bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A high‐affinity human monoclonal antibody specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin efficiently targets tumor neo‐vasculature in vivo
Authors: Villa Alessandra , Trachsel Eveline , Kaspar Manuela , Schliemann Christoph , Sommavilla Roberto , Rybak Jascha‐N. , Rösli Christoph , Borsi Laura , Neri Dario 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe alternatively spliced extra‐domain B of fibronectin is one of the best characterized markers of tumor angiogenesis. Similarly, the extra‐domain A (EDA), which can also be inserted in the fibronectin transcript by a mechanism of alternative splicing, has been shown to preferentially accumulate around new blood vessels in certain tumors, but this antigen has not been investigated so far as a target for antibody‐based biomolecular intervention. We here describe the generation of 3 human monoclonal antibodies (named F8, B7 and D5), which recognize the same epitope of EDA, but which differ in terms of their dissociation constant to the human antigen (KD = 3.1, 16 and 17 nM, measured for monomeric preparations of the F8, B7 and D5 antibodies, respectively, in recombinant scFv format). When the 3 antibody fragments were cloned and expressed with a 5 amino acid linker, the 3 resulting homodimeric antibody preparations displayed comparable tumor: organ ratios in quantitative biodistribution studies, performed in immunocompetent 129SvEv mice, bearing subcutaneous syngeneic F9 murine tumors. The percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g) values in tumors 24 hr after intravenous injection were 9.3, 10.2 and 13 for F8, B7 and D5, respectively. The F8 antibody may serve as useful building block for the development of antibody‐based targeted anti‐cancer therapeutics. Preclinical and clinical investigations are facilitated by the fact that F8 recognizes the human and mouse antigen with comparable affinity, and by the observation that EDA over‐expression is detectable not only in solid tumors, but also in hematological malignancies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of wind and bed slope on water and soil moisture distribution in solid‐set sprinkler systems
Authors: Montazar Aliasghar , Moridnejad Maryam 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe present study was carried out to investigate the effects of wind and bed slope on uniformity of water and soil moisture distribution in solid‐set sprinkler systems. For that, six plots of 25 × 30 m with bed slopes varying from 1.3 to 13.4% were selected in the Bileh‐Savar Sprinkler Irrigation Network in Iran. For each plot, uniformity of water distribution and soil moisture monitoring tests were performed with three replications under different climates and operating pressures. In each of the tests, water application depth and soil moisture were measured at 164 and 143 spots in each plot, respectively. Based on computations and with regard to the ranges of environmental and systemic variations, uniformity coefficients of water application varied from 45 to 84%. In order to investigate the variations among different parameters, a number of relations were obtained to hold among different assessment indices. The results showed that proper management of the operating pressure during irrigation could largely cancel out the negative effects of high wind speed and also its variations on water application uniformity. The sensitivity analysis of the relations obtained also revealed that the uniformity coefficient of soil moisture is more sensitive to the uniformity coefficient of water application than to plot bed slope. Also, the fields with milder bed slopes are more suitable for improving uniformity of soil moisture distribution. The findings indicate a more uniform distribution of soil moisture compared to that of water depth across the plots. Hence, it seems that in arid and semi‐arid areas where water resources are scarce, there will be no need for higher water consumption to increase uniformity of water application beyond 75%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of arjunolic acid against arsenic‐induced oxidative stress in mouse brain
Authors: Sinha Mahua , Manna Prasenjit , Sil Parames C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractArsenic, a notoriously poisonous metalloid, is ubiquitous in the environment, and it affects nearly all organ systems of animals including humans. The present study was designed to investigate the preventive role of a triterpenoid saponin, arjunolic acid against arsenic‐induced oxidative damage in murine brain. Sodium arsenite was selected as a source of arsenic for this study. The free‐radical‐scavenging activity and the in vivo antioxidant power of arjunolic acid were determined from its 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay, respectively. Oral administration of sodium arsenite at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 2 days significantly decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, the level of cellular metabolites, reduced glutathione, total thiols and increased the level of oxidized glutathione. In addition, it enhanced the levels of lipid peroxidation end products and protein carbonyl content. Treatment with arjunolic acid at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 4 days prior to arsenic administration almost normalized above indices. Histological findings due to arsenic intoxication and arjunolic acid treatment supported the other biochemical changes in murine brains. Results of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays clearly showed the in vitro radical scavenging as well as the in vivo antioxidant power of arjunolic acid, respectively. The effect of a well‐established antioxidant, vitamin C, has been included in the study as a positive control. Combining all, results suggest that arjunolic acid possessed the ability to ameliorate arsenic‐induced oxidative insult in murine brain and is probably due to its antioxidant activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:15–26, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20209
Retrieval of spectral and dynamic properties from two‐dimensional infrared pump‐probe experiments
Authors: Chelli Riccardo , Volkov Victor V. , Righini Roberto 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe have developed a fitting algorithm able to extract spectral and dynamic properties of a three level oscillator from a two‐dimensional infrared spectrum (2D‐IR) detected in time resolved nonlinear experiments. Such properties go from the frequencies of the ground‐to‐first and first‐to‐second vibrational transitions (and hence anharmonicity) to the frequency‐fluctuation correlation function. This last is represented through a general expression that allows one to approach the various strategies of modeling proposed in the literature. The model is based on the Kubo picture of stochastic fluctuations of the transition frequency as a result of perturbations by a fluctuating surrounding. To account for the line‐shape broadening due to pump pulse spectral width in double‐resonance measurements, we supply the fitting algorithm with the option to perform the convolution of the spectral signal with a Lorentzian function in the pump‐frequency dimension. The algorithm is tested here on 2D‐IR pump‐probe spectra of a Gly‐Ala dipeptide recorded at various pump‐probe delay times. Speedup benchmarks have been performed on a small Beowulf cluster. The program is written in FORTRAN language for both serial and parallel architectures and is available free of charge to the interested reader. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Coarse‐grained force field for the nucleosome from self‐consistent multiscaling
Authors: Voltz Karine , Trylska Joanna , Tozzini Valentina , Kurkal‐Siebert Vandana , Langowski Jörg , Smith Jeremy 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA coarse‐grained simulation model for the nucleosome is developed, using a methodology modified from previous work on the ribosome. Protein residues and DNA nucleotides are represented as beads, interacting through harmonic (for neighboring) or Morse (for nonbonded) potentials. Force‐field parameters were estimated by Boltzmann inversion of the corresponding radial distribution functions obtained from a 5‐ns all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and were refined to produce agreement with the all‐atom MD simulation. This self‐consistent multiscale approach yields a coarse‐grained model that is capable of reproducing equilibrium structural properties calculated from a 50‐ns all‐atom MD simulation. This coarse‐grained model speeds up nucleosome simulations by a factor of 103 and is expected to be useful in examining biologically relevant dynamical nucleosome phenomena on the microsecond timescale and beyond. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Binding kinetics and sequencing of hepatic α1‐adrenergic receptors in two marine teleosts, Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)
Authors: Fabbri Elena , Chen Xi , Capuzzo Antonio , Moon Thomas W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractLiver α1‐adrenoceptors (ARs) are demonstrated, or at least hypothesized, in freshwater and brackish‐water teleosts, whereas no data are available for marine teleosts. This study evaluates the presence of α1‐ARs in the liver of two marine teleosts, the anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus and the mackerel Scomber scombrus, and examines on a broad scale the possibility that habitats posing different challenges also influence phenotypic trait selection. Binding assays were performed also on liver membranes from the carp Cyprinus carpio as a direct comparison with a freshwater species. Scatchard analysis of [3H]prazosin binding to purified liver membranes from anchovy, mackerel and carp resulted in Kd values of 1.51±0.085, 1.26±0.098, and 2.61±0.22 nM, and Bmax values of 87.4±9.12, 77±8.29, and 115.22±3.31 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Thus, α1‐ARs of the two marine teleosts showed higher [3H]prazosin affinity compared with those of the freshwater/brackish‐water fish studied thus far, whereas the number of liver binding sites did not differ significantly from that of carp, eel or trout. A preliminary phylogeny based on amino acid sequence analysis indicated the presence of at least an α1A‐AR in mackerel and an α1D‐AR in both anchovy and mackerel. This is the first indication of α1‐AR subtypes in any marine species, but further studies are needed to ascertain the physiological role of these α1‐ARs in these two marine species. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:157–165, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
United Kingdom daily precipitation intensity: improved early data, error estimates and an update from 2000 to 2006
Authors: Maraun D. , Osborn T. J. , Gillett N. P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper updates the analysis by Osborn et al. of trends in the contribution of heavy events to precipitation in the UK. We spatially extended the previous analysis of 110 rain gauges to a set of 689 rain gauges covering almost the whole UK, and updated the results to November 2006. For each station and season, we calculated ten time series of the contribution of ten precipitation amount categories to the total seasonal precipitation. A principal component analysis of post‐1961 trends of all categories and stations is consistent with earlier results, namely, widespread shifts towards greater contribution from heavier precipitation categories during winter, and towards light and moderate categories during summer. Regional and UK average time series of the contribution from the category consisting of the heaviest events indicate that the increased winter intensity was sustained during the most recent ten years, but the trend did not continue at the rate reported previously for 1961–1995. For summer, the decreasing contribution from the heaviest rainfall category reported for 1961–1995 underwent a reversal during the most recent decade, returning towards the 1961–1995 reference level of intensity. Confidence intervals for these regional and UK average time series were estimated by a bootstrap approach and indicate that the sparser observations from the first half of the 20th century are still sufficient to estimate UK average change. These longer records support the existence of a long‐term increase in winter precipitation intensity, and similar trends have now also become evident in spring and (to a lesser extent) autumn. The summer rainfall intensity has exhibited changes that are more consistent with inter‐decadal variability than any overall trend. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Recent trends in Tuscany (Italy) summer temperature and indices of extremes
Authors: Bartolini Giorgio , Morabito Marco , Crisci Alfonso , Grifoni Daniele , Torrigiani Tommaso , Petralli Martina , Maracchi Giampiero , Orlandini Simone 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn the past few decades, many studies showed a significant worldwide warming, and consequently, changes in frequency and persistence of extreme high‐temperature events were observed. In order to analyse summer Tuscany (Italy) patterns of climate change during the period 1955–2004, indices of temperature and of extreme events were investigated for evidence of trend and change in inter‐annual variability by using data of 40 weather stations. Least square regression analysis and Theil‐Sen nonparametric regression were applied for evidence of trends. The Mann–Kendall test was applied to each time series to look for statistically significant trends.The results showed a general increase in minimum and maximum temperatures and extreme temperature events. Maximum temperature increase (+0.44 °C/decade) was slightly greater than minimum temperature (+0.38 °C/decade) and consequently, an increase in summer daily temperature range (DTR) was noted (+0.06 °C/decade).Inter‐annual summer climate variability showed an increasing trend in the whole region, especially in regard to extreme event occurrences while a small decreasing trend concerning diurnal temperature range was observed. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Real‐time pressure monitoring of intraarticular hydraulic distension for painful stiff shoulders
Authors: Lee Kyu Jin , Lee Hee Dae , Chung Sun G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntraarticular hydraulic distension (IHD) has been utilized to treat painful stiff shoulders by distending and then rupturing the joint capsules. However, no attempts have been made to optimize the capsule distension, which might give a better clinical outcome. To set up a prerequisite technique for a maximal distension without rupturing the capsule, real‐time pressure monitoring of IHD procedures was performed in 16 patients, which revealed triphasic pressure‐volume profiles in 10 patients and biphasic in 6 patients. The IHD procedures were terminated without rupturing the capsule by observing the real‐time pressure‐volume curves (N = 10) or by pain (N = 3). The pressure profiles of the 13 patients who had the infusion stopped without rupture demonstrated stress–relaxation curves of the capsules. The biphasic group showed a steeper slope of the second phase of linearly increasing pressure (p = 0.017) and higher pressure (p = 0.005) with slightly larger volume (p = 0.095) at the termination of fluid infusion than did the triphasic group. The stiffness of the glenohumeral joint capsule had a close correlation with the limitation in range of motion. Real‐time pressure monitoring would be helpful to develop a novel IHD technique that could distend the glenohumeral joint as much as possible without rupturing it. The biomechanical parameters derived from the pressure‐volume profiles would also be useful to characterize the properties of the joints of painful stiff shoulder patients. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:965–970, 2008
Vibrational and optical properties of a one‐dimensional organic–inorganic crystal [C6H14N]PbI3
Authors: Elleuch S. , Abid Y. , Mlayah A. , Boughzala H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSelf‐assembled organic–inorganic [C6H14N]PbI3 crystals were synthesized. The crystal structure consists of one‐dimensional semiconductor chains formed by infinite PbI6 face‐sharing octahedra aligned along the a‐axis. The organic cations are linked to the inorganic chains by NH· · ·I hydrogen bonds and act as insulator barriers. The vibrational properties of [C6H14N]PbI3 were studied using polarized Raman scattering and infrared (IR) absorption. The observed Raman and IR spectral features were identified by comparison with the vibrational properties of homologous compounds and with the vibrational wavenumbers calculated using the ab initio PM3 method. Moreover, the photoluminescence and diffuse reflectance of [C6H14N]PbI3 single crystals, along with the UV‐Vis absorption of spin‐ coated films, were measured. A strong green‐blue luminescence due to radiative recombinations of 1D excitons is observed. The Stokes shift is estimated at 70 meV. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Perpendicular Shear Force on the Interfacial Morphology of Reactive Polymer Bilayer
Authors: Kim Hwang Yong , Joo Wonchul , Kim Jin Kon 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe investigated the effect of shear forces perpendicular to the interface on the interfacial morphology of a reactive bilayer. It was observed that the perpendicular shear force greatly enhanced the roughness of the interface compared with parallel shear force. The main role of in situ formed graft copolymers is not to increase greatly the roughness of the interface, but to stabilize the interfacial morphology. We also observed that microemuslsions were observed at both the PMMA and PS layers, which is distinctly different from the situation obtained under parallel shear force (or without shear) that the microemlusions were seen in only the PMMA layer.magnified image
Semicrystalline Macromolecular Design by Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Karaky Khaled , Clisson Gérald , Reiter Gunter , Billon Laurent 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe syntheses of PODA‐b‐PMA and PODA‐grad‐PMA copolymers using NMP are reported for the first time. The gradient copolymerization of ODA and MA was performed in a semi‐batch system with a continuous addition of MA during ODA polymerization. The results showed that the semi‐batch NMP proceeded in a living fashion, producing well‐defined copolymers with narrow polydispersities and controlled molecular weights. The potentially semicrystalline copolymers were characterized by techniques such as 1H NMR, SEC and DSC. Their surface crystallization has also been studied by AFM.magnified image
Silicone Liner‐Free Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive Labels
Authors: Empereur Johanne , Belgacem Mohamed Naceur , Chaussy Didier 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSA) were microencapsulated using simple and complex coacervation and aminoplaste. The microcapsules thus prepared were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, particle size distribution, rheological behavior, and peeling tests. The microcapsules were isolated and found to be out of sticky indicating that the PSAs were indeed encapsulated. The prepared suspensions were deposited at the surface of a paper sheets and the dried labels were then pressed against each other. The ensuing complex was then characterized in terms of peeling forces and showed that the encapsulation using aminoplaste technique of a commercial PSA yielded peel energy of 170 J · m−2, which constitutes the recovering of about 68% of the adhesive power of the original nonencapsulated PSA.magnified image
Preclinical efficacy on GSK‐3 inhibitors: Towards a future generation of powerful drugs
Authors: Martinez Ana 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe renewed interest in glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3), involved in the molecular pathogenesis of human severe diseases, is focused on the potential of its inhibitors to treat diseases that have significant limitations in their current treatments. During the last 5 years, a lot of literature discuss progress in the search and pharmacological actions of GSK‐3 inhibitors, but now, evidence have been accumulated showing preclinical efficacy for these new drugs, in very different models of several distinct pathologies. These studies have been summarized in the present review offering promising examples for new therapies for diabetes, cancer, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological pathologies, and mood disorders. Now, clinical human trials are awaiting to confirm the ray of hope that GSK‐3 inhibitors are arising for the future treatment of severe unmet diseases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 773–796, 2008
Studies on search for bioactive natural products targeting TRAIL signaling leading to tumor cell apoptosis
Authors: Ishibashi Masami , Ohtsuki Takashi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in many transformed cells but not in normal cells and, hence, has been expected as a new anticancer strategy. During our studies on search for bioactive natural products from various natural resources such as plants and microorganisms, we recently identified several natural products which exhibited activities related to TRAIL signaling. Dimeric sesquiterpenoids isolated from Zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma parviflora, showed enhancement activity of gene expression of TRAIL‐receptor and TRAIL‐receptor protein level. Several new isoflavone natural products, named brandisianins, were isolated from Leguminosaeous plant, Millettia brandisiana, by our screening study targeting TRAIL‐receptor expression enhancement activity. A dihydroflavonol (BB1) that was extracted from Compositaeous plant, Blumea balsamifera, and fuligocandin B, a new anthranilylproline‐indole alkaloid isolated from myxomycete were found to exhibit reversal effect of TRAIL resistance activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 688–714, 2008
A computational study of 2JHH(gem) indirect spin–spin coupling constants in simple hydrides of the second and third periods
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Provasi Patricio F. , Aucar Gustavo A. , Elguero José 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSeveral theoretical methods have been used to compute 2JHH in neutral, anionic and cationic HXH hydrides, X being the 14 nuclei from Li to Cl (28 molecules). Since the calculations also provide 1JXH spin–spin coupling constants (SSCC), these have also been analyzed. The best results were obtained using Second‐order polarization propagator approximation (SOPPA)/sadJ. The geminal coupling constants appear to be dependent on the electronegativity of the X‐atom. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.