bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Caenorhabditis elegans K02H8.1 (CeMBL), a functional ortholog of mammalian MBNL proteins
Authors: Sasagawa Noboru , Ohno Eriko , Kino Yoshihiro , Watanabe Yuichiro , Ishiura Shoichi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe genome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans possesses an orthologous sequence to the Drosophila muscleblind (mbl) and mammalian muscleblind‐like genes (MBNLs). This ortholog, K02H8.1, which has a high degree of homology (about 50%) to human MBNLs, encodes two zinc finger domains, as does the sequence of the Drosophila mbl gene. This distinguishes it from human MBNLs, which encode four zinc finger domains. In this study, we cloned six major isoforms of K02H8.1 using cDNA generated from C. elegans total RNA. All six of the cloned isoforms had an SL1 leader sequence at the 5′‐position. Interestingly, one of the isoforms lacked a zinc finger domain‐encoding sequence. To understand better the function of K02H8.1, we performed yeast three‐hybrid experiments to characterize the binding of K02H8.1 to bait RNAs. K02H8.1 exhibited strong binding affinity for CUG and CCUG repeats, and the binding affinity was very similar to that of MBNLs. In addition, promoter analysis was performed using promoter‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion constructs. The expression of GFP driven by the K02H8.1 promoter was absent in muscle; however, significant GFP expression was detected in the neurons around the pharynx. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revisitation of the phenylisothiocyanate‐derivatives procedure for amino acid determination by HPLC‐UV
Authors: Checa‐Moreno Ramón , Manzano Eloisa , Mirón Gloria , Capitán‐Vallvey Luis Fermín 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA revisitation of the well known chromatographic procedure for the determination of amino acids as phenylthiocarbamyl derivatives (PTC) is performed. The method was developed for a microbore column that it is more appropriate to our later aims, the characterization of proteinaceous binders present in microsamples coming from the Cultural Heritage field. Several variables relating to chromatographic aspects were studied such as the pH and temperature of the mobile phase, buffer and modifier (triethylamine) concentrations in mobile phase and the stability of PTC‐derivatives in solution. The calibration function was studied in depth. To prevent the heteroscedastic behaviour that it is observed, we used the weighed least squares fitting as the best strategy among other normalizing transformations, such as square root and logarithmic functions. Finally, the proposed method showed results similar to the traditional method in terms of efficiency, runtime, LODs and other characteristics, but with two additional advantages: a lower mobile phase consumption and the possibility of working with a lower sample volume. The usefulness of proposed method is checked against easel painting samples of Pictorial Heritage.
Simultaneous quantification of both triterpenoid and steroidal saponins in various Yunnan Baiyao preparations using HPLC–UV and HPLC–MS
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Xiao , Wang Lei , Chen Xiao‐Qing , Deng Xue‐Tao , Cao Yuan , Wang Qiang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractYunnan Baiyao (YNBY) is one of the best known traditional Chinese medicines. Saponins are considered to be its active components. In this study, an HPLC method was first developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of thirteen saponins, including five triterpenoid saponins and eight steroidal saponins, in a series of YNBY preparations, i. e., powder, capsules, aerosol, toothpaste, plaster, and adhesive bandage. The pre‐treatment methods for each dosage form were investigated and optimized. The HPLC separation was performed on a Shim‐pack C18 reversed‐phase column in gradient mode with UV detection at 203 nm. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 ⪈ 0.9981) within the test ranges. Precisions and repeatabilities of the methods were better than 4.22 and 4.78%, respectively. Recoveries were better than 90.5%, even in the analysis of the least abundant saponins in a complex YNBY plaster. HPLC–ESI‐TOF/MS was used for definite identification of compounds in the preparations. This proposed method was successfully applied to quantify the 13 bioactive constituents in 27 commercial samples to evaluate the quality of YNBY preparations. The overall results demonstrate that this method is simple, reliable, and suitable for the quality control of YNBY. Furthermore, the retention behavior of these saponins in reversed‐phase chromatography is described.
The relevance of knowledge management and intellectual capital Research
Authors: Booker Lorne D. , Bontis Nick , Serenko Alexander 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing pressure on business schools to make their research more useful to practitioners. Consequently, the AASCB International dedicated an entire report to the subject. In order to assess the relevance of knowledge management/intellectual capital (KM/IC) research, 12 semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with KM/IC professionals. Based on the findings, a framework was constructed and eight implications were suggested. Overall, this study is the first documented attempt to empirically investigate the issue of relevance of KM/IC academic output. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing protein structure by amino acid‐specific covalent labeling and mass spectrometry
Authors: Mendoza Vanessa Leah , Vachet Richard W. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFor many years, amino acid‐specific covalent labeling has been a valuable tool to study protein structure and protein interactions, especially for systems that are difficult to study by other means. These covalent labeling methods typically map protein structure and interactions by measuring the differential reactivity of amino acid side chains. The reactivity of amino acids in proteins generally depends on the accessibility of the side chain to the reagent, the inherent reactivity of the label and the reactivity of the amino acid side chain. Peptide mass mapping with ESI‐ or MALDI‐MS and peptide sequencing with tandem MS are typically employed to identify modification sites to provide site‐specific structural information. In this review, we describe the reagents that are most commonly used in these residue‐specific modification reactions, details about the proper use of these covalent labeling reagents, and information about the specific biochemical problems that have been addressed with covalent labeling strategies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:785–815, 2009
Treatment of the symptoms of Huntington's disease: Preliminary results comparing aripiprazole and tetrabenazine
Authors: Brusa Livia , Orlacchio Antonio , Moschella Vincenzo , Iani Cesare , Bernardi Giorgio , Mercuri Nicola Biagio 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAripiprazole (AP), a dopamine (DA) D2 receptor partial agonist, has recently been used to reduce schizophrenic symptoms, while tetrabenazine (TBZ), a DA depletor, has been used to treat hyperkinesias in Huntington's disease (HD). The aim of this study is to define the role of AP on chorea, motor performance, and functional disability, and to compare the effects of AP vs. TBZ in a small study of six patients with HD. Both AP and TBZ increased the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) chorea score in a similar way. However, AP caused less sedation and sleepiness than TBZ and was better tolerated by the patients on the trial. Moreover, AP showed a slight but not significant improvement of depression in the patients as compared to TBZ. A larger group of patients and a longer period of observation are an important prerequisite for further evaluations of AP's therapeutic use. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The management of tics
Authors: Shprecher David , Kurlan Roger 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA tic is a stereotyped repetitive involuntary movement or sound, frequently preceded by premonitory sensations or urges. Most tic disorders are genetic or idiopathic in nature, possibly due to a developmental failure of inhibitory function within frontal‐subcortical circuits modulating volitional movements. Currently available oral medications can reduce the severity of tics, but rarely eliminate them. Botulinum toxin injections can be effective if there are a few particularly disabling motor tics. Deep brain stimulation has been reported to be an effective treatment for the most severe cases, but remains unproven. A comprehensive evaluation accounting for secondary causes, psychosocial factors, and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions is essential to successful treatment of tic disorders. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Microsubthalamotomy effect at day 3: Screening for determinants
Authors: Maltête David , Chastan Nathalie , Derrey Stéphane , Debono Bertrand , Gérardin Emmanuel , Lefaucheur Romain , Mihout Bruno , Hannequin Didier 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA microsubthalamotomy (mSTN) effect has been frequently reported after implantation that improves Parkinson's motor disability. It is usually believed that mSTN effect reflects the post‐traumatic tissue reaction within the STN. However, it has never, to our knowledge, been reported whether pre and intraoperative factors could predict this mSTN effect. Preoperative clinical characteristics, that is, age, disease duration, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale score, levodopa responsiveness, severity of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, and intraoperative parameters, that is, the number of tracks, distance of typical STN neuronal activity recorded along all microelectrodes, and along the definitive electrodes, were assessed in 40 consecutive PD patients submitted for STN stimulation. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that only the number of tracks used for microelectrodes recordings was predictor of the contralateral mSTN effect (F (4,73) = 1.83, P = 0.02). This result suggests that the contralateral mSTN depends on the tissue changes along the entirety of surgical trajectories affecting both STN and its adjacent structures. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: A brain perfusion SPECT study
Authors: Nobili Flavio , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Morbelli Silvia , Marchese Roberta , Girtler Nicola , Dessi Barbara , Brugnolo Andrea , Canepa Cinzia , Drosos Giorgos Chr. , Sambuceti Gianmario , Rodriguez Guido 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate cortical dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with amnestic deficit (PD‐MCI). Perfusion single photon emission computed tomography was performed in 15 PD‐MCI patients and compared (statistical parametric mapping [SPM2]) with three groups, i.e., healthy subjects (CTR), cognitively intact PD patients (PD), and common amnestic MCI patients (aMCI). Age, depression, and UPDRS‐III scores were considered as confounding variables. PD‐MCI group (P < 0.05, false discovery rate–corrected for multiple comparisons) showed relative hypoperfusion in bilateral posterior parietal lobe and in right occipital lobe in comparison to CTR. As compared to aMCI, MCI‐PD demonstrated hypoperfusion in bilateral posterior parietal and occipital areas, mainly right cuneus and angular gyrus, and left precuneus and middle occipital gyrus. With a less conservative threshold (uncorrected P < 0.01), MCI‐PD showed hypoperfusion in a left parietal region, mainly including precuneus and inferior parietal lobule, and in a right temporal‐parietal‐occipital region, including middle occipital and superior temporal gyri, and cuneus‐precuneus, as compared to PD. aMCI versus PD‐MCI showed hypoperfusion in bilateral medial temporal lobe, anterior cingulate, and left orbitofrontal cortex. PD‐MCI patients with amnestic deficit showed cortical dysfunction in bilateral posterior parietal and occipital lobes, a pattern that can be especially recognized versus both controls and common aMCI patients, and to a lesser extent versus cognitively intact PD. The relevance of this pattern in predicting dementia should be evaluated in longitudinal studies. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Peritoneo‐cutaneous perforators in deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps: A cadaveric dissection and computed tomographic angiography study
Authors: Whitaker Iain S. , Rozen Warren M. , Smit Jeroen M. , Dimopoulou Angeliki , Ashton Mark W. , Acosta Rafael 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: Cutaneous perforators that do not originate from the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) are rare, but may significantly affect operative outcome. Peritoneal‐cutaneous perforators have been described as a source for augmenting the blood flow to a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, however if unrecognized, may compromise flap survival. Methods: We reviewed 375 DIEA perforator (DIEP) flaps (325 with preoperative CTA and 50 cadaveric dissections) to investigate the incidence of this anomaly. Results: We detected this variation in 3/325 (1%) of DIEP flaps following preoperative computed tomography. In 1/50 (2%) of the cadaveric specimens, a peritoneal‐cutaneous perforator was found and injected with lead oxide contrast. It was shown to fill the cutaneous veins of the majority of the lower abdominal integument. Conclusion: Peritoneal‐cutaneous perforators are rare anatomical variations (4/375: 1.1%) that may have significant ramifications for surgery utilizing the vasculature of the abdominal wall. CTA was significantly able to detect this anomaly and aid operative planning. Preoperative CTA helps to safely identify individual vascular anatomy including rare variations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Fluoroelastomer‐MWNT nanocomposites‐1: Dispersion, morphology, physico‐mechanical, and thermal properties
Authors: Pham Thanh Tu , Sridhar V. , Kim Jin Kuk 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe present article reports the preparation and characterization of fluoroelastomer/multi‐walled nanotube hybrid nanocomposites prepared by conventional rubber mixing using a two‐roll mill. The morphology of the resulting hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopies (TEM). SEM photographs showed the formation of completely exfoliated and uniformly dispersed nanotubes in the polymer matrix during the high shear mixing process. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) has been used to further study the topography of the composites which also showed complete exfoliation. The effect of increasing MWNT loadings on the mechanical properties like tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, hardness, and tear resistance has also been studied. The fracture surface of the composite has been studied by SEM. A “cross hatched pattern” has been observed. The thermal stability of the composites has been studied by TGA and increase in decomposition temperature with increase in MWNT loadings has been observed which was attributed to the antioxidant nature of nanotubes. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Relaxation map of PETg‐montmorillonite composites: Nanofiller concentration influence on α and β relaxation processes
Authors: Couderc H. , Saiter A. , Grenet J. , Saiter J.M. , Boiteux G. , Nikaj E. , Stevenson I. , D'Souza N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSamples of polyethylene‐1.4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PETg) with different filler contents were prepared by a master batch process. The intercalated dispersion state of montmorillonite (MMT) was characterized using X‐Ray Diffraction. Two different sample series are put in evidence with different basal distances (3.31 and 3.48 nm). The influence of nanofiller on α and β relaxations was studied by Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The use of these two techniques allowed us to determine accurately the fragility index m at the glass transition temperature Tg. For Tg, m, the Kauzmann temperature TK, and the relaxation time at Tg τ(Tg), we showed a decrease of the values more important for 3.48 nm basal distance than for 3.31 nm. The β did not seem affected in its apparent activation energy Ea by the MMT addition. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Kinetic and morphological study of a magnesium ethoxide‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst for propylene polymerization
Authors: Dashti Ali , Ramazani SA Ahmad , Hiraoka Yuichi , Kim Sang Yull , Taniike Toshiaki , Terano Minoru 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Kinetic and morphological aspects of slurry propylene polymerization using a MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst synthesized from a Mg(OEt)2 precursor are investigated in comparison with a ball‐milled Ziegler–Natta catalyst.RESULTS: The two types of catalyst show completely different polymerization profiles: mild activation and long‐standing activity with good replication of the catalyst particles for the Mg(OEt)2‐based catalyst, and rapid activation and deactivation with severe fragmentation of the catalyst particles for the ball‐milled catalyst. The observed differences are discussed in relation to spatial distribution of TiCl4 on the outermost part and inside of the catalyst particles.CONCLUSION: The Mg(OEt)2‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst is believed to show highly stable polymerization activity and good replication because of the uniform titanium distribution all over the catalyst particles. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of cancer diagnosis on patient employment status: a nationwide longitudinal study in Korea
Authors: Park Jae‐Hyun , Park Jong‐Hyock , Kim Sung‐Gyeong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: Cancer diagnosis may adversely affect employment status. Our aim was to investigate whether cancer diagnosis effects employment status by comparing employment status changes in cancer patients withto that of cancer‐free workers over a 5–6‐year period.Methods: All 25–55‐year‐old, non‐self‐employed, Korean workers who were diagnosed with cancer for the first time in 2001 were identified as first baseline study subjects (n=4991). Of these, those who lost their jobs within 1 year of cancer diagnosis were selected as second baseline subjects (n=1334). Sex‐ and age‐matched cancer‐free individuals from the general population were used as a reference group. We compared the time until job loss from the first baseline and the time until re‐employment from the second baseline between these two groups during the 5–6‐year follow‐up period while adjusting for sex, age group, job‐type, and equivalent household income using the National Health Insurance administrative database.Results: Cancer patients were more likely to lose their jobs after cancer diagnosis and were less likely to be re‐employed than cancer‐free individuals in almost all sex and age groups. Most major cancer sites were also associated with decreased employment status, with the exception of thyroid cancer.Conclusion: Cancer diagnosis adversely affects employment status in Korea, and the effects are widespread in almost all sex and age groups. Significant efforts are needed to improve the employment status of cancer patients in Korea, as well as in developing or newly developed countries that have similar social security systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A HIF‐1α‐dependent autocrine feedback loop promotes survival of serum‐deprived prostate cancer cells
Authors: Thomas Rusha , Kim Myoung H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDWe previously reported that normoxic, serum‐deprived prostate cancer (PCa) cells upregulate hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) protein, which promotes survival during serum deprivation via insulin‐like growth factor‐2 (IGF‐2) upregulation. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of autocrine regulation of HIF‐1α, IGF‐2 and cell survival in serum‐deprived PC‐3 and LNCaP PCa cells.METHODSCell viability was assessed by trypan blue assay. PI3K activity was inhibited with LY294002, and PTEN overexpression. mRNA was assessed by RT‐PCR, and IGF‐2 protein by ELISA. Activated insulin‐like growth factor‐I receptor (IGF‐IR) was detected by probing immunoprecipitated IGF‐IR for phospho‐tyrosine. IGF‐IR activity was inhibited with IGF‐2 neutralizing antibody and IGF‐IR‐specific siRNA. HIF‐1α, phospho‐Akt, total‐Akt and IGF‐IR protein was assessed by immunoblots. HIF‐1α was suppressed with siRNA.RESULTSWe detected a time‐dependent increase in Akt activation during serum deprivation, and inhibition of Akt activation attenuated the serum deprivation‐mediated increase in HIF‐1α and cell survival. Importantly, IGF‐2 secretion significantly increased during serum deprivation, and was accompanied by increased activation of its receptor, IGF‐IR. Additionally, inhibition of IGF‐2 activity markedly attenuated the serum deprivation‐mediated increase in IGF‐IR and Akt activation, HIF‐1α expression, and also its own transcription, suggesting autocrine regulation of HIF‐1α expression via IGF‐2. Cross‐talk between IGF‐2/ IGF‐IR system and PI3K‐Akt pathway was further demonstrated by findings wherein IGF‐IR suppression inhibited Akt activation, and IGF‐IR activation was inhibited following PI3K inhibition. Furthermore, HIF‐1α suppression attenuated the serum deprivation‐mediated increase in Akt and IGF‐IR activation.CONCLUSIONCollectively, our study demonstrates existence of a pro‐survival HIF‐1α‐dependent autocrine feedback loop in normoxic, serum‐deprived PCa cells. Prostate 69:263–275, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corrosion under insulation
Authors: De Vogelaere Frank 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCorrosion under insulation (CUI) is a major problem for petroleum and chemical process industries. CUI can result in sudden and hazardous leaks (safety concern), and plant shutdowns with high losses of production‐volumes (economical concern). A few examples are described in this article to illustrate the problems with CUI. This article discusses the root causes of CUI and recommendations to prevent it. One of the major recommendations is the use of risk‐based inspections (RBI) and the details of this RBI method are described. CUI can be especially avoided through a good cooperation between operations, inspection, and maintenance departments. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009