bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two‐dimensional electrophoresis with cationic detergents, a powerful tool for the proteomic analysis of myelin proteins. Part 1: Technical aspects of electrophoresis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshihide , Miyagi Yudai , Baba Hiroko 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe analysis of proteins in damaged myelin is crucial to clarify the mechanisms of dysmyelination and demyelination. In the present study, proteomic analysis of myelin using a modified two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) method was carried out to obtain a better understanding of myelin biology. Although standard 2‐DE (immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; IPG/SDS‐PAGE) methods of analysis provide high resolutions of soluble proteins with isoelectric focusing points in the pH range of 4–8, major myelin components include highly basic proteins are compacted at the basic edge of the 2‐DE gels and are not sufficiently separated for satisfactory analysis. In an attempt to improve the separation of these proteins, an alternative 2‐DE method using the cationic detergents was applied. In part 1 of this study, we describe technical aspects of conditioning 2‐DE using cationic detergent. In the accompanying paper (part 2), practical 2‐DE analysis using cationic detergents is described to identify proteins in the purified CNS myelin fraction. We carried out benzyldimethyl‐n‐hexadecylammonium chloride (16‐BAC)/SDS‐PAGE 2‐DE and tested 2‐DE with four other cationic detergents. We found that 16‐BAC was the most effective agent for separation of myelin proteins and that hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; CTAB) was the most effective agent for solubilization of myelin proteins. The combination of 16‐BAC/SDS‐PAGE and CTAB/SDS‐PAGE is a powerful tool for the analysis of myelin proteins, including highly basic, high‐MW (MW > 100K), and integral membrane proteins. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How ABN AMRO and other international banks are succeeding in Romania
Authors: Wright Roxana , Fellman Philip Vos 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe dynamic financial environment of Central and Eastern Europe allows for a clear determination of “best practices” in the banking industry through analysis of common patterns in banking and finance. We explain the specific practices that have led to successful adaptation on the part of international banks like ABN AMRO in Romania and to Romanian financial markets.In general, we have found, through a series of case studies designed to assess best practices, that the best performing strategies are those which are based upon “distributed decision making,” allowing for decisive action and rapid organizational learning at the local level. In order for rapid organizational learning to take place, efficient business relationships are critical to the firm's functioning. In addition, the firm must develop a substantial diversity in both its internal and external networks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of adult equine bone marrow‐ and adipose‐derived progenitor cell chondrogenesis in hydrogel cultures
Authors: Kisiday John D. , Kopesky Paul W. , Evans Christopher H. , Grodzinsky Alan J. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Frisbie David D. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) and adipose‐derived progenitor cells (ADPCs) are potential alternatives to autologous chondrocytes for cartilage resurfacing strategies. In this study, the chondrogenic potentials of these cell types were compared by quantifying neo‐tissue synthesis and assaying gene expression and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components of cartilage. Adult equine progenitor cells encapsulated in agarose or self‐assembling peptide hydrogels were cultured in the presence or absence of TGFβ1 for 3 weeks. In BM‐MSCs‐seeded hydrogels, TGFβ1 stimulated ECM synthesis and accumulation 3–41‐fold relative to TGFβ1‐free culture. In ADPC cultures, TGFβ1 stimulated a significant increase in ECM synthesis and accumulation in peptide (18–29‐fold) but not agarose hydrogels. Chromatographic analysis of BM‐MSC‐seeded agarose and peptide hydrogels cultured in TGFβ1 medium showed extensive synthesis of aggrecan‐like proteoglycan monomers. ADPCs seeded in peptide hydrogel also synthesized aggrecan‐like proteoglycans, although to a lesser extent than seen in BM‐MSC hydrogels, whereas aggrecan‐like proteoglycan synthesis in ADPC‐seeded agarose was minimal. RT‐PCR analysis of TGFβ1 cultures showed detectable levels of type II collagen gene expression in BM‐MSC but not ADPC cultures. Histological analysis of TGFβ1‐cultured peptide hydrogels showed the deposition of a continuous proteoglycan‐ and type II collagen rich ECM for BM‐MSCs but not ADPCs. Therefore, this study showed both protein and gene expression evidence of superior chondrogenesis of BM‐MSCs relative to ADPCs. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:322–331, 2008
Characteristics of fractionated flours from whole buckwheat grain using a gradual milling system and their application for noodle making
Authors: Van Hung Pham , Maeda Tomoko , Tsumori Rie , Morita Naofumi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Recently, the quality of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum, Moench) flour was improved by using a gradual milling method in which whole buckwheat grains were milled into various fractions. In this study, 16 fractions milled from whole buckwheat grains from the outer to inner parts are characterised and used for noodle making.RESULTS: Protein and ash contents of flours increased in the order from the inner to the outer fractions. Each fraction contained nine main fatty acids in which the concentration of palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids tended to decrease from the inner to outer parts of the grain, whereas the concentration of oleic acid in the middle parts of grain was higher than in the other parts. The peak viscosity was different among the fractions and the middle fractions had significantly higher peak viscosity than the other fractions. The optimum cooking time and whiteness of uncooked and cooked noodles substituted with 40% of the fractions decreased from the inner to outer fractions, whereas noodles made from the inner fractions were harder and less elastic than those from the outer fractions.CONCLUSION: The different buckwheat fractions contributed to different quality of soba noodles. However, the appropriate fractions could be used for noodle making to improve the quality of noodles depending on nutritional demands. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of zero‐phosphorus engine oils
Authors: Gangopadhyay Arup K. , Jensen R. K. , Carter R. O. , Uy D. , O'Neill A. E. , Simko S. J. , Gao H. , Stockwell R. T. , Phillips C. B. , Graham M. E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPoisoning by phosphorus in engine oil limits the useful life of automotive catalysts. The amount of phosphorus in engine oil has been decreasing for over a decade, and currently is limited to 0.08 wt% maximum. The source of phosphorus in engine oil is zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, which is a very effective antioxidant and anti‐wear compound. Therefore, elimination of phosphorus in engine oil requires replacement of both anti‐wear and antioxidation functions with novel additive compounds. This research describes the current state of developing zero‐phosphorus engine oils while maintaining GF‐4 performance attributes. A systematic approach was taken for this development beginning with the base oil and viscosity modifier system selection, followed by antioxidant compounds selection, and then anti‐wear compound selection. The effectiveness of antioxidant and anti‐wear compounds was evaluated using a laboratory oxidation test, and friction and wear tests when the oil was both fresh and aged. The oil showing the most promising result was evaluated in industry accepted TEOST MHT 4 for oxidation, and ASTM Sequence IIIG test for high temperature wear and piston deposits. Results to date show excellent oxidation characteristics, but wear control requires further work. Analysis of surface films showed the presence of carbonate and iron oxide when the oil was fresh, but only iron oxide when tested with 40 and 100 h aged oil samples from the Sequence IIIG test. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐level light stimulates excisional wound healing in mice
Authors: Demidova‐Rice Tatiana N. , Salomatina Elena V. , Yaroslavsky Anna N. , Herman Ira M. , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundLow levels of laser or non‐coherent light, termed low‐level light therapy (LLLT) have been reported to accelerate some phases of wound healing, but its clinical use remains controversial.MethodsA full thickness dorsal excisional wound in mice was treated with a single exposure to light of various wavelengths and fluences 30 minutes after wounding. Wound areas were measured until complete healing and immunofluorescence staining of tissue samples was carried out.ResultsWound healing was significantly stimulated in BALB/c and SKH1 hairless mice but not in C57BL/6 mice. Illuminated wounds started to contract while control wounds initially expanded for the first 24 hours. We found a biphasic dose–response curve for fluence of 635‐nm light with a maximum positive effect at 2 J/cm2. Eight hundred twenty nanometer was found to be the best wavelength tested compared to 635, 670, and 720 nm. We found no difference between non‐coherent 635±15‐nm light from a lamp and coherent 633‐nm light from a He/Ne laser. LLLT increased the number of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA)‐positive cells at the wound edge.ConclusionLLLT stimulates wound contraction in susceptible mouse strains but the mechanism remains uncertain. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:706–715, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examples of Using 3D‐GPC‐TREF for Polyolefin Characterization
Authors: Yau Wallace W. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSummary: Selected examples of using 3D‐GPC‐TREF to solve polyolefin characterization problems are described in this paper. The term 3D‐GPC‐TREF stands for a home‐build hybrid system of gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) coupled with the capability of the temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) that includes three online detectors, i.e. the infrared (IR), the differential‐pressure viscometer (DP), and the light scattering (LS) detectors.
Separation and Characterization of Ethylene‐Propylene Copolymers by High‐Temperature Gradient HPLC Coupled to FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Albrecht Andreas , Heinz Lars‐Christian , Lilge Dieter , Pasch Harald 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSummary: The chromatographic separation of ethylene‐propylene (EP) copolymers with regard to chemical composition was accomplished by a new technique ‐ high‐ temperature gradient HPLC. Using a mobile phase of ethylene glycol monobutylether (EGMBE) and 1,2,4–trichlorobenzene (TCB), and silica gel as the stationary phase, copolymers with different ethylene contents were separated according to their chemical compositions. Using a sample solvent of n‐decanol and a column temperature of 140 °C, chromatographic conditions were established that correspond to separation in a precipitation‐redissolution mechanism. With the aim to obtain further information on the separation process, the HPLC system was coupled to FTIR spectroscopy through a LC‐Transform interface. The FTIR data confirmed that the copolymers were separated according to the ethylene content of the eluted samples.
Crystallization Elution Fractionation. A New Separation Process for Polyolefin Resins
Authors: Monrabal B. , Sancho‐Tello J. , Mayo N. , Romero L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSummary: New crystallization procedures have been developed for the analysis of the chemical composition distribution in polyolefins by pumping a small flow of solvent during the crystallization cycle. One of the new techniques, crystallization elution fractionation (CEF) combines the separation power of TREF and CRYSTAF and has been shown to provide very fast analysis of the composition distribution.
The phenomenon of disproportionate antecollis in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: van de Warrenburg Bart P.C. , Cordivari Carla , Ryan Aisling M. , Phadke Rahul , Holton Janice L. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Hanna Mike G. , Quinn Niall P. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe sought to explore the phenomenon of disproportionate antecollis in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The etiology is much debated and the main issue is whether it represents a primary myopathy or is secondary to the underlying motor disorder. The clinical, electrophysiological, and biopsy data of MSA or PD patients with antecollis were reviewed. We reviewed 16 patients (7 MSA and 9 PD) who developed antecollis during the course of their disease. The interval between onset of motor symptoms and of antecollis was shorter in the MSA group (4.6 ± 1.7 years vs. 10.5 ± 7.0 years). In 6 patients, the antecollis developed subacutely, and in 2 the abnormal neck flexion was initially an off‐period phenomenon. Two additional patients also showed some dopa‐responsiveness. Clinically, the antecollis was characterized by a forward flexion and anterior shift of the neck, with prominent cervical paraspinal and levator scapulae muscles, usually without weakness of residual neck extension. Electromyography of cervical paraspinal muscles showed mixed myopathic, normal, and neurogenic units, without early recruitment. Cervical paraspinal muscle biopsy in 2 patients disclosed fibrosis and nonspecific myopathic changes. We suggest that, in the context of MSA or PD, the initiating event in antecollis could be a disproportionately increased tone in anterior neck muscles that leads to secondary fibrotic and myopathic changes. However, a primary but yet unexplained neck extensor myopathy still remains the alternative possibility and longitudinal studies are necessary to settle this issue. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Adult‐onset Alexander disease with progressive ataxia and palatal tremor
Authors: Howard Katherine L. , Hall Deborah A. , Moon Michelle , Agarwal Pinky , Newman Elizabeth , Brenner Michael 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA novel glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mutation, Y257C, is reported in a patient with adult‐onset Alexander disease. This is the oldest reported case with confirmation of a GFAP mutation. Onset was late in the sixth decade. Genetic analysis of the GFAP gene is recommended in cases of progressive ataxia and palatal tremor. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
On the solution of indefinite systems arising in nonlinear programming problems
Authors: Bonettini Silvia , Ruggiero Valeria , Tinti Federica 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis work is concerned with the convergence properties and the numerical analysis of the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method applied to the solution of indefinite linear systems arising in nonlinear optimization. Our approach is based on the choice of quasidefinite preconditioners and of a suitable factorization routine. Some theoretical and numerical results about these preconditioners are obtained. Furthermore, we show the behaviour of the PCG method for different formulations of the indefinite system and we compare the effectiveness of the proposed variants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's views on their involvement in clinical research
Authors: Chappuy Hélène , Doz François , Blanche Stéphane , Gentet Jean‐Claude , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the level of children's understanding of informed consent in clinical trials and factors that may influence these processes.DesignTwenty nine children who were included in clinical trials for treatment of cancer or HIV, were offered the possibility to complete a semidirective interview, with parental permission.MethodsChildren's understanding was measured by a score of 0–9 including items required to obtain a valid consent according to French and European legislations.ResultsChildren were 8.5–18 years old (13.6 ± 2.8 years). The higher percentage of understanding was obtained for the study objectives (n = 18, 62%), the risks (n = 17, 58%), the potential self‐benefits (n = 18, 62%) and the potential benefits to other children (n = 17, 58%). The lower percentage of understanding was obtained for the procedures (n = 5, 17%), the possibility of alternative treatments (n = 9, 31%), the duration of participation (n = 6, 21%), their right to withdraw (n = 6, 21%), and the voluntary participation (n = 6, 21%). Sixteen children (55%) thought that the given information was adequate. Understanding was significantly correlated with child's age (r = 0.65; P = 0.0001) and the mean score was higher in patients over 14 years old compared to patients under the age of 14 (4.4 ± 2.4, n = 14 vs. 2.6 ± 2.6, n = 15, P < 0.05). The mean score was also higher in children when informed consent was sought some time after the diagnosis (>7 days) rather than at the same time (<7 days) (score: 4.14 ± 2.59 n = 21 vs. 1.87 ± 2.03 n = 8; P = 0.03). The clarity of information perceived by children did not influence their understanding (score: 3.6 ± 2.6 n = 14 vs. 3.5 ± 2.7 n = 15; P = 0.91).ConclusionChildren have an incomplete understanding of the elements included in the informed consent forms. Understanding is related to age and timing of informed consent. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1043–1046. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second trimester prenatal screening for Down syndrome: the associations between the levels of serum markers in successive pregnancies
Authors: Huang Tianhua , Boucher Karen , Summers Anne M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of Down syndrome screening results in successive pregnancies, and assess the impacts of including previous screening results in the current risk estimation on screening performance.MethodsThe study was based on 56 951 women who had triple marker screening in two or more singleton pregnancies in the Ontario Maternal Serum Screening (MSS) program between October 1993 and September 2000. The problem of recurrent false positive results was examined by comparing screening results from different pregnancies in the same individuals. Between‐pregnancy associations in the levels of serum markers were estimated using correlation analysis. A published method was used to adjust current risk estimation for previous screening results. The effect of this adjustment was assessed by comparing screening performances prior and subsequent to the adjustment.ResultsThe observed false positive rate (FPR) in subsequent pregnancies was 2.5 times higher than that expected (26.4% vs 10.7%) among women who screened positive in one previous pregnancy, and 3.9 times higher (47.4% vs 12.1%) among women who screened positive in two previous pregnancies. Adjusting for a previous screening result will significantly reduce the recurrent FPR without compromising detection.ConclusionRisk estimation for Down syndrome may be adjusted using the screening result from a previous pregnancy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative and qualitative method for direct 2‐DE analysis of murine cartilage
Authors: Pecora Fabio , Forlino Antonella , Gualeni Benedetta , Lupi Anna , Giorgetti Sofia , Marchese Loredana , Stoppini Monica , Tenni Ruggero , Cetta Giuseppe , Rossi Antonio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDirect 2‐DE analysis of cartilage is difficult due to the high proteoglycan content. Proteoglycan removal before IEF may however cause the partial or total loss of specific proteins making this approach ineffective when quantitative data are required to investigate protein expression differences. Thus, we have developed a 2‐DE method including passive rehydration loading that does not require sample pretreatment and allows direct protein expression studies in cartilage samples.
Parent‐reported symptoms may not be adequate to define asthma control in children
Authors: Dell Sharon D. , Foty Richard , Becker Allan , Franssen Edmee , Chapman Kenneth R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIntroductionAsthma guidelines have suggested that treatment decisions should be guided by indices of asthma control and not only by disease severity. In adults, symptom‐based asthma control parameters have been shown to predict exacerbations and health care services use (HSU). We hypothesize that defining asthma control using parent‐reported symptoms alone is not adequate in children.Materials and MethodsCross‐sectional data from the population‐based asthma in Canada study were reanalyzed. Random‐digit dialing was used to produce the final sample, consisting of 1,001 asthmatics: 801 adults (aged 16+) and 200 children (aged 4–15) participating by parental proxy. Weighted frequencies of Canadian guideline defined asthma control parameters, perceived asthma control, HSU and medication use were calculated separately for adults and children. Stratified analyses compared HSU in controlled versus uncontrolled asthmatics.ResultsOver 90% of parents of asthmatic children believed their child's asthma to be controlled. Only 45% were actually controlled as defined by guideline parameters. Among controlled asthmatics, children reported higher HSU (32% reported 2+ health care encounters versus 17% of adults, P < 0.001). Irrespective of control and despite similar use of controller therapy, children reported a higher number of health care encounters than adults (any emergency department visits 37% vs. 24%, P = 0.00003; unscheduled doctor visits 59% vs. 36%, P < 0.00001). While reporting higher HSU, asthmatic children had less frequent episodes of excessive daytime symptoms than adults (29% vs. 49%, respectively, P < 0.0001).DiscussionCurrent symptom‐based asthma control parameters reported by parental proxy are likely poor predictors of asthma HSU and may not provide adequate asthma control estimates in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:1117–1124. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigations of the g ‐factors and local phase‐transition behavior for Ni3+ ion in the tetragonal phase of RbCaF3 crystal
Authors: Zhang Shun‐Ru , Liu Hong‐Gang , Qu Gui‐Qiang , Zheng Wen‐Chen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe EPR g factors g‖ and g⊥ for Ni3+ ion (created by room‐temperature X‐irradiation of nickel‐doped RbCaF3) in the tetragonal phase of RbCaF3 crystal are calculated from the second‐order perturbation formulas based on a cluster approach for high‐spin 3d7 ions in tetragonal octahedral clusters. The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values. The local phase‐transition behavior of the Ni3+ impurity center in RbCaF3 is also estimated from the calculation. It is found that the local phase‐transition behavior in the Ni3+ center is unlike the intrinsic one in the host crystal (in particular, the fluorine octahedra surrounding the cations change from tetragonal compression in the host crystal to tetragonal elongation in the Ni3+ impurity center). The results are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)