analysis of six different water samples (surface water, groundwater, drinking water and three treated water samples) spiked at three concentration levels each (0.1, 1 and 10 µg/l). When using ESI, poor sensitivity and high matrix effects were observed. This situation improved when APCI was used as the interface because no matrix effect was found, although sensitivity was not completely satisfactory. The best results were obtained by interfacing the Ion Sabre APCI; its higher sensitivity for acrylamide (LOD 0.03 µg/l) and the absence of matrix effects recommended its selection. Using this approach, satisfactory recoveries (90–97%) and precision (<12%) were obtained for all water samples studied. Besides, the acquisition of two different MS/MS transitions allowed not only the quantification but also the confirmation of acrylamide in water at concentration levels around 0.1 µg/l. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model salad dressing emulsion stability as affected by the type of the lupin seed protein isolate
Authors: Papalamprou Evdoxia , Doxastakis Georgios , Kiosseoglou Vassilios 
Published: July 2006

AbstractModel salad dressing emulsions of an oil volume fraction of 0.50 were prepared using two types of lupin seed protein isolate (LSPI) differing in the method applied for their isolation and their protein composition. The dressing stability against creaming and droplet coalescence were studied and correlated with data on oil droplet size, rheological characteristics and the amount of protein adsorption at the droplet surfaces. Model salad dressing emulsions containing the isolate, mainly composed of lupin globulins, exhibited higher stability and more pronounced rheological characteristics compared to those prepared with the isolate enriched in albumins or with the mixture of the two isolates. The lupin albumins appeared to displace the globulins from the droplet surfaces, following competitive adsorption from mixtures of the two types of the lupin isolates. The results are discussed in terms of droplet interaction and rearrangement as they are influenced by the presence of the adsorbed protein molecules and aggregates which appear to determine long‐term stability of the emulsion systems. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The reactivity of Ni(II) toward aspartic and glutamic monohydroxamates
Authors: Al‐Sogair Fawzia , Marafie Hayat M. , Shuaib Nadia M. , Youngo Hamido Ben , El‐Ezaby Mohamed S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe formation of complexes of Ni(II) with aspartic and glutamic acid hydroxamates was determined by potentiometric methods at I = 0.15 M NaCl and T = 25°C. The equilibrium study of Ni(II) with ASX or GLX revealed that the predominant species formed in solution were (M:L:H+): (1:1:0), (1:1:1), (2:1:0), and (2:1:1) in the whole pH range (∼3–11). The formation of polymeric species was not observed. The octahedral structures were predicted in which the ligands act as tridentate ligands. The kinetics of complex formation between Ni(II) with ASX system as well as Ni(II) with GLX were also studied in a wide pH range. The observed rate constants for the Ni(II)‐hydroxamates were found to be dependent on the total concentration of hydroxamates at a given pH through the following relations: kobs = Y0 + Z(TASX) and kobs = Y0 + Z(TGLX) + W(TGLX)2. The trans effect of the hydroxyl group present in the reacting species of Ni(OH)+ as well as a ring closure resulted from ligand chelation are introduced as explanations for the rate constants obtained for the reactions of Ni(II) with ASX or GLX. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 540–552, 2006
Effects of Cellulose Whiskers on Properties of Soy Protein Thermoplastics
Authors: Wang Yixiang , Cao Xiaodong , Zhang Lina 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSummary: Environmentally‐friendly SPI/cellulose whisker composites were successfully prepared using a colloidal suspension of cellulose whiskers, to reinforce soy protein isolate (SPI) plastics. The cellulose whiskers, having an average length of 1.2 µm and diameter of 90 nm, respectively, were prepared from cotton linter pulp by hydrolyzing with sulfuric acid aqueous solution. The effects of the whisker content on the morphology and properties of the glycerol‐plasticized SPI composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, water‐resistivity testing and tensile testing. The results indicated that, with the addition of 0 to 30 wt.‐% of cellulose whiskers, strong interactions occurred both between the whiskers and between the filler and the SPI matrix, reinforcing the composites and preserving their biodegradability. Both the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the SPI/cellulose whisker composites increased from 5.8 to 8.1 MPa and from 44.7 to 133.2 MPa, respectively, at a relative humidity of 43%, following an increase of the whisker content from 0 to 30 wt.‐%. Furthermore, the incorporation of the cellulose whiskers into the SPI matrix led to an improvement in the water resistance for the SPI‐based composites.The tensile strength (▴), Young's modulus (•) and elongation at break (•) of SPI/cellulose whisker composites conditioned at 0% RH with various cellulose whisker contents.magnified imageThe tensile strength (▴), Young's modulus (•) and elongation at break (•) of SPI/cellulose whisker composites conditioned at 0% RH with various cellulose whisker contents.
Chain Conformations of Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) Pre and Post an Electrospinning Process
Authors: Minato Ken‐Ichi , Ohkawa Kousaku , Yamamoto Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSummary: In order to reveal mechanisms for the electrospinning of proteins, this study focuses on the polymer chain conformation, which is considered to be a critical factor for successful electrospinning. Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) (PBLG) is employed and the relationships between the chain conformations of the pre‐spun PBLG molecules and the morphologies of the post‐spun PBLG fibers are investigated. By combining viscosity measurements, and circular dichroism and FT‐IR spectroscopies, chain conformations of the pre‐ and post‐spun PBLG are characterized. The chain conformations of the pre‐spun PBLG changes from an α‐helix to a random coil upon changing the solvent ratios of dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and trifluoroacetic acid (CF3COOH) from 100:0 to 0:100. In an α‐helix conformation, the morphology of PBLG fibers is relatively thick, while that of the random coil is thin and homogenous. The mean fiber diameters decrease when the chain conformations change from an α‐helix to a random coil. FT‐IR spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction measurements reveal that electrospinning predominantly induces an α‐helical conformation in post‐spun PBLG fibers, and more highly crystallized fibers are generated as the α‐helical content in the pre‐spun solution increases.SEM images of the electrospun PBLG fibers ($\overline {DP}$ = 1 200) at DCM/TFA ratios of a) 100:0, b) 90:10, c) 80:20, and d) 0:100 (magnification: ×1 000, scale bars: 20 µm).magnified imageSEM images of the electrospun PBLG fibers ($\overline {DP}$ = 1 200) at DCM/TFA ratios of a) 100:0, b) 90:10, c) 80:20, and d) 0:100 (magnification: ×1 000, scale bars: 20 µm).
Hydrolyzable p(DMAPEMA) Polymers for Gene Delivery
Authors: Veron Laurent , Ganée Arnaud , Ladavière Catherine , Delair Thierry 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSummary: The efficiency of cationic polymers as transfectants is thought to be closely related to their DNA association/dissociation properties. An incomplete polymer‐DNA dissociation could explain the relatively low gene expression obtained with p(DMAEMA) polymers. Our approach was to synthesize a p(DMAEMA) analogue, p(DMAPEMA), bearing an hydrolyzable cationic group incorporated into the pendant chain with a view to improving transfection. The complexation of DNA with both polymers was studied by agarose gel electrophoresis, size and zeta potential measurements, as well as the dissociation of the polyplexes, after treatment by an anionic polymer, sodium hydroxide or heat. The transfection efficiencies of the polyplexes were evaluated with 293T and BHK21 cells in comparison with Exgen 500. P(DMAPEMA) polymers were able to complex DNA and to release it in a free intact form after an alkaline treatment or storage at 37 °C. Poly(aspartic acid) was unable to dissociate p(DMAPEMA) based polyplexes, in contrast to p(DMAEMA) ones. No transfection was obtained with p(DMAPEMA) with both cell lines. A slow hydrolysis under physiological conditions resulting in the absence of DNA unpacking or endosomal entrapment could explain these results. Better transfection results were obtained with polyplexes which were able to be dissociated by electrostatic interactions rather than ones which required the hydrolysis mechanism to release free DNA into cells.Scheme of hydrolyzable p(DMAPEMA) polymer.magnified imageScheme of hydrolyzable p(DMAPEMA) polymer.
On the cotangent cohomology of rational surface singularities with almost reduced fundamental cycle
Authors: Stølen Gustavsen Trond 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe prove dimension formulas for the cotangent spaces T 1 and T 2 for a class of rational surface singularities by calculating a correction term in the general dimension formulas. We get that it is zero if the dual graph of the rational surface singularity X does not contain a particular type of configurations, and this generalizes a result of Theo de Jong stating that the correction term c (X ) is zero for rational determinantal surface singularities. In particular our result implies that c (X ) is zero for Riemenschneiders quasi‐determinantal rational surface singularities, and this also generalizes results for quotient singularities. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Hausdorff‐like moment problem and the inversion of the Laplace transform
Authors: Dung Nguyen , Huy Nguyen Vu , Quan Pham Hoang , Trong Dang Duc 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe consider the problem of finding u ∈ L 2(I ), I = (0, 1), satisfying
∫I u (x )x dx = μ k ,
where k = 0, 1, 2, …, (α k ) is a sequence of distinct real numbers greater than –1/2, and μ = (μ kl ) is a given bounded sequence of real numbers. This is an ill‐posed problem. We shall regularize the problem by finite moments and then, apply the result to reconstruct a function on (0, +∞) from a sequence of values of its Laplace transforms. Error estimates are given. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Detecting and creating oscillations using multifractal methods
Authors: Seuret Stéphane 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBy comparing the Hausdorff multifractal spectrum with the large deviations spectrum of a given continuous functionf, we find sufficient conditions ensuring thatfpossesses oscillating singularities.Using a similar approach, we study the nonlinear wavelet threshold operator which associates with any functionf= ∑j∑kdj,kψj,k∈L2(ℝ) the function seriesftwhose wavelet coefficients aredtj,k=dj,k1, for some fixed real numberγ> 0. This operator creates a context propitious to have oscillating singularities. As a consequence, we prove that the seriesftmay have a multifractal spectrum with a support larger than the one off.We exhibit an example of functionf∈L2(ℝ) such that the associated thresholded function seriesfteffectively possesses oscillating singularities which were not present in the initial functionf. This seriesftis a typical example of function with homogeneous non‐concave multifractal spectrum and which does not satisfy the classical multifractal formalisms. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Complete 1H and 13C assignments of fluorinated analogs of dehydroepiandrosterone
Authors: Burgess Jason P. , Wintermute James S. , Thomas Brian F. , Kapetanovic Izet M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe complete assignments of all 1H and 13C chemical shifts were made for the fluorinated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) analog fluasterone, 2, and two potential in vivo metabolites 3 and 4. The assignments were made using a combination of one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR techniques (1H, 13C, gDQCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC). Once the proton chemical shifts were assigned, the stereochemistry of the two hydroxylated analogs was determined using 2D ROESY experiments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate public affairs: necessary cost or value‐added asset?
Authors: Richards Don C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the valuation tools available to measure the financial contribution that public affairs activities add to the corporate bottom line. The paper begins with a consideration of the state of quantification in public affairs. Next, theoretical frameworks for broad classes of valuation methodologies are presented. Specific models applied by companies are also examined, outlining their advantages and limitations. The paper concludes with recommendations for implementing quantitative financial measures and opportunities for future research. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
MPs and web technologies: an untapped opportunity?
Authors: Jackson Nigel 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMPs have not previously been assigned a major role in electoral campaigning, being considered only one element of a political party's ‘marketing’ tools for winning votes. Evidence now suggests that the relationship between MPs and their constituents is changing. The concept of ‘constituency service’ implies that individual MPs can have a much greater influence on local voters and so possibly buck national trends. At the same time the concept of the ‘permanent campaign’ is transforming political campaigning whereby the political elite needs ever‐greater control of the tools used to provide messages to voters. The internet is a potential battleground between MPs who want greater control of their own local campaigning and the party elite who want to ensure a consistent, coherent and controlled message.The Internet is a new addition to the campaigning armoury, yet the focus so far has been on e‐government, e‐democracy and election campaigns. By concentrating on how and why MPs use their websites this paper considers whether MPs have fully understood and utilised this new medium.Key questions include whether their websites are ‘sticky’, interactive and a means of creating a targeted message.The findings of this detailed study of MPs' websites show that apart from a few pioneers, MPs have not progressed beyond using the Internet as ‘shovelware’ — the vast majority view their website as an electronic brochure and not a new form of two‐way communication. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
‘Family Businesses Distributing America's Beverage’: managing government relations in the National Beer Wholesalers Association
Authors: McGrath Conor 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOver the past decade, America's National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) has transformed itself from an organisation lacking much political influence into one of the most powerful interest groups on Capitol Hill. The NBWA has been described as “the toughest lobby you never heard of” (Birnbaum 1998: 148). Its strategy over this period provides an ideal case study of how to manage government relations within a trade association. It demonstrates the importance of establishing and implementing a measurable strategy, maximising the impact of a range of lobbying tools and leveraging the political environment to operate as effectively as possible. Senator Ben Nelson (Dem, Nebraska) has stated that, ‘NBWA is one of the most effective trade associations in Washington DC, with a staff that is savvy to the public relations and marketing strategies required to be influential on Capitol Hill’ (Nelson 2001). Indeed, the fact that the NBWA's government relations programme is so explicitly based upon marketing principles is unusual from a British perspective; even in the American context, the strategy is executed particularly effectively. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
Intersection of 21st century technology with 20th century laws: a case study in proactive issues management
Authors: Toohey Brian C. , Dailida Matthew , Bartholomew Linda Curry 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe intersection of a high‐tech product with 20th century laws that would have inadvertently restricted its use provides an interesting case study in issues management. The authors describe how using ‘high‐tech•high‐touch’ as a technique for public policy change, as well as employing other traditional issues management tools, enabled significant success in achieving the company's public policy goals. As a result of this proactive issues management approach, the high‐tech SegwayTM Human Transporter (HT), a low‐speed self‐balancing, electrically powered, two‐wheeled personal mobility device (Figure 1) is permitted to operate freely in a significant part of its potential market area. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
Political strategies of large companies and their significance for the implementation of the European single electricity market: the examples of France and Germany
Authors: Schumann Diana , Widmaier Ulrich 
Published: July 2006

AbstractElectricity supply in the European member states has been a closed national public sector service without competition for a long time. Currently, the European electricity industry is subject to radical change resulting from the European directive establishing common rules for the internal market in electricity, which came into force in 1997. This paper attempts to explain the varying forms of implementation of the internal electricity market in France and Germany. First, it clarifies the special characteristics of electricity supply and European electricity policy. Secondly, the paper shows the divergent sectoral arrangements of the French and German electricity industries. Thirdly, it points out that the different degrees of linkage between the public players and the electricity companies in France and Germany produce different political strategies which are followed by the companies at the European level, especially those strategies which seek direct influence on the European Commission. Finally, the paper reveals the significance of these strategies in Brussels in terms of the implementation of the single electricity market in both member states. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications