bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defensive Sesquiterpenoids from Leaves of Eupatorium adenophorum
Authors: Shi Wei , Luo Shihong , Li Shenghong
Published: June 2012

The invasive plant Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng has caused great economic loss in China, and is gravely threatening the native biodiversity and ecosystem. The plant has been phytochemically investigated for the defensive chemical substances in its leaves. Three active sesquiterpenoids were isolated and identified, which include a new sesquiterpenoid (1), and two known sesquiterpenoids (2, 3). Their structures were established by spectroscopic studies such as 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR and MS analyses. Meanwhile, the antifeedant activities of these compounds against two generalist plant‐feeding insects, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua, were carried out. Compound 1 showed significant antifeedant activity against S. exigua with EC50=7.46 µg/cm2, while compounds 2 and 3 were more active against H. armigera (EC50=2.57 and 3.04 µg/cm2 respectively). These findings suggest a defensive role of sesquiterpenoids in E. adenophorum against herbivores.
Chemical Progress in Cyclopeptide‐containing Traditional Medicines Cited in Chinese Pharmacopoeia
Authors: Zhao Simeng , Kuang Bin , Peng Wenwen , He Wenjun , Xu Huimin , Ji Changjiu , Han Jing , Zheng Yuqing , Song Weiwu , Tan Ninghua
Published: June 2012

Plant cyclopeptides, cyclic compounds formed mainly by the peptidic bonds of 2–37 protein and non‐protein amino acids (mainly L‐amino acids) and found in higher plants, have been attractive for their extensive bioactivities and distinctive molecular architectures. During the last half century's study, about 500 cyclopeptides divided into eight types have been isolated from over 120 species, which belong to over 20 families and 60 genera. Some cyclopeptides showed potential anti‐tumor, sedative, immunosuppressive, and uterotonic activities. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CP, 2010 Version), 23 species (14 families, 18 genera) containing cyclopeptides have been recorded in the origins of 24 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Heterophyllin B (64), first reported by us from Pseudostellaria heterophylla in 1993 was cited for the first time in CP as the standard substance of cyclopeptides for quality control. In this review, we highlight the progress in the chemical studies of these cyclopeptide‐containing TCMs, in particular recent results in our group's publications.
Homology, homoplasy, novelty, and behavior
Authors: Hall Brian K.
Published: June 2012

Richard Owen coined the modern definition of homology in 1843. Owen's conception of homology was pre‐evolutionary, nontransformative (homology maintained basic plans or archetypes), and applied to the fully formed structures of animals. I sketch out the transition to an evolutionary approach to homology in which all classes of similarity are interpreted against the single branching tree of life, and outline the evidence for the application of homology across all levels and features of the biological hierarchy, including behavior. Owen contrasted homology with analogy. While this is not incorrect it is a pre‐evolutionary contrast. Lankester [Lankester [1870]Journal of Natural History, 6 (31), 34–43] proposed homoplasy as the class of homology applicable to features formed by independent evolution. Today we identify homology, convergence, parallelism, and novelties as patterns of evolutionary change. A central issue in homology [Owen [1843]Lectures on comparative anatomy and physiology of the invertebrate animals, delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons in 1843. London: Longman, Brown, Green & Longmans] has been whether homology of features—the “same” portion of the brain in different species, for example—depends upon those features sharing common developmental pathways. Owen did not require this criterion, although he observed that homologues often do share developmental pathways (and we now know, often share gene pathways). A similar situation has been explored in the study of behavior, especially whether behaviors must share a common structural, developmental, neural, or genetic basis to be classified as homologous. However, and importantly, development and genes evolve. As shown with both theory and examples, morphological and behavioral features of the phenotype can be homologized as structural or behavioral homologues, respectively, even when their developmental or genetic bases differ (are not homologous). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 4–12, 2013.
Neural reuse in the evolution and development of the brain: Evidence for developmental homology?
Authors: Anderson Michael L. , Penner‐Wilger Marcie
Published: June 2012

This article lays out some of the empirical evidence for the importance of neural reuse—the reuse of existing (inherited and/or early developing) neural circuitry for multiple behavioral purposes—in defining the overall functional structure of the brain. We then discuss in some detail one particular instance of such reuse: the involvement of a local neural circuit in finger awareness, number representation, and other diverse functions. Finally, we consider whether and how the notion of a developmental homology can help us understand the relationships between the cognitive functions that develop out of shared neural supports. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 42–51, 2013.
What the emergency department needs to know when caring for your patients with eating disorders
Authors: Mascolo Margherita , Trent Stacy , Colwell Christopher , Mehler Philip S.
Published: June 2012

Objective:

In this article, we will examine the most common emergency department presentations of eating disorder patients, review the pathophysiologic changes that lead to such presentations, and discuss the appropriate management of each patient.

Method:

Literature review of current practices.

Results:

This article serves as a guide for ED physicians caring for patients with eating disorders. It can also serve to improve communication between mental health specialists and emergency room physicians when transferring care of a patient to the ED.

Discussion:

Patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa present to ED with a multitude of vague complaints. It is crucial for ED physicians to recognize that such complaints stem from an underlying eating disorder to understand the pathophysiology behind such complaints. This in turn will lead to appropriate management of patient symptoms, which can often be complex for the provider and stressful for the patient. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Evolution of MHC class I genes in the European badger (Meles meles)
Authors: Sin Yung Wa , Dugdale Hannah L. , Newman Chris , Macdonald David W. , Burke Terry
Published: June 2012

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in the adaptive immune system and provides a good model with which to understand the evolutionary processes underlying functional genes. Trans‐species polymorphism and orthology are both commonly found in MHC genes; however, mammalian MHC class I genes tend to cluster by species. Concerted evolution has the potential to homogenize different loci, whereas birth‐and‐death evolution can lead to the loss of orthologs; both processes result in monophyletic groups within species. Studies investigating the evolution of MHC class I genes have been biased toward a few particular taxa and model species. We present the first study of MHC class I genes in a species from the superfamily Musteloidea. The European badger (Meles meles) exhibits moderate variation in MHC class I sequences when compared to other carnivores. We identified seven putatively functional sequences and nine pseudogenes from genomic (gDNA) and complementary (cDNA) DNA, signifying at least two functional class I loci. We found evidence for separate evolutionary histories of the α1 and α2/α3 domains. In the α1 domain, several sequences from different species were more closely related to each other than to sequences from the same species, resembling orthology or trans‐species polymorphism. Balancing selection and probable recombination maintain genetic diversity in the α1 domain, evidenced by the detection of positive selection and a recombination event. By comparison, two recombination breakpoints indicate that the α2/α3 domains have most likely undergone concerted evolution, where recombination has homogenized the α2/α3 domains between genes, leading to species‐specific clusters of sequences. Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing MHC domains separately.
Diet, sex, and death in field crickets
Authors: Zajitschek Felix , Lailvaux Simon P. , Dessmann Josephine , Brooks Robert
Published: June 2012

Senescence is shaped by age‐dependent trade‐offs between fitness components. Because males and females invest different resources in reproduction, the trade‐offs behind age‐dependent reproductive effort should be resolved differently in the sexes. In this study, we assess the effects of diet (high carbohydrate and low protein vs. equal carbohydrate and protein) and mating (once mated vs. virgin) on lifespan and age‐dependent mortality in male and female field crickets (Teleogryllus commodus), and on male calling effort. Females always had higher actuarial ageing rates than males, and we found a clear lifespan cost of mating in females. Mated males, however, lived longer than virgin males, possibly because virgins call more than mated males. The fastest age‐dependent increases in mortality were among mated males on the high‐carbohydrate diet. Males on a high‐carbohydrate diet showed a faster increase in calling effort earlier in life, and a more pronounced pattern of senescence once they reached this peak than did males on a diet with equal amounts of protein and carbohydrates. Our results provide evidence that the cost of mating in this cricket species is both diet and sex‐dependent, and that the underlying causes of sex differences in life‐history traits such as lifespan and senescence can be complex.
Inhibition of T‐cell activation by PIK3IP1
Authors: DeFrances Marie C. , Debelius Daniel R. , Cheng Jing , Kane Lawrence P.
Published: June 2012

The PI‐3 kinase (PI3K) pathway is critical for T‐cell development and activation. Several negative regulators of this pathway have already been described and characterized: the lipid phosphatases SHIP, inositol polyphosphate‐4‐phosphatase, type II (INPP4B), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the latter of which are tumor suppressors. PIK3IP1 (PI3K interacting protein 1) is a recently described transmembrane protein that has the ability to bind the catalytic protein p110 and prevent its activation by the p85 family adaptor proteins. Thus far, nothing is known about the possible role of PIK3IP1 in the regulation of lymphocyte development or activation. Here, we show for the first time that PIK3IP1 is expressed in T cells. Ectopic expression of PIK3IP1 in Jurkat or D10 T‐cell lines inhibited activation of an NFAT/AP‐1 transcriptional reporter. Conversely, siRNA‐mediated silencing of PIK3IP1 in the same cell lines modestly augmented Akt phosphorylation, T‐cell activation, and production of IL‐2. These results suggest that the novel PI3K regulator PIK3IP1 plays an inhibitory role in T‐cell activation.
Impaired cross‐presentation of CD8α+CD11c+ dendritic cells by Japanese encephalitis virus in a TLR2/MyD88 signal pathway‐dependent manner
Authors: Aleyas Abi G. , Han Young Woo , Patil Ajit Mahadev , Kim Seong Bum , Kim Koanhoi , Eo Seong Kug
Published: June 2012

Cross‐presentation is the pathway by which exogenous antigens are routed for presentation by MHC class I molecules leading to activation of antiviral CD8+ T‐cell responses. However, there is little information describing the modulation of cross‐presentation and the impact of pathogen‐derived signals associated with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is one of the most common causes of encephalitis in humans. In this study, we demonstrate that JEV infection could suppress in vivo cross‐presentation of soluble and cell‐associated antigens, thereby generating weak CD8+ T‐cell responses to exogenous antigens, as evaluated by CFSE dilution of adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells and in vivo CTL killing activity. Furthermore, CD8α+CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), which are known to be far more efficient at cross‐presenting soluble antigens, played a specific role in contributing to JEV‐mediated inhibition of the cross‐presentation of exogenous antigens through interference with effective antigen uptake. Finally, this study provides evidence that TLR2‐MyD88 and p38 MAPK signal pathway might be involved in JEV‐mediated inhibition of cross‐presentation of soluble and cell‐associated antigens. These observations suggest that the modulation of cross‐presentation of exogenous antigens through TLR signaling has important implications for antiviral immune responses against JEV infection and the development of effective vaccination strategies.
The thiol‐ene (click) reaction for the synthesis of plant oil derived polymers
Authors: Türünç Oğuz , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: June 2012

This review covers the discovery and development of radical thiol‐ene addition reactions as functionalization and polymerization method. First, some general and important developments within the field of polymer chemistry are introduced. However, the utilization of this efficient coupling procedure for the syntheses of materials derived from plant oils are the focus of this manuscript. Applications of this unique reaction will also be discussed in terms of green chemistry requirements as well as reaction conditions and efficiency.
Phosphorus‐Containing Lewis Base Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of Isatin‐Derived Oximes with Allenic Esters and Further Transformations
Authors: Pei Cheng‐Kui , Jiang Yu , Shi Min
Published: June 2012

Phosphorus containing Lewis base catalyzed cascade reactions of isatin‐derived oximes with allenic esters afford the corresponding functionalized nitrones. Further Lewis acid catalyzed highly regioselective intramolecular [3+2] cyclizations give the corresponding bridged cycloadducts. Moreover, a combined “one‐pot” reaction is also feasible for the above two catalytic reactions.
Chiral Recognition of Penicillamine Enantiomers Based on DNA‐MWNT Complex Modified Electrode
Authors: Wang Yonghua , Zhou Juan , Han Qian , Chen Qiao , Guo Liju , Fu Yingzi
Published: June 2012

Double‐stranded DNA and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) complex modified glassy carbon electrodes (DNA‐MWNT‐GCE) were employed to discriminate penicillamine (PA) enantiomers. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy were used to characterize the enantioselective phenomenon. The results indicated that the binding effect between L‐PA and DNA‐MWNTs was stronger than that of D‐PA and DNA‐MWNTs. In addition, the influencing factors of the modified electrodes were systematically investigated. The modified electrodes exhibited a linear response towards PA enantiomers from 1.0×10−1 to 1.0×10−8 mol L−1 and detection limits of 3.1×10−9 and 3.3×10−8 mol L−1 for L‐PA and D‐PA, respectively.
A Direct Competitive Homogeneous Immunoassay for Progesterone – the Redox Quenching Immunoassay
Authors: Ettlinger Julia , Schenk Jörg A. , Micheel Burkhard , Ehrentreich‐Förster Eva , Gajovic‐Eichelmann Nenad
Published: June 2012

A direct competitive amperometric immunoassay format for the detection of haptens and proteins was developed. The method is based on the quenching of electroactivity of ferrocenium, which is coupled to the antigen and used as the primary reporter, upon binding to a monoclonal anti‐ferrocenium antibody, which is coupled to the detection antibody and used as a secondary reporter. A separation‐free progesterone immunoassay with a lower detection limit of 1 ng mL−1 (3.18 nmol L−1) in 1 : 2 diluted blood serum was realised by combining two bifunctional conjugates, a ferrocenium‐PEG‐progesterone tracer and a bioconjugate of one anti‐progesterone and one anti‐ferrocenium antibody. The immune complex is formed within 30 s upon addition of progesterone, resulting in a total analysis time of 1.5 min.
Comparison of two stream gauging systems for measuring runoff and sediment yield for a semi‐arid watershed
Authors: Polyakov V. O. , Nearing M. A. , Hawdon A. A. , Wilkinson S. N. , Nichols M. H.
Published: June 2012

Our ability to understand erosion processes in semi‐arid ecosystems depends on establishing relationships between rainfall and runoff. This requires collection of extensive and accurate hydrologic and sediment data sets. A supercritical flume with a total load traversing slot sediment sampler used on several sites at the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW) near Tombstone, AZ has proven to be a reliable way to measure flow and sediment discharge from small watersheds. However, it requires installation of a costly structure that is only suitable for relatively small flows. A more commonly used method based on ease of installation and expense is the pump sampler. One example of this is a set of instrumentation developed by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), in which the pump sediment sampler is part of an in‐channel, fully automated system for measuring water velocity, depth, turbidity and collecting runoff samples. A 3.7 ha arid watershed at WGEW was instrumented with both systems and hydrologic and sediment data were collected and compared during a 2 year period. Total sediment yield for the entire period measured by the CSIRO pump sampler (11.6 t ha‐1) was similar to that by traversing slot sampler (11.5 t ha‐1). The pump sampler accurately estimated the amount of fine (< 0.5 mm) sediment fractions exported, but consistently underestimated the coarse (>0.5 mm) sediment fractions. Median sediment diameter of samples collected by traversing slot and pump sampler were 0.32 and 0.22 mm, respectively. This study outlines the benefits and limitations of the pump sampler based system for monitoring sediment concentration and yield in high‐energy headwater catchments, and makes recommendations for improvement of its performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the role of hepatic PPARγ expression during mouse liver regeneration
Authors: Gazit Vered , Huang Jiansheng , Weymann Alexander , Rudnick David A.
Published: June 2012

Mice subjected to partial hepatectomy (PH) develop hypoglycemia, followed by increased systemic lipolysis and hepatic fat accumulation, prior to onset of hepatocellular proliferation. Strategies that disrupt these metabolic events inhibit regeneration. These observations suggest that alterations in metabolism in response to hepatic insufficiency promote liver regeneration. Hepatic expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) influences fat accumulation in the liver. Therefore, the studies reported here were undertaken to assess the effects of disruption of hepatic PPARγ expression on hepatic fat accumulation and hepatocellular proliferation during liver regeneration. The results showed that liver regeneration was not suppressed, but rather modestly augmented in liver-specific PPARγ null mice maintained on a normal diet. These animals also exhibited accelerated hepatic cyclin D1 expression. Because hepatic PPARγ expression is increased in experimental models of fatty liver disease in which liver regeneration is impaired, regeneration in liver-specific PPARγ null mice with chronic hepatic steatosis was also examined. In contrast to the results described above, disruption of hepatic PPARγ expression in mice with diet-induced hepatic steatosis resulted in significant suppression of hepatic regeneration.

Conclusion:

The metabolic and hepatocellular proliferative responses to PH are modestly augmented in liver-specific PPARγ null mice, thus providing additional support for a metabolic model of liver regeneration. Furthermore, regeneration is significantly impaired in liver-specific PPARγ null mice in the setting of diet-induced chronic steatosis, suggesting that pharmacological strategies to augment hepatic PPARγ activity might improve regeneration of the fatty liver. (Hepatology 2012)
Protective role of V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 4 expressed on kupffer cells during immune-mediated liver injury by inducing tolerance of liver T- and natural killer T-cells
Authors: Jung Keunok , Kang Miseon , Park Cheol , Choi Yung Hyun , Jeon Youkyung , Park Se-Ho , Seo Su-Kil , Jin Dan , Choi Inhak
Published: June 2012

V-set and Ig domain-containing 4 (VSIG4, CRIg, or Z39Ig), a newly identified B7-related cosignaling molecule, is a complement receptor and a coinhibitory ligand that negatively regulates T-cell immunity. Despite its exclusive expression on liver Kupffer cells (KCs) that play key roles in liver tolerance, the physiological role of VSIG4 in liver tolerance remains undefined. Mice lacking VSIG4 had poor survival rates and severe liver pathology in a concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis (CIH) model, which could be prevented by adoptive transfer of VSIG4+ KCs. The absence of VSIG4 rendered endogenous liver T- and natural killer T (NKT)-cells more responsive to antigen-specific stimulation and impaired tolerance induction in those cells against their cognate antigens. T-cell costimulation with VSIG4.Ig suppressed Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type cytokine production and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase but did not induce apoptosis

in vitro

. VSIG4-mediated tolerance induction and cell-cycle arrest were further supported by down-regulation of G1 phase-specific Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6, and up-regulation of tolerance-inducing p27KIP-1 in VSIG4.Ig-stimulated T-cells. Administration of soluble VSIG4.Ig to wildtype mice prevented CIH development and prolonged the survival of mice with established CIH.

Conclusion:

Collectively, our results suggest that VSIG4+ KCs play a critical role in the induction and maintenance of liver T- and NKT-cell tolerance, and that modulation of the VSIG4 pathway using a VSIG4.Ig fusion protein may provide useful immunological therapies against immune-mediated liver injury including autoimmune hepatitis.
Frequency dependency of NMDA receptor‐dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 region of freely behaving mice
Authors: Buschler Arne , Goh Jinzhong Jeremy , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise
Published: June 2012

Hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the form of long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD) is likely to enable synaptic information storage in support of memory formation. The mouse brain has been subjected to intensive scrutiny in this regard; however, a multitude of studies has examined synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal slice preparation, whereas very few have addressed synaptic plasticity in the freely behaving mouse. Almost nothing is known about the frequency or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dependency of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the intact mouse brain. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the forms of synaptic plasticity that are elicited at different afferent stimulation frequencies. We also addressed the NMDAR dependency of this phenomenon. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were chronically implanted with a stimulating electrode into the Schaffer collaterals and a recording electrode into the Stratum radiatum of the CA1 region. To examine synaptic plasticity, we chose protocols that were previously shown to produce either LTP or LTD in the hippocampal slice preparation. Low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) at 1 Hz (900 pulses) had no effect on evoked responses. LFS at 3 Hz (ranging from 200 up to 2 × 900 pulses) elicited short‐term depression (STD, <45 min). LFS at 3 Hz (1,200 pulses) elicited slow‐onset potentiation, high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) at 100 Hz (100 or 200 pulses) or at 50 Hz was ineffective, whereas 100 Hz (50 pulses) elicited short‐term potentiation (STP). HFS at 100 Hz given as 2 × 30, 2 × 50, or 4 × 50 pulses elicited LTP (>24 h). Theta‐burst stimulation was ineffective. Antagonism of the NMDAR prevented STD, STP, and LTP. This study shows for the first time that protocols that effectively elicit persistent synaptic plasticity in the slice preparation elicit distinctly different effects in the intact mouse brain. Persistent LTD could not be elicited with any of the protocols tested. Plasticity responses are NMDAR dependent, suggesting that these phenomena are relevant for hippocampus‐dependent learning. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of therapeutic and behavioral interventions for parents of low‐birth‐weight premature infants: A review
Authors: Brecht Carrie J. , Shaw Richard J. , St. John Nicholas H. , Horwitz Sarah Mccue
Published: June 2012

Premature birth has been associated with a number of adverse maternal psychological outcomes that include depression, anxiety, and trauma as well as adverse effects on maternal coping ability and parenting style. Infants and children who were premature are more likely to have poorer cognitive and developmental functioning and, thus, may be harder to parent. In response to these findings, a number of educational and behavioral interventions have been developed that target maternal psychological functioning, parenting, and aspects of the parent–infant relationship. Since the last comprehensive review of this topic in 2002, there have been a significant number of developments in the quality of the studies conducted and the theoretical models that address the experience of parents of premature infants. In the current review, 18 new interventions were identified and grouped into four categories based on treatment length and the target of the intervention. Findings suggest a trend toward early, brief interventions that are theoretically based, specifically target parent trauma, and utilize cognitive behavioral techniques. Although it is difficult to generalize study findings, conclusions from the review suggest that targeted interventions may have positive effects on both maternal and infant outcomes.
The response of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to climate change: evidence from subtropical mountain streams in Central China
Authors: Li Fengqing , Cai Qinghua , Jiang Wanxiang , Qu Xiaodong
Published: June 2012

Ecological effects of climate change on terrestrial and marine ecosystems are increasingly apparent but evidence from freshwater is scarce, particularly in Asia. Using data from two subtropical Central China streams, we predicted the changes of some benthic macroinvertebrate communities under various climatic scenarios. Our results show that the average annual air temperature, in the study watershed, increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 0.6 °C over the last 30 years (1978–2007), whereas the average annual water flow declined by 30.9 m3 s–1. Based on the winter sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates at four stream locations over last six years, we observed that macroinvertebrate abundance and Margalef diversity dropped with increasing water temperatures or decreasing smoothed sea surface temperatures (SSST). The winter macroinvertebrate abundance and biodiversity declined by 11.1% and 6.8% for every 1 °C water temperature rise. In contrast, increases in future SSST by one unit would increase winter macroinvertebrate abundance and biodiversity by 38.2% and 16.0%, respectively. Although many dominant taxa were predicted to persist when water temperatures increase by 1 °C, several scarce taxa, e.g., Orthocladius clarkei and Hippeutis umbilicalis, could be at a level of potential local extinction. Our identification of these links, between climate change and stream macroinvertebrate communities, has wide implications for the conservation of mountain stream ecosystems in the upper Yangtze River under scenarios of climate change. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
BAFF/BLyS inhibitors: A new prospect for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fairfax Kirsten , Mackay Ian R. , Mackay Fabienne
Published: June 2012

In November 2009, Human Genome Sciences and Glaxo‐Smith Kline [HGS (Rockville, Maryland) and GSK, respectively] announced that Belimumab, a neutralizing antibody to the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐like ligand, B‐cell activating factor (BAFF belonging to the TNF family, also named BLyS), met the primary endpoints in two phase III clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus). In March 2011, Belimumab was approved by the US Federal Drug Agency for treatment of SLE patients; this was followed in May with approval by the European Medicines Agency for use in the European Union. This is an exciting development as it is the first successful late‐stage clinical trial in SLE in over 40 years. In the light of this breakthrough, we review the key data and research outcomes and examine how blocking BAFF in patients with SLE significantly improves clinical outcomes. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(7): 595–602, 2012
Ultrasensitive detection of a protein by optical trapping in a photonic‐plasmonic microcavity
Authors: Santiago‐Cordoba Miguel A. , Cetinkaya Murat , Boriskina Svetlana V. , Vollmer Frank , Demirel Melik C.
Published: June 2012

Microcavity and whispering gallery mode (WGM) biosensors derive their sensitivity from monitoring frequency shifts induced by protein binding at sites of highly confined field intensities, where field strengths can be further amplified by excitation of plasmon resonances in nanoparticle layers. Here, we propose a mechanism based on optical trapping of a protein at the site of plasmonic field enhancements for achieving ultra sensitive detection in only microliter‐scale sample volumes, and in real‐time. We demonstrate femto‐Molar sensitivity corresponding to a few 1000 s of macromolecules. Simulations based on Mie theory agree well with the optical trapping concept at plasmonic ‘hotspots’ locations. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development and testing of a compact basis set for use in effective core potential calculations on rhodium complexes
Authors: Roscioni Otello M. , Lee Edmond P. F. , Dyke John M.
Published: June 2012

We present a set of effective core potential (ECP) basis sets for rhodium atoms which are of reasonable size for use in electronic structure calculations. In these ECP basis sets, the Los Alamos ECP is used to simulate the effect of the core electrons while an optimized set of Gaussian functions, which includes polarization and diffuse functions, is used to describe the valence electrons. These basis sets were optimized to reproduce the ionization energy and electron affinity of atomic rhodium. They were also tested by computing the electronic ground state geometry and harmonic frequencies of [Rh(CO)2μ‐Cl]2, Rh(CO)2ClPy, and RhCO (neutral and its positive, and negative ions) as well as the enthalpy of the reaction of [Rh(CO)2μ‐Cl]2 with pyridine (Py) to give Rh(CO)2ClPy, at different levels of theory. Good agreement with experimental values was obtained. Although the number of basis functions used in our ECP basis sets is smaller than those of other ECP basis sets of comparable quality, we show that the newly developed ECP basis sets provide the flexibility and precision required to reproduce a wide range of chemical and physical properties of rhodium compounds. Therefore, we recommend the use of these compact yet accurate ECP basis sets for electronic structure calculations on molecules involving rhodium atoms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of Two Carbonic Anhydrases in the Mantle of the European Abalone Haliotis tuberculata (Gastropoda, Haliotidae): Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: LE ROY NATHALIE , MARIE BENJAMIN , GAUME BÉATRICE , GUICHARD NATHALIE , DELGADO SIDNEY , ZANELLA‐CLÉON ISABELLE , BECCHI MICHEL , AUZOUX‐BORDENAVE STÉPHANIE , SIRE JEAN‐YVES , MARIN FRÉDÉRIC
Published: June 2012

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) represent a diversified family of metalloenzymes that reversibly catalyze the hydration of carbon dioxide. They are involved in a wide range of functions, among which is the formation of CaCO3 skeletons in metazoans. In the shell‐forming mantle tissues of mollusks, the location of the CA catalytic activity is elusive and gives birth to contradicting views. In the present paper, using the European abalone Haliotis tuberculata, a key model gastropod in biomineralization studies, we identified and characterized two CAs (htCA1 and htCA2) that are specific of the shell‐forming mantle tissue. We analyzed them in a phylogenetic context. Combining various approaches, including proteomics, activity tests, and in silico analyses, we showed that htCA1 is secreted but is not incorporated in the organic matrix of the abalone shell and that htCA2 is transmembrane. Together with previous studies dealing with molluskan CAs, our findings suggest two possible modes of action for shell mineralization: the first mode applies to, for example, the bivalves Unio pictorum and Pinctada fucata, and involves a true CA activity in their shell matrix; the second mode corresponds to, for example, the European abalone, and does not include CA activity in the shell matrix. Our work provides new insight on the diversity of the extracellular macromolecular tools used for shell biomineralization study in mollusks. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318B:353‐367, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parameters Related to Tree‐Width, Zero Forcing, and Maximum Nullity of a Graph
Authors: Barioli Francesco , Barrett Wayne , Fallat Shaun M. , Hall H. Tracy , Hogben Leslie , Shader Bryan , van den Driessche P. , van der Holst Hein
Published: June 2012

Tree‐width, and variants that restrict the allowable tree decompositions, play an important role in the study of graph algorithms and have application to computer science. The zero forcing number is used to study the maximum nullity/minimum rank of the family of symmetric matrices described by a graph. We establish relationships between these parameters, including several Colin de Verdière type parameters, and introduce numerous variations, including the minor monotone floors and ceilings of some of these parameters. This leads to new graph parameters and to new characterizations of existing graph parameters. In particular, tree‐width, largeur d'arborescence, path‐width, and proper path‐width are each characterized in terms of a minor monotone floor of a certain zero forcing parameter defined by a color change rule.
Augmenting the Edge‐Connectivity of a Hypergraph by Adding a Multipartite Graph
Authors: Bernáth Attila , Grappe Roland , Szigeti Zoltán
Published: June 2012

Given a hypergraph, a partition of its vertex set, and a nonnegative integer k, find a minimum number of graph edges to be added between different members of the partition in order to make the hypergraph k‐edge‐connected. This problem is a common generalization of the following two problems: edge‐connectivity augmentation of graphs with partition constraints (J. Bang‐Jensen, H. Gabow, T. Jordán, Z. Szigeti, SIAM J Discrete Math 12(2) (1999), 160–207) and edge‐connectivity augmentation of hypergraphs by adding graph edges (J. Bang‐Jensen, B. Jackson, Math Program 84(3) (1999), 467–481). We give a min–max theorem for this problem, which implies the corresponding results on the above‐mentioned problems, and our proof yields a polynomial algorithm to find the desired set of edges.
Development of the follicle complex and oocyte staging in red drum, sciaenops ocellatus linnaeus, 1776 (perciformes, sciaenidae)
Authors: Grier Harry J.
Published: June 2012

Pelagic egg development in red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, is described using tiered staging. Based on mitosis and meiosis, there are five periods: Mitosis of Oogonia, Active Meiosis I, Arrested Meiosis I, Active Meiosis II, and Arrested Meiosis II. The Periods are divided into six stages: Mitotic Division of Oogonia, Chromatin Nucleolus, Primary Growth, Secondary Growth, Oocyte Maturation and Ovulation. The Chromatin Nucleolus Stage is divided into four steps: Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, and Early Diplotene. Oocytes in the last step possess one nucleolus, dispersed chromatin with forming lampbrush chromosomes and lack basophilic ooplasm. The Primary Growth Stage, characterized by basophilic ooplasm and absence of yolk in oocytes, is divided into five steps: One‐Nucleolus, Multiple Nucleoli, Perinucleolar, Oil Droplets, and Cortical Alveolar. During primary growth, the Balbiani body develops from nuage, enlarges and disperses throughout the ooplasm as both endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi develop within it. Secondary growth or vitellogenesis has three steps: Early Secondary Growth, Late Secondary Growth and Full‐Grown. The Oocyte Maturation Stage, including ooplasmic and germinal vesicle maturation, has four steps: Eccentric Germinal Vesicle, Germinal Vesicle Migration, Germinal Vesicle Breakdown and Resumption of Meiosis when complete yolk hydration occurs. The period is Arrested Meiosis II. When folliculogenesis is completed, the ovarian follicle, an oocyte and encompassing follicle cells, is surrounded by a basement membrane and developing theca, all forming a follicle complex. After ovulation, a newly defined postovulatory follicle complex remains attached to the germinal epithelium. It is composed of a basement membrane that separates the postovulatory follicle from the postovulatory theca. Arrested Meiosis I encompasses primary and secondary growth (vitellogenesis) and includes most of oocyte maturation until the resumption of meiosis (Active Meiosis II). The last stage, Ovulation, is the emergence of the oocyte from the follicle when it becomes an egg or ovum. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Washout gradient in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI is associated with tumor aggressiveness of prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Yu‐Jen , Chu Woei‐Chyn , Pu Yeong‐Shiau , Chueh Shih‐Chieh , Shun Chia‐Tung , Tseng Wen‐Yih Isaac
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the associations between dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) parameters and the Gleason score (GS) for prostate cancer (PCA) with localization information provided by concurrent apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps.

Materials and Methods:

Forty‐three male patients received MR scans, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and DCE MRI, on a 1.5 T MR system. All patients were confirmed to have PCA in the following biopsy within 2 weeks. ADC maps calculated from DTI were used to colocalize cancerous and noncancerous regions on DCE MRI for perfusion analysis retrospectively. Semiquantitative parameters (peak enhancement, initial gradient, and washout gradient [WG] and quantitative parameters [Ktrans, νe, and kep]) were calculated and correlated with the GS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the perfusion parameters in assessing the aggressiveness of PCA.

Results:

A total of 41 PCA nodules were included in the analysis. Among all quantitative and semiquantitative parameters, only WG showed significant correlation with GS (r = −0.75, P < 0.0001). By defining tumor aggressiveness as a GS >6, WG demonstrated a good diagnostic performance, with the area under the ROC curve being 0.88. Under a cutoff point of WG = 0.125 min−1, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 and 0.78, respectively.

Conclusion:

WG shows a significant association with GS and good diagnostic performance in assessing tumor aggressiveness. Therefore, WG is a potential marker of GS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:912–919. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid unconditionally stable high‐order nonstandard schemes with optimal error‐controllable spectral resolution for complex microwave problems
Authors: Kantartzis Nikolaos V.
Published: June 2012

A hybrid unconditionally stable time‐domain technique for the precise analysis and wideband performance characterization of 3D microwave systems is developed in this paper. Founded on a nontraditional differential discretization basis, the proposed technique launches a class of robust operators via an error‐controllable procedure that offers enhanced spectral resolution and optimal spatial stencils. The key asset of the frequency‐dependent algorithm is the novel high‐order nonstandard approximators, whose tensorial properties preserve the hyperbolic character of Maxwell's equations. In this manner, the resulting formulation remains completely explicit and generates effective dual meshes free of artificial vector parasites and spurious modes. Moreover, the preceding schemes are fruitfully hybridized, in the context of nonoverlapping subspaces, with an alternating‐direction implicit finite‐element time‐domain method in an effort to handle abruptly varying media boundaries and intricate geometries. Hence, an extensive decrease of dispersion errors is achieved, even when time‐steps are chosen appreciably beyond stability limits. These advanced simulation competences are successfully applied to diverse real‐world setups and composite configurations, thus validating the efficiency and universality of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient analysis of ridged cavity by modal FDTD method
Authors: Yao Bin , Zheng Qinhong , Peng Jinhui , Zhong Runeng , Xu Wansong , Xiang Tai
Published: June 2012

A modal finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method is extended for the analysis of ridged cavities, which are uniform in the z‐direction. Assuming that the end surfaces of cavity are the perfect conductor, thus, the fields along the z‐axis can be described by kz. Therefore, three‐dimensional (3‐D) problems can be simulated by the use of a two‐dimensional model. Besides, to achieve a faster computation, the field components are expressed by two pairs of equations—sine and cosine. To validate the utility and efficiency of proposed method, we analyzed two ridged cavities. Numerical results show that less than one‐tenth memory and CPU requirements are needed by the modal FDTD as compared with conventional 3‐D FDTD method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histopathologic assessment of pancreatic cancer: Does one size fit all?
Authors: Reid Michelle D. , Bagci Pelin , Adsay N. Volkan
Published: June 2012

Most solid pancreatic tumors are invasive ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Because PDAC is the most common tumor, it has become synonymous with the term “Pancreas Cancer.” However, other malignant neoplasms occur in the pancreas (acinar, neuroendocrine and colloid carcinomas, and metastases) all with different outcomes. Because these tumors are often combined with PDAC in research databases, it causes misleading variability in the analysis of pancreatic cancers. We examine the histopathology of a variety of pancreatic cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:67–77. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cation exchange displacement batch chromatography of proteins guided by screening of protein purification parameters
Authors: Kotasińska Marta , Richter Verena , Thiemann Joachim , Schlüter Hartmut
Published: June 2012

Displacement chromatography has been shown to be an effective alternative for protein purification. We investigated in this study sample displacement chromatography, which does not require a displacer molecule. Furthermore, we performed a screening for determination of parameters for an optimal sample displacement chromatography. We screened the affinities of cytochrome C, lysozyme, myoglobin, and ribonuclease A toward a cation exchange material as a function of different pH values and to presence of different concentrations of sodium chloride in the sample application buffer. Sample displacement chromatography in batch chromatography mode for the separation of the protein mixture was studied with a sample application buffer with a pH of 5 and 7. As predicted by the screening experiments, sample displacement chromatography was most effective at pH 7 since this pH guaranteed the largest differences of the affinities of the four proteins toward the stationary phase. In summary, we describe here sample displacement chromatography in the batch chromatography mode for the separation of proteins, which is a simple and fast alternative to conventional displacement chromatography. Systematic screening of chromatographic parameters prior to sample displacement chromatography promises a successful separation of a target protein.
Injectable in situ Physically and Chemically Crosslinkable Gellan Hydrogel
Authors: Du Hongwei , Hamilton Paul , Reilly Matthew , Ravi Nathan
Published: June 2012

An injectable, in situ physically and chemically crosslinkable gellan hydrogel is synthesized via gellan thiolation. The thiolation does not alter the gellan's unique 3‐D conformation, but leads to a lower phase transition temperature under physiological conditions and stable chemical crosslinking. The synthesis and hydrogels are characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR, CD, or rheology measurements. The injectability and the tissue culture cell viability is also tested. The thiolated gellan hydrogel exhibits merits, such as ease for injection, quick gelation, lower gelling temperature, stable structure, and nontoxicity, which make it promising in biomedicine and bioengineering as an injectable hydrogel.

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Matzoh ball soup revisited: the boundary regularity issue
Authors: Magnanini Rolando , Sakaguchi Shigeru
Published: June 2012

We consider nonlinear diffusion equations of the form ∂tu = Δϕ(u) in with N ≥ 2. When ϕ(s) ≡ s, this is just the heat equation. Let Ω be a domain in , where ∂Ω is bounded and . We consider the initial‐boundary value problem, where the initial value equals zero and the boundary value equals 1, and the Cauchy problem where the initial data is the characteristic function of the set . We settle the boundary regularity issue for the characterization of the sphere as a stationary level surface of the solution u :, no regularity assumption is needed for ∂Ω. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Existence in non‐smooth domain for compressible liquid crystals
Authors: Chu Yu‐Ming , Liu Xian‐Gao , Ma Wen‐Ya , Peng Le‐Qun
Published: June 2012

This paper is devoted to the existence of compressible liquid crystals system in non‐smooth domain. We are tempted to prove the convergence of solutions depending on that of corresponding spatial domains for liquid crystals equations of compressible flow. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The natural carotenoid astaxanthin, a PPAR‐α agonist and PPAR‐γ antagonist, reduces hepatic lipid accumulation by rewiring the transcriptome in lipid‐loaded hepatocytes
Authors: Jia Yaoyao , Kim Jin‐Young , Jun Hee‐Jin , Kim Sun‐Joong , Lee Ji‐Hae , Hoang Minh Hien , Hwang Kwang‐Yeon , Um Soo‐Jong , Chang Hyo Ihl , Lee Sung‐Joon
Published: June 2012

Scope

A natural carotenoid abundant in seafood, astaxanthin (AX), has hypolipidemic activity, but its underlying mechanisms of action and protein targets are unknown. We investigated the molecular mechanism of action of AX in hepatic hyperlipidemia by measuring peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) activity.

Methods and results

We examined the binding of AX to PPAR subtypes and its effects on hepatic lipid metabolism. AX binding activated PPAR‐α, but inhibited PPAR‐γ transactivation activity in reporter gene assay and time‐resolved fluorescence energy transfer analyses. AX had no effect on PPARδ/β transactivation. AX bound directly to PPAR‐α and PPAR‐γ with moderate affinity, as assessed by surface plasmon resonance experiments. The differential effects of AX on PPARs were confirmed by measuring the expression of unique responsive genes for each PPAR subtype. AX significantly reduced cellular lipid accumulation in lipid‐loaded hepatocytes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the net effects of stimulation with AX (100 μM) on lipid metabolic pathways were similar to those elicited by fenofibrate and lovastatin (10 μM each), with AX rewiring the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolic pathways.

Conclusion

AX is a PPAR‐α agonist and PPAR‐γ antagonist, reduces hepatic lipid accumulation by rewiring the transcriptome in lipid‐loaded hepatocytes.