bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and photophysical properties of novel dual fluorescent compounds, 1‐aryl‐substituted 6‐methoxy‐4‐quinolones
Authors: Hirano Junzo , Hamase Kenji , Akita Takeyuki , Zaitsu Kiyoshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDual fluorescent compounds are useful platforms for the development of ratiometric probes and sensors. We have developed a new series of dual fluorescent compounds, 1‐aryl‐substituted 6‐methoxy‐4‐quinolones, and investigated their structural and photophysical properties. The X‐ray crystallographic analysis and ab initio quantum chemical calculations revealed that the developed compounds exhibited 60–75° twisted structures. The dual fluorescence of the compounds were observed in polar solvents, and the ratiometric fluorescence responses to alterations in the acidity and temperature were obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of ruthenium complex immobilized in a highly cross‐linked polymer and its analytical applications
Authors: Shen Lihua , Li Xiaoxia , Qi Honglan , Zhang Chengxiao 
Published: May 2008

AbstractElectrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of a ruthenium complex polymer modified carbon paste electrode and its analytical applications were investigated. The ruthenium complex polymer was prepared using bis(2,2‐bipyridine) (4,4‐dicarboxy‐2,2‐bipyridine) ruthenium(II). The ECL behaviours of ruthenium complex polymer modified carbon paste electrode were investigated in the absence and presence of tripropylamine (TPA). The modified carbon paste electrode exhibited long‐term stability and fine reproducibility. The ECL intensity of the modified carbon paste electrode was linear with the concentration of TPA in the range 2.0 × 10–6–3.8 × 10–3 mol/L, with a detection limit (S:N = 3) of 6 × 10–7 mol/L. It was also found that raceanisodamine could enhance the ECL intensity of the modified electrode. The ECL intensity of the modified carbon paste electrode was linear with the concentration of raceanisodamine in the range 1.1 × 10–5–6.0 × 10–4 mol/L, with a detection limit (S:N = 3) of 6 × 10–6 mol/L. This work demonstrates that the entrapment of ruthenium complex in a highly cross‐linked polymer is a promising approach to construct an ECL modified electrode with long‐term stability and fine reproducibility. The modified electrode designed has a potential application in the ECL detector. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teaching the toolkit
Authors: LeClair Elizabeth E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA major finding of comparative genomics and developmental genetics is that metazoans share certain conserved, embryonically deployed signaling pathways that instruct cells as to their ultimate fate. Because the DNA encoding these pathways predates the evolutionary split of most animal groups, it should in principle be possible to clone representatives of such signaling pathways from almost any species, demonstrating their sequence conservation. Here I describe an 8‐week laboratory series that tests this prediction by attempting to clone multiple members of a known signaling pathway from a species where the targets are unknown. Beginning with the molecular components of a signaling pathway and publicly available sequence information from related taxa, students designed partially degenerate PCR primers to amplify the corresponding mRNA sequences from a “new” organism, in this case a turtle (Trachemys scripta). Using a single round of degenerate PCR and standard DNA cloning techniques, we were able to retrieve 6 out of 16 species‐specific homologs on the first attempt (∼40% success rate). To conclude the project, the novel sequences were submitted back into the original public database. The molecular methods of the lab can be adapted to any combination of pathway and organism, demonstrating the conserved components of cellular signaling in any biological process, from gastrulation to aging. The linked labs offer intensive research–based training in bioinformatics and molecular biology, while empirically demonstrating the ubiquity of the metazoan cell‐signaling toolkit.
A novel tool to facilitate the learning of buffering mechanism by undergraduate students of the biological area
Authors: Carvalho Eduardo O. , Nantes Iseli L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this study, the application and evaluation of a novel didactic tool (buffer kit) is described to make it easy for students in the biological area to overcome their conceptual deficiencies that render the learning of the buffering mechanism difficult. The buffer kit was constructed with double‐face EVA cards with a conjugated acid formula (H2CO3 or H2O or H3O+) printed on one face and the respective conjugated base formula (HCO or OH− or H2O) printed on the reverse face. The conjugated acid and base faces were exposed after adding extra H+ and OH− cards, representing the addition of strong acids and bases, respectively. The buffer kit was evaluated with regard to the efficiency of content comprehension and retention of the gain by challenging the students to answer four subjective questions one week after a regular teaching module about the buffering mechanism. For each evaluation round, the buffering mechanism was taught to the control student group without the support of the buffer kit and, to the test student group, an identical content was taught, however, supported by the buffer kit. The overall mean scores obtained by the students who accessed the buffer kit (5.0) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the mean score of the control group (3.0), and the buffer kit increased twofold the percentage of students who gave more than 50% right answers. The use of the buffer kit was highly effective in improving the understanding of undergraduate students of the biological area about the buffering mechanism and the application of the Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation.
The effect of access time on online quiz performance in large biology lecture courses
Authors: Metz Anneke M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo better understand the dynamics of online student test taking, including the likelihood of cheating by large numbers of students, we examined test‐taking patterns and outcomes of weekly online quizzes in two large undergraduate biology lecture courses. Students taking a quiz late in a 1–3‐day quiz access period performed 10–15% worse on quizzes than the students who completed the quiz early. Quiz access time was also negatively correlated with performance in other course components and course grades. These patterns suggest that academic dishonesty was not a determinant in unsupervised online quiz performance. Students generally completed quizzes in late afternoon or evening hours, but students who completed quizzes between midnight and 8 a.m. had significantly lower quiz grades than their peers. In addition, upper‐division students were more likely to characterize weekly online quizzes as more helpful for their learning than the lower‐division students.
Calcium and signal transduction
Authors: Fedrizzi Laura , Lim Dmitry , Carafoli Ernesto 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCell signaling is an essential process in which a variety of external signals, defined as first messengers, are translated inside the cells into specific responses, which are mediated by a less numerous group of second messengers. The exchange of signals became a necessity when the transition from monocellular to pluricellular life brought with it the division of labor among the cells of the organisms: unicellular organisms do not depend on the mutual exchange of signals, as they essentially only compete with each other for nutrients. Calcium (Ca2+) was selected during evolution as second messenger, because its chemistry made it a much more flexible ligand than the other abundant cations in the primordial environment (Na+, K+, Mg2+). Ca2+ can accept binding sites of irregular geometries and is thus ideally suited to be a carrier of biological information. The Ca2+ signal has properties that set it apart from those of all other biological messengers: they will be reviewed in this contribution. Among them, the ambivalent character of the Ca2+ signal is the most important: while essential to the viability of the cells, it can also easily become a conveyor of doom.
Impact of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors on outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions using sirolimus‐eluting stents
Authors: Nikolsky Eugenia , Holmes David R. , Mehran Roxana , Dangas George , Schampaert Erick , Morice Marie‐Claude , Schofer Joachim , Sousa J. Eduardo , Fahy Martin , Na Yingbo , Donohoe Dennis J. , Moses Jeffrey W. , Leon Martin B. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective:We assessed the outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) as a function of treatment with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors.Methods and Results:Of 551 diabetic patients treated with a SES in nine trials (RAVEL, SIRIUS, E‐SIRIUS, C‐SIRIUS, REALITY, SVELTE, DIRECT, SIRIUS 2.25, and SIRIUS 4.0), 187 patients (33.9%) were administered GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors during PCI. GP IIb/IIIa blockade was associated with lower rates of myocardial infarction (MI) at 30 days (1.1% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.12) and at 1 year (1.1% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.04), and composite endpoint of cardiac death/MI at 1 year (2.2% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.05). Benefit from GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors was confined to 128 insulin‐treated diabetics who had remarkable reduction in MI (0.0% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.04) and cardiac death/MI at 30 days (0.0% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.05) and at 1‐year (0.0% vs. 13.4%, P = 0.01 and 0.0% vs. 15.7%, P = 0.0005, respectively). When treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, insulin‐requiring diabetics had similar rates of 1‐year death/MI when compared with the nondiabetic patients (0% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.13, respectively). There were no significant differences in outcomes as a function of GP IIb/IIIa blockade in diabetics not treated with insulin.Conclusion:In this analysis, outcomes of insulin requiring diabetic patients undergoing PCI with SES were considerably improved with adjunctive GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors by decreasing the rates of MI and composite endpoint of cardiac death/MI. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma: A retrospective immunophenotypic analysis
Authors: Kost Christine B. , Holden Jeannine T. , Mann Karen P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground:Marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (MZL) comprises three related yet biologically distinct subtypes—splenic MZL (SMZL), nodal MZL (NMZL), and extranodal MZL of MALT type (MALT). In cases without adequate morphology, immunophenotypic characterization by flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) relies heavily on exclusion of other low‐grade lymphomas. We performed a retrospective review of FCI studies of MZL to search for immunophenotypes specific for MZL and its subtypes. We compared these to follicular lymphoma (FL) as we were specifically interested in differentiating MZL from CD10 negative FL.Design:FCI findings for MZL and FL cases were reviewed. Statistical analysis of patterns and intensity of antigen expression [mean channel fluorescence (MCF)] were performed.Results:Thirty‐one cases of MZL (7 SMZL, 6 NMZL, 15 MALT, 3 MZL not otherwise specified) and 31 cases of FL were identified. All expressed CD19, CD20, and CD45. Thirty‐two percent of MZL and 77% of FL expressed CD38. Expression of CD11c was seen in 57% of SMZL and 8% of other MZL (P < 0.01). Statistically significant differences in antigen expression between MZL and FL were seen for CD10, CD11c, and CD38. CD19 expression was significantly brighter in MZL (mean MCF of 455.3) than in FL (mean MCF of 166.9) (P < 0.001). MCF for isotype controls and CD20 were similar for FL and MZL.Conclusions:MZL expresses typical pan‐B‐cell antigens. Expression of CD11c is highly associated with SMZL. Levels of CD19 expression in conjunction with CD11c and CD38 expression can distinguish MZL from CD10 negative FL. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
The nuclear localization of WAP and CSN genes is modified by lactogenic hormones in HC11 cells
Authors: Ballester Maria , Kress Clémence , Hue‐Beauvais Cathy , Kiêu Kiên , Lehmann Gaëtan , Adenot Pierre , Devinoy Eve 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWhey acidic protein (WAP) and casein (CSN) genes are among the most highly expressed milk protein genes in the mammary gland of the lactating mouse. Their tissue‐specific regulation depends on the activation and recruitment of transcription factors, and chromatin modifications in response to hormonal stimulation. We have investigated if another mechanism, such as specific positioning of the genes in the nucleus, could be involved in their functional regulation. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was used to study the nuclear localization of WAP and CSN genes in mouse mammary epithelial cells (HC11) cultured in the absence and presence of lactogenic hormones. Automatic 3D image processing and analysis tools were developed to score gene positions. In the absence of lactogenic hormones, both genes are distributed non‐uniformly within the nucleus: the CSN locus was located close to the nuclear periphery and the WAP gene tended to be central. Stimulation by lactogenic hormones induced a statistically significant change to their distance from the periphery, which has been described as a repressive compartment. The detection of genes in combination with the corresponding chromosome‐specific probe revealed that the CSN locus is relocated outside its chromosome territory following hormonal stimulation, whereas the WAP gene, which is already sited more frequently outside its chromosome territory in the absence of hormones, is not affected. We conclude that milk protein genes are subject to nuclear repositioning when activated, in agreement with a role for nuclear architecture in gene regulation, but that they behave differently as a function of their chromosomal context. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 262–270, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hamiltonian threshold for strong products of graphs
Authors: Král' Daniel , Stacho Ladislav 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe prove that the strong product of any at least ${({\rm ln}}\, {2})\Delta+{O}(\sqrt{\Delta})$ non‐trivial connected graphs of maximum degree at most Δ is pancyclic. The obtained result is asymptotically best possible since the strong product of ⌊(ln 2)D⌋ stars K1,D is not even hamiltonian. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58: 314–328, 2008
Climate fluctuations in the Czech Republic during the period 1961–2005
Authors: Brázdil Rudolf , Chromá Kateřina , Dobrovolný Petr , Tolasz Radim 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis article addresses climatic fluctuations in the Czech Republic in the period 1961–2005. On the basis of data collected at 23 climatological stations, the fluctuations in monthly, seasonal, and annual series of selected climate variables, homogenized by means of Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT) (after Alexandersson), are analysed. With almost unchanging temperature continentality expressed by the Gorczyński index, the annual series of mean air temperature, maximum and minimum temperature, daily temperature range, and sunshine duration all exhibit a rising linear trend, in contrast to dropping trends in relative air humidity, number of days with snow cover, and mean wind speed. There are no pronounced changes in precipitation totals, although their distribution over the course of the year becomes more regular in terms of the Markham seasonality index. Temperature trends, with the exception of autumn, show a clear enhancement since the 1980s; statistically significant rising trends occur for only spring, summer and the year in a good agreement with the Northern Hemisphere series. Linkage to fluctuation in the North Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAOI) is best expressed by the Czech temperature characteristics for January, February, and winter (in similar fashion to that for the number of days with snow cover), which can be ascribed to intensification of the western airflow over Central Europe. On the other hand, linkage to NAOI for precipitation is essentially weaker, because of the role of synoptic processes in influencing the occurrence of precipitation at the regional scale. Better relationships for temperature variables and wind speed are obtained if the Central European Zonal Index (CEZI) is used instead of NAOI as an indicator of circulation patterns in Central Europe. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Improved pulmonary and growth outcomes in cystic fibrosis by newborn screening
Authors: Collins Melanie Sue , Abbott Mary‐Alice , Wakefield Dorothy B. , Lapin Craig D. , Drapeau Ginny , Hopfer Sidney M. , Greenstein Robert M. , Cloutier Michelle M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundNewborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) is effective in improving long‐term growth outcomes. However, there is conflicting evidence that early diagnosis maintains normal pulmonary function. Our goal was to determine if newborn screening results in improved longitudinal growth and maintenance of normal pulmonary function.MethodsA retrospective study of individuals with CF born in Connecticut between 1983 and 1997 was conducted by medical record and CF Foundation Registry review. Growth, pulmonary function and bacterial acquisition/colonization data, from diagnosis through July 1, 2005, were compared in those diagnosed by newborn screen (n = 34) to those diagnosed by sweat test after symptom appearance (n = 21).ResultsScreened individuals demonstrated greater weight and height for age at diagnosis (P = 0.01 and 0.01) and through 15 years of age (P = 0.0002 and 0.01). Body mass index was higher in screened individuals (21 vs. 18 kg/m2) at 15 years of age (P = 0.01). At 15 years of age, screened individuals had a clinically higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC; 90% and 104% predicted) than non‐screened individuals (74% and 91% predicted;P = 0.08 and 0.10). Over a 9‐year period, from ages 6 to 15, percent predicted FEV1and FVC increased by 4% and 13% in screened individuals; and declined by 14% and 5% respectively in non‐screened individuals (P = 0.01 and 0.02). Acquisition/colonization ofPseudomonas aeruginosawas similar between groups (P = 0.23).ConclusionsIn this CF cohort, individuals diagnosed by newborn screening have improved growth and preservation of normal pulmonary function without increased risk ofPseudomonas aeruginosacolonization. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:648–655. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of candidate prostate cancer genes through comparative expression‐profiling of seminal vesicle
Authors: Thompson Maxwell , Lapointe Jacques , Choi Yoon‐La , Ong David E. , Higgins John P. , Brooks James D. , Pollack Jonathan R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDProstate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States. In contrast, cancer of the seminal vesicle is exceedingly rare, despite that the prostate and seminal vesicle share similar histology, secretory function, androgen dependency, blood supply, and (in part) embryonic origin. We hypothesized that gene‐expression differences between prostate and seminal vesicle might inform mechanisms underlying the higher incidence of prostate cancer.METHODSWhole‐genome DNA microarrays were used to profile gene expression of 11 normal prostate and 7 seminal vesicle specimens (including six matched pairs) obtained from radical prostatectomy. Supervised analysis was used to identify genes differentially expressed between normal prostate and seminal vesicle, and this list was then cross‐referenced to genes differentially expressed between normal and cancerous prostate. Expression patterns of selected genes were confirmed by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray.RESULTSWe identified 32 genes that displayed a highly statistically significant expression pattern with highest levels in seminal vesicle, lower levels in normal prostate, and lowest levels in prostate cancer. Among these genes was the known candidate prostate tumor suppressor GSTP1 (involved in xenobiotic detoxification). The expression pattern of GSTP1 and four other genes, ABCG2 (xenobiotic transport), CRABP2 (retinoic acid signaling), GATA3 (lineage‐specific transcription), and SLPI (immune response), was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.CONCLUSIONSOur findings identify candidate prostate cancer genes whose reduced expression in prostate (compared to seminal vesicle) may be permissive to prostate cancer initiation. Such genes and their pathways may inform mechanisms of prostate carcinogenesis, and suggest new opportunities for prostate cancer prevention. Prostate 68: 1248–1256, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypermethioninaemia due to methionine adenosyltransferase I/III (MAT I/III) deficiency: Diagnosis in an expanded neonatal screening programme
Authors: Couce M. L. , Bóveda M. D. , Castiñeiras D. E. , Corrales F. J. , Mora M. I. , Fraga J. M. , Mudd S. H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe Expanded Newborn Screening Program (MS/MS) in the region of Galicia (NW Spain) was initiated in 2000 and includes the measurement of methionine levels in dried blood spots. Between June 2000 and June 2007, 140 818 newborns were analysed, and six cases of persistent hypermethioninaemia were detected: one homocystinuria due to cystathionine β‐synthase (CβS) deficiency, and five methionine adenosyltransferase I/III (MAT I/III) deficiencies. The five cases of MAT I/III deficiency represent an incidence of 1/28 163 newborns. In these five patients, methionine levels in dried blood spots ranged from 50 to 147 μmol/L. At confirmation of the persistence of the hypermethioninaemia in a subsequent plasma sample, plasma methionine concentrations were moderately elevated in 4 of the 5 patients (mean 256 μmol/L), while total homocysteine (tHcy) was normal; the remaining patient showed plasma methionine of 573 μmol/L and tHcy of 22.8 μmol/L. All five patients were heterozygous for the same dominant mutation, R264H in the MAT1A gene. With a diet not exceeding recommended protein requirements for their age, all patients maintained methionine levels below 300 μmol/L. Currently, with a mean of 2.5 years since diagnosis, the patients are asymptomatic and show developmental quotients within the normal range. Our results show a rather high frequency of hypermethioninaemia due to MAT I/III deficiency in the Galician neonatal population, indicating a need for further studies to evaluate the impact of persistent isolated hypermethioninaemia in neonatal screening programmes.