bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An optimized microchip electrophoresis system for mutation detection by tandem SSCP and heteroduplex analysis for p53 gene exons 5–9
Authors: Hestekin Christa N. , Jakupciak John P. , Chiesl Thomas N. , Kan Cheuk Wai , O'Connell Catherine D. , Barron Annelise E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWith the complete sequencing of the human genome, there is a growing need for rapid, highly sensitive genetic mutation detection methods suitable for clinical implementation. DNA‐based diagnostics such as single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis (HA) are commonly used in research laboratories to screen for mutations, but the slab gel electrophoresis (SGE) format is ill‐suited for routine clinical use. The translation of these assays from SGE to microfluidic chips offers significant speed, cost, and sensitivity advantages; however, numerous parameters must be optimized to provide highly sensitive mutation detection. Here we present a methodical study of system parameters including polymer matrix, wall coating, analysis temperature, and electric field strengths on the effectiveness of mutation detection by tandem SSCP/HA for DNA samples from exons 5–9 of the p53 gene. The effects of polymer matrix concentration and average molar mass were studied for linear polyacrylamide (LPA) solutions. We determined that a matrix of 8% w/v 600 kDa LPA provides the most reliable SSCP/HA mutation detection on chips. The inclusion of a small amount of the dynamic wall‐coating polymer poly‐N‐hydroxyethylacrylamide in the matrix substantially improves the resolution of SSCP conformers and extends the coating lifetime. We investigated electrophoresis temperatures between 17 and 35°C and found that the lowest temperature accessible on our chip electrophoresis system gives the best condition for high sensitivity of the tandem SSCP/HA method, especially for the SSCP conformers. Finally, the use of electrical fields between 350 and 450 V/cm provided rapid separations (<10 min) with well‐resolved DNA peaks for both SSCP and HA.
Effects of scents on airborne microbes, part I: thymol, eugenol, trans‐cinnamaldehyde and linalool
Authors: Krist Sabine , Halwachs Lydia , Sallaberger Georg , Buchbauer Gerhard 
Published: September 2006

AbstractFour aroma chemicals, thymol, eugenol, trans‐cinnamaldehyde and linalool, were tested for their influence on total microbial count (bacteria, yeasts and moulds) in air. After determining both the total microbial count (TC) and the total count of yeasts and moulds (YM) of airborne microbes in a selected testing room, using a RCS Air Sampler, each of the aroma chemicals was vapourized in four different concentrations, 5, 2.5, 1.5 and 0.5 mg/m3. After a residence time of 15 min, the germ count in the testing room was measured again, using the air sampler. Each tested substance in any concentration showed a reduction of total microbial count as well as a reduction of total count of yeasts and moulds in the air and thus contributes to abating infection hazard for humans. The most effective concentrations for each substance were as follows. For total microbial count reduction: thymol, 1.5 mg/m3 (69.50% reduction); eugenol, 1.5 mg/m3 (69.40% reduction); trans‐cinnamaldehyde, 1.5 mg/m3 (65.93% reduction); and linalool, 2.5 mg/m3 (69.92% reduction). For total count reduction of yeasts and moulds: thymol, 0.5 mg/m3 (50.60%); eugenol, 1.5 mg/m3 (58.31%); trans‐cinnamaldehyde, 2.5 mg/m3 (46.19%); and linalool, 1.5 mg/m3 (50.25%). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutations in the MYB intron I regulatory sequence increase transcription in colon cancers
Authors: Hugo Honor , Cures Alina , Suraweera Nirosha , Drabsch Yvette , Purcell Damian , Mantamadiotis Theo , Phillips Wayne , Dobrovic Alex , Zupi Gabriella , Gonda Thomas J. , Iacopetta Barry , Ramsay Robert G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAlthough MYB overexpression in colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to be a prognostic indicator for poor survival, the basis for this overexpression is unclear. Among multiple levels of MYB regulation, the most dynamic is the control of transcriptional elongation by sequences within intron 1. The authors have proposed that this regulatory sequence is transcribed into an RNA stem‐loop and 19‐residue polyuridine tract, and is subject to mutation in CRC. When this region was examined in colorectal and breast carcinoma cell lines and tissues, the authors found frequent mutations only in CRC. It was determined that these mutations allowed increased transcription compared with the wild type sequence. These data suggest that this MYB regulatory region within intron 1 is subject to mutations in CRC but not breast cancer, perhaps consistent with the mutagenic insult that occurs within the colon and not mammary tissue. In CRC, these mutations may contribute to MYB overexpression, highlighting the importance of noncoding sequences in the regulation of key cancer genes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Challenge with innate and protein antigens induces CCR7 expression by microglia in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dijkstra I. M. , de Haas A. H. , Brouwer N. , Boddeke H. W. G. M. , Biber K. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSince activated microglia are able to phagocytose damaged cells and subsequently express major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC‐II) and co‐stimulatory proteins, they are considered to function as antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the central nervous system. The maturation and migratory potential of professional APCs is associated with the expression of chemokine receptor CCR7. We therefore investigated whether the immunological activation of microglia induces CCR7 expression. We here present that activation of cultured microglia by both the innate antigen lipopolysaccharide and protein antigen ovalbumin rapidly induces CCR7 expression, accompanied by increased MHC‐II expression. Moreover, it is shown that CCR7 expression in IBA‐1 positive cells is induced during the symptom onset and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a rodent model for multiple sclerosis. These results suggest that microglia express CCR7 under specific inflammatory conditions, corroborating the idea that microglia develop into APCs with migratory potential toward lymphoid chemokines. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐wildfire changes in suspended sediment rating curves: Sabino Canyon, Arizona
Authors: Desilets Sharon L. E. , Nijssen Bart , Ekwurzel Brenda , Ferré Ty P. A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWildfire has been shown to increase erosion by several orders of magnitude, but knowledge regarding short‐term variations in post‐fire sediment transport processes has been lacking. We present a detailed analysis of the immediate post‐fire sediment dynamics in a semi‐arid basin in the southwestern USA based on suspended sediment rating curves. During June and July 2003, the Aspen Fire in the Coronado National Forest of southern Arizona burned an area of 343 km2. Surface water samples were collected in an affected watershed using an event‐based sampling strategy. Sediment rating parameters were determined for individual storm events during the first 18 months after the fire. The highest sediment concentrations were observed immediately after the fire. Through the two subsequent monsoon seasons there was a progressive change in rating parameters related to the preferential removal of fine to coarse sediment. During the corresponding winter seasons, there was a lower supply of sediment from the hillslopes, resulting in a time‐invariant set of sediment rating parameters. A sediment mass‐balance model corroborated the physical interpretations. The temporal variability in the sediment rating parameters demonstrates the importance of storm‐based sampling in areas with intense monsoon activity to characterize post‐fire sediment transport accurately. In particular, recovery of rating parameters depends on the number of high‐intensity rainstorms. These findings can be used to constrain rapid assessment fire‐response models for planning mitigation activities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vaccination of advanced prostate cancer patients with PSCA and PSA peptide‐loaded dendritic cells induces DTH responses that correlate with superior overall survival
Authors: Thomas‐Kaskel Anna‐K. , Zeiser Robert , Jochim Rosa , Robbel Christian , Schultze‐Seemann Wolfgang , Waller Cornelius F. , Veelken Hendrik 
Published: September 2006

AbstractProstate stem cell antigen (PSCA) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) are overexpressed in most prostate cancers. PSCA‐ and PSA‐derived, HLA‐A2 binding peptides are specific targets for T‐cell responses in vitro. A phase I/II trial was performed to demonstrate feasibility, safety and induction of antigen‐specific immunity by vaccination with dendritic cells (DC) presenting PSCA and PSA peptides in patients with hormone‐ and chemotherapy‐refractory prostate cancer. Patients received 4 vaccinations with a median of 2.7 × 107 peptide‐loaded mature DC s.c. in biweekly intervals. Clinical responses were assessed 2 weeks after the 4th vaccination. Immune monitoring was performed by DTH and HLA multimer analysis. Twelve patients completed vaccination without relevant toxicities. Six patients had stable disease after 4 vaccinations. One patient had a complete disappearance of lymphadenopathy despite rising PSA. Four patients with SD and 1 progressor developed a positive DTH after the 4th vaccination. With a median survival of all patients of 13.4 months, DTH‐positivity was associated with significantly superior survival (p = 0.003). HLA tetramer analysis detected high frequencies of peptide‐specific T cells after 2 vaccinations in 1 patient who was also the sole responder to concomitant hepatitis B vaccination as an indicator of immune competence and survived 27 months after start of vaccination. Vaccination with PSA/PSCA peptide‐loaded, autologous DCs may induce cellular responses primarily in immunocompetent patients, which appear to be associated with clinical benefit. Testing of DC‐based vaccination is warranted for patients at earlier stages of prostate cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weichselian Late Pleniglacial surface winds over northwest and central Europe: a model–data comparison
Authors: Renssen H. , Kasse C. , Vandenberghe J. , Lorenz S. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractReconstructions of the Weichselian Late Pleniglacial wind direction in northwest and central Europe are reviewed and compared with palaeoclimate simulations performed with an atmospheric general circulation model. These reconstructions are based on proxy data containing information on former wind directions, such as relic dune forms, sediments and wind‐polished rock surfaces. The objective is to investigate whether: (1) the proxy information is internally consistent; and (2) in agreement with the model simulations. We find a general consensus in the proxy‐based reconstructions, indicating a dominant westerly to northwesterly wind in winter during the Late Pleniglacial. The model results indicate over the study area an atmospheric circulation in winter that is dominated by southwesterly to west‐northwesterly winds, which are stronger than the southwesterly winds in the present‐day climate. The main driving factors behind the anomalous atmospheric circulation in the Late Pleniglacial are the Laurentide Ice Sheet and a colder North Atlantic Ocean with a relatively extensive sea‐ice cover, leading to an eastward relocation of the Icelandic Low and an enhanced pressure gradient over northwest Europe. The minor difference in Late Pleniglacial wind direction between the reconstructions and model can be explained by a combination of uncertainties in the proxy data and the relatively low spatial resolution of the applied climate model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman scattering characterization of well‐aligned IrO2 nanocrystals grown on sapphire substrates via reactive sputtering
Authors: Korotcov Alexandru , Hsu Hung‐Pin , Huang Ying‐Sheng , Tsai Dah‐Shyang 
Published: September 2006

AbstractRaman spectroscopy (RS) was used for the characterization of well‐aligned IrO2 nanocrystals (NCs) grown on sapphire substrates with different orientations via reactive magnetron sputtering. Three Raman‐active modes, Eg, B2g and A1g, were observed in the range 500–800 cm−1. The intensity of certain modes depended on the orientation of NCs and followed the selection rules reasonably well. The result indicates the possibility of determining the preferred growth direction of NCs using RS. Raman spectra show red shifts and peak broadening of the IrO2 signatures with respect to those of the bulk counterpart. The red shifts and asymmetric broadening of the Raman line shapes of the NCs were analyzed by a modified spatial correlation (MSC) model, which included a factor of stress‐induced shift. The MSC model showed that the effects of stress and nanometric size could be separated by analyzing the observed Raman features. The usefulness of experimental RS together with the MSC model analysis as a structural and residual stress characterization technique for NCs is demonstrated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical modification and surface reactions on carbon fibers studied by SERS
Authors: Xu Bing , Lu Yun 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCarbon fibers were modified by reacting with maleic anhydride (MA) and oxidation in nitric acid to alter their inert nature. Bismaleimide, acting as a model compound of polyimide, was chosen to react with the surface‐active carbon fibers. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering was performed by chemically depositing Ag colloids on different carbon fiber samples, including raw, modified and post‐reaction materials. The obtained enhanced Raman spectra explained the surface chemistry of the different carbon fiber samples and their further interaction with bismaleimide. The results could serve as a guide for the design of functional groups on carbon fibers and the manufacture of the carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polyimide matrix composites. Moreover, the effect of different laser powers and laser irradiation times on the carbon fiber surface was studied and is discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarization coherent anti‐stokes Raman scattering using noisy light
Authors: Weisel Lindsay R. , Ta Thao , Booth Eric C. , Ulness Darin J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSeveral polarization studies on the noisy light version of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) exist in the literature. However, the full advantages of polarization CARS (P‐CARS), which are so useful in conventional and short‐pulse CARS methods, have not yet been exploited in the noisy light version. This work presents experimental realization of fully functional P‐CARS using noisy light. Several examples demonstrate the advantages brought by P‐CARS. This includes the ‘classic’ example of benzene in carbon tetrachloride. Also presented are the carbon–carbon double bond stretches in acrylonitrile and 1‐hexene. An interesting, and not fully understood, detection polarization angle dependence is discussed. Applications to an m‐xylene/benzene mixture and an alkaline solution of the amino acid phenylalanine are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic and ab initio characterization of the conformational states of the bis(perfluoro‐ ethanesulfonyl)imide anion (BETI−)
Authors: Grondin J. , Talaga D. , Lassègues J. C. , Johansson P. , Henderson W. A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAb initio calculations were combined with infrared and Raman studies to spectroscopically distinguish the two conformers of the BETI− or bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide anion, [N(SO2C2F5)2]−, as was previously done for [N(SO2CF3)2]−, the TFSI− anion. BETI− is predicted to exist, as does TFSI−, in two conformational states of C2 and C1 symmetries, the former being more stable by about 6 kJ mol−1. This conformational isomerism produces weak Raman splittings that can be resolved only at low temperatures. Thus, solutions of LiBETI with glymes cooled down to 113 K exhibit a very intense Raman doublet at ∼745–740 cm−1 characteristic of a quenched conformational equilibrium between the C2 and C1 conformers. Annealing of the (G3)2:LiBETI solvate, where G3 is triglyme, leads to an ordered crystalline phase with all the anions in the C2 conformation, as in the reference salt Me4NBETI. This conclusion cannot be extended to all the systems in which the BETI− anion interacts weakly with the cation, however, since the diglyme solvate, (G2)2:LiBETI, contains both C1 and C2 anion conformers (in 2:1 ratio) at low temperatures independent of the sample's thermal history. The conformational splittings are larger in infrared, as illustrated by two absorption bands at 601 and 615 cm−1 associated with the C2 and C1 anion conformers, respectively. It is possible to follow the relative intensities of these bands in a LiBETI solution with diglyme above room temperature up to 387 K. The C2 conformer is found to be more stable than C1 by 4.7 ± 0.7 kJ mol−1. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of multiclass pesticide residues in apple juice by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with large‐volume injection
Authors: Wang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Yi‐Bing , Wang Xiu‐Lin 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis study presents two GC–MS SIM methods, in combination with large‐volume injection programmed‐temperature vaporization (LVI‐PTV) injection, for the determination of 141 pesticide residues in apple juice. The sample was extracted with ACN, and coextractives were removed with primary/secondary amine sorbent. ACN extract (20 μL) was injected into a PTV injection port in solvent vent mode, and the pesticides were determined by GC–MS using retention time locking software. Deuterium‐labeled pesticides (surrogate standards) were used for analytical quality control. In the validation experiments, pesticides recoveries were found to be 70–121% with RSDs of 4.6–21% (n = 6).
Molecular imprinting of natural flavonoid antioxidants: Application in solid‐phase extraction for the sample pretreatment of natural products prior to HPLC analysis
Authors: Theodoridis Georgios , Lasáková Martina , Škeříková Veronika , Tegou Andromachi , Giantsiou Nicoletta , Jandera Pavel 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAs shown in the past years, SPE based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) may provide significant enhancement of selectivity in sample preparation and analyte preconcentration. The objective of this work was the fabrication of MIPs for the specific adsorption of rutin and quercetin. The two flavonoids were used as the template molecules for the preparation of MIP phases in a self‐assembly (noncovalent) approach. The produced MIPs were validated with regard to the imprinting efficiency as media for LC and SPE. The retention behavior of several flavonoid compounds was studied using as stationary phases imprinted, control nonimprinted polymers, and commercial silica‐based materials. MIPs were applied as materials for the selective SPE and preconcentration of the flavonoids from white and red wine, orange juice, and tea. The collected fractions were analyzed by high‐pressure LC. MIP‐SPE facilitated specific analyte isolation and effective sample clean‐up. The results show that molecularly imprinted SPE can be a useful tool for the simple, selective, and cost‐effective pretreatment of samples containing natural antioxidants.
Determination of the 2,3‐pentadienedioic acid enantiomer interconversion energy barrier 1. Classical kinetic approach
Authors: Májek Pavel , Mydlová Janka , Krupcík Jan , Lehotay Jozef , Armstrong Daniel. W. , Cotton F. Albert 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA classical kinetic method was used to determine the energy barrier for the interconversion of 2,3‐pentadienedioic acid enantiomers. Each individual enantiomer was isolated by collecting the appropriate peaks from the HPLC enantiomeric separation, of racemic 2,3‐pentadienedioic acid. The isolated enantiomers were racemized at 22°C using various interconversion times. The ratio of enantiomers in each reaction solution was determined by HPLC at 22°C. The corresponding peak areas of the enantiomers and the interconversion times obtained from the HPLC chromatograms were used to calculate both the interconversion rate constants describing (+) → (–) and (–) → (+) interconversions as well as the energy barriers. It was confirmed that the interconversion of 2,3‐pentadienedioic acid enantiomers is a first‐order kinetic reaction. Both semiempirical and ab initio methods were used to explore the mechanism of the interconversion of 2,3‐pentadienedioic acid enantiomers, and to calculate the interconversion energy barrier. Comparison of the interconversion energy barriers found by the ab initio method (ΔG# = 110.7 kJ/mol) and by classical kinetics in the mobile phase solution at 22°C (ΔGapp = 93.9 ± 0.2 kJ/mol) shows a difference which may be attributed to the different conditions assumed in the theoretical calculation (i. e., a gaseous state) and the actual experimental conditions (i. e., liquid solution) and a possible catalytic effect of the solution composition.
NR4A2 genetic variation in sporadic Parkinson's disease: A genewide approach
Authors: Healy Daniel G. , Abou‐Sleiman Patrick M. , Ahmadi Kourosh R. , Gandhi Sonia , Muqit Miratul M. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Quinn Niall P. , Lees Andrew J. , Holton Janice L. , Revesz Tamas , Wood Nicholas W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe NR4A2 gene, which may cause autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD), has also been reported to be a susceptibility factor for sporadic PD. Here, we use a haplotype‐tagging approach in 802 PD patients and 784 controls and demonstrate that common genetic variation, including NR4A2 haplotypes, does not influence the risk of PD in the Caucasian population. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Direct medical costs associated with Parkinson's disease: A population‐based study
Authors: Leibson Cynthia L. , Long Kirsten Hall , Maraganore Demetrius M. , Bower James H. , Ransom Jeanine E. , O'Brien Peter C. , Rocca Walter A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe objective was to provide population‐based estimates of incremental medical costs associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) from onset forward. All Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with confirmed PD onset from 1987 through 1995 (n = 92) and one age‐ and sex‐matched non‐PD referent subject per case were identified with retrospective record review and followed in provider‐linked billing data for direct medical costs (excluding outpatient pharmaceutical costs) from 1 year before index (i.e., year of symptom onset) through 10 years after index. Costs for each referent subject were subtracted from those for his/her matched case. Tests for statistical significance used Wilcoxon signed ranks. Preindex costs were similar [median difference in annual costs (MD) = −$3; P = 0.59]. One year post index, PD subjects exhibited borderline significantly higher costs compared to referent subjects (MD = $581; P = 0.052); the difference diminished over 5 years (MD = $118; P = 0.82). By 5 to 10 years, however, PD subjects exhibited significantly higher costs (MD = $1,146; P = 0.01). Over the full 10 years, excess costs were concentrated among PD subjects without rest tremor (MD = $2,261, P < 0.01, for those without tremor and −$229, P = 0.99, for those with tremor). These population‐based estimates of PD‐associated direct medical costs from onset forward can uniquely inform policy decisions and cost–effectiveness research. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society