bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subunit‐dependent cadmium and nickel inhibition of acid‐sensing ion channels
Authors: Staruschenko Alexander , Dorofeeva Natalia A. , Bolshakov Konstantin V. , Stockand James D. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAcid‐sensing ion channels (ASIC) are ligand‐gated cation channels that are highly expressed in peripheral sensory and central neurons. ASIC are transiently activated by decreases in extracellular pH and are thought to play important roles in sensory perception, neuronal transmission, and excitability, and in the pathology of neurological conditions, such as brain ischemia. We demonstrate here that the heavy metals Ni2+ and Cd2+ dose‐dependently inhibit ASIC currents in hippocampus CA1 neurons and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells heterologously expressing these channels. The effects of both Ni2+ and Cd2+ were voltage‐independent, fast, and reversible. Neither metal affected activation and desensitization kinetics but rather decreased pH‐sensitivity. Moreover, distinct ASIC isoforms were differentially inhibited by Ni2+ and Cd2+. External application of 1 mM Ni2+ rapidly inhibited homomeric ASIC1a and heteromeric ASIC1a/2a channels without affecting ASIC1b, 2a, and ASIC3 homomeric channels and ASIC1a/3 and 2a/3 heteromeric channels. In contrast, external Cd+ (1 mM) inhibited ASIC2a and ASIC3 homomeric channels and ASIC1a/2a, 1a/3, and 2a/3 heteromeric channels but not ASIC1a homomeric channels. The acid‐sensing current in isolated rat hippocampus CA1 neurons, thought to be carried primarily by ASIC1a and 1a/2a, was inhibited by 1 mM Ni2+. The current study identifies ASIC as a novel target for the neurotoxic heavy metals Cd2+ and Ni2+. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 67: 97–107, 2007
Development of time comparison equipment for ETS‐VIII satellite
Authors: Nakagawa Fumimaru , Takahashi Yasuhiro , Gotoh Tadahiro , Fujieda Miho , Hosokawa Mizuhiko , Kiuchi Hitoshi , Imae Michito 
Published: December 2006

AbstractEngineering Test Satellite VIII (ETS‐VIII) is planning to be launched in 2005 for fundamental studies on satellite positioning technologies and is the one first to have installed a highly precise cesium clock in Japan. To measure the clock offset between the satellite and the TCE earth station, Time Comparison Equipment (TCE) has been developed by NICT. The TCE will be used to measure both code and carrier phases and this system will improve two‐way time and frequency transfer. This equipment makes it possible to compare two clocks with high precision. Moreover, TCE and TCE earth stations have abilities to remove the delay caused by terrestrial ionosphere and that between the receivers and transmitters.We estimated measurement precision in code and carrier phases. Furthermore, from the examinations using TCE‐EM (Engineering Model), we confirmed that TCE is able to measure the clock phases with a subnanosecond precision by code phase observation and a precision of a few picoseconds by carrier phase observation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 158(3): 61–71, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20385
Formation of DLC films by three‐dimensional ion implantation under high vacuum
Authors: Tamba Moritake , Saitou Takahiro , Ikegami Yuji , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Tokuchi Akira , Katayama Takeshi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractUsing a modified loop antenna, RF plasmas are formed under high vacuum without collisions between neutral atoms and a test piece or a target (Si) that is mounted in the plasma. By applying a negative high voltage to the target, carbon ions are implanted into the target by the three‐dimensional ion implantation method. Films thus formed have been identified as DLC (diamond‐like carbon) by Raman spectra, X‐ray diffractometry, and Rutherford back scattering. In the case of a target of WC with 10% Co, it has been found that the sticking force of the film is 60 N and the friction coefficient 0.13. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 158(3): 1–11, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20444
A Novel Amphiphilic ReI Complex with Bis(fullerene)‐Substituted Bipyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Electrochemistry, and Langmuir Film
Authors: Deuk Lee Hwi , Keun Oh Sang , Soo Choi Chan , Kay Kwang‐Yol 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAn amphiphilic fullerene (C60) derivative with a (bipyridine)tricarbonylrhenium(I) chloride polar head group has been prepared. Electrochemical studies indicate that some ground state electronic interactions between the fullerene subunit and the metal complexed moiety are present in ReI complex 1. The Langmuir film of this compound has been characterized by its surface pressure versus molecular area isotherm and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) observations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Reactions of Group 13 Organometallics tBu3M with Distibanes Sb2R4
Authors: Schuchmann Daniella , Kuczkowski Andreas , Fahrenholz Sonja , Schulz Stephan , Flörke Ulrich 
Published: December 2006

AbstractTetraalkyldistibanes Sb2R4 (R = nPr, iBu) react with tBu3M (M = Al, Ga) at –30 °C with the formation of the Lewis acid–base adducts [tBu3M]2[Sb2R4] [M = Al, R = nPr (1), iBu (2); M = Ga, R = nPr (3), iPr 4)]. Compounds 1 and 2 are stable in solution whereas 3 undergoes a Sb–Sb bond‐breakage reaction with the subsequent formation of [tBu2GaSb(nPr)2]2 (5). The same trend was observed for the reaction of Sb2(iBu)4 with tBu3Ga, which yielded the heterocyclic stibanylgallane [tBu2GaSb(iBu)2]2 (6). In addition, the simple trialkylstibane adduct tBu3Al–Sb(iBu)3 (7) was obtained as a byproduct from the reaction of Sb2(iBu)4 with tBu3Al. Compounds 1–7 were characterized by multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C{1H}) and mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 7 were also investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Toward an integrated microchip sized 2‐D polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis device for proteomic analysis
Authors: Demianová Zuzana , Shimmo Masahiko , Pöysä Eemeli , Franssila Sami , Baumann Marc 
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe describe a miniaturized instrument capable of performing 2‐DE. Our miniaturized device is able to perform IEF and polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis (PASGE) in the same unit. It consists of a compartment for a first‐dimensional IEF gel, which is connected to a second‐dimensional PASGE gel. The focused samples are automatically transferred from the IEF gel to the PASGE gel by electromigration. Our preliminary experiments show that the device is able to focus and separate a mixture of proteins in approximately 1 h, excluding the time required for the staining procedure. On average, the gel‐to‐gel retardation factor (Rf) variation was 6.2% (±0.9%) and pI variation was 2.5% (±0.6%). Separated protein spots were excised from stained gels, digested with trypsin, and further identified by MS, thus enabling direct proteomic analysis of the separated proteins.
Interdisciplinary survey in Messenia, Southwest Peloponnese, Greece
Authors: Simpson Richard Hope 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe survey of Messenia by the University of Minnesota Messenia Expedition (UMME) was recently followed by the Pylos Regional Archaeological Project (PRAP). Despite improvements in survey methodology, problems remain, particularly with the interpretation of field data and with extrapolation, especially when this is made based on survey results alone, without excavation. In addition, the work of the archaeologists has not yet been fully integrated with that of the earth scientists. Some examples are given of the difficulties encountered in this survey, especially concerning retrodictions (predictions about the past) of ancient settlement patterns and numbers. Suggestions are made here for further survey and selective excavation, especially in eastern Messenia, where fieldwork has been far less extensive than in western Messenia. More fieldwork is needed to determine the pattern of geomorphic changes in the region, especially in relation to the varying degrees of visibility and/or preservation of the ancient sites. Meanwhile, increased recent human activity is rapidly destroying or endangering those remains that have hitherto survived, so that survey is often de facto of a rescue nature.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality improvement and its impact on the use and equality of outpatient health services in India
Authors: Dipankar Rao Krishna , Peters David H. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of quality improvements in conjunction with user fees on the utilization and equality of outpatient services at a range of public sector health facilities in India. Project impact on outpatient visits was estimated via the difference‐in‐difference method using pooled time series visit data from project and control facilities. The results indicate that the quality improvements significantly increased visits at all facility types. The project effect was largest at primary health center (PHC) and community health center (CHC), followed by district hospital (DH) and female district hospital (FDH). Pro‐rich inequalities in outpatient visits increased at DHs and FDHs while at CHCs and PHCs the distribution remained equitable. This suggests that quality improvements at public sector health facilities can increase utilization of outpatient services in the presence of nominal user fees, but can also promote greater inequality favoring the better‐off. At the referral hospital level, quality improvements should be made in conjuction with programs which encourage utilization by the poor. In contrast, the benefit of quality improvements at PHCs and CHCs is equitably distributed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuition reimbursement, perceived organizational support, and turnover intention among graduate business school students
Authors: Pattie Marshall , Benson George S. , Baruch Yehuda 
Published: December 2006

AbstractRecent research has shown that while tuition reimbursement is generally associated with employee retention, employees may be more inclined to switch jobs when they earn graduate degrees. This article investigates the relationship between employees currently receiving tuition reimbursement and intention to leave the organization. Analysis of survey data from 322 employed graduate students shows that receiving tuition reimbursement is positively related to perceived organizational support, which reduces turnover intention. However, employees working toward degrees unrelated to their current jobs express greater intention to leave the organization, which increases as they near graduation.
High survivin expression is associated with favorable outcome in advanced primary oral squamous cell carcinoma after radiation therapy
Authors: Freier Kolja , Pungs Susanne , Sticht Carsten , Flechtenmacher Christa , Lichter Peter , Joos Stefan , Hofele Christof 
Published: December 2006

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a solid neoplasm exhibiting aggressive tumor phenotypes with unpredictable biological behavior. Recent studies suggested that high expression of the antiapoptotic protein survivin might be associated with adverse outcome in oral cancer patients. To investigate, whether increased copy numbers of the survivin‐encoding gene BIRC5 results in elevated survivin levels and whether BIRC5 and survivin could serve as progression markers in the clinical course of OSCC, tumor tissue microarray analysis was performed applying fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to 296 OSCC specimens. Gene copy number gain of BIRC5 was detected in 33.9% (150/227) of cases, which correlated significantly with high UICC stage and the presence of lymph node metastases (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively), but not with unfavorable patients' outcome (p > 0.05) in multivariate analysis. High survivin expression was found in 67.3% (169/251) of cases to predict increased 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival of patients in a multivariate model including UICC stage and age as covariables (p = 0.035 and p = 0.026, respectively). Within a subgroup of patients, who received radiation therapy (n = 121), high survivin expression was found to be the only predictor of favorable 3‐, 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival in a multivariate cox regression analysis including UICC stage and age as covariables (p = 0.001, p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). In conclusion, high survivin expression might be useful to identify OSCC patients, who would benefit from radiotherapy. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The p53 positive Bcl‐2 negative phenotype is an independent marker of prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Rolland Phil , Spendlove Ian , Madjid Zahra , Rakha Emad A. , Patel Poulam , Ellis Ian O. , Durrant Lindy 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to determine if the immunohistochemical p53 (+) Bcl‐2 (−) phenotype predicts survival in breast cancer patients. Tissue from 819 cases of resected primary breast cancer, presented between 1986 and 1998, were assembled in tissue microarray format. Clinicopathological data and prospective disease specific survival data were collected prospectively and immunohistochemical analyses of p53 and Bcl‐2 expression were performed using antibodies DO‐7 (p53) and 124 (Bcl‐2) employing a standard IHC protocol. The expression data were correlated with clinicopathological variables and outcomes in both univariate (χ2) and multivariate (Cox's regression) analyses. Abnormal p53 expression and positive Bcl‐2 expression were detected in 29% (193/673) and 46% (307/673) of tumours, respectively. On univariate analysis Bcl‐2 expression was correlated with the clinicopathological features of less aggressive disease and loss of Bcl‐2 expression correlated with a reduction in survival (log rank = 11.91; p < 0.001). p53 expression correlated with the clinicopathological features of aggressive cancers and a reduction in survival (log rank = 17.81; p < 0.001). Nineteen percent (127/673) of tumours displayed a p53 (+) Bcl‐2 (−) phenotype. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant reduction in survival in these cases (log rank 34.01; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that while neither p53 expression nor Bcl‐2 expression alone had independent prognostic significance, the p53 (+) Bcl‐2 (−) phenotype remained independently associated with a worse prognosis (HR 1.79 95%CI 1.10–2.89 p = 0.018). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoreceptor proteins as cancer‐retina antigens
Authors: Bazhin Alexandr V. , Schadendorf Dirk , Willner Nadine , De Smet Charles , Heinzelmann Anita , Tikhomirova Natalya K. , Umansky Viktor , Philippov Pavel P. , Eichmüller Stefan B. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMelanocytes, melanoma and photoreceptor cells are of neuroectodermal origin and have a certain sensitivity to light. In this study, we present evidence for photoreceptor proteins that are responsible for visual transduction and its regulation function as a new class of cancer antigens in melanoma. Visual rhodopsin, transducin, cGMP‐phosphodiesterase 6, cGMP‐dependent channels, guanylyl cyclase, rhodopsin kinase, recoverin and arrestin are expressed in melanoma and can induce antibody responses in patients. Melanocytes also express mRNA of all photoreceptor genes besides transducin, but were devoid of the corresponding protein, which was tested for rhodopsin, cGMP‐phosphodiesterase, guanylyl cyclase and recoverin. Furthermore, we show for the first time that some healthy tissues express mRNA of these genes, but never protein. Expression profiles and autoantibody responses were confirmed in the MT/retand theHGFtg/Ink4a−/−transgenic mouse melanoma models. We propose a molecular transition of cancer‐retina antigens from mRNA expression in melanocytes to protein expression in melanoma. Our work provides the basis for analyzing regulation of photoreceptor gene expression in normal and malignant cells as well as possible therapeutic tumor targeting using the newly defined class of cancer‐retina antigens. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential responses of biomarkers in tissues of a freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, to the exposure of sediment extracts with different levels of contamination
Authors: Osman A. M. , Heuvel H. van den , Noort P. C. M. van 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn this study, zebra mussels, D. polymorpha, were exposed to extracts of sediments obtained from two sites, a contaminated lake (Ketelmeer, Km) and a relatively clean lake (Drontenmeer, Dm). The main objective of this work was to investigate whether six selected biomarkers could discriminate between the two sediments. The selected biomarkers included phase I enzymes such as DT‐diaphorase, NADPH‐cytochrome c reductase, NADH‐cytochrome c reductase, a phase II enzyme (glutathione S‐transferase, GST), an antioxidant enzyme, catalase, and the total glutathione, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG). After a short (24 h) and a long‐term (7 days) exposure, the levels of these biomarkers were measured in gills and the rest of soft mussel tissues (soft mussel tissue minus gills) and compared with control values. A decrease of GST level by 20% (P = 0.004) and a 4‐fold decrease of total glutathione concentration relative to the control, were observed in the gills of mussels exposed to the more contaminated Km extract. No significant differences in the GST activities were observed in the gills of control and Dm extract‐treated mussels (P = 0.23). Although the levels of catalase and NADH‐cytochrome c reductase were, in the short‐term exposure, unaffected, both activities were, in the long‐term exposure, reduced in the gills of the mussels exposed to the contaminated Km extract, compared with control values, by 43% and 20%, respectively. The activities of DT‐diaphorase and NADPH‐cytochrome c reductase remained unaffected in all exposure conditions. However, the level of NADPH‐cytochrome c reductase was found higher in gills than in the rest of soft mussel tissues. This difference in the ratio of the two reductases between the two tissues could account for the observed differential responses of the biomarkers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Citrinin and endosulfan induced teratogenic effects in Wistar rats
Authors: Singh Nittin D. , Sharma Anil K. , Dwivedi Prabhaker , Patil Rajendra D. , Kumar Manoj 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDietary exposures to food pollutants such as mycotoxin(s) or pesticide(s) are most significant due to their adverse effects on the production and reproduction in animals and the human population. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the teratogenic potential of citrinin (CIT) and endosulfan either alone or in combination in pregnant rats during gestational days 6–20. Endosulfan (1 mg kg−1 body weight, by oral intubation) and CIT (10 mg kg−1 feed, through diet) when administered either alone or in combination in pregnant rats caused significant teratogenic effects in the developing fetuses. There was no maternal mortality, however, reduced maternal weight gain and number of live fetuses and increased fetal resorptions were recorded in all the treated groups. The fetal body weights and crown to rump lengths were significantly decreased and the per cent gross, visceral and skeletal anomalies were significantly increased in the fetuses of dams of all the treated groups. The internal hydrocephalus, cerebellar hypoplasia, microphthalmia, contracted and notched kidneys, multilobulated liver, dilated renal pelvis, incomplete ossification of skull bones, rib anomalies and sacral and caudal vertebrae agenesis were the important fetal malformations. The occurrence of fetal gross, skeletal and visceral malformations was more severe in the combination group, suggesting an additive interaction of CIT and endosulfan in inducing developmental toxicity in Wistar rats. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid peroxidation is enhanced in Yusho victims 35 years after accidental poisoning with polychlorinated biphenyls in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Shimizu Kazuhiro , Ogawa Fumihide , Thiele Jens J , Bae SangJae , Sato Shinichi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThirty‐five years have passed since the accidental poisoning with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in Japan and yet high concentrations of PCB are still detected in the serum of the victims. PCB produces superoxide and thus victims are considered to be in a persistent state of oxidative stress. Urinary concentrations of 8‐isoprostane (8IP) in the victims and age‐matched controls were measured to assess this hypothesis. The mean urinary concentration of 8IP was significantly higher than that in the controls. There was a positive correlation between urinary 8IP and serum concentrations of cholinesterase. It was considered that Yusho is an oxidative stress and 8IP is a useful tool for checking the oxidative condition in Yusho victims. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of the methods for introduction of amine groups onto the silica nanoparticle surface
Authors: Liu Song , Zhang Hai‐Li , Liu Tian‐Cai , Liu Bo , Cao Yuan‐Cheng , Huang Zhen‐Li , Zhao Yuan‐Di , Luo Qing‐Ming 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe luminescent silica nanoparticle has attracted the researchers' concentration in bioanalysis recently. Its extensive application is based on the immobilization of various biomolecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid, antibody, and so forth onto the surface. By comparing different introduction methods of amine groups, it was confirmed that the “two‐step” route is more preferable by adding tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3‐aminopropyl‐(triethoxyl)silane in sequence, to attain ideal amine‐modified silica nanoparticles. On this basis, carboxyl groups were derived from amine groups on the nanoparticle surface and then were activated by 1‐ethyl‐3‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N‐hydroxy‐succinimide. Finally, mouse monoclonal antihuman CD71 antibody (McAb CD71) and transferrin were effectively linked with the carboxyl groups and successfully labeled the receptors in the membrane of fibroblast cells, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Effect of pore size on in vitro cartilage formation using chitosan‐based hyaluronic acid hybrid polymer fibers
Authors: Yamane Shintaro , Iwasaki Norimasa , Kasahara Yasuhiko , Harada Kazuo , Majima Tokifumi , Monde Kenji , Nishimura Shin‐ichiro , Minami Akio 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn this study, we successfully developed three‐dimensional scaffolds fabricated from the chitosan‐based hyaluronic acid hybrid polymer fibers, which can control the porous structure. To determine the adequate pore size for enhancing the chondrogenesis of cultured cells, we compared the behaviors of rabbit chondrocytes in scaffolds comprising different pore sizes (100, 200, and 400 μm pore size). Regarding the cell proliferation, there was no significant difference among the three groups. On the other hand, glycosaminoglycan contents in the 400 μm group significantly increased during the culture period, compared with those in the other groups. The ratio of type II to type I collagen mRNA level was also significantly higher in the 400 μm group than in the other groups. These results indicate that our scaffold with 400 μm pore size significantly enhances the extracellular matrix synthesis by chondrocytes. Additionally, the current scaffolds showed high mechanical properties, compared with liquid and gel materials. The data derived from this study suggest great promise for the future of a novel fabricated material with relatively large pore size as a scaffold for cartilage regeneration. The biological and mechanical advantages presented here will make it possible to apply our scaffold to relatively wide cartilaginous lesions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007