bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of alterations of Rb2/p130 tumor suppressor in all‐trans‐retinoic acid resistant SK‐OV3 ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Fields Anthonise Louis , Soprano Dianne Robert , Soprano Kenneth J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRb2/p130 tumor suppressor protein regulates cell cycle progression primarily through interactions with members of the E2F family of transcription factors and repression of the transactivation of E2F target genes. In ATRA sensitive ovarian carcinoma CA‐OV3 cells, a dramatic increase in Rb2/p130 protein mediates growth arrest at G0/G1. However, although Rb2/p130 is expressed at high levels in SK‐OV3 cells, they fail to growth arrest in response to ATRA treatment. We show that the functional activity of Rb2/p130 in SK‐OV3 cells is reduced when compared to CA‐OV3 cells. To determine the basis for the reduced functional activity, we characterized the Rb2/p130 protein in SK‐OV3 cells and investigated the possible role of alterations to this molecule in mediating resistance to ATRA growth suppression. Direct sequencing of Rb2/p130 cDNA cloned from SK‐OV3 cells revealed the presence of two homozygous missense mutations (T178C and C259G) which result in amino acid changes Ser60 to Pro60 and Pro87 to Ala87 respectively. Unfortunately the same missense mutations were observed in Rb2/p130 cDNA cloned from ATRA sensitive CA‐OV3 cells. We next investigated differences in Rb2/p130 protein subcellular localization. While Rb2/p130 was localized in the nucleus in both cell lines, we observed regions of intense staining within the nucleus of SK‐OV3 cells. This is suggestive of aggregation and/or subnuclear sequestration of the Rb2/p130 protein. Finally, the PAGE migration pattern of Rb2/p130 suggested that a hyperphosphorylated form of Rb2/p130 accumulated in SK‐OV3 cells but not in CA‐OV3 cells. It is possible that this hyperphosphorylated form can be responsible for the decreased Rb2/p130 functional activity observed in SK‐OV3 cells and may contribute to the resistance of these cells to ATRA mediated growth suppression. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 77–85, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brachy–syndactyly caused by loss of Sfrp2 function
Authors: Morello Roy , Bertin Terry K. , Schlaubitz Silke , Shaw Chad A. , Kakuru Sujatha , Munivez Elda , Hermanns Pia , Chen Yuqing , Zabel Bernhard , Lee Brendan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWnt signaling pathways are regulated both at the intracellular and extracellular levels. During embryogenesis, the in vivo effects of the secreted frizzled‐related protein (Sfrp) family of Wnt inhibitors are poorly understood. Here, we show that inactivation of Sfrp2 results in subtle limb defects in mice with mesomelic shortening and consistent shortening of all autopodal elements that is clinically manifested as brachydactyly. In addition, there is soft‐tissue syndactyly of the hindlimb. The brachydactyly is caused by decreased chondrocyte proliferation and delayed differentiation in distal limb chondrogenic elements. These data suggest that Sfrp2 can regulate both chondrogenesis and regression of interdigital mesenchyme in distal limb. Sfrp2 can also repress canonical Wnt signaling by Wnt1, Wnt9a, and Wnt4 in vitro. Sfrp2−/− and TOPGAL/Sfrp2−/− mice have a mild increase in beta‐catenin and beta‐galactosidase staining, respectively, in some phalangeal elements. This however does not exclude a potential concurrent effect on non‐canonical Wnt signaling in the growth plate. In combination with what is known about BMP and Wnt signaling in human brachydactylies, our data establish a critical role for Sfrp2 in proper distal limb formation and suggest SFPR2 could be a novel candidate gene for human brachy–syndactyly defects. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 127–137, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance evaluation of a water/silicone oil two‐phase partitioning bioreactor using Rhodococcus erythropolis T902.1 to remove volatile organic compounds from gaseous effluents
Authors: Aldric Jean‐Marc , Thonart Philippe 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: In the framework of biological processes used for waste gas treatment, the impact of the inoculum size on the start‐up performance needs to be better evaluated. Moreover, only a few studies have investigated the behaviour of elimination capacity and biomass viability in a two‐phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) used for waste gas treatment. Lastly, the impact of ethanol as a co‐substrate remains misunderstood.RESULTS: Firstly, no benefit of inoculation with a high cellular density (>1.5 g L−1) was observed in terms of start‐up performance. Secondly, the TPPB was monitored for 38 days to characterise its behaviour under several operational conditions. The removal efficiency remained above 63% for an inlet concentration of 7 g isopropylbenzene (IPB) m−3 and at some time points reached 92% during an intermittent loading phase (10 h day−1), corresponding to a mean elimination capacity of 4 × 10−3 g L−1 min−1 (240 g m−3 h−1) for a mean IPB inlet load of 6.19 × 10−3 g L−1 min−1 (390 g m−3 h−1). Under continuous IPB loading, the performance of the TPPB declined, but the period of biomass acclimatisation to this operational condition was shorter than 5 days. The biomass grew to approximately 10 g L−1 but the cellular viability changed greatly during the experiment, suggesting an endorespiration phenomenon in the bioreactor. It was also shown that simultaneous degradation of IPB and ethanol occurred, suggesting that ethanol improves the biodegradation process without causing oxygen depletion.CONCLUSION: A water/silicone oil TPPB with ethanol as co‐substrate allowed the removal of a high inlet load of IPB during an experiment lasting 38 days. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic diagnosis of fibromatosis
Authors: Wang Yuexiang , Tang Jie , Luo Yukun 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose.To investigate the value of sonography in the diagnosis of fibromatosis.Method.We retrospectively reviewed the sonographic findings, pathologic results, and other medical records of 42 patients with pathologically proven fibromatosis. The tumor's size and location were recorded. Echogenicity, margins, vascularity, and relationship with the adjacent tissue were analyzed.Results.A total of 42 patients with 44 lesions were included in the study. In 21 patients, the tumor was a primary tumor. In 7 of these patients, a preoperative diagnosis of fibromatosis was obtained via sonographically guided biopsy or surgical biopsy. In another 21 patients, the tumor was a recurrence (including 1 case of malignant transformation). Well‐defined and regular margins were demonstrated in 26 lesions (59%), whereas poorly defined and irregular borders were seen in the other 18 lesions. On Doppler imaging, vascularity was absent in 66% (29/44) lesions, moderate in 23% (10/44), and marked in 11% (5/44). Infiltration into the adjacent skeletal muscles, cortical bone, or encasement vessels, nerves, or tendons was found in 21 (48%) lesions.Conclusion.In patients with fibromatosis, sonography demonstrates a nonspecific hypoechoic solid mass and can guide the percutaneous needle biopsy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
An analysis of food security and poverty in Central Asia—case study from Kazakhstan
Authors: Rhoe Valerie , Babu Suresh , Reidhead William 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring the transition from planned to market‐oriented economies, Central Asian countries experienced major socio‐economic shocks that increased food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. In the last 15 years, these countries underwent economic reforms in order to transform their economies, and in response to growing food insecurity and poverty levels, they adopted food self‐sufficiency policies. For designing and implementing policy reforms, a good understanding of the magnitude of food insecurity and poverty and their determinants are required. Using the Kazakhstan Living Standard and Measurement Survey, this paper identifies a food poverty line and a total poverty line for Kazakhstan. Then poverty measures from both lines are compared and determinates of poverty are analysed. The results show that the total poverty line captures more of the poor population. Although there are some variations amongst the determinants of poverty under the two poverty lines, the strength of the common determinants is generally weaker when non‐food expenditures are included in deriving the poverty line. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint estimation of information acquisition and adoption of new technologies under uncertainty
Authors: Abdulai Awudu , Monnin Pierre , Gerber Jacques 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article develops a framework to examine households' joint decision to acquire information on new technologies and the adoption of the technology in the presence of uncertainty. The empirical application involved a sample of 406 dairy farmers in Tanzania. Education, scale of production, household size, age, and liquidity constraints are hypothesized to be the determinants of information acquisition and adoption decisions. The empirical evidence indicates that information acquisition and adoption decisions are made jointly. The findings also show that human capital and scale of operation positively and significantly affect the decision to acquire information and to adopt the technology, while liquidity constraints negatively impact on the decision to adopt, as well as the extent of adoption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small island states development challenges: introduction
Authors: McGillivray Mark , Naudé Wim , Santos‐Paulino Amelia 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis Policy Arena examines some of the development challenges faced by SIDS. It brings together a collection of papers arising from the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU‐WIDER) project [Fragility and Development]. These investigations were presented at the UNU‐WIDER project meeting held in Lautaka, Fiji in December 2006.The Policy Arena contains four studies that look, respectively, at various aspects of trade, foreign direct investment, aid and remittances, and migration, focusing on countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean. This introduction briefly describes the papers and distills some key messages for development policy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foreign direct investment in small island developing states
Authors: Read Robert 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in small island developing states (SIDS) is an issue that has been neglected until relatively recently. The reasons for this lack of interest are unsurprising, given both the low absolute volume of capital flows involved and the general neglect of issues relating directly to SIDS in the mainstream theoretical and empirical economics literature. For SIDS themselves however, FDI represents an important additional source of investment capital and a potentially critical contributor to growth and development. This paper represents one of the first attempts to analyse the determinants of the inflows of FDI to SIDS. The analysis is undertaken in the context of the existing literature on the determinants of FDI inflows, incorporating insights drawn from recent research on the determinants of growth in small states. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
To prosper, organizational psychology should… expand the values of organizational psychology to match the quality of its ethics
Authors: Lefkowitz Joel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe values of organizational psychology are criticized as (a) having supplanted psychology's humanist tradition and societal responsibilities with corporate economic objectives; (b) being “scientistic” in perpetuating the notion of value‐free science while ignoring that it is business values that largely drive our research and practice; (c) failing to include normative perspectives of what organizations ought to be like in moral terms; (d) having a pro‐management bias; and (e) having allowed ourselves to be defined largely by technocratic competence, almost to the exclusion of considering desirable societal goods. Illustrations of some adverse consequences of these values are presented. It is suggested we expand our self‐image to encompass a scientist–practitioner–humanist (S‐P‐H) model that includes consideration of different values, advocacy of employee rights and a normative characterization of how organizations ought to be—reflecting the broader societal responsibilities of a true profession. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of water isotopes and spin‐isomers rotational transitions induced by four‐wave mixing in liquid
Authors: Bunkin A. F. , Pershin S. M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFour‐photon spectra of the induced coherent rotations of H2O, D2O and HDO molecules on its selective rotational transition in bulk liquid have been observed for the first time. We have measured the rotational spectra of distilled water (H2O) and 1:1 H2O/D2O mixture in the range 30–40 cm−1. We have identified the ortho‐ /para‐spin‐isomer lines in both the isotopic liquids. The application of this technique to the study of spin‐selective interactions of water molecules with biopolymers and nano objects is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Characterization of Mesquite (Prosopis velutina) Gum and its Fractions
Authors: López‐Franco Yolanda L. , de la Barca Ana M. Calderón , Valdez Miguel A. , Peter Martin G. , Rinaudo Marguerite , Chambat Gérard , Goycoolea Francisco M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractStructural and physicochemical characteristics of mesquite gum (from Prosopis velutina) were investigated using FT‐IR spectroscopic, mass spectrometric and chromatographic methods. Four fractions (F‐I, F‐IIa, F‐IIb and F‐III) were isolated by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The samples were characterized and analyzed for their monosaccharide and oligomers composition by high performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD). L‐Arabinose (L‐Ara) and D‐galactose (D‐Gal) were found as the main carbohydrate constituent residues in the polysaccharides from mesquite gum and their ratio (L‐Ara/D‐Gal) varied within the range 2.54 to 3.06 among the various fractions. Small amounts of D‐glucose (D‐Glc), D‐mannose (D‐Man) and D‐xylose (D‐Xyl) were also detected, particularly in Fractions IIa, IIb and III. Infrared spectroscopy identified polysaccharides and protein in all the samples. Data from mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) was consistent with the idea that the structure corresponding to the periphereal chains of Fraction I is predominantly a chain of pentoses attached to uronic acid.magnified image
The Structure of Water in PEO‐Based Segmented Block Copolymers and its Effect on Transition Temperatures
Authors: Husken Debby , Gaymans Reinoud J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe effect of water on block copolymers that contain hydrophilic PEO flexible segments is studied. The polyether phase consisted of either PEO or mixtures of PEO and hydrophobic PTMO, monodisperse crystallisable T6T6T was used as hard segments. Water absorption as a function of relative humidity and PEO content were studied. The PEO melting temperature and crystallinity were strongly reduced when the copolymer absorbed water, while the PTMO phase remained unaffected by its presence. Freezing water was present in the PEO‐based copolymers when the PEO phase contained ≈30 vol.‐% water, its relative amount being almost independent of PEO concentration and molecular weight and the presence of hydrophobic PTMO segments.magnified image
Rapid Microwave‐Promoted Synthesis of Polyurethanes from a Fluorene Unit‐Containing Diol and Diisocyanates
Authors: Hiroki Kazuaki , Ichikawa Yuichi , Yamashita Hiroshi , Sugiyama Jun‐ichi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA fluorene diol derivative, 9,9‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene (1), reacted with diisocyanates such as 1,3‐bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (2a), 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (2b), and 1,3‐bis(isocyanatomethyl)benzene (2c) under temperature‐controlled microwave irradiation to form the corresponding polyurethanes with $\overline M _{\rm w}$ being 30 000 to 60 000, measured by GPC with reference to polystyrene standards within 5 to 10 min at 160 to 200 °C. In the reactions of 2a and b, the molecular weights were 15 to 20 times higher than those obtained by conventional oil bath heating. For a solvent of the microwave‐promoted reaction, a hydrocarbon compound, decalin, is preferably used to undergo the polymerization cleanly without unfavorable coloration and/or gelation.magnified image
Zinc borates as multifunctional polymer additives
Authors: Shen Kelvin K. , Kochesfahani Saied , Jouffret Frédéric 
Published: April 2008

AbstractZinc borates function as flame retardant, smoke suppressant, afterglow suppressant, and anti‐tracking agent in both halogen‐containing and halogen‐free polymers. This paper will review 35 years of historical development and recent advances in the use of these multifunctional fire retardants in electrical/electronic, transportation, and building product applications. In addition, the use of zinc borates as polymer additives for non‐flame retardant applications will also be briefly reviewed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) nanofiber networks prepared by the doping induction of succinic acid and its ammonia‐response studies
Authors: Wang Jian‐Wen , Chen Ching‐Yi , Kuo Yi‐Ming 
Published: April 2008

AbstractChitosan–poly(acrylic acid) (CS–PAA) composite membrane with a 3D network nano‐structure was prepared using an electrostatic interaction process by adding succinic acid as a branch promoter. Variations of the final solution pH values, concentration of CS, and PAA/CS volume ratio were examined systematically for their effects on average fiber diameter size, intensity of surface charge, and tendency of network formation. It was found that nanofiber size was affected by the mixing ratio of PAA and CS, the concentration of CS, and the final pH of the CS–PAA solution. The smallest diameter size distribution of the scaffold can be obtained when the PAA/CS ratio is in the range of 2:1–1:2 in a pH 3 environment. Negative charge nanofibers prepared using PAA and CS in a ratio of 2:1 in pH 3 environments had an average diameter of 215 nm. The formation of the interconnecting 3D self‐organized network structure can be built up with limited parasitic branching by crystallized succinic acid. The gas response to ammonia, including sensitivity and response time, was evaluated using impedance spectroscopy at room temperature. The results of sensing experiments indicate that the sensitivity of nanofibrous membrane (NM)‐coated sensors was eight times higher than that of continuous film‐coated sensors. NM‐coated sensors exhibited high sensitivity towards a low concentration of ammonia, as low as 50 ppm at a relative humidity of 45%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid TLC/GC‐MS identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in alkaloid extracts
Authors: Berkov Strahil , Bastida Jaume , Nikolova Milena , Viladomat Francesc , Codina Carles 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlkaloid extracts from 12 plant species of the families Amaryllidaceae, Fumariacae and Papaveraceae were studied with respect to their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and alkaloid patterns. Fifty‐three alkaloids were identified by GC‐MS, including known acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors such as galanthamine, epigalanthamine, sanguinine and epinorgalanthamine in extracts of Amaryllidaceae plants and protopine in extracts of Fumariaceae and Papaveraceae plants. The galanthamine‐containing extracts of the amaryllidaceous plants were found to be the most active while the extract of Corydalis bulbosa was the most active among the extracts of the tested plants from the Fumariaceae and Papaveraceae plants. TLC bioautographic assay, preparative TLC and GC‐MS analysis were combined to identify the active compounds in the studied extracts. Galanthamine was isolated from the known AChE inhibitors in the extracts of Amaryllidaceae plants. Corydaline, bulbocapnine and stylopine were found to be active in the extracts of plant species of the families Fumariaceae and Papaveraceae. Available standards of deshydrocorydaline—a precursor of corydaline, corydaline and stylopine—were tested for AChE inhibitory activity. Deshydrocorydaline and corydaline showed potent inhibitory activity comparable with that of the positive control galanthamine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wie viel Kraft ist nötig, um ein Atom zu bewegen?
Authors: Ternes Markus , Heinrich Andreas J. , Giessibl Franz J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBei mechanischen Konstruktionen benötigt man umfassendes Wissen über die Kräfte, die zwischen den Bauteilen wirken. Zum Beispiel ist es wichtig zu wissen, wie viel Kraft man aufwenden muss, um zwei Einzelteile gegeneinander zu verschieben. Dies trifft auch auf der atomaren Ebene zu. Einer Forschergruppe bei IBM in Kalifornien ist es jetzt zum ersten Mal gelungen, die Kräfte zu messen, die nötig sind, um Atome oder Moleküle auf einer Kristalloberfläche zu bewegen.
Membrane and membrane‐associated proteins in Triton X‐114 extracts of Mycobacterium bovis BCG identified using a combination of gel‐based and gel‐free fractionation strategies
Authors: Målen Hiwa , Berven Frode S. , Søfteland Tina , Arntzen Magnus Øverlie , D'Santos Clive S. , De Souza Gustavo Antonio , Wiker Harald G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTuberculosis is an ancient disease that remains a significant global health problem. Because many membrane and membrane‐associated proteins of this pathogen represent potential targets for drugs, diagnostic probes or vaccine components, we have analysed Mycobacterium bovis, bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) substrain Moreau, using Triton X‐114 for extraction of lipophilic proteins, followed by identification with LC coupled MS/MS. We identified 351 different proteins in total, and 103 (29%) were predicted as integral membrane proteins with at least one predicted transmembrane region and another 84 (23.9%) proteins had a positive grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) value, indicating increased probability for membrane association. Altogether 43 predicted lipoproteins (Lpps) were identified which is close to 50% of the total number of Lpps in the genome. Fifty‐four proteins, including twenty‐four predicted integral membrane proteins and seven predicted Lpps are described for the first time. The proportion of hydrophobic membrane and membrane‐associated proteins shows that Triton X‐114 is a highly efficient method for extraction of membrane proteins from bacteria, without the need for preisolation of membranes. ATP synthase, NAD(P) transhydrogenase, ubiquinone oxidoreductase and ubiquinol–cytochrome C reductase appear to represent major enzyme complexes in the membrane of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms.