bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Truncated CASK does not alter skeletal muscle or protein interactors
Authors: Sanford Jamie L. , Mays Tessily A. , Varian Kenneth D. , Wilson Joanna B. , Janssen Paul M.L. , Rafael‐Fortney Jill A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCASK (Ca2+, calmodulin‐associated serine/threonine kinase) is an essential mammalian cell junction protein and is also crucial at Drosophila neuromuscular synapses. We have shown that CASK is present in mammalian skeletal muscle at the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. CASK interacts biochemically with channels at central synapses, and studies in cultured cells have led to proposed functions for CASK. However, in vivo functions of CASK in skeletal muscle remain unknown. To test hypotheses of CASK functions, we generated two lines of transgenic mice, which overexpress full‐length and truncated CASK protein in skeletal muscle. Extensive analyses showed that overexpression of CASK protein did not affect the morphology or physiology of skeletal muscle, the morphology of the neuromuscular junction, or the levels or distribution of protein interactors. These results contrast with previous cell culture experiments and emphasize the importance of in vivo analysis of protein function. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Diminished binding of mutated collagen VI to the extracellular matrix surrounding myocytes
Authors: Kawahara Genri , Ogawa Megumu , Okada Mari , Malicdan May Christine V. , Goto Yu‐Ichi , Hayashi Yukiko K. , Noguchi Satoru , Nishino Ichizo 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, due to heterozygous mutations in COL6 genes, collagen VI is preserved in the interstitium but lost in the sarcolemma. We found that the binding ability of mutated collagen VI to extracellular matrix was markedly reduced compared to control. This indicates that heterozygous mutations in COL6 genes diminish the anchorage of collagen VI microfibrils to the extracellular matrix surrounding myocytes. This is the cause for sarcolemma‐specific collagen VI deficiency. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Late‐onset Tay–Sachs disease: The spectrum of peripheral neuropathy in 30 affected patients
Authors: Shapiro Barbara E. , Logigian Eric L. , Kolodny Edwin H. , Pastores Gregory M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLate‐onset Tay–Sachs (LOTS) disease is a chronic, progressive, lysosomal storage disorder caused by a partial deficiency of beta‐hexosaminidase A (HEXA) activity. Deficient levels of HEXA result in the intracellular accumulation of GM2‐ganglioside, resulting in toxicity to nerve cells. Clinical manifestations primarily involve the central nervous system (CNS) and lower motor neurons, and include ataxia, weakness, spasticity, dysarthria, dysphagia, dystonia, seizures, psychosis, mania, depression, and cognitive decline. The prevalence of peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement in LOTS has not been well documented, but it has traditionally been thought to be very low. We examined a cohort of 30 patients with LOTS who underwent clinical and electrophysiologic examination, and found evidence of a predominantly axon loss polyneuropathy affecting distal nerve segments in the lower and upper extremities in eight patients (27%). Muscle Nerve, 2008
Sphincter electromyography and the penilo‐cavernosus reflex: Are both necessary?
Authors: Podnar Simon 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAimsFor electrodiagnostic assessment of patients with suspected peripheral sacral nerve lesions, sphincter muscle electromyography (EMG) and sacral reflex testing are mainly used. However, it has not been established whether a single test or both tests are necessary in individual patients. The present study aimed to clarify this dilemma.MethodsFifty‐two men with clinical, electrodiagnostic and radiological signs supportive of chronic cauda equina or conus medullaris lesions were included. Clinical examination, including perianal sensation and penilo‐cavernosus reflex testing, and neurophysiologic testing, including quantitative anal sphincter EMG and penilo‐cavernosus reflex testing (on single and double electrical, and mechanical stimulation), were performed separately on each side. The more abnormal side on EMG and sacral reflex testing was analyzed.ResultsQuantitative anal sphincter EMG was abnormal in 73%, neurophysiologic testing of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex (using different stimulation techniques) in 81–83%, and their combination in 94–96% of patients. The penilo‐cavernosus reflex measurement was pathologic in 79–86% of patients with normal quantitative EMG, and quantitative EMG in 81–83% of patients with a normal reflex.ConclusionsThe study supports the clinical utility of an electrodiagnostic protocol for assessment of men with suspected peripheral sacral lesions that includes both quantitative anal sphincter EMG and sacral reflex studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:813–818, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In utero acquired limb ischemia in monochorionic twins with and without twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Lopriore Enrico , Lewi Liesbeth , Oepkes Dick , Debeer Anne , Vandenbussche Frank P. , Deprest Jan , Walther Frans J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo report on the occurrence of in utero acquired limb ischemia in two referral institutions managing monochorionic (MC) twins with and without twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and estimate its prevalence.MethodsAll MC twin pregnancies assessed at two referral units between 2002 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of in utero acquired limb ischemia.ResultsA total of 391 MC twin pairs with TTTS and 384 MC twin pairs without TTTS were included. The prevalence of in utero acquired limb ischemia in MC twin pairs was 0.52% (4/775). An ischemic defect of the right upper limb was detected in two recipient twins in the TTTS group, whereas an ischemic defect of the right lower limb was found in two infants in the group without TTTS.ConclusionIn utero acquired limb ischemia may occur in MC twins with TTTS and without TTTS. In TTTS, we only observed this event in recipient twins. In our experience, its prevalence was higher than in the general population. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased PAK6 expression in prostate cancer and identification of PAK6 associated proteins
Authors: Kaur Ramneet , Yuan Xin , Lu Michael L. , Balk Steven P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDPAK6 is a member of the p21‐activated kinase (PAK) family of serine/threonine kinases that was originally cloned from prostate cancer (PCa) cells as an androgen receptor interacting protein, but its cellular distribution and functions have not been established.METHODSAn affinity purified rabbit anti‐PAK6 antiserum was generated to assess PAK6 protein expression. PAK6 associated proteins were identified by immunopurification of 3xFlag‐tagged PAK6 followed by LC/MS/MS.RESULTSWe confirmed that PAK6 protein is expressed in prostate and breast cancer cell lines. PAK6 expression in LNCaP PCa cells was not directly androgen regulated, but was markedly increased when the cells were cultured for 6–8 weeks in steroid hormone depleted medium. By immunohistochemistry, PAK6 was weakly expressed in normal prostate epithelium. Its expression was increased in primary and metastatic PCa, and was further increased in tumors that relapsed after androgen deprivation therapy. LC/MS/MS identified IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) and protein phosphatase 1B (PP1B) as candidate PAK6 interacting proteins, and these findings were confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that PAK6 contributes to PCa development and progression after androgen deprivation therapy, and that it may play roles in the regulation of motility and in stress responses. Prostate 68: 1510–1516, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemistry of α‐hydroxymethylserine: problems and solutions
Authors: Stasiak Marcin , Słomczyńska Urszula , Olma Aleksandra , Leplawy Mirosław T. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFurther improvements related to the synthesis of peptides containing HmS are presented. Efficient synthetic protocols have been developed to synthesize “difficult” sequences containing a C‐terminal HmS residue, MeA–HmS or consecutive HmS. Preparative methods for orthogonal N‐ and/or C‐protected HmS(Ipr) derivatives are described. Their compatibility with standard solution or solid‐phase peptide chemistry protocols allows synthetic flexibility toward HmS‐containing peptides. In the synthesis of the sterically hindered dipeptides with the C‐terminal HmS(Ipr) residue, HATU proves the highest efficiency, as compared with the fluoride and PyBroP/DMAP coupling methods. The HATU method also outperforms the fluoride activation in the solid‐phase assembly of HmS homosequence. Specific protocols are described to overcome an undesired cyclization to diketopiperazines that occurs during the removal of Fmoc from dipeptides with the C‐terminal HmS(Ipr) or HmS residues, thus precluding their C → N elongation. The successful protocols involve: (i) the 2 + 1 condensation using mixed anhydride activation yielding the desired product with the highest optical integrity or (ii) use of the 2‐chlorotrityl resin as a solid support sterically suppressing the undesired cleavage due to diketopiperazine formation. The latter approach allows the mild conditions of peptide cleavage from solid support, preserving the isopropylidene protection and minimizing the undesired N → O‐acyl migration that was observed under prolonged acid treatment used for cleaving the HmS peptide from the Wang resin. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of pH and H2O2 on dyes photodegradation
Authors: Andronic Luminita , Duta Anca 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe photocatalytic activities of TiO2 thin film were tested in reaction of photodegradation of Methylene blue and Methyl orange. The TiO2 thin film was obtained by doctor blade technique. X‐ray diffraction was employed to determine the crystalline phases and film composition, the morphology of the nanocomposite structure was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy was used to analyze the roughness and microstructural properties. The effect of the initial concentration of dyes, of the pH, and of the electron–acceptors such as H2O2 was investigated. It was observed that H2O2 addition was efficient for photodegradation of the dyes, and the reactive radical (HO•) formed in the system has a dual function: as strong oxidant and as electron scavengers, thus inhibiting the electron‐hole recombination at the semiconductor surface. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
CMP properties and fabrication of OLED using MEH‐PPV
Authors: Lee Woo‐Sun , Choi Gwon‐Woo , Seo Yong‐Jin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe interface between the electrode and organic layer in organic light emitting diode (OLED) has been reported as an important factor to influence the electrical and luminescent properties. Indium tin oxide (ITO) is commonly used as the anode material. ITO thin film has been deposited on glass substrate by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. And it was used as an anode contact to fabricate OLED device. The OLED devices with ITO/MEH‐PPV [2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylenevinylene]/Al configuration were fabricated by thermal evaporation and spin coating, respectively. We investigated the electrical, structural and optical properties of ITO thin film, which was measured using the methods of atomic force microscope (AFM), field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) spectrophotometer. The interface property between ITO thin film and MEH‐PPV was improved as the surface of ITO thin film was smoothed and photoluminescence (PL) intensity was increased in the 680 nm range. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Soybeans as a Phytochemical Reservoir for the Production and Stabilization of Biocompatible Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Shukla Ravi , Nune Satish K. , Chanda Nripen , Katti Kavita , Mekapothula Swapna , Kulkarni Rajesh R. , Welshons Wade V. , Kannan Raghuraman , Katti Kattesh V. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe present study demonstrates an unprecedented green process for the production of gold nanoparticles by simple treatment of gold salts with soybean extracts. Reduction capabilities of antioxidant phytochemicals present in soybean and their ability to reduce gold salts chemically to nanoparticles with subsequent coating of proteins and a host of other phytochemicals present in soybean on the freshly generated gold nanoparticles are discussed. The new genre of green nanoparticles exhibit remarkable in vitro stability in various buffers including saline, histidine, HSA, and cysteine solutions. MTT assays reveal that the green gold nanoparticles are nontoxic and thus provide excellent opportunities for their applications in nanomedicine for molecular imaging and therapy. The overall strategy described herein for the generation of gold nanoparticles meets all 12 principles of green chemistry, as no “man‐made” chemicals, other than the gold salts, are used in the green nanotechnological process.
Modern management of postcoital and intermenstrual bleeding
Authors: Phadnis Saurabh V. , Walker Patrick G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNon‐menstrual bleeding, either intermenstrual or postcoital, is a common symptom among women. It is often the result of minor alterations of physiological events caused by the influence of endogenous or exogenous hormones. It is frequently also associated with a high degree of anxiety. In this review, the authors outline the causes of non‐menstrual bleeding, emphasising the importance of identifying those women who are likely to have a sinister cause for their symptoms. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Infant cradling in a captive mother gorilla
Authors: Begg‐Reid Carolyn , Schillaci Michael A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe purpose of the study presented here was to investigate the handedness and cradling preferences of a mother gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) from the Metro Toronto Zoo. The study also examined preferences for handedness for each member of the captive group. Observational data were collected using scan sampling at 60‐sec intervals. Handedness was determined with a coordinated bimanual tube test using peanut butter spread on the interior of a PVC tube. Our findings were largely consistent with the literature on laterality in African apes by documenting a left‐side cradling bias for one apparently ambidextrous captive gorilla mother. This bias was associated with a left head positioning preference by her infant. Although based on a single mother/infant pairing, this study indicates that cradling bias is not always determined by maternal handedness. Zoo Biol 27:420–426, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk Factors for Early Postoperative Small‐Bowel Obstruction After Colectomy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shin Jin Yong , Hong Kwan Hee 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, colectomies are the most frequently performed procedure to manage colorectal cancer. However, early postoperative small‐bowel obstruction (EPSBO) is a common serious complication after colectomy. The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence of EPSBO after colectomy for colorectal cancer, and attempt to identify associated risk factors for EPSBO.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2006, 504 patients who underwent a colectomy for colorectal cancer were prospectively monitored and entered into the study. Patients were assessed to have an EPSBO if, within the first 30 days, they presented with symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention, lasting for at least 2 days, with radiologic findings of small‐bowel obstruction after evidence of small‐bowel motility return. In this study, the following parameters were monitored prospectively: anti‐adhesive, intraoperative adverse events (bleeding, bowel perforation), diversion stoma, repair of mesenteric defect, intra‐abdominal drainage, local remnant tumor, status of bowel preparation, status of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, obesity, and history of previous abdominal surgery. The influence of these factors on the development of EPSBO after colectomies for colorectal cancer was analyzed. Cases were classified according to anastomotic level and extent of pelvic dissection into pelvic surgery group (PSG) and colonic surgery group (CSG). The influence of these factors on the development of EPSBO according to our classification also was analyzed.ResultsEPSBO developed in 41 cases (8.1%) and was the most frequently occurring complication during the early perioperative period. The frequency of EPSBO according to our classification of cases into PSG and CSG shows that EPSBO developed in 6.8% of PSG compared with 10.6% of CSG cases (p = 0.13). Local remnant tumor (odds ratio (OR) = 3.4) and poor ASA grading (OR = 3.5) were independent risk factors for the development of EPSBO after colectomies for colorectal cancer. In our subgroup analysis according to our classification based on anastomotic level and extent of pelvic dissection, local remnant tumor and poor ASA grading also independently increased the risk of developing EPSBO in PSG.ConclusionsIt seems that pelvic surgeries do not have a higher rate of EPSBO compared with colonic surgeries. Local remnant tumor and poor systemic condition seems to be independent risk factors for EPSBO after colectomies for colorectal cancer, especially with pelvic surgery. These findings suggest that particular attention is needed to reduce the rate of EPSBO in patients who undergo colectomies for colorectal cancer.
Mechanisms and species of gold incorporation into crystals of cadmium, lead, and iron sulfides
Authors: Tauson V.L. , Smagunov N.V. , Akimov V.V. , Datkov V.A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The mechanisms and species of gold incorporation into crystals of simple sulfides are described. The concept of endocrypty in its modern treatment and the corresponding technique of experimental study were used. The technique is based on the principle of phase composition correlation and variation of parameters specifying the concentrations of active crystal defects. Gold species are determined with the method of statistical samples of analytical data for single crystals (SSADSC). The highest gold incorporation limits have been established for PbS and CdS under high sulfur fugacity (2.4⋅10−2 and 7⋅10−3 wt.%, respectively) at 500 °C and 1 kbar. It is shown that in this case, the main crystal defects are metal (Me) vacancies and the gold species is a donor-acceptor pair “Me vacancy–interstitial Au”. Under low sulfur fugacity, Au incorporation might be due to sulfur vacancies, and the gold species is a pair “Au in the Me position–S vacancy”; its concentrations are lower than those at high sulfur fugacity (≤10−3 wt.%). A specific feature of gold is a tendency to endocrypty. The estimated limiting contents of gold incorporated into sulfide crystals (FeS2, CdS, PbS) at 450–500 °C vary from n⋅10−4 to n⋅10−2 wt.%, which is nearly two orders of magnitude higher than the “true” isomorphous capacities of these crystals. For FeS, the incorporation limit of Au does not depend on defects (Fe vacancies). This phenomenon has not been explained yet. In general, the data obtained show that not only the crystallochemical features but also geochemical parameters (first of all, temperature and sulfur fugacity) of the ore formation medium are the main factors for gold concentration in sulfide minerals.
Laser-to-proton energy transfer efficiency in laser–plasma interactions
Authors: FOURKAL E. , VELTCHEV I. , MA C.-M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIt is shown that the energy of protons accelerated in laser–matter interaction experiments may be significantly increased through the process of splitting the incoming laser pulse into multiple interaction stages of equal intensity. From a thermodynamic point of view, the splitting procedure can be viewed as an effective way of increasing the efficiency of energy transfer from the laser light to protons, which peaks for processes having the least amount of entropy gain. It is predicted that it should be possible to achieve at least a 100% increase in the energy efficiency in a six-stage laser proton accelerator compared with a single laser–target interaction scheme.
mlegp: statistical analysis for computer models of biological systems using R
Authors: Dancik Garrett M. , Dorman Karin S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Summary: Gaussian processes (GPs) are flexible statistical models commonly used for predicting output from complex computer codes. As such, GPs are well suited for the analysis of computer models of biological systems, which have been traditionally difficult to analyze due to their high-dimensional, non-linear and resource-intensive nature. We describe an R package, mlegp, that fits GPs to computer model outputs and performs sensitivity analysis to identify and characterize the effects of important model inputs.
Availability: http://www.biomath.org/mlegp
Contact: kdorman@iastate.edu
Supplementary information: See http://www.biomath.org/mlegp for a user manual and examples.
ProCope—protein complex prediction and evaluation
Authors: Krumsiek Jan , Friedel Caroline C. , Zimmer Ralf 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Summary: Recent advances in high-throughput technology have increased the quantity of available data on protein complexes and stimulated the development of many new prediction methods. In this article, we present ProCope, a Java software suite for the prediction and evaluation of protein complexes from affinity purification experiments which integrates the major methods for calculating interaction scores and predicting protein complexes published over the last years. Methods can be accessed via a graphical user interface, command line tools and a Java API. Using ProCope, existing algorithms can be applied quickly and reproducibly on new experimental results, individual steps of the different algorithms can be combined in new and innovative ways and new methods can be implemented and integrated in the existing prediction framework.
Availability: Source code and executables are available at http://www.bio.ifi.lmu.de/Complexes/ProCope/
Contact: Caroline.Friedel@bio.ifi.lmu.de
Differential up‐regulation of neurotrophin receptors and functional activity of neurotrophins on peripheral blood eosinophils of patients with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and nonatopic subjects
Authors: Raap U. , Deneka N. , Bruder M. , Kapp A. , Wedi B. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryBackground
Recent studies suggest that neurotrophins have a pivotal role in neuroimmune interactions. Indeed, in contrast to nonatopic subjects (NA), neurotrophins have been shown to be increased in atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD).Aim
The aim of the study was to assess the functional role of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin (NT)‐3 and ‐4 and the expression of pan‐neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and tyrosine kinase (trk)A, ‐B and ‐C on peripheral blood eosinophils in AR, AD and NA.Methods
Peripheral blood eosinophils of patients with AR, AD and NA were purified by CD16 negative selection (purity>98%). Neurotrophin receptor expression was analysed by FACS analysis. Apoptosis test (FACS analysis) and chemotactic index (modified Boyden chamber assay) were assessed after stimulation with BDNF, NT‐3/‐4 and NGF.Results
The expression of trkA‐C and p75NTR was significantly higher in AD>AR>NA (P<0.05–0.001). Apoptosis was significantly inhibited by BDNF, NGF, NT‐3 in AD (P<0.05–0.001), by NT‐3/‐4 and NGF in AR (P<0.05–0.01) and by NT‐3 (P<0.05–0.01) in NA eosinophils. Chemotaxis was significantly induced by BDNF and NT‐3/4 (P<0.01–0.001) in AD peripheral blood eosinophils.Conclusion
Neurotrophin receptor expression and neurotrophin functional activity was greatest in AD>AR>NA. AD eosinophils are pre‐activated and may therefore better respond to neurotrophins. With this study, we provide new pathophysiologic insights into atopic diseases with a functional role of neurotrophins in peripheral blood eosinophils in AD and AR.