bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Changes in Urinary Prostate‐Specific Antigenic Activity in Male Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscaa fuscata)
Authors: Sato Itaru , Yoshikawa Atsuko , Ishiwari Atsuya , Shimizu Keiko
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT: Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is usually detected in male adult urine and semen according to the Tanner stage development of males from birth to adolescence. To further study the pituitary‐testicular axis in males, we determined urinary PSA levels in primates. Urinary PSA was detected with the use of anti‐human PSA monoclonal antibody in male adult Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscaa fuscata) of seasonal breeding status. PSA activity in aseasonal animals (crab‐eating macaques, Macaca fascisularis) did not change throughout the year; however, alterations in PSA activity were observed in Japanese macaques during breeding season, with the highest levels observed between October and January, the lowest levels between January and June, and a gradual increase in PSA activity observed from August until October. Although primate urinary PSA produces 2 polypeptide bands of approximately 55 and 33 kd, in addition to a band corresponding to human urinary PSA, the 33‐kd polypeptide band was less pronounced during nonbreeding season in Japanese macaques. Urinary testosterone (T) levels in seasonally breeding animals (Japanese macaques) changed in parallel with urinary PSA levels. When urinary PSA and T levels were compared among animals during the breeding season (from October to February) and the nonbreeding season (from March to September), significantly increased PSA and T levels were observed during the breeding season. Furthermore, PSA and T levels in a monkey housed in a cage placed between 2 female cages were elevated compared with other monkeys. Increased PSA activity was observed concurrent with menstrual blood loss in females. These results suggest a link between PSA activity and testosterone levels, which could be influenced by changes in the female menstrual cycle.
Reproductive Parameters of Community‐Dwelling Men From 2 Regions in Flanders Are Associated With the Consumption of Self‐Grown Vegetables
Authors: Dhooge Willem , Van Larebeke Nicolas , Comhaire Frank , Kaufman Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT: Although regional differences in semen parameters have been described, little is known about the etiologic factors underlying these variations in male fertility status. We previously reported people from a rural area (Peer) in Flanders to have lower sperm parameters and free testosterone than men from the city of Antwerp. In the present study, our objectives were to investigate to what extent these differences were associated with lifestyle or environmental factors. People in Peer were slightly older and had a higher body mass index, factors known to affect testosterone concentrations but not sperm parameters. People consuming locally produced vegetables (n = 37 of 94) but not fruit had significantly lower serum free testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) (both P = .04) and nonsignificantly lower follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) (P = .05). Per unit increase of monthly intake of locally produced vegetables, free testosterone declined by 0.7% (P = .01) and sperm concentration by 2.3% (P = .04) over the whole range of the explanatory variable, whereas LH declined by 3.6% (P = .02), FSH declined by 3.5% (P = .08), and sperm morphology by 7% (P = .002) in the range of 0–10 consumptions per month. No relationship was found with lifelong exposure to cadmium. These results support a hypothesis of impaired gonadotropic signaling causing the regional difference in reproductive parameters. The surprising strong impact of self‐grown vegetable consumption did not seem to be related to soil contamination by cadmium. We could not exclude pesticide exposure by inappropriate application or other factors such as nutritional deficiency, physical activity, or stress as contributors to the observed regional differences.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor‐Modulated Rat Leydig Cell Functions
Authors: Del Bravo Jessica , Catizone Angela , Ricci Giulia , Galdieri Michela
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulates many cellular functions acting through c‐Met, its specific tyrosine kinase receptor. We previously reported that in prepuberal rats HGF is secreted by the peritubular myoid cells during the entire postnatal testicular development and by the Sertoli cells only at puberty. We have also demonstrated that germ cells at different stages of development express c‐Met and that HGF modulates germ cell proliferation and apoptosis. In the present article, we extend our study to the interstitial compartment of the testis and demonstrate that the c‐Met protein is present on Leydig cells. The receptor is functionally active as demonstrated by the detected effects of HGF. We report in this article that HGF significantly increases the amount of testosterone secreted by the Leydig cells and decreases the number of Leydig cells undergoing apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of HGF is mediated by caspase‐3 activity because the amount of the active fragment of the enzyme is decreased in Leydig cells cultured in the presence of HGF. However, treatment with the growth factor does not modify the expression levels of caspase‐3 mRNA. These data indicate that HGF regulates the functional activities of Leydig cells. Interestingly, the steroidogenetic activity of the cells is increased by HGF in cultured explants of testicular tissues as well as the antiapoptotic effect of HGF. Therefore, our data indicate that HGF has a crucial role in the regulation of male fertility.
Exogenous Testosterone Alone or With Finasteride Does Not Improve Measurements of Cognition in Healthy Older Men With Low Serum Testosterone
Authors: Vaughan Camille , Goldstein Felicia C. , Tenover J. Lisa
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT: Testosterone (T) levels decline as men age, but it is unclear whether this has an effect on cognition. Some studies indicate that lower T levels are associated with memory loss; thus, maintaining a higher T level could have positive effects on aspects of cognitive function. Concerns exist, however, about the effect of T therapy on the prostate in older men. We hypothesized that T replacement in older men with low T levels would improve aspects of cognitive function and that the addition of finasteride would not affect the T‐induced cognitive improvements. Healthy men, 65 to 83 years of age, with baseline total T below 350 ng/dL and no evidence of cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 regimens: 200 mg of T every 2 weeks by intramuscular injection with placebo pill daily (T‐only), 200 mg of T every 2 weeks by intramuscular injection with 5 mg of finasteride daily (T+F), or placebo injections and pills (placebo). Sixty‐nine men completed baseline cognitive testing; 65 completed at least 4 months, and 46 completed all 36 months of the study. Participants were given a battery of cognitive evaluations at baseline, 4 months, and 36 months, along with measurement of serum hormone levels. Serum total T, bioavailable T, and estradiol levels in the T‐only and T+F groups significantly increased throughout the treatment period, whereas these hormone levels did not change in the placebo group. Only minimally significant differences were seen among the 3 groups in any evaluation of cognitive performance, either in the short‐term (4 months) or the long‐term (36 months) analysis. These results indicate that T replacement, whether given alone or in combination with finasteride, for 36 months in healthy older men without cognitive impairment at baseline has no clinically significant effect on tests of cognitive function. Further studies are warranted to determine whether hormone replacement in men with preexisting cognitive impairment is beneficial.
Mice Lacking Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein‐1 (RKIP‐1) Have Altered Sperm Capacitation and Reduced Reproduction Rates With a Normal Response to Testicular Injury
Authors: Moffit Jeffrey S. , Boekelheide Kim , Sedivy John M. , Klysik Jan
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT: Raf kinase inhibitor protein‐1 (RKIP‐1) belongs to the phosphatidyl ethanolamine‐binding family of proteins (PEBP), which are highly conserved throughout evolution and widely expressed in tissues of mammalian organisms. RKIP‐1 is a modulator of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), and G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling cascades and is implicated as a factor in numerous physiological processes and disease states including metastasis. Testicular germ cells also express high levels of RKIP mRNA during spermatogenesis, particularly from late pachytene spermatocytes through step 15 elongate spermatids. Therefore, the sensitivity of spermatogenesis to injury was compared in wild‐type and RKIP‐1−/‐ mice. Unlike what has been described with tumor suppressors such as p53, RKIP‐1−/‐ and wild‐type mice were equally sensitive to germ cell toxicity by x‐irradiation as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) positivity 9 hours after a 5 Gy exposure and testicular spermatid head counts 15.5 days after 0.5 Gy exposure. Recent findings also indicate that RKIP is a decapacitation factor receptor on sperm. The present study demonstrates that sperm from RKIP‐deficient mice are precociously capacitated compared with their wild‐type counterparts. Data from mating experiments indicate decreased reproduction rates between crosses of RKIP‐1−/‐ male mice and either heterozygous or RKIP‐1−/‐ females. Furthermore, RKIP immunolocalization of epididymal sperm supports transfer of the protein from germ cell cytoplasm to the sperm via the cytoplasmic droplet during epididymal transport. Overall, these studies indicate an important role for RKIP in reproduction as a modulator of capacitation but not in the regulation of testicular injury.
A Shifting Paradigm in the Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Graduate Students
Authors: Poock Michael C.
Published: October 2007

Efforts to recruit and retain a diverse graduate population at colleges and universities are undergoing a paradigm shift. Diversity has traditionally been operationalized as racial minority, yet recent court decisions have indicated that such a definition is legally problematic. As a result, institutional leaders are moving toward defining diversity in terms of “underrepresented.” However, little is known about the specific activities institutions are undertaking to attract and retain underrepresented graduate students. This study presents the results of a national survey of members of the National Association of Graduate Admission Professionals on the efforts their institutions are undertaking to attract and retain underrepresented graduate students as well as their perceived effectiveness of such activities.
Keeping Women Students in Technology: Preliminary Evaluation of an Intervention
Authors: Wasburn Mara H. , Miller Susan G.
Published: October 2007

Increasingly, companies and corporations are seeking to diversify areas of their workforce that are predominantly male. Many of the positions in these areas are highly technical. However, despite abundant opportunities, women are not preparing themselves for technology-related careers. To develop a first step toward addressing this problem, a partnership was developed between the College of Technology at Purdue University and John Deere Corporation in 2002. In this article, we will present an overview of the first semester freshman seminar Tech 101 Women in Technology: Exploring the Possibilities, that emerged as a product of this partnership. We will discuss the results of a survey of students' attitudes and beliefs about women in technology-related disciplines, administered before and after each semester of the seminar; compare the preliminary results from those surveys to the same survey administered to a control group; and evaluate the course as a strategy for retaining women students in technology and engineering.
Acute Diabetes Moderates Trafficking of Cardiac Lipoprotein Lipase Through p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase–Dependent Actin Cytoskeleton Organization
Authors: Kim Min Suk , Kewalramani Girish , Puthanveetil Prasanth , Lee Vivian , Kumar Ujendra , An Ding , Abrahani Ashraf , Rodrigues Brian
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—Heart disease is a leading cause of death in diabetes and could occur because of excessive use of fatty acid for energy generation. Our objective was to determine the mechanisms by which AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) augments cardiac lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the enzyme that provides the heart with the majority of its fatty acid.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used diazoxide in rats to induce hyperglycemia or used 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and thrombin to directly stimulate AMPK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), respectively, in cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS—There was a substantial increase in LPL at the coronary lumen following 4 h of diazoxide. In these diabetic animals, phosphorylation of AMPK, p38 MAPK, and heat shock protein (Hsp)25 produced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement to facilitate LPL translocation to the myocyte surface and, eventually, the vascular lumen. AICAR activated AMPK, p38 MAPK, and Hsp25 in a pattern similar to that seen with diabetes. AICAR also appreciably enhanced LPL, an effect reduced by preincubation with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 or by cytochalasin D, which inhibits actin polymerization. Thrombin activated p38 MAPK in the absence of AMPK phosphorylation. Comparable with diabetes, activation of p38 MAPK and, subsequently, Hsp25 phosphorylation and F-actin polymerization corresponded with an enhanced LPL activity. SB202190 and silencing of p38 MAPK also prevented these effects induced by thrombin and AICAR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS—We propose that AMPK recruitment of LPL to the cardiomyocyte surface (which embraces p38 MAPK activation and actin cytoskeleton polymerization) represents an immediate compensatory response by the heart to guarantee fatty acid supply when glucose utilization is compromised.
An ABCC8 Gene Mutation and Mosaic Uniparental Isodisomy Resulting in Atypical Diffuse Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Hussain Khalid , Flanagan Sarah E. , Smith Virpi V. , Ashworth Michael , Day Michael , Pierro Agostino , Ellard Sian
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) may be due to diffuse or focal pancreatic disease. The diffuse form is associated with an increase in the size of β-cell nuclei throughout the whole of the pancreas and most commonly results from recessive ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) mutations. Focal lesions are the consequence of somatic uniparental disomy for a paternally inherited KATP channel mutation with enlargement of the β-cell nuclei confined to the focal lesion. Some “atypical” cases defy classification and show pancreatic β-cell nuclear enlargement confined to discrete regions of the pancreas. We investigated an atypical case with normal morphology within the tail of the pancreas but occasional enlarged endocrine nuclei in parts of the body and head.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— The KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes encoding the KATP channel subunits and microsatellite markers on chromosome 11 were analyzed in DNA samples from the patient and her parents.

RESULTS— A mosaic ABCC8 nonsense mutation (Q54X) was identified in the proband. The paternally inherited mutation was present at 90% in lymphocytes and 50% in normal pancreatic sections but between 64 and 74% in abnormal sections. Microsatellite analysis showed mosaic interstitial paternal uniparental isodisomy (UPD) for chromosome 11p15.1.

CONCLUSIONS— We report a novel genetic mechanism to explain atypical histological diffuse forms of CHI due to mosaic UPD in patients with dominantly inherited ABCC8 (or KCNJ11) gene mutations.
Stem cell potential for type 1 diabetes therapy
Authors: Roche Enrique , Ramírez Miriam , Ramírez-Castillejo Carmen , Gómez-Mauricio Guadalupe , Usón Jesús
Published: October 2007

Stem cells have been considered as a useful tool in Regenerative Medicine due to two main properties: high rate of self-renewal, and their potential to differentiate into all cell types present in the adult organism. Depending on their origin, these cells can be grouped into embryonic or adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from the inner cell mass of blastocyst, which appears during embryonic day 6 of human development. Adult stem cells are present within various tissues of the organism and are responsible for their turnover and repair. In this sense, these cells open new therapeutic possibilities to treat degenerative diseases such as type 1 diabetes. This pathology is caused by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in the lack of insulin production. Insulin injection, however, cannot mimic β-cell function, thus causing the development of important complications. The possibility of obtaining β-cell surrogates from either embryonic or adult stem cells to restore insulin secretion will be discussed in this review.
Biweekly CHOP therapy improves therapeutic effect in the non-GCB subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Qingyuan , Wang Jingxuan , Wang Jincai
Published: October 2007

CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) is accepted as the best available standard treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients; however, the therapeutic efficacy seems unsatisfactory. Additional rituximab will improve the cure rate, but it is not popular in China because of its increased medical cost. Germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes distinction have been described as independent prognostic factors, and provides likelihood for cure with chemotherapy. The aim of the study is to explore the association between Immunophenotype and treatment regimen. Between August 2003 and May 2006, 66 patients with DLBCL were enrolled, according to immunohistochemistry results (GCB and non-GCB phenotype), randomly assigned to receive either six to eight cycles of CHOP every 2 weeks or standard CHOP every 3 weeks. After a median follow-up duration of 32 months (range of 4 to 42 months), an estimated 3-year overall survival (OS) rate for the GCB patients were 68.2% and 55.6% for the biweekly CHOP regimen and standard CHOP regimen respectively, while the data were 62.8% and 37.9% respectively for the non-GCB cases. The biweekly CHOP therapy showed higher efficacy than standard treatment, and its superiority was more obvious with the non-GCB subgroup. All rights reserved.
Skeletal SPECT/CT of the peripheral extremities -interdisciplinary approach in orthopaedic disorders-first clinical results
Authors: Wuest Wolfgang , Kuwert Torsten , Grunewald Markus , Bautz Werner , Forst Raimund , Mauerer Andreas , Linke Rainer
Published: October 2007

Bone scintigraphy, although quite sensitive to detect skeletal lesions, has a comparatively low specificity. Hybrid-cameras combining single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and spiral-CT offer the opportunity to correlate scintigraphic information with high-quality visualization of morphology in one session. This may lead to an improvement in diagnostic accuracy and anatomic lesion localization. We present 11 patients, who underwent SPECT/CT of the feet (n=10) and hands (n = 1). The examinations were performed due to pain in foot or hand with the following suspected clinical diagnoses: arthrosis (n=1); fracture (n=3); osteomyelitis (n=4); reflex dystrophia (n=1); and, pain of unclear origin (n=2). All patients underwent SPECT/CT hybrid imaging using a dual-headed SPECT camera integrated with a 2-slice spiral CT scanner in one gantry. SPECT, CT, and SPECT/CT were evaluated independently from each other with respect to main diagnosis, anatomic lesion localization, and detection of a possible additional diagnosis. SPECT/CT improved lesion localization in 8 of 11 patients (73%) in comparison to SPECT alone, and in 4 of 11 patients (36%) in comparison to CT alone. Diagnostic accuracy was improved in 4 of 11 patients (36%) in comparison to either SPECT or CT alone. In conclusion, skeletal SPECT/CT improves diagnostic accuracy and lesion localization of orthopedic disorders in the feet and hands. The obtained results encouraged extensive studies to further investigate the potential gain in diagnostic accuracy brought about by SPECT/spiral-CT hybrid imaging in orthopedic disorders of the peripheral extremities.
Metabolic syndrome and its components in relation to brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in middle-aged Taiwanese males
Authors: Chang Jin-Biou , Chu Nain-Feng , Wang Shu-Chuan , Wu Der-Min
Published: October 2007

To evaluate the association of The study is to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indirect marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, in middle-aged Taiwanese males. A total of 442 men aged 40 to 65 years were included in this cross-sectional survey. Arterial stiffness was measured using a non-invasive method by baPWV. MS is defined by the presence of ≥ 3 components using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. The mean baPWV was 1478.6 and 1520.3 cm/sec in normal-weight and overweight adults, respectively. Age, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) correlated with baPWV levels in normal-weight and overweight males. In multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, MS and its components (such as high BP and high FBG) were significantly associated with abnormal baPWV (≥1400 cm/sec) (p < 0.001). MS and its components are significantly associated with abnormal baPWV in Taiwanese middle-aged males and in addition, high BP was the component of MS most significantly associated with abnormal baPWV.
Polymorphisms of the uridine-diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase 1A1 gene and coronary artery disease
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Jung , Chen Meng-Jung , Liao Yung-Liang , Liao Tung-Nan
Published: October 2007

Bilirubin, an antioxidant in the blood, plays a role in protection from atherosclerosis. The level of bilirubin is highly correlated to the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Unconjugated bilirubin is conjugated with glucuronic acid through the reaction of uridine 5′-diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1). The interactions of CAD and the variations in the coding regions of the UGT1A1 gene have never been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of the UGT1A1 variant on the incidence of CAD. There were 135 participants in this study: 61 in the experimental group, who had CAD, and 74 in the control group, who did not have CAD. The blood samples from all 135 participants were collected and assayed to clarify the relationship between bilirubin and CAD. The assay of the polymerase chain reaction and the sequence of the UGT1A1 gene were examined to find the gene’s polymorphisms. The bilirubin levels for the participants in the control group were significantly higher than for the patients in the CAD group. Although the concentration of bilirubin in the UGT1A1 variant was higher than the wild type for the patients in the CAD group, there was no significant difference in the polymorphism of UGT1A1 between the patients in the CAD group and the participants in the control group.
The inhibition of in vivo tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma (OS)-732 cells by antisense human osteopontin RNA
Authors: Liu Si-Jin , Zhang Dao-Qiang , Sui Xiu-Mei , Zhang Lin , Cai Zi-Wei , Sun Li-Qiu , Liu Ya-Jun , Xue Yan , Hu Guo-Fa
Published: October 2007

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted, non-collagenous, sialic acid-rich protein which functions by mediating cell-matrix interactions and cellular signaling via binding with integrins and CD44 receptors. An increasing number of studies have shown that OPN plays an important role in controlling cancer progression and metastasis. OPN was found to be expressed in many human cancer types, and in some cases, its over-expression was shown to be directly associated with poor patient prognosis. In vitro cancer cell line and animal model studies have clearly indicated that OPN can function in regulating the cell signaling that ultimately controls the oncogenic potential of various cancers. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that OPN is highly expressed in human osteosarcoma (OS) cell line OS-732. In this study, we successfully reduced the tumorigenecity of OS-732 cells xenotransplanted into nude mice, using the antisense human OPN (hOPN) RNA expression vector.
Activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in high pressure-induced apoptosis of murine erythroleukemia cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeo , Hashiguchi Kenji , Katsuki Satoshi , Iwamoto Wakako , Tsuruhara Shoichiro , Terada Shigeyuki
Published: October 2007

We previously demonstrated that caspase-3, an executioner of apoptosis, is activated in the pressure-induced apoptosis of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells (at 100 MPa). Here, we examined the pathway of caspase-3 activation using peptide substrates and caspase inhibitors. Using the substrates of caspases-8 and -9, it was found that both are activated in cells under high pressure. The production of nuclei with sub-G1 DNA content in 100 MPa-treated MEL cells was suppressed by inhibitors of caspases-8 and -9, and pan-caspase. In 100 MPa-treated cells, pan-caspase inhibitor partially prevented the cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and the breakdown of mitochondrial membrane potential. These results suggest that the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways are activated in apoptotic signaling during the high pressure-induced death of MEL cells.
A 900-Years Larch Chronology for North-Western Siberia on the Bases of Archaeological Wood of the UST-Voykar Settlement
Authors: Gurskaya Marina
Published: October 2007

During 2003-2006 summer excavation seasons of the Ust-Voykar settlement (65°40' N, 64°30' E) located in northwestern Siberia on the left bank of Gornaya Ob river, 121 samples of larch were collected. Living trees collected nearby were used to cross-date settlement construction. On the basis of living larch trees a 446 year (1554-1999) chronology has been constructed. Calendar dates for 101 samples of archaeological wood were established by cross-dating. Together, the living and archeological material result in a 903 year long chronology. This chronology shows similar variations as the Yamal and Polar Ural chronologies and provides new material that can be included in future climatic reconstructions.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Oxidation of Some Thioacids by Butyltriphenylphosphonium Dichromate
Authors: Dilsha K.M. , Kothari Seema
Published: October 2007

The oxidation of thioglycollic, thiolactic and thiomalic acids by butyltriphenylphosphonium dichromate (BTPPD) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) yielded the corresponding disulfide as the product. The reaction is first order with respect to BTPPD, however, second-order dependences of the rate were found on the concentrations of both the thioacid and hydrogen ions. The rate of oxidation of thiolactic acid (TLA) was determined in nineteen organic solvents. An analysis of the solvent effect by multiparametric equations indicated the cation-solvating power of the solvents to be most significant. A mechanism has been proposed involving the formation of a thioester in a pre-equilibrium, followed by its decomposition in the slow step.
A Kinetic Model for the Aqueous Degradation of MTBE by Fe0/H2O2
Authors: Al-Ananzeha Nada M. , Bergendahlb John A. , Thompsona Robert W.
Published: October 2007

Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is a possible human carcinogen that has been used as a gasoline oxygenate at concentrations of up to 15% by volume for about 45 years in the US. However, its high water solubility has exacerbated spills at gasoline stations, sometimes resulting in local groundwater MTBE contamination levels of over 100 mg/L. Advanced oxidation using Fe0 and H2O2 is a promising technique for mineralizing organic contaminants, but current understanding of the remediation chemistry needs to be improved to facilitate design of subsurface or engineered systems.

A kinetic model for the degradation of MTBE in batch systems applying zero-valent iron (Fe0) andhydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidation in aqueous solution was developed. The model includes: H2O2 and water chemistry, iron speciation, and MTBE oxidation reactions. H2O2/water and MTBE degradation equilibrium and reaction rate parameters were taken from the literature. Reaction rate and equilibrium parameters for iron speciation were taken from the literature, or from our prior work. The rate constant for the dissolution of Fe0 was found from this work. The model was compared to experimental data from the literature for MTBE degradation using Fe0/H2O2
One night at sea: effects of verbal priming on perceptions and recollections of wartime events
Authors: Durkin Kevin , Kirsner Kim , Dunn John C.
Published: October 2007

This study investigates perceptions of and memory for a filmed ambiguous event, intended to simulate features of a contentious naval incident that occurred during World War II. Participants viewed a short film that contained elements attributable to a storm or a battle at sea. In different conditions, test instructions mentioned speculation about the possibility of a storm or a battle, or were neutral. Participants exposed to the battle prime were significantly more likely to describe a battle taking place than were participants exposed to either a storm or neutral prime. Evidence of the influence of expectations was also obtained via a recognition measure and confidence ratings. Memory biases were unchanged 7 weeks post the initial viewing. It is concluded that observers of ambiguous events during times of war are vulnerable to errors based on schematic expectations and that these patterns of errors can be replicated in laboratory simulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epoxy‐Based Fibre Reinforced Nanocomposites
Authors: Njuguna J. , Pielichowski K. , Alcock J. R.
Published: October 2007

The modification of epoxy resins with nanoparticles could endow the materials with some superior properties such as broadening of the glass transition temperatures, modest increases in the glassy modulus, low dielectric constant, and significant increases in key mechanical properties. In the last 15 years, some studies have shown the potential improvement in properties and performances of fibre reinforced polymer matrix materials in which nano and micro‐scale particles were incorporated. From the existing literature, considerable effort has been given to the synthesis and processing of these unique polymers, but relatively little work has focused on the fibre reinforced epoxy composites. The purpose of this work, therefore, is to review the available literature in epoxy‐fibre reinforced composites manufactured using carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibre and nanoclays for reinforcement.
Heck Reactions with Very Low Ligandless Catalyst Loads Accelerated by Microwaves or Simultaneous Microwaves/Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Palmisano Giovanni , Bonrath Werner , Boffa Luisa , Garella Davide , Barge Alessandro , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: October 2007

Heck couplings were carried out ligandless in air with very low catalyst loads under microwave or simultaneous microwave/ultrasound irradiation. Using ligand‐free palladium(II) acetate [Pd(OAc)2] in the range of 0.01–0.1 mol % or palladium‐on‐carbon (Pd/C) 10 % in the range of 1.0–2.0 mol %, most aryl iodides and bromides gave high yields under conventional heating (120 °C) in 18 h. Microwave irradiation alone or, better still, combined with high‐intensity ultrasound, strongly promotes the reaction, generally decreasing reaction times to 1 h. Electron‐poor aryl chlorides such as 4‐chloroacetophenone and 1‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzene reacted with styrene to afford high product yields in the presence of 0.25 mol % Pd(OAc)2 or 2.0–3.0 mol % Pd/C. In several cases the addition of a co‐catalyst, either rhodium tris(triphenylphosphine) chloride, 0.005 mol %, or a copper(I) salt (iodide or bromide), 2.0–4.0 mol %, proved very advantageous. 4‐Bromo‐ and 4‐chloroacetophenone afforded up to 15 % of oxidation products, namely the corresponding 4‐halobenzoic acid and 4‐styrylbenzoic acid, a drawback that was avoided by working under a nitrogen atmosphere.
A Symmetry‐Based Approach to the Heterobicyclic Core of the Zaragozic Acids – Model Studies in the Pseudo C2‐Symmetric Series
Authors: Wang Yuzhou , Gang Sylvia , Bierstedt Anja , Gruner Margit , Fröhlich Roland , Metz Peter
Published: October 2007

Using a two‐directional strategy, a concise synthesis of a pseudo C2‐symmetric tetrabenzyl ether of a hexaol diketone was accomplished. Hydrogenolysis of this compound in the presence of acetic acid and subsequent peracetylation triggered a group‐selective intramolecular acetalization to give the desired 2,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivative with correct relative and absolute configurations at all stereogenic centers of the heterobicyclic core.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Palladium Complexes [(NHC)Pd(acac)Cl]: Improved Synthesis and Catalytic Activity in Large‐Scale Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Marion Nicolas , de Frémont Pierre , Puijk Iris M. , Ecarnot Elise C. , Amoroso Dino , Bell Andrew , Nolan Steven P.
Published: October 2007

From two commercially available starting materials, improved one‐step, multigram‐scale syntheses of [(IPr)Pd(acac)Cl] [IPr=N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene; acac=acetylacetonate] and [(IMes)Pd(acac)Cl] [IMes=N,N′‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene] are described. The catalytic activity of both complexes in cross‐coupling reactions has been examined. The most active pre‐catalyst, [(IPr)Pd(acac)Cl], has allowed for efficient large‐scale (10 mmol) Buchwald–Hartwig and α‐ketone arylation reactions to be carried out.
Synthesis and Resolution of Planar‐Chiral Derivatives of 4‐(Dimethylamino)pyridine
Authors: Wurz Ryan P. , Lee Elaine C. , Ruble J. Craig , Fu Gregory C.
Published: October 2007

A safer and more efficient method for the synthesis of planar‐chiral 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) derivatives has been developed. Racemic mixtures of the complexes can be resolved via classical resolution with commercially available tartaric acids.
Chiral Bicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐2,5‐dienes as Steering Ligands in Substrate‐Dependent Rhodium‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Enones
Authors: Helbig Sarah , Sauer Sven , Cramer Nicolai , Laschat Sabine , Baro Angelika , Frey Wolfgang
Published: October 2007

The synthesis of disubstituted chiral diene ligands (3aR,6aR)‐ and (3aS,6aS)‐10 with a pentalene backbone from the corresponding bicyclo[3.3.0]octa‐1,4‐diones 7 is described. The latter were accessible by enzymatic resolution of the racemic diol rac‐5 and subsequent Swern oxidation. The efficiency of the ligands 10 in the rhodium‐catalyzed 1,4‐addition of arylboronic acids 12 to cyclic and acyclic enones 11 and 15 could be demonstrated. In the case of cyclic enones 11 the enantiomeric diphenyldienes (3aR,6aR)‐ and (3aS,6aS)‐10a were more selective than the corresponding dibenzyldiene ligands 10b. When acyclic enones 15 were employed this result, however, reversed. Ligands 10a were nearly inactive whereas dibenzyldienes 10b afforded the addition products 16 with enantioselectivities up to 91 %.
Highly Efficient Ethylene/Cyclopentene Copolymerization with Exclusive 1,2‐Cyclopentene Incorporation by (Cyclopentadienyl)(ketimide)titanium(IV) Complex–MAO Catalysts
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: October 2007

The (cyclopentadienyl)(ketimide)titanium(IV) complex (t‐BuC5H4)TiCl2[N=C(t‐Bu)2] exhibited remarkable catalytic activities (1.99–3.16×104 kg polymer/mol Ti⋅h) with efficient cyclopentene incorporation in ethylene/cyclopentene copolymerization in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO). The polymerization took place with exclusive 1,2‐cyclopentene incorporation, affording high molecular weight (alternating) copolymers (cyclopentene<43.6 mol %) with uniform distributions. The effect of the cyclopentadienyl fragment (Cp′) in the copolymerization using Cp′TiCl2[N=C(t‐Bu)2] [Cp′=indenyl, t‐BuC5H4, C5Me5 (Cp*), C5H5 (Cp)] has been explored in the presence of MAO; the Cp′ plays an important key role in terms of both activity and efficient cyclopentene incorporation.
Heterogeneous association between engrailed‐2 and autism in the CPEA network
Authors: Brune Camille W. , Korvatska Elena , Allen‐Brady Kristina , Cook Edwin H. , Dawson Geraldine , Devlin Bernie , Estes Annette , Hennelly Meghann , Hyman Susan L. , McMahon William M. , Munson Jeffrey , Rodier Patricia M. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Stodgell Christopher J. , Coon Hilary
Published: October 2007

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an early onset of abnormal social, communicative, and repetitive behavior. Engrailed‐2 (EN2) was identified as an autism candidate gene because its influence on cerebellar development in mice parallels neurodevelopmental abnormalities seen in individuals with autism. Studies investigating association between markers at EN2 (chr7q36), a location associated with language disorders, and autism reveal mixed findings. Two positive reports revealed association with two intronic SNPs. Since the associated SNPs were in high linkage disequilibrium and shared similar minor allele frequencies, we chose to test whether one of the SNPs (rs1861972) was associated with autism in three recruiting sites from the NIH Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism (CPEA) network. A recessive model revealed significant association with broad autism spectrum disorder. Site specific analyses indicated differential allele transmission by site, despite similar ethnicity, and parental genotypes, suggesting the SNP may contribute to various risk haplotypes. No significant association with autism was found under an additive model for either a broad (autism spectrum disorder) or a narrow (autistic disorder) diagnostic group. Although our findings were not as robust as the previous studies, they suggest that rs1861972 may influence the risk for autism spectrum disorders. Future studies investigating EN2 should consider how the association of variants in this gene with autism could be influenced by differences in phenotype and possible interactions with genotypes at other autism candidate genes. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopa decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase gene variants in suicidal behavior
Authors: Giegling Ina , Moreno‐De‐Luca Daniel , Rujescu Dan , Schneider Barbara , Hartmann Annette M. , Schnabel Axel , Maurer Konrad , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Serretti Alessandro
Published: October 2007

The dopaminergic system has been previously associated to behavioral facilitation and aggression, hence making the pathway a good candidate for suicidal behavior. We studied gene variants in the tyrosine hydroxylase (rs3842727, rs6356) and DOPA decarboxylase (rs1451371, rs1470750, rs998850) genes in a sample of 571 individuals consisting of 167 German suicide attempters (affective spectrum n = 107, schizophrenia spectrum n = 35, borderline personality disorder n = 25), 92 Caucasian individuals who committed suicide and 312 German control subjects. TH variants were not associated with suicide (uncorrected P = 0.023) and related traits. Some marginal associations could be observed for DDC with suicide, violence, anger, and aggression. In conclusion, our study does not support the involvement of TH gene variants as major contributors to suicide, whereas DDC variants could mediate some features related to suicide and be involved in violent suicidal behavior. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perceptions of discrimination among persons who have undergone predictive testing for Huntington's disease
Authors: Penziner Elizabeth , Williams Janet K. , Erwin Cheryl , Bombard Yvonne , Wallis Anne , Beglinger Leigh J. , Hayden Michael R. , Paulsen Jane S.
Published: October 2007

Potential discrimination from genetic testing may undermine technological advances for health care. Researching long‐term consequences of testing for genetic conditions that may lead to discrimination is a public health priority. The consequences of genetic discrimination generate social, health, and economic burdens for society by diminishing opportunities for at‐risk individuals in a range of contexts. The current study objective was to investigate perceptions of genetic stigmatization and discrimination among persons who completed predictive testing for Huntington's disease (HD). Using semi‐structured interviews and computerized qualitative analysis, the perceptions of 15 presymptomatic persons with a positive gene test predicting HD were examined with regard to differential treatment following testing. The sample comprised 11 women and 4 men, mostly married (73%), aged between 22 and 62 years, with an average education of 14.6 years (SD ± 2.57) and residing in urban, rural and suburban settings of eight U.S. States. Participants reported perceptions of consequences following disclosure of genetic test results in three areas: employment, insurance, and social relationships. Although most employed participants (90%) revealed their test results to their employers, nearly all reported they would not disclose this information to future employers. Most (87%) participants disclosed test results to their physician, but a similar majority (83%) did not tell their genetic status to insurers. Most participants (87%) disclosed test results to family and peers; patterns of disclosure varied widely. Discrimination concerns remain high in this sample and point to the need for more information to determine the extent and scope of the problem. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No evidence for genetic association between DARPP‐32 (PP1R1B) polymorphisms and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Laurin Nancy , Ickowicz Abel , Pathare Tejaswee , Malone Molly , Tannock Rosemary , Schachar Russell , Kennedy James L. , Barr Cathy L.
Published: October 2007

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a strong genetic basis, and evidence from human and animal studies suggests that a dopamine system dysfunction plays a role in the disorder pathophysiology. Several genes involved in dopamine neurotransmission have shown replicated genetic association with ADHD. These include the dopamine receptors D4 (DRD4), D5 (DRD5), and the dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes. Recently, evidence has also accumulated in favor of the dopamine receptor D1 gene (DRD1). The dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein of relative molecular mass of 32 kDa (DARPP‐32) is a key component of dopamine signaling, acting as a converging point for several neurotransmitter systems influencing dopaminergic neurons and regulating a wide variety of downstream effectors. Here, we tested the DARPP‐32 gene, PPP1R1B, for association with ADHD using four polymorphic markers selected across the gene in a sample of 255 ADHD families. We did not detect evidence of association of individual marker alleles and haplotype analysis did not reveal significant association in this sample of families. Moreover, we found no relationship between the same alleles or haplotypes and symptom scores of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity in these families using a quantitative approach. In conclusion, albeit a key regulatory role in dopamine signaling, our data do not support a major contribution of the DARPP‐32 gene in ADHD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is MYO9B the missing link between schizophrenia and celiac disease?
Authors: Jungerius Bart J. , Bakker Steven C. , Monsuur Alienke J. , Sinke Richard J. , Kahn Rene S. , Wijmenga Cisca
Published: October 2007

There has long been discussion on the correlation between schizophrenia and autoimmune diseases (especially celiac disease), which makes the recently discovered celiac disease risk factor, MYO9B, an attractive functional and positional candidate gene for schizophrenia. To test this hypothesis we compared allele frequencies of three MYO9B tag SNPs in 315 schizophrenia cases and 1,624 healthy controls in a genetic association study. Highly significant differences in allele frequencies between schizophrenia cases and healthy controls were observed for SNP rs2305767 in intron 14 of MYO9B (P = 1.16 × 10−4; OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.18–1.67). We demonstrate significant association of allelic variants in MYO9B with schizophrenia. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular genetic evidence for a correlation between autoimmune diseases and the risk of developing schizophrenia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defining key features of the broad autism phenotype: A comparison across parents of multiple‐ and single‐incidence autism families
Authors: Losh Molly , Childress Debra , Lam Kristen , Piven Joseph
Published: October 2007

This study examined the frequency of personality, language, and social‐behavioral characteristics believed to comprise the broad autism phenotype (BAP), across families differing in genetic liability to autism. We hypothesized that within this unique sample comprised of multiple‐incidence autism families (MIAF), single‐incidence autism families (SIAF), and control Down syndrome families (DWNS), a graded expression would be observed for the principal characteristics conferring genetic susceptibility to autism, in which such features would express most profoundly among parents from MIAFs, less strongly among SIAFs, and least of all among comparison parents from DWNS families, who should display population base rates. Analyses detected linear expression of traits in line with hypotheses, and further suggested differential intrafamilial expression across family types. In the vast majority of MIAFs both parents displayed BAP characteristics, whereas within SIAFs, it was equally likely that one, both, or neither parent show BAP features. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to etiologic mechanisms in autism and relevance to molecular genetic studies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome 4q31‐34 panic disorder risk locus: Association of neuropeptide Y Y5 receptor variants
Authors: Domschke Katharina , Hohoff Christa , Jacob Christian , Maier Wolfgang , Fritze Jürgen , Bandelow Borwin , Krakowitzky Petra , Kästner Florian , Rothermundt Matthias , Arolt Volker , Deckert Jürgen
Published: October 2007

There is strong evidence for a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of panic disorder, with a recent linkage study pointing toward a risk locus on chromosome 4q31‐q34 [Kaabi et al., 2006]. Since the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system has been reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety and in particular panic disorder and the genes coding for NPY Y1, Y2, and Y5 receptors are located in the suggested risk region (4q31‐q32), variants in the NPY, NPY Y1, Y2, and Y5 genes were investigated for association with panic disorder in a sample of 230 German patients with panic disorder and matched healthy controls. A synonymous (Gly‐426‐Gly) NPY Y5 coding variant (rs11946004) as well as haplotypes including rs11946004 and an intronic NPY Y5 variant (rs11724320) were significantly associated with panic disorder (P = 0.027), with the effect originating from the subgroup of female patients (P = 0.030), particularly with concurrent agoraphobia (P = 0.002–0.019). No association was observed for any variants located in the genes coding for NPY, NPY Y1, or Y2. The present results provide preliminary support for an influence of NPY Y5 receptor variants on the etiology of panic disorder in a potentially gender‐specific manner further strengthening the evidence for a risk locus on chromosome 4q31‐q34 in anxiety disorders. However, in order to allow for conclusive evaluation of the present finding and to exclude a false positive result, further studies in larger, independent, preferably family based samples are warranted. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.