bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal stabilizing controllers for linear discrete‐time stochastic systems
Authors: Feng Jun‐E , Lam James , Xu Shengyuan , Shu Zhan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe relationship between the spectral radius and the decay rate for discrete stochastic systems is investigated. Several equivalent conditions are obtained, which guarantee a specified decay rate of the closed‐loop systems. Based on the relationship, this paper provides a design method for state feedback controllers, which ensure that the closed‐loop systems converge as fast as possible. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the developed method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge of results and learning to tell the time in an adult male with an intellectual disability: a single‐subject research design
Authors: Applegate Samantha L , Rice Martin S , Stein Franklin , Maitra Kinsuk K 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe present study investigated whether knowledge of results, in the form of visual and audible feedback, would increase the accuracy of time‐telling in an individual with an intellectual disability. A 19‐year‐old male with mild intellectual disability participated in this A1–B1–A2–B2 single‐subject study design. The task involved correctly identifying the time given on a computer. Data, based on the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, showed that the participant demonstrated a greater number of correct responses during the intervention phases. Incorporating knowledge of results into a learning strategy for this individual with intellectual disability resulted in an increased ability to accurately identify the correct time on an analogue clock. There is a need to replicate the study design to increase the external validity and generalization of results. The strategies described in the present study may also be useful for occupational therapists who teach individuals with intellectual disability to gain skills in their everyday activities of daily living (ADLs). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of Notch pathway activation in the ectatic ducts of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Bhanot UK , Köhntop R , Hasel C , Möller P 
Published: December 2007

AbstractDuctal concretions in chronic pancreatitis (CP) are one of the causes of ductal obstruction, resulting in pancreatic ductal hypertension (PDH) and duct ectasia. Ductal epithelium subjected to chronic stress by PDH may undergo molecular alterations, thereby not only initiating and sustaining the inflammatory process but also activating molecules that have transforming potential. Acino‐ductal metaplasia and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) are frequently seen in CP. Using laser capture microdissection, cDNA microarrays and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis, we found an altered Notch pathway in the ectatic ducts of CP. The microarray data was further validated by real‐time PCR. We also found elevated transcripts of Notch receptors, Notch1 and Notch3 in microdissected ectatic ducts of CP. The Notch pathway ligands, Jagged/Delta‐like and a Notch target, HES‐related repressor protein (HERP), were up‐regulated in ectatic compared to normal pancreatic ducts, while another target of Notch, hairy/enhancer of split (HES), was down‐regulated. The transcripts of Delta‐like1 and Jagged1 were increased 3.7‐fold and 1.3‐fold, respectively, while those of HERP1 were elevated 2.4‐fold in the ectatic ducts of CP, compared to normal ducts. Immunohistochemistry showed that Jagged1 was not expressed in normal pancreatic ducts, while it was highly expressed in ectatic ducts. This pattern of Notch component alteration in ectatic ducts was mimicked to some extent in vitro in a human pancreatic duct epithelial (HPDE) cell line, when subjected to a pressure of 200 mmHg for 24 h. Therefore, we conclude that in the ectatic ducts of CP, PDH activates signalling pathways such as Notch, which have transforming potential. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gremlin localization and expression levels partially differentiate idiopathic interstitial pneumonia severity and subtype
Authors: Myllärniemi M , Vuorinen K , Pulkkinen V , Kankaanranta H , Aine T , Salmenkivi K , Keski‐Oja J , Koli K , Kinnula VL 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (histopathology of usual interstitial pneumonia, UIP) and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) are diseases characterized by loss of normal lung architecture and function. The differential diagnosis between IPF/UIP and NSIP may be difficult. The levels of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐4 antagonist gremlin are up‐regulated in IPF/UIP. The present study was performed to clarify whether the localization or the mRNA expression of gremlin or BMP‐4 could be used in the differential diagnosis or assessment of severity of IPF/UIP and NSIP. Gremlin and BMP‐4 immunoreactivities were quantitated from 24 UIP and 12 NSIP lung specimens. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed to compare gremlin and BMP‐4 expression between UIP (n = 8) and NSIP (n = 5) biopsies. Immunohistochemical positivity and mRNA levels were correlated to lung function parameters. In IPF/UIP biopsies, gremlin was detected mainly in the thickened lung parenchyma, whereas in NSIP it was observed in the alveolar epithelium. BMP‐4‐positive (BMP‐4+) cells were detected solely in the alveolar wall. The percentage of gremlin‐positive area was higher in IPF/UIP (5.1 ± 0.6) than in NSIP (1.8 ± 0.7) (n = 36, p < 0.0001). Gremlin mRNA levels were higher in advanced UIP (p = 0.008) and NSIP (p = 0.007) biopsies than in the normal control lung. A negative correlation was found between the specific diffusion capacity corrected for alveolar volume (DLCO/VA) and gremlin mRNA levels (r = − 0.69, p = 0.007). The highest numbers of BMP‐4+ cells were found in NSIP biopsies. BMP‐4 mRNA levels correlated positively with forced vital capacity (r = 0.801, p < 0.0001) and diffusion capacity. Parenchymal gremlin immunoreactivity is thus suggestive of a UIP‐type interstitial pneumonia. Gremlin expression levels correlating negatively and BMP‐4 levels positively with disease severity support recent observations of a fibroprotective role for the BMPs. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The significance of biochemical and molecular sample integrity in brain proteomics and peptidomics: Stathmin 2‐20 and peptides as sample quality indicators
Authors: Sköld Karl , Svensson Marcus , Norrman Mathias , Sjögren Benita , Svenningsson Per , Andrén Per E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractComparisons of transcriptional and translational expression in normal and abnormal states are important to reach an understanding of pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Maintaining the biochemical, molecular, and structural sample integrity is essential for correct sample comparisons. We demonstrate that both proteins and neuropeptides, including their PTMs, are subjected to massive degradation in the brain already 1 min postmortem. Further, markers for determining the integrity and status of a biological sample were identified. The protein fragment stathmin 2‐20 correlated well with the general level of postmortem degradation and may serve as a sample quality indicator for future work, both in animal and human postmortem brains. Finally, a novel method for preventing degradation of proteins and peptides in postmortem tissue is presented using rapid and uniform conductive heat transfer on tissue prior to the actual sample preparation procedures, which enables the relatively low‐abundant neuropeptides to remain intact, minimizes degradation of proteins by proteolysis, and conserves the PTMs of the neuropeptides.
“Glyco‐peakfinder” – de novo composition analysis of glycoconjugates
Authors: Maass Kai , Ranzinger René , Geyer Hildegard , von der Lieth Claus‐Wilhelm , Geyer Rudolf 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMass spectrometric techniques are the key technology for rapid and reliable glycan analysis. However, the lack of robust, dependable, and freely available software for the (semi‐) automatic annotation of mass spectra is still a severe bottleneck that hampers their rapid interpretation. In this article the “Glyco‐Peakfinder” web‐service is described allowing de novo determination of glycan compositions from their mass signals. Starting from a basic set of mandatory masses of glycan components, the calculation can be performed without any knowledge concerning the biological background of the sample or the fragmentation technique used. “Glyco‐Peakfinder” assigns all types of fragment ions including monosaccharide cross‐ring cleavage products and multiply charged ions. It provides full user control to handle modified glycans (persubstituted molecules, reducing‐end modifications, glycoconjugates) and ion types. The formula applied to calculate the fragment masses and an outline of the implemented algorithm are discussed. A systematic evaluation of the dependence of all factors influencing the computation time revealed strikingly different impact of the individual calculation steps. To provide access to known carbohydrate structures a “composition search” in the open access database GLYCOSCIENCES.de can be performed. The service is available at the URL: www.eurocarbdb.org/applications/ms‐tools.
Phosphorylation‐regulated cleavage of the reticulon protein Nogo‐B by caspase‐7 at a noncanonical recognition site
Authors: Schweigreiter Rüdiger , Stasyk Taras , Contarini Igea , Frauscher Silke , Oertle Thomas , Klimaschewski Lars , Huber Lukas A. , Bandtlow Christine E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractReticulons (RTNs) are a large family of transmembrane proteins present throughout the eukaryotic domain in virtually every cell type. Despite their wide distribution, their function is still mostly unknown. RTN4, also termed Nogo, comes in three isoforms, Nogo‐A, ‐B, and ‐C. While Nogo‐A has been described as potent inhibitor of nerve growth, Nogo‐B has been implicated in vascular remodeling and regulation of apoptosis. We show here that Nogo‐B gets cleaved by caspase‐7, but not caspase‐3, during apoptosis at a caspase nonconsensus site. By a combination of MS and site‐directed mutagenesis we demonstrate that proteolytic processing of Nogo‐B is regulated by phosphorylation of Ser16 within the cleavage site. We present cyclin‐dependent kinase (Cdk)1 and Cdk2 as kinases that phosphorylate Nogo‐B at Ser16 in vitro. In vivo, cleavage of Nogo‐B is markedly increased in Schwann cells in a lesion model of the rat sciatic nerve. Taken together, we identified an RTN protein as one out of a selected number of caspase targets during apoptosis and as a novel substrate for Cdk1 and 2. Furthermore, our data support a functionality of caspase‐7 that is distinct from closely related caspase‐3.
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion causes VDAC phosphorylation which is reduced by cardioprotection with a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor
Authors: Schwertz Hansjörg , Carter Justin M. , Abdudureheman Mulati , Russ Martin , Buerke Ute , Schlitt Axel , Müller‐Werdan Ursula , Prondzinsky Roland , Werdan Karl , Buerke Michael 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMyocardial ischemia (MI) and reperfusion (R) results in activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway. This pathway phosphorylates transcription factors and cytoplasmic proteins leading to expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines, increased neutrophil activation, and finally, myocardial necrosis and apoptosis. We studied the effects of a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, PD169316, on cardioprotection, protein expression, and tyrosine phosphorylation, in a rabbit model of 1 h of (MI) and 3 h of (R). PD169316 administered just before (R) significantly reduced myocardial neutrophil accumulation, necrosis area (28.4 ± 7.9% vs. 56.4 ± 7.9% necrosis/AAR), and CK release compared to a vehicle treated group (p<0.05). We found several proteins altered in expression following MI + R alone or with p38 inhibition including myofilament proteins, energetics proteins, heat shock proteins, and the mitochondrial porin VDAC‐1. p38 MAPK inhibition significantly reduced the phosphorylation of VDAC‐1 which is a known mitochondrial regulator of cell survival. Thus, p38 MAP kinase inhibition with PD169316 is cardioprotective, reduces neutrophil activation, and controls protein expression and phosphorylation in MI and reperfusion.
Expression of proteins containing disulfide bonds in an insect cell‐free system and confirmation of their arrangements by MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: Ezure Toru , Suzuki Takashi , Shikata Masamitsu , Ito Masaaki , Ando Eiji , Nishimura Osamu , Tsunasawa Susumu 
Published: December 2007

AbstractEscherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (AP) and human lysozyme (h‐LYZ), which contain two and four disulfide bonds, respectively, were expressed in a cell‐free protein synthesis system constructed from Spodoptera frugiperda 21 (Sf21) cells. AP was expressed in a soluble and active form using the insect cell‐free system under non‐reducing conditions, and h‐LYZ was expressed in a soluble and active form under non‐reducing conditions after addition of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). The in vitro synthesized proteins were purified by means of a Strep‐tag attached to their C termini. Approximately 41 μg AP and 30 μg h‐LYZ were obtained from 1 mL each of the reaction mixture. The efficiency of protein synthesis approached that measured under reducing conditions. Analysis of the disulfide bond arrangements by MALDI‐TOF MS showed that disulfide linkages identical to those observed in the wild‐type proteins were formed.
Protein Immobilization Using Atmospheric‐Pressure Dielectric‐Barrier Discharges: A Route to a Straightforward Manufacture of Bioactive Films
Authors: Heyse Pieter , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Paulussen Sabine , Hofkens Johan , Jacobs Pierre A. , Sels Bert F. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAn alternative single‐step method for biomolecule entrapment in atmospheric plasma polymers is described. Relying on our experience to fabricate organic coatings at mild plasma conditions, fluorescent proteins and an organic coating precursor were simultaneously introduced to the DBD. Fluorescence microscopy and spectrum analysis unambiguously illustrate the single‐step protein immobilization procedure using DBD. Moreover, in contrast to covalent immobilization procedures, the developed technique showed a homogeneous protein distribution in the coating.magnified image
Creation and Recombination of Free Radicals in Fluorocarbon Plasma Polymers: An Electron Spin Resonance Study
Authors: Haupt Michael , Barz Jakob , Oehr Christian 
Published: December 2007

AbstractGeneration and recombination processes of plasma‐induced radicals in plasma polymers are investigated using ESR, which provides valuable information about radicals in thin polymer films. The polymer films are prepared by means of r.f. plasma polymerization of c‐C4F8. Radical numbers and densities of fluorocarbon plasma polymer coatings of different thicknesses are measured by extrapolating mixed‐order recombination processes. The kinetics of radical generation in plasma polymer films is modeled using the results of the time‐dependent radical decay studies. The life times, line‐broadening effects, activation energies, and the temperature behavior of the radicals are discussed.magnified image
Modelling of ice‐wedge networks
Authors: Plug L. J. , Werner B. T. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe fundamental and dominant process operating in all ice‐wedge networks is thermal contraction fracturing. This assumption forms the basis of a numerical model combining fracture initiation and propagation in frozen ground and ice, influence of open fractures on stresses, growth of ice wedges and ground deformation above wedges (Plug and Werner, 2001, 2002). Modelled polygonal networks self‐organise through interactions between fractures, stress and re‐fracture in ice wedges. The resultant polygonal form feeds back on fracturing in individual ice wedges. Spacing, wedge width and fracture frequency in wedges do not reflect mean climate parameters, but instead are sensitive to infrequent climate events and initial conditions, and may vary even under stationary climate — meaning that ice‐wedge casts are difficult to use as estimators of past climate. Burn (2004) suggested that that some of the assumptions underlying the model are incorrect in that they either misrepresent field conditions or ignore crucial site‐specific factors. These criticisms misread and invert the goal of our work, shared in part by any modelling exercise or field investigation, which is to elucidate common, robust behaviours and characteristics across a range of sites rather than to reproduce or describe in precise terms a particular instance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects on litter‐dwelling earthworms and microbial decomposition of soil‐applied imidacloprid for control of wood‐boring insects
Authors: Kreutzweiser David P , Good Kevin P , Chartrand Derek T , Scarr Taylor A , Holmes Stephen B , Thompson Dean G 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Imidacloprid is an effective, systemic insecticide for the control of wood‐boring insect pests in trees. Systemic applications to trees are often made by soil injections or drenches, and the resulting imidacloprid concentrations in soil or litter may pose a risk of harm to natural decomposer organisms. The authors tested effects of imidacloprid on survival and weight gain or loss of the earthworms Eisenia fetida (Savigny) and Dendrobaena octaedra (Savigny), on leaf consumption rates and cocoon production by D. octaedra and on microbial decomposition activity in laboratory microcosms containing natural forest litter.RESULTS: Dendrobaena octaedra was the most sensitive of the two earthworm species, with an LC50 of 5.7 mg kg−1, an LC10 of about 2 mg kg−1 and significant weight losses among survivors at 3 mg kg−1. Weight losses resulted from a physiological effect rather than from feeding inhibition. There were no effects on cocoon production among survivors at 3 mg kg−1. The LC50 for E. fetida was 25 mg kg−1, with significant weight losses at 14 mg kg−1. There were no significant effects on microbial decomposition of leaf material at the maximum test concentration of 1400 mg kg−1.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that, when imidacloprid is applied as a systemic insecticide to the soil around trees, it is likely to cause adverse effects on litter‐dwelling earthworms if concentrations in the litter reach or exceed about 3 mg kg−1. Copyright © 2007 Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Canada, Canadian Forest Service. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of sticky traps and insecticides to prevent gall induction by Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) on Ficus benjamina
Authors: Held David W , Boyd Jr David W 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman was first detected in North America from galls on weeping fig (Ficus benjamina L.) in 2003. It has been reported from ten states in the continental United States, Hawaii, Trinidad and Costa Rica. Adult thrips induce leaves to fold permanently along the midvein, making it a significant pest of weeping fig. Studies were initiated to determine monitoring methods and establish control recommendations.RESULTS: Comparison of captures of adult G. uzeli on blue, yellow, white and green sticky traps found yellow to be the most effective color. Yellow traps were effective for capturing adult Thripastichus gentilei (del Guercio), a larval parasitoid of G. uzeli. Thrips were first captured around 10:00 h. Captures peaked around 15:00–16:00 h and typically ceased by 21:00 h. Systemic neonicotinoid insecticides applied to container media were ineffective against adult G. uzeli feeding on foliage, and foliar applications of these products provided ≤7 days control. Conventional products provided satisfactory control after 1 day, but efficacy declined thereafter. Bifenthrin provided ≥ 14 days residual control of adults.CONCLUSION: This paper represents the first report of monitoring phlaeothripids with sticky traps. Data from multiple trials suggest that products effective against other thrips have limited use against G. uzeli. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Combined effects of termiticides and mechanical stress on chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe
Authors: Smith Joseph A , Saunders Justin , Koehler Philip G 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: CPVC pipe failures have recently been reported beneath structures as a result of termiticide soil treatments. To determine whether these CPVC failures were actually caused by termiticides, CPVC tubes were filled with 50 mL of either termiticide concentrate, dilutions or treated builder's sand and sealed. Mechanical stress was added to these sealed tubes by hanging bricks from their ends.RESULTS: As concentrates, eight of nine emulsifiable concentrates tested caused failure within 8 weeks. None of the three suspensible concentrates tested caused failure over this period. Dilution of emulsifiable concentrates caused progressively fewer CPVC tube failures. No treated soils caused tube failures. Excessive CPVC glue applications in combination with chlorpyrifos 440 g kg−1 EC (Dursban™ TC) degraded the CPVC. All volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the termiticide formulations caused CPVC tube failure within 1 week as pure chemicals. The VOC 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene caused CPVC tube failure within minutes of exposure. This VOC was found in all termiticides that caused failures as concentrates.CONCLUSION: It is highly improbable that a properly conducted preconstruction soil treatment, where termiticide is completely adsorbed to the soil, would be solely responsible for CPVC pipe failure. Manufacturers should consider removing 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene from termiticide formulations to minimize the risk of CPVC pipe failure. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Inhibitory activity against plant pathogenic fungi of extracts from Myoporum bontioides A. Gray and indentification of active ingredients
Authors: Yecheng Deng , Zhen Yang , Yanzhen Yu , Xiulian Bi 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: In order to understand the bioactivity of Myoporum bontioides A. Gray against plant pathogens and determine its active ingredients, the inhibitory activities of methanol extracts from M. bontioides against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (E. F. Smith) Snyder & Hansen, Pestalotia mangiferae P. Henn., Thielaviopsis paradoxa (De Seynes) v. Hohnel, Colletotrichum musae (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) v. Arx, Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Mycosphaerella sentina (Fr.) Schroter and Sphaceloma fawcettii Jenk. were evaluated using a growth rate method, and the active ingredient was isolated by activity‐directed isolation and identified by determination and analysis of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra and correlative physical constants.RESULTS: The results showed that the extracts from stems and leaves of M. bontioides exhibited inhibitory activity against the seven fungi, with > 58% inhibition at 10 g L−1 after 72 h. The active compound was isolated and identified as (−)‐epingaione, and showed inhibitory activity against the above seven fungi. The inhibitory activity against P. mangiferae was the highest, with an EC50 value of 77 mg L−1. The EC50 values against the other six fungi were 147–245 mg L−1. (−)‐Epingaione also inhibited spore germination of F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, T. paradoxa and S. fawcettii.CONCLUSION: (−)‐Epingaione demonstrated broad‐spectrum inhibitory activity against plant pathogenic fungi and is promising for exploitation as a fungicide. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry