bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of OCT4 Levels in Human Embryonic Stem Cells Results in Induction of Differential Cell Types
Authors: Rodriguez Ryan T. , Velkey J. Matthew , Lutzko Carolyn , Seerke Rina , Kohn Donald B. , O’Shea K. Sue , Firpo Meri T.
Published: May 2008

To fully understand self-renewal and pluripotency and their regulation in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), it is necessary to generate genetically modified cells and analyze the consequences of elevated and reduced expression of genes. Genes expressed in hESCs using plasmid vectors, however, are subject to silencing. Moreover, hESCs have a low plating efficiency when dissociated to single cells, making creation of subcloned lines inefficient. In addition to overexpression experiments, it is important to perform loss-of-function studies, which can be achieved rapidly using RNA interference (RNAi). We report stable long-term expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in hESCs using a lentiviral vector, and establishment of an eGFP-expressing subline (RG6) using manual dissection. To demonstrate the efficacy of RNAi in hESCs, an RNAi expression vector was used to achieve reduced expression of eGFP in hESCs. To evaluate the role of OCT4 in the regulation of hESC self-renewal and differentiation, a vector expressing a hairpin RNA targeting endogenous expression of OCT4 was constructed. In a novel experiment in hESCs, the OCT4 cDNA sequence was cloned into an expression vector to allow for the transient upregulation of OCT4 in hESCs. The ability to manipulate levels of OCT4 above and below enodogenous levels allows the determination of OCT4 function in hESCs. Specifically, reduced expression of OCT4 in hESCs promoted upregulation of markers indicative of mesoderm and endoderm differentiation, and elevated levels of OCT4 in hESCs promoted upregulation of markers indicative of endoderm derivatives. Thus, both upregulation and downregulation of Oct4 in hESCs results in differentiation, but with patterns distinct from parallel experiments in mice.
Heme Regulates Exocrine Peptidase Precursor Genes in Zebrafish
Authors: Wang Han , Zhou Qingchun , Kesinger Jason W. , Norris Chad , Valdez Cammi
Published: May 2008

We previously determined that yquem harbors a mutation in the gene encoding uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), the fifth enzyme in heme biosynthesis, and established zebrafish yquem ( yqetp61) as a vertebrate model for human hepatoery-thropoietic porphyria (HEP). Here we report that six exocrine peptidase precursor genes, carboxypeptidase A, trypsin precursor, trypsin like, chymotrypsinogen B1, chymotrypsinogen 1-like, and elastase 2 like, are downregulated in yquem/urod (−/−), identified initially by microarray analysis of yquem/urod zebrafish and, subsequently, confirmed by in situ hybridization. We then determined downregulation of these six zymogens specifically in the exocrine pancreas of sauternes ( sautb223) larvae, carrying a mutation in the gene encoding δ-amino-levulinate synthase (ALAS2), the first enzyme in heme biosynthesis. We also found that ptf1a, a transcription factor regulating exocrine zymogens, is downregulated in both yquem/urod (−/−) and sau/alas2 (−/−) larvae. Further, hemin treatment rescues expression of ptf1a and these six zymogens in both yquem/urod (−/−) and sauternes/alas2 (−/−) larvae. Thus, it appears that heme deficiency downregulates ptf1a, which, in turn, leads to downregulation of exocrine zymogens. Our findings provide a better understanding of heme deficiency pathogenesis and enhance our ability to diagnose and treat patients with porphyria or pancreatic diseases.
13-cis-Retinoic Acid Alters Intracellular Serotonin, Increases 5-HT1AReceptor, and Serotonin Reuptake Transporter LevelsIn Vitro
Authors: O’Reilly Kally C. , Trent Simon , Bailey Sarah J. , Lane Michelle A.
Published: May 2008

In addition to their established role in nervous system development, vitamin A and related retinoids are emerging as regulators of adult brain function. Accutane (13- cis-retinoic acid, isotretinoin) treatment has been reported to increase depression in humans. Recently, we showed that chronic administration of 13- cis-retinoic acid (13- cis-RA) to adolescent male mice increased depression-related behaviors. Here, we have examined whether 13- cis-RA regulates components involved in serotonergic neurotransmission in vitro. We used the RN46A-B14 cell line, derived from rat embryonic raphe nuclei. This cell line synthesizes serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and expresses the 5-HT1Areceptor and the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). Cells were treated with 0, 2.5, or 10 μ M 13- cis-RA for 48 or 96 hrs, and the levels of 5-HT; its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA); 5-HT1Areceptor; and SERT were determined. Treatment with 13- cis-RA for 96 hrs increased the intracellular levels of 5-HT and tended to increase intra-cellular 5HIAA levels. Furthermore, 48 hrs of treatment with 2.5 and 10 μ M 13- cis-RA significantly increased 5-HT1Aprotein to 168.5 ± 20.0% and 148.7 ± 2.2% of control respectively. SERT protein levels were significantly increased to 142.5 ± 11.1% and 119.2 ± 3.6% of control by 48 hrs of treatment with 2.5 and 10 μ M of 13- cis-RA respectively. Increases in both 5-HT1Areceptor and SERT proteins may lead to decreased serotonin availability at synapses. Such an effect of 13- cis-RA could contribute to the increased depression-related behaviors we have shown in mice.
Neonatal Low-Protein Diet Changes Deiodinase Activities and Pituitary TSH Response to TRH in Adult Rats
Authors: Lisboa P. C. , Fagundes A. T. S. , Denolato A. T. A. , Oliveira E. , Bonomo I. T. , Alves S. B. , Curty F. H. , Passos M. C. F. , Moura E. G.
Published: May 2008

Protein malnutrition during neonatal programs for a lower body weight and hyperthyroidism in the adult offspring were analyzed. Liver deiodinase is increased in such animals, contributing to the high serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels. The level of deiodinase activities in other tissues is unknown. We analyzed the effect of maternal protein restriction during lactation on thyroid, skeletal muscle, and pituitary deiodinase activities in the adult offspring. For pituitary evaluation, we studied the in vitro, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)–stimulated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. Lactating Wistar rats and their pups were divided into a control (C) group, fed a normal diet (23% protein), and a protein-restricted (PR) group, fed a diet containing 8% protein. At weaning, pups in both groups were fed a normal diet until 180 days old. The pituitary gland was incubated before and after TRH stimulation, and released TSH was measured by radioimmunoassay. Deiodinase activities (D1 and D2) were determined by release of 125I from [125I]reverse triiodothyronine (rT3). Maternal protein malnutrition during lactation programs the adult offspring for lower muscle D2 (− 43%, P <0.05) and higher muscle D1 (+83%, P <0.05) activities without changes in thyroidal deiodinase activities, higher pituitary D2 activity (1.5 times, P <0.05), and lower TSH response to in vitro TRH (− 56%, P <0.05). The evaluations showed that the lower in vivo TSH detected in adult PR hyperthyroid offspring, programmed by neonatal undernutrition, may be caused by an increment of pituitary deiodination. As described for liver, higher skeletal muscle D1 activity suggests a hyperthyroid status. Our data broaden the knowledge about the adaptive changes to malnutrition during lactation and reinforce the concept of neonatal programming of the thyroid function.
Pharmacokinetics, Toxicity, and Functional Studies of the Selective Kv1.3 Channel Blocker 5-(4-Phenoxybutoxy)Psoralen in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Pereira L. E. , Villinger F. , Wulff H. , Sankaranarayanan A. , Raman G. , Ansari A. A.
Published: May 2008

The small molecule 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy)psoralen (PAP-1) is a selective blocker of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 that is highly expressed in cell membranes of activated effector memory T cells (TEMs). The blockade of Kv1.3 results in membrane depolarization and inhibition of TEM proliferation and function. In this study, the in vitro effects of PAP-1 on T cells and the in vivo toxicity and pharmacokinetics (PK) were examined in rhesus macaques (RM) with the ultimate aim of utilizing PAP-1 to define the role of TEMs in RM infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Electrophysiologic studies on T cells in RM revealed a Kv1.3 expression pattern similar to that in human T cells. Thus, PAP-1 effectively suppressed TEM proliferation in RM. When administered intravenously, PAP-1 showed a half-life of 6.4 hrs; the volume of distribution suggested extensive distribution into extravascular compartments. When orally administered, PAP-1 was efficiently absorbed. Plasma concentrations in RM undergoing a 30-day, chronic dosing study indicated that PAP-1 levels suppressive to TEMs in vitro can be achieved and maintained in vivo at a non-toxic dose. PAP-1 selectively inhibited the TEM function in vivo, as indicated by a modest reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. Immunization of these chronically treated RM with the live influenza A/PR8 (flu) virus suggested that the development of an in vivo, flu-specific, central memory response was unaffected by PAP-1. These RM remained disease-free during the entire course of the PAP-1 study. Collectively, these data provide a rational basis for future studies with PAP-1 in SIV-infected RM.
The Isolation of Reticulocyte-Free Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Goodman Steven R. , Hughes Karis M. H. , Kakhniashvili David G. , Neelam Sudha
Published: May 2008

We depleted reticulocytes from erythrocytes of both sickle cell disease (SCD) subjects and healthy controls by four methods: fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), Miltenyi immunomagnetic depletion (MACS), a combination of these methods (FACS + MACS) and Percoll density separation. The efficiency of these methods was assessed by new methylene blue staining and manual enumeration of the reticulocytes. FACS sorted erythrocytes from reticulocytes based on size and granularity, as well as the absence of dsDNA staining. MACS depleted reticulocytes from erythrocytes based on the immunoaffinity to CD36 and CD71. Reticulocytes from healthy controls were depleted to ≤0.1% using either the FACS or MACS method (α = 0.1). Reticulocytes from SCD subjects were depleted from 13.6% ± 0.52% to 5.45% ± 0.33% using MACS (n = 2), and from 10.9% ± 0.47% to 2.0% ± 0.2% using FACS (n = 4, α = 0.05). When combining FACS with MACS (n=3), the percentage of reticulocytes was decreased in SCD samples from 13.0% ± 0.51% down to 1.5% ± 0.17% (α = 0.1). Sedimentation through 75% percoll resulted in control and SCD samples being reduced from 0.27% ± 0.6 (control) and 6.93% ± 0.8 (SCD) reticulocytes to < 4.8 reticulocytes per million control RBCs and <2.5 per million SCD RBCs. This same method results in <2.1 leukocytes per million control RBCs and <3.7 per million SCD RBCs. We conclude that the percoll density method described here is the most effective method for isolating RBCs for proteomic analysis.
Basement Membrane Derived Fibulin-1 and Fibulin-5 Function as Angiogenesis Inhibitors and Suppress Tumor Growth
Authors: Xie Liang , Palmsten Kristin , MacDonald Brian , Kieran Mark W. , Potenta Scott , Vong Sylvia , Kalluri Raghu
Published: May 2008

The fibulins are a family of secreted glycoproteins that are characterized by repeated epidermal-growth-factor–like domains and a unique C-terminus structure. Fibulins modulate cell morphology, growth, adhesion, and motility. Our initial basement membrane degradome screen using Cathepsin D, a tumor microenvironment–associated protease, contained fragments of fibulin-1 and full length fibulin-5. In this report, we evaluate the antiangiogenic activity of fibulin-1 and fibulin-5. Tumor studies demonstrate that both fibulin-1 and fibulin-5 suppress HT1080 tumor growth. CD31 labeling and TUNEL assay further reveal that fibulin-1 suppression of HT1080 tumor growth is associated with diminished angiogenesis and also enhanced apoptosis of endothelial cells and tumor cells. In contrast, fibulin-5 inhibits tumor angiogenesis with a minimal anti-apoptotic affect. Cathepsin D digestion of fibulin-1 produces a fragment with nearly the same molecular weight as fibulin-5, and this fragment (named Neostatin) inhibits endothelial cell proliferation. Additionally, degradation of basement membrane by cathepsin D liberates both fibulin-1 fragments and fibulin-5, which function to inhibit angiogenesis.
Suppression of Intestinal Mucosal Apoptosis by Ghrelin in Fasting Rats
Authors: Park Jae Myung , Kakimoto Takashi , Kuroki Tsukasa , Shiraishi Ryosuke , Fujise Takehiro , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: May 2008

Ghrelin is mainly produced in the stomach and has several physiologic functions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ghrelin regulates apoptosis in the small intestinal mucosa of fasting rats. Intestinal mucosal apoptosis was evaluated as the percentage of fragmented DNA, villus height, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUDP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining and by Western blot analysis of caspase-3 in 48-hr fasting rats. Crypt cell proliferation was evaluated by counting the number of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) positive cells. Ghrelin was administered intraperitoneally at dosages of 2.5, 25, and 250 μg/kg per 48 hrs by continuous infusion via an Alzet micro-osmotic pump or injections at 12-hr intervals. Ghrelin was also infused in rats that underwent truncal vagotomy. The lowest dosage of ghrelin (2.5 μg/kg per 48 hrs) was administered into the third cerebroventricle. Ghrelin treatment attenuated the percentage of fragmented DNA in the small intestinal mucosa in 48-hr fasting rats in a dose-dependent manner. Continuous infusion of ghrelin and injections of ghrelin at 12-hr intervals suppressed intestinal apoptosis almost equally. This effect on apoptosis was not attenuated by truncal vagotomy. Cerebroventricular infusion of ghrelin also attenuated intestinal apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of ghrelin was confirmed by decreased TUNEL staining, recovery of the villus height, and decreased expression of caspase-3. BrdU uptake indicated that ghrelin enhanced cell proliferation in the intestinal crypt. Taken together, these data indicate that ghrelin enhanced intestinal growth with the suppression of small intestinal mucosal apoptosis in 48-hr fasting rats, suggesting that ghrelin controls intestinal function through the regulation of intestinal apoptosis.
Indigestible Material Attenuated Changes in Apoptosis in the Fasted Rat Jejunal Mucosa
Authors: Kakimoto Takashi , Fujise Takehiro , Shiraishi Ryosuke , Kuroki Tsukasa , Park Jae Myung , Ootani Akifumi , Sakata Yasuhisa , Tsunada Seiji , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: May 2008

We have previously demonstrated that fasting induced apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation in the rat intestinal mucosa. The aim was to investigate the effect of expanded polystyrene as indigestible material on apoptosis and cell proliferation in rat small intestinal mucosa during fasting. Male SD rats were divided into 3 groups. The first group was fed with chow and water ad libitum. The second group fasted for 72 hrs. The third group was fasted for 24 hrs and was fed expanded polystyrene. Intestinal apoptosis was evaluated by percent fragmented DNA assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUDP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining, and caspase-3 assay. Cell proliferation was analyzed by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (5-BrdU) uptake. Truncal vagotomy was performed to evaluate a role of the central nervous system. In the 72-hr fasted rat, mucosal height of the rat jejunum was decreased to 73% of that in rats fed ad libitum, and this decrease was partly restored to 90% in rats fed expanded polystyrene. The fragmented DNA was increased in fasted rats (28.0%) when compared with that in rats fed ad libitum (2.6%). The increase in fragmented DNA in fasted rats was recovered by feeding them expanded polystyrene (8.3%). TUNEL staining confirmed this result. The effect of polystyrene on apoptosis was decreased by truncal vagotomy. Expression of cleaved caspase-3 was increased in fasted rats, which was then decreased by feeding of expanded polystyrene. In contrast to apoptosis, feeding of expanded polystyrene had no reconstructive effect on 5-BrdU uptake in the intestinal epithelium, which was decreased by fasting to 60% of that in rats fed ad libitum. In conclusion, feeding of indigestible material partly restored the decrease in intestinal mucosal length in the fasted rats through the apoptotic pathway without any influence on BrdU uptake. Further exploration focused on the mechanism of this effect of indigestible material is required.
Muscling Through the microRNA World
Authors: Callis Thomas E. , Deng Zhongliang , Chen Jian-Fu , Wang Da-Zhi
Published: May 2008

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of highly conserved small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The emerging field of miRNA biology has begun to unravel roles for these regulatory molecules in a range of biological functions, including cardiac and skeletal muscle development, as well as in muscle-related disease processes. In this paper, we review the role of miRNAs in muscle biology. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are required for both proper muscle development and function, with crucial roles for miRNAs being identified in regulating muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, dysregulated expression of miRNAs has been correlated to certain muscle-related diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, and muscular dystrophy.
Action Potentials: To the Nucleus and Beyond
Authors: Saha Ramendra N. , Dudek Serena M.
Published: May 2008

The neuronal nucleus is now widely accepted as playing a vital role in maintaining long-term changes in synaptic effectiveness. To act, however, the nucleus must be appropriately relayed with information regarding the latest round of synaptic plasticity. Several constraints of doing so in a neuron pertain to the often significant spatial distance of synapses from the nucleus and the number of synapses required for such a signal to reach functional levels in the nucleus. Largely based on the sensitivity of transcriptional responses to NMDA receptor antagonists, it has been postulated that the signals are physically relayed by biochemical messengers from the synapse to the nucleus. Alternatively, a second, less often considered but equally viable method of signal transduction may be initiated by action potentials generated proximal to the nucleus, wherefrom the signal can be relayed directly by calcium or indirectly by biochemical second messengers. We consider action potential-dependent signaling to the nucleus to have its own computational advantages over the synapse-to-nucleus signal for some functions. This minireview summarizes the logic and experimental support for these two modes of signaling and attempts to validate the action potential model as playing an important role in transcriptional regulation relating specifically to long-term synaptic plasticity.
Docosahexaenoic Acid and 17β-Estradiol Co-Treatment Is More Effective Than 17β-Estradiol Alone in Maintaining Bone Post-Ovariectomy
Authors: Poulsen Raewyn C. , Moughan Paul J. , Kruger Marlena C.
Published: May 2008

Bone-protective effects of combined treatment with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and estrogenic compounds following ovariectomy have previously been reported. Recent evidence suggests the n-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is particularly bone-protective. The aim of this study was to determine whether combined treatment with DHA and estrogenic compounds has a beneficial effect on bone mass in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were randomized into 9 groups and either ovariectomized (8 groups) or sham-operated (1 group). Using a 2×4 factorial design approach, OVX animals received either no estrogenic compound, genistein (20 mg/kg body weight/day), daidzein, (20 mg/kg body weight/day) or 17β-estradiol (1 μg/day) with or without DHA (0.5 g/kg body weight/day) for 18 weeks. Bone mineral content (BMC), area (BA), and density (BMD), plasma osteocalcin and IL-6 concentrations, and red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition were measured. Femur BMC was significantly greater in animals treated with DHA or 17β-estradiol than in ovariectomized controls. Plasma carboxylated osteocalcin was significantly higher in DHA-treated animals and total osteocalcin significantly lower in 17β-estradiol-treated animals compared with ovariectomized controls. There were significant interactions between treatment with estrogenic compounds and DHA for femur BMC, plasma IL-6 concentration, and RBC fatty acid composition. Combined treatment with 17β-estradiol+DHA was more effective than either treatment alone at preserving femur BMC and lowering circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory IL-6. The percentage of n-3 LCPUFAs in RBCs was significantly greater in animals receiving 17β-estradiol+DHA compared with either treatment alone. There was no beneficial effect of combined DHA and phytoestrogen treatment on bone. Results from this study raise the possibility that co-treatment with 17β-estradiol and DHA may allow a lower dose of 17β-estradiol to be used to provide the same bone-protective effects as when 17β-estradiol is administered alone.
THE VIRTUALICS AND STRATEGIC SELF‐MANAGEMENT AS TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT / VIRTUALIKA IR STRATEGINĖ SAVIVALDA KAIP DARNAUS VYSTYMOSI ĮRANKIAI
Authors: Paulauskas Stasys , Paulauskas Aleksandras
Published: May 2008

The methodological problems and practical decisions related to introduction of sustainability culture into life of the State of Lithuania are presented in this article. The methodology, models and decisions of the article are based on long‐term researches and their implementation into governance, economy and education. The methodology of virtual modelling enables to raise certainty of development models of the country. Theoretic decisions of Strategic Self‐management (SS) enabled to synthesise purposive homogenous model of SS of the State, the implementation of which could give a substantial push for decision accumulating problems of governance. This decision is related to implementation of self‐organisation in each level of governance on the ground of natural SS cycle. The qualitative system of SS is developing by purposively created Public Institution Strategic Self‐Management Institute and its innovations works “Strategic Self‐Management” (ISSN 1648–5815). SS of enterprises, economy branches and the State are modernised on the ground of this model. The decisions of sustainability culture improvement in maritime and energy economies, problems and results of its implementation are presented.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pristatomos darnos kultūros įgyvendinimo Lietuvos valstybėje metodologinės problemos ir jų praktiniai sprendimai. Ši metodologija, modeliai ir sprendimai pagrįsti ilgalaikiais moksliniais tyrimais bei jų praktinio įgyvendinimo valstybės savivaldoje, ūkinėje veikloje ir švietime patirtimi. Virtualiojo modeliavimo metodologija leidžia didinti šalies raidos modelių apibrėžtumą. Teoriniai strateginės savivaldos sprendiniai padėjo susintetinti vienalytį visuomenės strateginės savivaldos modelį, kurio įgyvendinimas galėtų padėti sprendžiant susikaupusias savivaldos problemas. Šis sprendinys susietas su natūralaus strateginės savivaldos ciklo įgyvendinimu kiekvienu visuomenės savivaldos lygmeniu. Kokybinė strateginės savivaldos sistema yra tobulinama tuo tikslu įsteigtame Strateginės savivaldos institute ir jo leidžiamame naujadaros leidinyje „Strateginė savivalda“ (ISSN 1648-5815). Remiantis šiuo modeliu, tobulinama įmonių, ūkio šakų ir valstybės strateginė savivalda. Straipsnyje pristatomos darnos kultūros tobulinimo jūrų ir energetikos ūkyje problemos, sprendimai ir jų įgyvendinimo rezultatai.
PREFACE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS IN THE ISSUE
Authors: Dzemydienė Dalė
Published: May 2008

„Preface to sustainable development problems in the issue" Ukio Technologinis ir Ekonominis Vystymas, 14(1), p. 8-10
The calm and the storm: Arbitration experts speak out on Hall Street Associates
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: May 2008

A dozen arbitration experts weigh the effects of the late March U.S. Supreme Court Hall Street Associates decision. Plus: Even more Supreme Court arbitration news.
Components of abstracts: Logical structure of scholarly abstracts in pharmacology, sociology, and linguistics and literature
Authors: Šauperl Alenka , Klasinc Janko , Lužar Simona
Published: May 2008

The international standard ISO 214:1976 defines an abstract as “an abbreviated, accurate representation of the contents of a document” (p. 1) that should “enable readers to identify the basic content of a document quickly and accurately to determine relevance” (p. 1). It also should be useful in computerized searching. The ISO standard suggests including the following elements: purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. Researchers have often challenged this structure and found that different disciplines and cultures prefer different information content. These claims are partially supported by the findings of our research into the structure of pharmacology, sociology, and Slovenian language and literature abstracts of papers published in international and Slovenian scientific periodicals. The three disciplines have different information content. Slovenian pharmacology abstracts differ in content from those in international periodicals while the differences between international and Slovenian abstracts are small in sociology. In the field of Slovenian language and literature, only domestic abstracts were studied. The identified differences can in part be attributed to the disciplines, but also to the different role of journals and papers in the professional society and to differences in perception of the role of abstracts. The findings raise questions about the structure of abstracts required by some publishers of international journals.
Plant cell wall aromatics: influence on degradation of biomass
Authors: Akin Danny E.
Published: May 2008

Plant cell walls are limited in bioconversion by aromatic constituents. Chemical and structural characteristics of specific cell walls in a variety of plants have been investigated in conjunction with their biodegradability using microscopic methods. Histochemistry, ultraviolet absorption microspectrophotometry, and response of cell walls to microorga nisms and specific enzymes identifi ed significant aromatics contributing to recalcitrance. Monocotyledonous plants, such as grasses, and dicotyledonous ones, such as alfalfa, have lignin‐type compounds within the secondary walls and middle lamella of cell walls. Cell walls that are heavily lignified as shown by positive staining reactions with acid phloroglucinol and UV absorption near 280 nm appear to be the most resistant, with examples of vascular tissues in both monocots and dicots. Grasses, however, and especially warm‐season species, are rich in low molecular weight phenolic acids ester‐linked to sugars within their cell walls, occurring in both lignified and non‐lignified cell walls. In non‐lignified tissues of grasses, phenolic acids prevent microbial degradation and appear to be a major barrier to biodegradation, particularly in warm‐season grasses, such as corn, millet, and bermudagrass. Modifications in amounts, types, and linkages of cell wall aromatics, either in naturally occurring mutants or cultivars developed by plant breeding, have effectively improved the biodegradability of lignocellulose. Microbial delignification by cellulase‐less white‐rot fungi as well as pretreatment with commercial ferulic acid esterases improve biodegradation of lignocelluloses. Cellulosic bast fibers, such as those from flax stems, are mostly free of lignin and are degraded by cellulases without further pretreatment. Recovery of aromatics after pretreatment or other processing means could provide value‐added compounds and improve the economics of bioconversion. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The description–experience gap in risky choice: the role of sample size and experienced probabilities
Authors: Hau Robin , Pleskac Timothy J. , Kiefer Jürgen , Hertwig Ralph
Published: May 2008

Risky prospects come in different forms. Sometimes options are presented with convenient descriptions summarizing outcomes and their respective likelihoods. People can thus make decisions from description. In other cases people must call on their encounters with such prospects, making decisions from experience. Recent studies report a systematic and large description–experience gap. One key determinant of this gap is people's tendency to rely on small samples resulting in substantial sampling error. Here we examine whether this gap exists even when people draw on large samples. Although smaller, the gap persists. We use the choices of the present and previous studies to test a large set of candidate strategies that model decisions from experience, including 12 heuristics, two associative‐learning models and the two‐stage model of cumulative prospect theory. This model analysis suggests—as one explanation for the remaining description–experience gap in large samples—that people treat probabilities differently in both types of decisions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase contributes to diabetes‐induced abnormal vascular reactivity in rat perfused mesenteric bed
Authors: Yousif Mariam H. M.
Published: May 2008

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) is a signaling enzyme that plays key roles in vascular growth, proliferation, and cellular apoptosis and is implicated in modulating vascular smooth muscle contractility. The aim of this study was to determine whether PI3K contributes to development of diabetes‐induced abnormal vascular reactivity to selected vasoactive agonists. The effect of 2‐(4‐morpholinyl)‐8‐phenyl‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one (LY294002), a selective PI3K inhibitor, on isolated perfused mesenteric vascular bed from streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats was investigated. Changes in perfusion pressure, which reflected peripheral resistance, were measured using isolated perfused mesenteric vascular beds. Our results showed that STZ treatment produced an increase in the vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), and an attenuated vasodilator response to carbachol and histamine in the isolated perfused mesenteric vascular bed from STZ‐diabetic animals. Chronic inhibition of PI3K with LY294002 resulted in prevention of diabetes‐induced abnormal vascular reactivity to the vasoactive agonists. However, the high blood glucose levels were not normalized. Results of this study indicate that selective inhibition of PI3K can attenuate the development of diabetes‐induced abnormal vascular responsiveness in the isolated perfused mesenteric vascular bed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vimentin affects the mobility and invasiveness of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yan Quanmei , Long Xing , Chen Xinmin , Wang Yining
Published: May 2008

A significant proportion of prostate cancer patients treated with curative intent go on to develop advanced disease. At a fundamental biological level, very little is known about what makes the disease aggressive and metastatic. Observational pathology reports and experimental data suggest that epithelial‐mesenchymal transition is involved in prostate cancer invasiveness. Here, we investigated vimentin expression of prostate cancer cells, and explored the potential mechanism of vimentin promoting prostate cancer cells invasion. Vimentin expression was not detected in well differentiated tumors or in moderately differentiated tumors, but the majority of poorly differentiated cancers (5/11 with negative bone scan, 11/14 bone with positive scan) and bone metastases (8/8) had high vimentin expression in tumor cells. Downregulation of vimentin expression in PC‐3 cells by transfection with antisense‐vimentin led to a significant decrease in tumor cells motility and invasive activity. Furthermore, the expression of E‐cadherin was inversely associated with expression of vimentin. Our results suggest that vimentin affects prostate cancer cells motility and invasiveness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyridine‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Addition of Acyclic 1,2‐Diones to Acetylenic Esters: Synthetic and Theoretical Studies of an Unprecedented Rearrangement
Authors: Pillai Abhilash N. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Nair Vijay
Published: May 2008

A systematic study of the addition of various 1,2‐acyclic diones to activated acetylenic esters catalyzed by pyridine under mild conditions is described. This reaction provides a new protocol for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2‐diaroyl maleates. The exclusive formation of the cis isomer is especially noteworthy. This reaction occurs through the initial generation of a pyridine–dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate zwitterion and its addition to the dione followed by an unprecedented benzoyl migration. Pyridine and substituted pyridines, such as 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and 3‐methoxypyridine, are the best catalysts and anhydrous 1,2‐dimethoxyethane is found to be the solvent of choice. Structural, electronic, energetic and mechanistic details of the reaction are also revealed by density functional theory calculations, which strongly support the exclusive formation of the cis isomer of the 1,2‐diaroyl maleates.
Allene as an Alternative Functional Group for Drug Design: Effect of CC Multiple Bonds Conjugated with Quinazolines on the Inhibition of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Ban Hyun Seung , Onagi Shinya , Uno Masaharu , Nabeyama Wataru , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: May 2008

A series of allenic quinazolines were synthesized as receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors by using a simple protocol for palladium‐catalyzed allene transformation. Among the compounds synthesized, two allenic 4‐anilinoquinazolines selectively suppressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase activity in vitro. According to immunoblot analysis, the allenic quinazolines inhibited the EGF‐mediated phosphorylation of EGFR and its downstream kinases in A431 cells. Furthermore, one of these allenic quinazolines decreased the proliferation of A431 cells through the induction of cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis.
The transcriptome of retinal Müller glial cells
Authors: Roesch Karin , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Trimarchi Jeffrey M. , Stadler Michael B. , Roska Botond , Sun Ben B. , Cepko Constance L.
Published: May 2008

Müller glial cells are the major type of glia in the mammalian retina. To identify the molecular machinery that defines Müller glial cell identity and function, single cell gene expression profiling was performed on Affymetrix microarrays. Identification of a cluster of genes expressed at high levels suggests a Müller glia core transcriptome, which likely underlies many of the functions of Müller glia. Expression of components of the cell cycle machinery and the Notch pathway, as well as of growth factors, chemokines, and lipoproteins might allow communication between Müller glial cells and the neurons that they support, including modulation of neuronal activity. This approach revealed a set of transcripts that were not previously characterized in (Müller) glia; validation of the expression of some of these genes was performed by in situ hybridization. Genes expressed exclusively by Müller glia were identified as novel markers. In addition, a novel BAC transgenic mouse that expresses Cre in Müller glia cells was generated. The molecular fingerprint of Müller glia provides a foundation for further studies of Müller glia development and function in normal and diseased states. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:225–238, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paramagnetic behavior of Zn1−xMnxO at room temperature
Authors: Yang J. H. , Zhao L. Y. , Zhang Y. J. , Wang Y. X. , Liu H. L.
Published: May 2008

Mn‐doped ZnO were synthesized by solid state reaction and sol‐gel method respectively. It was found that samples synthesized by solid state reaction containing Mn2O3 and MnO2 are a mixture of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. Contrary, samples without second phases were found to be paramagnetic at room temperature. According to previous report, interface effects between Zn‐rich Mn2O3 and MnO2 interfaces may be the origin of the ferromagnetic behavior observed in our samples prepared by solid reaction, so the alloy of Zn1−xMnxO may be paramagnetic at room temperature. Prepared by sol‐gel technique, the samples without second phases in the XRD patterns are also room‐temperature paramagnetic. Therefore we believe that the magnetism of Zn1−xMnxO is paramagnetic at room temperature. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a novel 2D Ni(II) complex with malate
Authors: Wu Weiping , Liu Jianqiang , Zeng Fengchun , Wu Yu
Published: May 2008

An exploration of the nickel‐ malate‐bpa system under hydrothermal conditions, has led to the isolation of a novel framework {[Ni(Hmal)(bpa)]·2.5H2O}n (1) (Hmal = malate dianion, bpa = 1,2‐bi(4‐pyridyl)ethane). Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Fdd2. a = 21.9944(13) Å, b =33.3369(19) Å, c = 10.3969(5) Å, β = 90°. The NiII ions are linked into an extended helical chain via Hmal molecules. Further these chains are united together through the bridging bpa to form a 2D grid layer, which exhibits a typical (6,3) topological network. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of sulphate ions on iron precipitation from aqueous solutions
Authors: Korchef A. , Ben Amor M. , Galland S. , Persin F.
Published: May 2008

In the present work, the effects of sulphate ions on the iron precipitation from aqueous solution were investigated. It was shown that sulphate ions delayed the iron precipitation when this ion was added in form of Na2SO4. This effect became less significant in presence of magnesium or calcium. The iron precipitates were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In all experiments iron oxide hydroxide (FeOOH) precipitates were obtained. The sulphate ions were adsorbed on the surfaces of the iron precipitates. The effect of temperature on these precipitates was also studied. At 237 °C, the iron oxide hydroxide precipitates obtained from NaCl solution was transformed in crystallized hematite, Fe2O3. At 793 °C, the hematite was partially transformed into magnetite (Fe3O4). In presence of sulphate ions, this transformation was not detected. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EPR studies of Cu(II) doped glycine lithium sulphate single crystals – a case of low hyperfine coupling constant
Authors: Selvakumar P. N. , Natarajan B. , Rao P. Sambasiva , Subramanian P.
Published: May 2008

In order to rationalize the low hyperfine value for the parallel component of copper nucleus, another system with lithium as host has been investigated using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) technique. Single crystal EPR studies have been carried out at 300 K on Cu(II) doped glycine lithium sulphate system. Angular variation of hyperfine structure lines in the three orthogonal planes show the presence of two sites which are magnetically inequivalent but chemically equivalent with g and A values as: gxx = 2.084, gyy = 2.057, gzz = 2.311 and Axx = 8.96 mT, Ayy = 3.26 mT, Azz = 15.95 mT respectively. The impurity entered the lattice interstitially. The admixture and molecular coefficients are evaluated by collaborating EPR data with optical data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth defects in a PZNT93/7 crystal prepared by directional solidification
Authors: Jin Min , Xu Jiayue , Li Xinhua , Shen Hui , He Qingbo
Published: May 2008

Novel relaxor ferroelectric crystal 0.93Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.07PbTiO3 (PZNT93/7) with dimensions about Ø40× 70 mm3 was obtained by directional solidification technique. The growth defects of the crystal were investigated. Rocking curve analysis revealed the crystalline quality of PZNT93/7 crystal was not perfect and the FWHM value was measured to be about 0.7°. Some pits and oxide particles in micro‐size were formed in the crystal due to the growth conditions. A series of growth steps parallel to (001) face were observed which were attributed to the growth behavior. Moreover, it was found the average chemical composition of the crystal was deviated slightly to the stoichiometric value of PZNT93/7. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modulation of murine dendritic cell function by adenine nucleotides and adenosine: Involvement of the A2B receptor
Authors: Addi Abduelhakem Ben , Lefort Anne , Hua Xiaoyang , Libert Frédérick , Communi Didier , Ledent Catherine , Macours Pascale , Tilley Stephen L. , Boeynaems Jean‐Marie , Robaye Bernard
Published: May 2008

Adenosine triphosphate has previously been shown to induce semi‐mature human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DC). These are characterized by the up‐regulation of co‐stimulatory molecules, the inhibition of IL‐12 and the up‐regulation of some genes involved in immune tolerance, such as thrombospondin‐1 and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase. The actions of adenosine triphosphate are mediated by the P2Y11 receptor; since there is no functional P2Y11 gene in the murine genome, we investigated the action of adenine nucleotides on murine DC. Adenosine 5′‐(3‐thiotriphosphate) and adenosine inhibited the production of IL‐12p70 by bone marrow‐derived DC (BMDC). These inhibitions were relieved by 8‐p‐sulfophenyltheophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist. The use of selective ligands and A BMDC indicated the involvement of the A2B receptor. A microarray experiment, confirmed by quantitative PCR, showed that, in presence of LPS, 5′‐(N‐ethylcarboxamido) adenosine (NECA, the most potent A2B receptor agonist) regulated the expression of several genes: arginase I and II, thrombospondin‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were up‐regulated whereas CCL2 and CCL12 were down‐regulated. We further showed that NECA, in combination with LPS, increased the arginase I enzymatic activity. In conclusion, the described actions of adenine nucleotides on BMDC are mediated by their degradation product, adenosine, acting on the A2B receptor, and will possibly lead to an impairment of Th1 response or tolerance.
Circumvention of regulatory CD4+ T cell activity during cross‐priming strongly enhances T cell‐mediated immunity
Authors: Heit Antje , Gebhardt Friedemann , Lahl Katharina , Neuenhahn Michael , Schmitz Frank , Anderl Florian , Wagner Hermann , Sparwasser Tim , Busch Dirk H. , Kastenmüller Kathrin
Published: May 2008

Immunization with purified antigens is a safe and practical vaccination strategy but is generally unable to induce sustained CD8+ T cell‐mediated protection against intracellular pathogens. Most efforts to improve the CD8+ T cell immunogenicity of these vaccines have focused on co‐administration of adjuvant to support cross‐presentation and dendritic cell maturation. In addition, it has been shown that CD4+ T cell help during the priming phase contributes to the generation of protective CD8+ memory T cells. In this report we demonstrate that the depletion of CD4+ T cells paradoxically enhances long‐lasting CD8‐mediated protective immunity upon protein vaccination. Functional and genetic in vivo inactivation experiments attribute this enhancement primarily to MHC class II‐restricted CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg), which appear to physiologically suppress the differentiation process towards long‐living effector memory T cells. Since, in functional terms, this suppression by Treg largely exceeds the positive effects of conventional CD4+ T cell help, even the absence of all CD4+ T cells or lack of MHC class II‐mediated interactions on priming dendritic cells result in enhanced CD8+ T cell immunogenicity. These findings have important implications for the improvement of vaccines against intracellular pathogens or tumors, especially in patients with highly active Treg.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/37966_s.pdf
Redundant role for Zap70 in B cell development and activation
Authors: Fallah‐Arani Farnaz , Schweighoffer Edina , Vanes Lesley , Tybulewicz Victor L. J.
Published: May 2008

Expression of the Syk family tyrosine kinase Zap70 is strongly correlated with poor clinical outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the most common human leukemia characterized by B cell accumulation. The expression of Zap70 may reflect the specific cell of origin of the tumor or may contribute to pathology. Thus, the normal role of Zap70 in B cell physiology is of great interest. While initial studies reported that Zap70 expression in the mouse was limited to T and NK cells, more recent work has shown expression in early B cell progenitors and in splenic B cells, suggesting that the kinase may play a role in the development or activation of B cells. In this study, we show that Zap70 is expressed in all developing subsets of B cells as well as in recirculating B cells, marginal zone B cells and peritoneal B1 cells. Analysis of Zap70‐deficient mice shows no unique role for Zap70 in either the development of B cells or in their in vitro and in vivo activation. However, we show that Zap70 can rescue the defective positive selection of immature B cells into the recirculating pool in Syk‐deficient mice, demonstrating functional redundancy between these two kinases.
Role of Ets‐1 phosphorylation in the effector function of Th cells
Authors: Grenningloh Roland , Miaw Shi‐Chuen , Moisan Jacques , Graves Barbara J. , Ho I‐Cheng
Published: May 2008

The transcription factor Ets‐1 critically regulates differentiation and function of T helper (Th) cells. In vitro studies have demonstrated that DNA binding and transcriptional activity of Ets‐1 are regulated by phosphorylation. Depending on the site of phosphorylation, Ets‐1 function can either be increased or inhibited. In addition, a splice variant lacking several inhibitory phosphorylation sites has been identified, raising the possibility that this splice variant may function differently from the full‐length Ets‐1. However, it is unclear how the activating and inhibitory phosphorylation events of Ets‐1 are coordinated during Th cell activation. Furthermore, the biological consequences of Ets‐1 phosphorylation and alternative splicing in regulating the function of Th cells are unknown. We report here that both activating and inhibitory phosphorylation events of Ets‐1 occur simultaneously and independently of each other during Th cell activation. We further demonstrate that the effect of Ets‐1 phosphorylation is very modest and that full‐length Ets‐1 and its splice variant are functionally interchangeable in the regulation of cytokine production in Th cells.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/38112_s.pdf