bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solid‐Supported Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Tripodal Peptides with Flexible but Preorganized Geometry: Towards Potential Serine Protease Mimics
Authors: Gea An , Farcy Nadia , Roqué i Rossell Núria , Martins José C. , De Clercq Pierre J. , Madder Annemieke 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTripodal scaffold 1 has been used in the synthesis of a representative member of a library of serine protease mimics, possessing three independent functionalized peptide chains on a central core. Each peptide chain contains one residue of the classical catalytic triad (serine, histidine and aspartate) found in the active site of the serine protease α‐chymotrypsin. A particular feature of the novel tripodal design is its essentially flexible yet preorganized structure as deduced from molecular modeling studies. The choice of suitable scaffold and side‐chain protecting groups was intensively studied and optimized to ensure complete orthogonality. Inclusion of a photolabile linker enabled the release of intermediates and final structures from the solid‐support polymer allowing positive evaluation of the present strategy for the synthesis of future tripodal libraries of serine protease mimics.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Development of Synthetic Strategies for the Construction of Pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidine Libraries – the Discovery of a New Class of PDE‐4 Inhibitors
Authors: Jang Mi‐Yeon , De Jonghe Steven , Gao Ling‐Jie , Rozenski Jef , Herdewijn Piet 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe synthesis of a pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidine library from 4,6‐diamino‐2‐bromonicotinamide and 4,6‐diaminonicotinamide is described. A systematic variation of the substituents at positions 2, 4, 5 and 7 of the pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidine scaffold was carried out, leading to a wide variety of structural analogues. This strategy led to the discovery of a new structural class of PDE‐4 inhibitors. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A complexomic study of Escherichia coli using two‐dimensional blue native/SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Authors: Lasserre Jean‐Paul , Beyne Emmanuelle , Pyndiah Slovénie , Lapaillerie Delphine , Claverol Stéphane , Bonneu Marc 
Published: July 2006

AbstractStudy of the complexome – all the protein complexes of the cell – is essential for a better understanding and more global vision of cell function. Using two‐dimensional blue native/SDS‐PAGE (2‐D BN/SDS‐PAGE) technology, the cytosolic and membrane protein complexes of Escherichia coli were separated. Then, the different partners of each protein complex were identified by LC‐MS/MS. In this report, 306 protein complexes were separated and identified. Among these protein complexes, 50 heteromultimeric and 256 homomultimeric protein complexes were found. Among the 50 heteromultimeric protein complexes, 18 previously described protein complexes validate the technology. In this study, 109 new protein complexes were found, providing insight into the function of previously uncharacterized bacterial proteins.
Electrophoresis of a toroid along the axis of a cylindrical pore
Authors: Hsu Jyh‐Ping , Kuo Chao‐Chung , Ku Ming‐Hong 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe electrophoresis of a toroid (doughnut‐shaped entity) along the axis of a long cylindrical pore is analyzed under the conditions of low surface potential and weak applied electric field. The system under consideration is capable of modeling the electrophoretic behavior of various types of biocolloid such as bacterial DNA, plasmid DNA, and anabaenopsis, in a confined space. The influences of the key parameters of the problem, including the sizes of a toroid, the radius of a pore, and the thickness of the double layer, on the electrophoretic mobility of a toroid are discussed. We show that the electrophoretic behavior of a toroid under typical conditions can be different from that of an integrated entity. For instance, although the presence of the pore wall has the effect of retarding the movement of a particle, it becomes advantageous if a toroid is sufficiently close to the boundary. Several interesting behaviors are also observed, for example, the mobility of a toroid when the boundary effect is significant can be larger than that when it is insignificant.
Age‐ versus time‐comparative self‐rated health in Hong Kong Chinese older adults
Authors: Li Zhi Bin , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin , Chan Wai Man , Ho Kin Sang , Li Mun Pik , Leung Gabriel M , Fielding Richard 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectivesThe main objectives were to examine the relation between age‐comparative (self vs others of same age) self‐rated health (SRH) and time‐comparative (self this year vs last year) SRH, and to evaluate which was more strongly associated with specific physical health problems.MethodsCross‐sectional data on two SRH measures and various physical health problems from 18749 male and 37413 female clients aged 65 or over from 18 Elderly Health Centres in Hong Kong were analysed using logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsMen were more likely to report ‘better’ and less likely to report ‘worse’ SRH than women. ‘Normal’ was the most common option but the proportions choosing this decreased with age on both SRH measures. There was a fairly weak but statistically significant correlation between these two measures, with Kappa coefficients of 0.125 and 0.167 for men and women, respectively. For both men and women, there were significantly positive linear trends between age‐comparative SRH options from ‘better’ to ‘worse’ and physical health problems, such as respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, any active chronic diseases, functional disability, depressive symptoms, taking medication regularly, and admission to hospital last year. However, for time‐comparative SRH, those who rated ‘normal’ had the smallest odds ratios in all of the physical health problems above than those who rated ‘better’ or ‘worse’.ConclusionsThe two SRH measures correlated with each other weakly but significantly. Age‐comparative SRH was linearly, and time‐comparative SRH was curvilinearly associated with physical health problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Falls of the elderly are associated with burden of caregivers in the community
Authors: Kuzuya Masafumi , Masuda Yuichiro , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Iwata Mitsunaga , Enoki Hiromi , Hasegawa Jun , Izawa Sachiko , Iguchi Akihisa 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundLittle attention has been paid to the impact on caregivers who provide care to a family member who has falls. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether falls of care recipients are associated with caregivers' burden.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 1874 community‐dwelling care recipients and 1478 caregivers was conducted. We examined the characteristics of care recipients and caregivers, including demographic characteristics, depressive mood as assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), the basic activities of daily living (bADL), fall history in the past 6 months, and physician‐diagnosed chronic diseases to determine whether there was an association with caregivers' burden as assessed by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).ResultsA total of 567 care recipients (30.3%) had a history of falls in the past 6 months. The mean ZBI score of caregivers with falls was significantly higher than that of caregivers without falls. There were negative correlations between the ZBI score and recipient bADL score and positive correlations between the ZBI score and GDS‐15 scores of the recipient and caregiver, the level of severity of dementia, and the Charlson comorbidity index. Male recipient, fall history, behavioral disturbance, and dementia had significantly higher ZBI scores than those of controls. The stepwise multiple regression analyses found that the GDS‐15 score of caregivers and recipients, level of severity of dementia, bADL score, and fall history were independently associated with the ZBI score.ConclusionAmong the community‐dwelling frail elderly, falls are associated with caregiver burden even when controlling for various possible confounding factors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcontact printing of laminin on oxygen plasma activated substrates for the alignment and growth of Schwann cells
Authors: Wang De‐Yao , Huang Yi‐Cheng , Chiang Hongsen , Wo Andrew M. , Huang Yi‐You 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMicroenvironment mimicking biological situation is a vital issue in tissue regeneration. With much progress being made, one of the major challenges remains to develop a convenient method to fabricate the scaffold microenvironment suitable for cell attachment and proliferation. This article demonstrates the efficacy of microcontact printed laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, on three different oxygen plasma treatment substrates—tissue culture polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate) films, and chitosan films—for alignment and growth of the Schwann cells in in vitro culturing. Replica molding of polydimethylsiloxane elastomeric stamps, fabricated from patterned SU‐8 structure on silicon master, was used to print laminin on the three substrates. Pattern and growth of Schwann cells for low (103 cells/cm2) and increased cell density (2 × 104 cells/cm2) on the varied substrates with and without microcontact printed laminin were characterized. Results of in vitro cell culture of Schwann cells showed a high degree of cell orientation on the laminin‐micropatterned substrates for both cell densities. However, different cell seeding densities will strongly impact the morphology and orientation of Schwann cells. Microcontact printing proves to be a convenient means to pattern cell‐recognition molecules on scaffold for cell‐guilded growth in tissue regeneration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
ETR‐3 represses Tau exons 2/3 inclusion, a splicing event abnormally enhanced in myotonic dystrophy type I
Authors: Leroy Olivier , Dhaenens Claire‐Marie , Schraen‐Maschke Suzanna , Belarbi Karim , Delacourte André , Andreadis Athena , Sablonnière Bernard , Buée Luc , Sergeant Nicolas , Caillet‐Boudin Marie‐Laure 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAltered splicing of transcripts, including the insulin receptor (IR) and the cardiac troponin (cTNT), is a key feature of myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1). CELF and MBNL splicing factor members regulate the splicing of those transcripts. We have previously described an alteration of Tau exon 2 splicing in DM1 brain, resulting in the favored exclusion of exon 2. However, the factors required for alternative splicing of Tau exon 2 remain undetermined. Here we report a decreased expression of CELF family member and MBNL transcripts in DM1 brains as assessed by RT‐PCR. By using cellular models with a control‐ or DM1‐like splicing pattern of Tau transcripts, we demonstrate that ETR‐3 promotes selectively the exclusion of Tau exon 2. These results together with the analysis of Tau exon 6 and IR exon 11 splicing in brain, muscle, and cell models suggest that DM1 splicing alteration of several transcripts involves various factors. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutralization of the chemokine CXCL10 reduces apoptosis and increases axon sprouting after spinal cord injury
Authors: Glaser Janette , Gonzalez Rafael , Sadr Ellika , Keirstead Hans S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by a secondary degenerative process that includes cell death. We have previously demonstrated that the chemokine CXCL10 is up‐regulated following SCI and plays a critical role in T‐lymphocyte recruitment to sites of injury and inhibition of angiogenesis; antibody‐mediated functional blockade of CXCL10 reduced inflammation while enhancing angiogenesis. We hypothesized, based on these findings, that the injury environment established by anti‐CXCL10 antibody treatment would support greater survival of neurons and enhance axon sprouting compared with the untreated, injured spinal cord. Here, we document gene array and histopathological data to support our hypothesis. Gene array analysis of treated and untreated tissue from spinal cord‐injured animals revealed eight apoptosis‐related genes with significant expression changes at 3 days postinjury. In support of these data, quantification of TUNEL‐positive cells at 3 days postinjury indicated a 75% reduction in the number of dying cells in treated animals compared with untreated animals. Gene array analysis of treated and untreated tissue also revealed six central nervous system growth‐related genes with significant expression changes in the brainstem at 14 days postinjury. In support of these data, quantification of anterograde‐labeled corticospinal tract fibers indicated a 60–70% increase in axon sprouting caudal to the injury site in treated animals compared with untreated animals. These findings indicate that anti‐CXCL10 antibody treatment provides an environment that reduces apoptosis and increases axon sprouting following injury to the adult spinal cord. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 expression profile differentiates adaptive and maladaptive synaptic plasticity induced by traumatic brain injury
Authors: Falo M.C. , Fillmore H.L. , Reeves T.M. , Phillips L.L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulatory matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is important in establishing and maintaining synaptic connectivity. By using fluid percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) and combined TBI and bilateral entorhinal cortical lesion (TBI + BEC), we previously demonstrated that hippocampal stromelysin‐1 (MMP‐3) expression and activity increased during synaptic plasticity. We now report a temporal analysis of MMP‐3 protein and mRNA response to TBI during both degenerative (2 day) and regenerative (7, 15 day) phases of reactive synaptogenesis. MMP‐3 expression during successful synaptic reorganization (following unilateral entorhinal cortical lesion; UEC) was compared with MMP‐3 expression when normal synaptogenesis fails (after combined TBI + BEC insult). Increased expression of MMP‐3 protein and message was observed in both models at 2 days postinjury, and immuohistochemical (IHC) colocalization suggested that reactive astrocytes contribute to that increase. By 7 days postinjury, model differences in MMP‐3 were observed. UEC MMP‐3 mRNA was equivalent to control, and MMP‐3 protein was reduced within the deafferented region. In contrast, enzyme mRNA remained elevated in the maladaptive TBI + BEC model, accompanied by persistent cellular labeling of MMP‐3 protein. At 15 days survival, MMP‐3 mRNA was normalized in each model, but enzyme protein remained higher than paired controls. When TBI + BEC recovery was enhanced by the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate antagonist MK‐801, 7‐day MMP‐3 mRNA was significantly reduced. Similarly, MMP inhibition with FN‐439 reduced the persistent spatial learning deficits associated with TBI + BEC insult. These results suggest that MMP‐3 might differentially affect the sequential phases of reactive synaptogenesis and exhibit an altered pattern when recovery is perturbed. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myotonic dystrophy expanded CUG repeats disturb the expression and phosphorylation of τ in PC12 cells
Authors: Hernández‐Hernández Oscar , Bermúdez‐de‐León Mario , Gómez Pablo , Velázquez‐Bernardino Prisiliana , García‐Sierra Francisco , Cisneros Bulmaro 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMental retardation is a main feature of the congenital form of myotonic dystrophy (DM1), however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the central nervous system symptoms of DM1 are poorly understood. We have established a PC12 cell line‐based model expressing the DM1 expanded CUG repeats (CTG90 cells) to analyze the effects of this mutation on neuronal functions. Previously, we have reported that CTG90 cells displayed impaired NGF‐induced neuronal differentiation. Because disruption of normal expression of the microtubule associated protein τ and neuronal aggregates of hyperphosphorylated τ have been associated with DM1, this study analyzes the behavior of τ in the CTG90 cells. Several alterations of τ were observed in the PC12 cells that express expanded CUG repeats, including a subtle but reproducible reduction in the expression of the τ mRNA splicing isoform containing exon 10, decreased expression of τ and hyperphosphorylation of both τ and high molecular weight τ as well as abnormal nuclear localization of τ phosphorylated at Ser396/404. Interestingly, phosphorylation regulates negatively the activity of τ as microtubule‐associated protein. In addition, impaired activity of the Akt/GSK3β pathway, which phosphorylates τ, was also identified in the CTG90 cells. Besides τ phosphorylation, the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway regulates other key processes of PC12 cells, such as apoptosis and neuronal differentiation. Our results indicate that defective neuronal differentiation exhibited by the PC12 cells expressing expanded CUG repeats could be the result of combinatory effects derived from the altered behavior of τ and the impaired activation of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of Myh9 in the mammalian cochlea: Localization within the stereocilia
Authors: Mhatre Anand N. , Li Yan , Atkin Graham , Maghnouj Abdel , Lalwani Anil K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMutations of non‐muscle myosin Type IIA or MYH9 are linked to syndromic or nonsyndromic hearing loss. The biologic function of MYH9 in the auditory organ and the pathophysiology of its dysfunction remain to be determined. The mouse represents an excellent model for investigating the biologic role of MYH9 in the cells and tissues affected by its dysfunction. A primary step toward the understanding of the role of MYH9 in hearing and its dysfunction is the documentation of its cellular and sub‐cellular localization within the cochlea, the auditory organ. We describe the localization of Myh9 within the mouse cochlea using a polyclonal anti‐Myh9‐antibody, generated against an 18 amino acid long peptide corresponding to the sequence at the C‐terminus of mouse Myh9. The anti‐Myh9 antibody identified a single, specific, immunoreactive band of 220 kDa in immunoblot analysis of homogenate from a variety of different mouse tissues. The Myh9 antibody cross‐reacts with the rat but not the human orthologue. Myh9 is expressed predominantly within the spiral ligament as well as in the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti. Confocal microscopy of cochlear surface preparations, identified Myh9 within the inner and outer hair cells and their stereocilia. Localization of Myh9 within the stereocilia raises the possibility that mutations of MYH9 may effect hearing loss though disruption of the stereocilia structure. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal graft‐versus‐host disease—Is rectal biopsy enough?
Authors: Nydegger Andreas , Catto‐Smith Anthony Graeme , Tiedemann Karin , Hardikar Winita 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundGraft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal GVHD can be difficult to establish and endoscopic diagnosis entails a procedural risk. The aim of this study was to determine whether rectal biopsy alone might be sufficient to establish or exclude the diagnosis of intestinal GVHD.MethodsA retrospective chart review of children with histological evidence of gastrointestinal GVHD after allogeneic BMT at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, between January 1981 and July 2004.ResultsDuring the study period, 264 patients received allogeneic BMT. Thirty‐three had either an upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, or both. Of these, 14 (8 M: 6 F, mean age 9 years 5 months at the time of BMT) had histological features suggestive of GVHD in at least one gastrointestinal biopsy. Overall, 9 of 14 could have been diagnosed with GVHD on the basis of rectal biopsies alone (negative predictive value: 64%). Gastroscopy was needed to establish the diagnosis in a further five patients. Multiple biopsies obtained from each site in the lower gastrointestinal tract showed similar histological findings, but there was frequent non‐agreement between biopsies obtained at differing sites within the upper gastrointestinal tract.ConclusionsBased on these results, we suggest that regardless of symptoms, rectal biopsy should initially be performed to identify gastrointestinal GVHD. Gastroscopy should be added only if the rectal biopsy is unhelpful and there is still good reason to suspect GVHD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:561–566. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of molding conditions on transcription molding of microscale prism patterns using ultra‐high‐speed injection molding
Authors: Yokoi H. , Han X. , Takahashi T. , Kim W.K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn this study, we performed a series of molding tests to investigate the potential of microscale transcription of polymer by ultra‐high‐speed injection molding (UHSIM). During the tests, the injection speed was varied up to a maximum of 995 mm/s. Polymethyl methacrylate was molded under various injection molding conditions, including cavity vacuum pumping process, so as to replicate an electroformed nickel stamper exhibiting V‐grooves with a pitch of 50 μm. Surface configurations of molded samples were observed and measured using a laser scanning microscope. The transcription ratio (TR) is defined as the ratio of the depths of V‐grooves in both the molded samples and the stamper. An excellent average TR of 0.97 was performed when molding at an injection rate of 800 cm3/s (injection speed of 995 mm/s), mold temperature of 80°C, and holding pressure of 120 MPa. In addition, the effect of vacuum on transcription molding was investigated in detail; the result proved that vacuum is an important factor in the enhancement of transcription fidelity. The strong influence of injection rate on the TR indicates the applicability of UHSIM to the field of transcription molding of polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1140–1146, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene ecocomposites filled with natural organic fillers
Authors: La Mantia F.P. , Morreale M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe use of natural organic fillers in addition to postconsumer recycled polymers is getting a growing interest during the last years; this is due to many advantages they can provide in terms of cost, aesthetic properties, environmental impact. In this work, several types of wood flour (differing each other with regard to production source and particle size) were added to a recycled polyethylene coming from films for greenhouses and the effects of filler type, content, and size were investigated. Investigation was then focused on the improvement of mechanical properties, through the addition of polar copolymers (ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid, ethylene‐vinyl acetate) and a maleic anhydride‐grafted‐grafted polyethylene (Licocene® PE MA 4351 TP), in order to try to overcome the poor adhesion between polar filler particles and nonpolar polymer chains. Investigation was also based on SEM micrographs. An overall positive influence of these additives was observed. Polym. Eng. Sci. 46:1131–1139, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.