bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of new thermotropic polyazomethines
Authors: Marin Luminita , Cozan Vasile , Bruma Maria 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThree series of novel modified polyazomethines were prepared with mesogenic units and varying kinking groups. The effect of the incorporation of the kinking groups on the thermotropic properties of the alternated and random polymers was studied. Structural elucidation was carried out by elemental analysis, infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and UV‐vis spectroscopy. Inherent viscosity of the polymers measured in N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) at 20°C was in the range 0.15–0.44 dl/g. Their molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Mesomorphic properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot stage polarizing optical microscopy and the thermal stability was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Some polyazomethines exhibited fine grain texture and good mesophase stability. It was observed that the random copolymers had lower melting point and higher mesophase stability than alternated polymers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biopolymer‐hydroxyapatite composite coatings prepared by electrospinning
Authors: Bishop Aisha , Balázsi Csaba , Yang Jason H. C. , Gouma Pelagia‐Irene 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBiocompatibility in research and development of advanced prosthetics is a current problem faced by medical researchers. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a natural ceramic (responsible for strength and stability in the human skeletal system) operable as a biocomposite coating to improve the biocompatibility of materials such as silicon nitride, typically used for bone replacement. In this study, polymer based composites were prepared by electrospinning HA with a biocompatible polymer for the development of a structurally stable casing for prosthetic devices. Presented in this paper is the morphological and structural study of electrospun polymer‐HA mats. Electrospun mats were calcinated at the phase transformation temperature of HA revealing pure HA wires with diameters just under 1 µm and lengths of the order of 10 to 50 µm. Results have outlined the dispersion mechanism of HA electrospun with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and cellulose acetate (CA) in varying solvents to discern the effects of acidic additives and electrospinning on the production of HA wires. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High resolution proteome/peptidome analysis of body fluids by capillary electrophoresis coupled with MS
Authors: Schiffer Eric , Mischak Harald , Novak Jan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAll organisms contain thousands of proteins and peptides in their body fluids. A deeper insight into the functional relevance of these polypeptides under different physiological and pathophysiological conditions and the discovery of specific peptide biomarkers would greatly enhance both diagnosis and therapy of specific diseases. Proteomic methods can provide means to accomplish this grand medical vision. In this review, we will focus on the potential use of proteome analysis for clinical applications, such as disease diagnosis and assessment of response to therapy. We focus on CE coupled with MS (CE‐MS) and review in detail different aspects of CE‐MS coupling and the results obtained using CE‐MS analysis of clinically relevant samples. We also discuss clinical applications of the technology for the diagnosis of renal diseases, urogenital cancer, and arteriosclerosis as well as monitoring the responses to therapeutic interventions.
Rejuvenating rice proteomics: Facts, challenges, and visions
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Jwa Nam‐Soo , Iwahashi Yumiko , Yonekura Masami , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Rakwal Randeep 
Published: September 2006

AbstractProteomics is progressing at an unprecedented pace, as can be exemplified by the progress in model organisms such as yeast, bacteria, and mammals. Proteomics research in plants, however, has not progressed at the same pace. Unscrambling of the genome sequences of the dicotyledoneous Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) and monocotyledoneous rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant species, respectively, has made them accessible reference organisms to study plant proteomics. Study of these two reference plants is expected to unravel the mystery of plant biology. Rice, a critically important food crop on the earth, has been termed a “cornerstone” and the “Rosetta stone” for functional genomics of cereal crops. Here, we look at the progress in unraveling rice proteomes and present the facts, challenges, and vision. The text is divided into two major parts: the first part presents the facts and the second part discusses the challenges and vision. The facts include the technology and its use in developing proteomes, which have been critically and constructively reviewed. The challenges and vision deal with the establishment of technologies to exhaustively investigate the protein components of a proteome, to generate high‐resolution gel‐based reference maps, and to give rice proteomics a functional dimension by studying PTMs and isolation of multiprotein complexes. Finally, we direct a vision on rice proteomics. This is our third review in series on rice proteomics, which aims to stimulate an objective discussion among rice researchers and to understand the necessity and impact of unraveling rice proteomes to their full potential.
Ions of the interactome: The role of MS in the study of protein interactions in proteomics and structural biology
Authors: Downard Kevin M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe role of MS in the study of protein‐protein interactions in solution is described from a proteomics perspective, in terms of high‐throughput analyses of protein complexes in vivo, through to chemical and biochemical treatments ahead of MS analysis in the context of complementary experimental approaches in structural biology. The use of MS to characterise protein‐protein interactions is described following the single and tandem affinity purification of protein complexes and assemblies of expressed proteins in host cells, the isolation and preservation of protein complexes on surfaces and microarrays, and their prior treatment with chemical and biochemical probes by hydrogen exchange, radical probe, chemical cross‐linking, and limited proteolysis. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the approaches are presented. These new and emerging applications, which further demonstrate the power of MS, continue to ensure that the mass spectrometer will remain at the heart of discoveries in proteomics in the foreseeable future.
Plant proteome analysis: A 2004–2006 update
Authors: Rossignol Michel , Peltier Jean‐Benoît , Mock Hans‐Peter , Matros Andrea , Maldonado Ana M. , Jorrín Jesús V. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSince the appearance of the review entitled “Plant Proteome Analysis” in Proteomics in February 2004 (Cánovas, F. M., Dumas‐Gaudot, E., Recorbert, G., Jorrín, J. et al., Proteomics 2004, 4, 285–298), about 200 original articles focusing on plant proteomics have been published. Although this represents less than 1% of the global proteomics output during this period, it nevertheless reflects an increase in activity over the period 1999–2004. These papers concern the proteome of at least 35 plant species but have concentrated mainly on thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa). The scientific objectives have ranged from a proteomic analysis of organs, tissues, cell suspensions, or subcellular fractions to the study of plant development and response to various stresses. A number of contributions have covered PTMs and protein interactions. The dominant analytical platform has been 2‐DE coupled to MS, but “second generation” techniques such as DIGE, multidimensional protein identification technology, isotope‐coded affinity tags, and stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture have begun to make an impact. This review aims to provide an update of the contribution of proteomics to plant biology during the period 2004–2006, and is divided into six sections: introduction, subcellular proteomes, plant development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, PTMs, and protein interactions. The conclusions summarize a view of the major pitfalls and challenges of plant proteomics.
Proteome informatics I: Bioinformatics tools for processing experimental data
Authors: Palagi Patricia M. , Hernandez Patricia , Walther Daniel , Appel Ron D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBioinformatics tools for proteomics, also called proteome informatics tools, span today a large panel of very diverse applications ranging from simple tools to compare protein amino acid compositions to sophisticated software for large‐scale protein structure determination. This review considers the available and ready to use tools that can help end‐users to interpret, validate and generate biological information from their experimental data. It concentrates on bioinformatics tools for 2‐DE analysis, for LC followed by MS analysis, for protein identification by PMF, by peptide fragment fingerprinting and by de novo sequencing and for data quantitation with MS data. It also discloses initiatives that propose to automate the processes of MS analysis and enhance the quality of the obtained results.
Proteome informatics II: Bioinformatics for comparative proteomics
Authors: Lisacek Frédérique , Cohen‐Boulakia Sarah , Appel Ron D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe present review attempts to cover the most recent initiatives directed towards representing, storing, displaying and processing protein‐related data suited to undertake “comparative proteomics” studies. Data interpretation is brought into focus. Efforts invested into analysing and interpreting experimental data increasingly express the need for adding meaning. This trend is perceptible in work dedicated to determining ontologies, modelling interaction networks, etc. In parallel, technical advances in computer science are spurred by the development of the Web and the growing need to channel and understand massive volumes of data. Biology benefits from these advances as an application of choice for many generic solutions. Some examples of bioinformatics solutions are discussed and directions for on‐going and future work conclude the review.
Safety of endobronchial biopsy in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Molina‐Teran A. , Hilliard T.N. , Saglani S. , Haxby E. , Scallan M. , Bush A. , Davies J.C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThere is little found in the published literature regarding the use of endobronchial biopsy (EBB) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). One concern over the use of the technique may relate to safety, in particular increased risk of bleeding from a hypertrophied bronchial circulation. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the safety of EBB in children with CF and those with other conditions, the most frequent of which included primary ciliary dyskinesia and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Case notes of all children undergoing EBB in our institution between February 2003 and May 2004 were reviewed. EBB was performed during 45 bronchoscopies in 42 CF patients (19 males, group mean age 7.13 ± 4.48 years) and in 39 controls (20 males, group mean age 6.59 ± 4.48 years). There were no significant differences between disease groups in the number, type, or severity of complications occurring during or in the first 12 hr after the procedure. We conclude that EBB performed as part of fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) under general anaesthesia can be performed safely in children with CF, when both bronchoscopist and anaesthetist are suitably experienced. Studies of such samples would allow us to determine the early pathological changes in the CF airway and possibly find new treatments to prevent the progression to bronchiectasis and end stage airway destruction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006, 41:1021–1024. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Passive respiratory mechanics measured during natural sleep in healthy term neonates and infants up to 8 weeks of life
Authors: Katier N. , Uiterwaal C.S.P.M. , de Jong B.M. , Verheij T.J.M. , van der Ent C.K. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe single occlusion technique (SOT) is a simple and noninvasive technique for measurement of passive respiratory mechanics in infants. Reference values based on measurements of a large population of healthy infants performed outside specialized research laboratories are lacking. The aim of this study was to present reference values for passive respiratory mechanics based on a large population of healthy term neonates and infants measured during natural sleep in routine care. As part of the ongoing Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER), the compliance (Crs) and resistance (Rrs) of the respiratory system were measured in 450 healthy unsedated neonates and infants with a mean age of 4.6 ± 1.3 weeks. Multivariable regression analysis, with gestational age, age at measurement, body size, sex, and ethnicity as possible predictors, was carried out to estimate prediction equations for mean Crs and Rrs values. Technically acceptable lung function measurements could be performed in 328 (73%) neonates and infants. Median Crs was 39.5 (range 14.8–79.1) ml/kPa and median Rrs was 7.4 (range 3.8–19.5) kPa/L/sec. The following regression equations for Crs and Rrs were obtained: ln Crs = 1.677 + 1.3 × 10−4 × birth weight (g) + 0.030 × birth length (cm) and ln Rrs = 2.496–3.1 × 10−6 × birth length3 (cm3) − 0.114 × sex. We provided reference values for passive respiratory mechanics using the SOT in a large population of healthy term neonates and infants measured during natural sleep. These data provide a frame of reference for assessing the normality of SOT measurements performed in routine care. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006, 41:1058–1064. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The homozygous P582S mutation in the oxygen‐dependent degradation domain of HIF‐1α is associated with increased risk for prostate cancer
Authors: Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Bar‐Shira Anat , Matzkin Haim , Mabjeesh Nicola J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe heterodimeric transcription factor HIF‐1 (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1), consisting of a critically regulated HIF‐1α subunit and a constitutively expressed HIF‐1β subunit, is a master regulator of genes involved in adaptation and survival under low‐oxygen conditions. Increased levels of HIF‐1 activity are associated with increased tumor aggressiveness, therapeutic resistance, and mortality.METHODSWe studied 402 prostate cancer patients for the presence of the 1772C > T (P582S) and 1790G > A (A588T) mutations within the oxygen‐dependent domain of HIF‐1α.RESULTSHomozygosity for the P582S mutation was fourfold greater among prostate cancer patients compared to controls (OR = 4.10 [C.I. 95% 1.11 < OR < 17.87], P = 0.018). The existence of this mutation in prostate cancer patients was not associated with any of the clinical or pathological characteristics of the disease. No significant differences were found between the frequencies of A588T mutation in prostate cancer patients and controls.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that homozygous HIF1A P582S mutation confers significant susceptibility to prostate cancer. Prostate 67:8–13, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Castration‐induced epithelial cell death in human prostate tissue is related to locally reduced IGF‐1 levels
Authors: Ohlson Nina , Bergh Anders , Stattin Pär , Wikström Pernilla 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDCastration rapidly reduces stroma insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 synthesis and action in mouse prostate epithelium. We explore if similar changes are of importance for castration‐induced prostate regression in humans.METHODSEpithelial and surrounding stroma cells were micro‐dissected from patient biopsies obtained before and shortly after castration. IGF‐1 mRNA levels were quantified by RT‐PCR and related to epithelial apoptosis and IGF‐1, IGF‐1 receptor, and androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity.RESULTSIGF‐1 mRNA was principally produced in the stroma and IGF‐R1 in the epithelium. Stroma IGF‐1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased after castration in non‐malignant but not malignant tissue. Lack of stroma IGF‐1 reduction after castration was associated with low stroma AR expression before therapy. Reduction of IGF‐1 mRNA levels in the tumor stroma and/or epithelium was associated with epithelial apoptosis after therapy.CONCLUSIONSLow AR expression and maintained stroma IGF‐1 synthesis may result in limited tumor cell death after castration therapy. Prostate 67:32–40, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lattice vibration of Sr3TaGa3Si2O14 single crystal
Authors: Li Yingfeng , Lu Guiwu , Yang Hong , Lan Jianhui , Zhang Jun , Huang Wenqi , Zhao Kun , Wang Zengmei , Yuan Duorong 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBased on the space group theory, the normal vibrational modes of Sr3TaGa3Si2O14 (STGS) single crystal were predicted, and the Raman scattering intensities of non‐polar and polar modes were calculated. The lattice vibration modes of STGS crystal were studied by density functional theory (DFT) using the Dmol3 module in Material Studio program package. A Sr3TaGa2SiO12 cluster was constructed, and its vibrational frequencies were calculated using GAUSSIAN98 quantum chemistry suite. Excellent agreement has been achieved between theory prediction and Raman spectroscopy experiment results. The layer structure of STGS crystal was identified, and its small anisotropy and piezoelectric modulus are ascribed to the weak distortion of decahedral unit. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of flexoelectricity on the propagation of nonlinear strain waves in solids
Authors: Mirzade Fikret Kh. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA system of equations is formulated to describe the self‐consistent behavior of elastic displacement fields and the concentration field of nonequilibrium point atomic defects (vacancies, interstitial atoms) in irradiated crystals with a symmetry center (germanium, silicon). In accordance with the values of the defect relaxation times, the model equations are derived, describing the propagation of nonlinear 1D longitudinal strain waves, with regard to the flexoelectric effect. The effect is due to the dielectric polarization induced by nonuniform elastic deformations of the lattice. For a particular relationship between the coefficients of these equations, i.e., between the parameters of the subsystem of defects and those of the nonlinear elastic medium, the exact solutions are obtained, which describe both the shock‐wave structures of low‐intensity and the evolution of solitary strain waves. The contributions of the strain‐defect interaction and the flexoelectric effect to the linear and nonlinear elastic modulus and the dispersion and dissipation properties of the medium are estimated. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prediction of size disorder induced resonant tunneling in large scale nanodot arrays
Authors: Chen J. , Lu J. J. , Shen W. Z. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe have successfully investigated the effect of size fluctuation on the resonant tunneling characteristics of nanodots arrays. The approach was realized with taking into account the induced electron energy level disorder under the framework of the generalized Breit–Wigner formula. It is found that the dot size fluctuation has played an important role in both the tunneling current profile and number of the resonant peaks. By the aid of the statistical concept to characterize the size fluctuation in large scale nanodots systems, we have shown a clear picture for the dependence of the resonant peak number and peak to valley ratio on the degree of disorder and spatial configuration in the nanodots. The whole investigation will give a general prediction of the origin of resonant tunneling phenomena observed in large scale nanodot systems. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of dilution and disorder on magnetism in diluted spin systems
Authors: Tang Guixin , Nolting Wolfgang 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe influence of configurational disorder on the magnetic properties of diluted Heisenberg spin systems is studied with regard to the ferromagnetic stability of diluted magnetic semiconductors. The equation of motion of the magnon Green's function is decoupled by Tyablikov approximation. With supercell approach, the concentrations of magnetic ions are determined by the size of the supercell in which there is only one magnetic ion per supercell in our method. In order to distinguish the influence of dilution and disorder, there are two kinds of supercells being used: the diluted and ordered case and the diluted and disordered case. The configurational averaging of magnon Green function due to disorder is treated in the augmented space formalism. The random exchange integrals between two supercells are treated as a matrix. The obtained magnon spectral densities are used to calculate the temperature dependence of magnetization and Curie temperature. The results are shown as following: (i) dilution leads to increasing the averaged distance of two magnetic ions, further decreases the effective exchange integrals and is main reason to reduce Curie temperature; (ii) spatial position disorder of magnetic ions results in the dispersions of the exchange integrals between two supercells and slightly changes ferromagnetic transition temperature; (iii) the exponential damping of distance dependence obviously reduces Curie temperature and should be set carefully in any phenomenological model. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exact analytical solutions to the Kratzer potential by the asymptotic iteration method
Authors: Bayrak O. , Boztosun I. , Ciftci H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractFor any n and l values, we present a simple exact analytical solution of the radial Schrödinger equation for the Kratzer potential within the framework of the asymptotic iteration method (AIM). The exact bound‐state energy eigenvalues (Enl) and corresponding eigenfunctions (Rnl) are calculated for various values of n and l quantum numbers for CO, NO, O2, and I2 diatomic molecules. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Survival curve estimation for informatively coarsened discrete event‐time data
Authors: Shardell Michelle , Scharfstein Daniel O. , Bozzette Samuel A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractInterval‐censored, or more generally, coarsened event‐time data arise when study participants are observed at irregular time periods and experience the event of interest in between study observations. Such data are often analysed assuming non‐informative censoring, which can produce biased results if the assumption is wrong. This paper extends the standard approach for estimating survivor functions to allow informatively interval‐censored data by incorporating various assumptions about the censoring mechanism into the model. We include a Bayesian extension in which final estimates are produced by mixing over a distribution of assumed censoring mechanisms. We illustrate these methods with a natural history study of HIV‐infected individuals using assumptions elicited from an AIDS expert. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.