bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium oxalate crystallization in the presence of amino acids, proteins and carboxylic acids
Authors: Sayan P. , Sargut S. Titiz , Kıran B.
Published: June 2009

Reactive crystallization of calcium oxalate was investigated in the presence of amino acids, proteins and carboxylic acids at different pH and temperatures. Average particle size, filtration rates of calcium oxalate crystals obtained in the absence and presence of additives were determined. The influence of pH, temperatures and additives on crystal morphology of calcium oxalate were also investigated and discussed by SEM analysis. TG‐DTA, FT/IR and XRD analysis were carried out for all investigated conditions. Average particle size of calcium oxalate was affected significantly by the additive type and concentration. Variation of crystal morphology depending on type and concentration of the additives affected the filtration characteristics. Majority of calcium oxalate crystals occurred in the form of calcium oxalate monohydrate except those in the presence of tartaric acid. TG‐DTA, FT/IR and XRD analysis proved that calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate mixtures are formed in the presence of tartaric acid. The effect of all additives on scale formation was also investigated. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tools for the genetic analysis of germ cells
Authors: Hammond Shirley S. , Matin Angabin
Published: June 2009

Germ cells are essential for the propagation of individual species. Studies on germ cell development in mice highlight important biological paradigms. Beginning with their first appearance around embryonic day 7 (E7), germ cells undergo specific cellular changes at different stages of their embryonic and adult development. Germ cells migrate through the hind‐regions of the embryo to eventually home into the developing gonads. Further differentiation and development of germ cells differ in males and females. The processes involved in germ cell development and their eventual differentiation into sperm and oocytes have been under extensive investigation in recent years. Studies on germ cells have shed light on the cellular and molecular processes involved in their specification, migration, proliferation, death, and differentiation. These studies have also revealed much about maintenance of stem cell populations and fertility. Here we review the genetic tools that are at present available to study germ cells in the mouse. genesis 47:617–627, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sox17‐2A‐iCre: A knock‐in mouse line expressing Cre recombinase in endoderm and vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Engert Silvia , Liao W. Perry , Burtscher Ingo , Lickert Heiko
Published: June 2009

Sox17 encodes an SRY‐related high‐mobility group (HMG) box transcription factor that is essential for endoderm formation and fetal hematopoietic stem cell maintenance. In the mouse, expression of Sox17 is first observed in the extraembryonic endoderm and is subsequently seen in the definitive endoderm as well as in blood and the endothelial cells of the developing vasculature. To conditionally inactivate genes in these domains, we have targeted the Sox17 locus to generate a bicistronic mRNA linking Sox17 to a codon improved Cre recombinase (iCre) via a viral 2A sequence. Here we report a new Cre knock‐in mouse line, Sox17‐2A‐iCre, with activity in the developing endoderm, the vascular endothelial cells of the cardiovascular system and the hematopoietic system. Our results indicate that the Sox17‐2A‐iCre is active in an early endoderm progenitor and recombination of the Rosa26 reporter was observed in all previously reported expression domains of Sox17. The Sox17‐2A‐iCre line will be an excellent tool to conditionally inactivate genes in the definitive endoderm as well as in the vasculature and hematopoietic system. genesis 47:603–610, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An essential gene mutagenesis screen across the highly conserved piebald deletion region of mouse chromosome 14
Authors: Hagarman James A. , O'Brien Timothy P.
Published: June 2009

Piebald (left) and piebald deletion heterozygous (right) mice, showing altered pigmentation. An ENU mutagenesis screen for essential genes was performed using piebald deletion complex alleles. See the paper by Hagarman and O'Brien in this issue.
Fast matching algorithm for isodensity contours of faces based on chain coded description and interpolation of isodensity contours
Authors: Natsumeda Ko , Kato Yoshihiro , Nakamura Osamu
Published: June 2009

A personal identification system based on isodensity maps in which the properties of a face are well reflected has been proposed. In the conventional method, however, there were problems in terms of the memory requirements for the registration of face images and the processing time. To alleviate these problems, a new matching scheme using chain coded isodensity maps is proposed. Isodensity contours are line pictures. Therefore, they can be converted to chain codes. By using the coded isodensity contours, the improvement of the processing performance can be expected in terms of the processing time and the memory size required. In this paper, a robust personal identification system for angled faces based on the chain coded isodensity maps is proposed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 57–65, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10035
Prediction of travel time in urban district based on state equation
Authors: Hiramatsu Ayako , Nose Kazuo , Tenmoku Kenji , Morita Takeshi
Published: June 2009

The presentation of travel time information to drivers is one of the important roles of information systems concerned with road traffic. This paper proposes a method for predicting the travel time in urban districts using travel time data from the small sections which make up a route. The forecasting model consists of past time series data on the travel times in the small sections. The travel time for the route in the near future and its accuracy are estimated by using a state equation of the forecasting model. The validity of the method is verified using real data. Validation showed that the prediction error was approximately 2.5 minutes. Generally, for 50 minutes of travel time, it is desirable that the prediction error be within 5 minutes. Therefore, this result appears satisfactory for practical use. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 1–11, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10089
Different role of CD30 in the development of acute and chronic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model
Authors: Polte Tobias , Fuchs Lena , Behrendt Ann‐Kathrin , Hansen Gesine
Published: June 2009

CD30 is a costimulatory molecule of the TNF receptor superfamily, expressed on activated T and B cells. Previously, we have shown in a murine asthma model the crucial role of CD30 signaling for the development of this Th2‐cell‐mediated disease. In the present study, we investigated the role of CD30 in the maintenance of the immune response. In contrast to the acute model, in the chronic model CD30−/− mice developed a severe asthma‐like phenotype with eosinophilic inflammation and high serum IgE levels. Collagen content, ECM protein deposition and proliferation of smooth muscle cells as signs for airway remodeling were equally increased in both CD30−/− and WT mice. Reduced expression of the costimulatory molecule OX40 on CD3+ T cells in the acute and up‐regulation in the chronic model indirectly supported a compensatory role of OX40 for CD30 signaling. In accordance, application of agonistic OX40 antibody restored the asthma phenotype in CD30−/− mice in the acute model, whereas chronic airway inflammation was reduced in the presence of an inhibitory anti‐OX40 ligand antibody. These data demonstrate that the crucial role of CD30 signaling in the development of acute asthma may be taken over by other costimulatory molecules like OX40 after long‐term exposure to the antigen.
Hypomorphic mutation of ZAP70 in human results in a late onset immunodeficiency and no autoimmunity
Authors: Picard Capucine , Dogniaux Stéphanie , Chemin Karine , Maciorowski Zofia , Lim Annick , Mazerolles Fabienne , Rieux‐Laucat Frédéric , Stolzenberg Marie‐Claude , Debre Marianne , Magny Jean‐Paul , Le Deist Françoise , Fischer Alain , Hivroz Claire
Published: June 2009

Complete lack of function of the tyrosine kinase ZAP70 in humans results in a severe immunodeficiency, characterized by a lack of mature CD8+ T cells and non‐functional CD4+ T cells. We report herein an immunodeficiency with an inherited hypomorphic mutation of ZAP70 due to a single G‐to‐A substitution in a non‐coding intron. This mutation introduces a new acceptor splice site and allows low levels of normal alternative splicing and of WT ZAP70 expression. This partial deficiency results in a compromised TCR signaling that was totally restored by increased expression of ZAP70, demonstrating that defective activation of the patient T cells was indeed caused by the low level of ZAP70 expression. This partial ZAP70 deficiency was associated with an attenuated clinical and immunological phenotype as compared with complete ZAP70 deficiency. CD4+ helper T‐cell populations including, follicular helper T cells, Th1, Th17 and Treg were detected in the blood. Finally, the patient had no manifestation of autoimmunity suggesting that the T‐cell tolerogenic functions were not compromised, in contrast to what has been observed in mice carrying hypomorphic mutations of Zap70. This report extends the phenotype spectrum of ZAP70 deficiency with a residual function of ZAP70.
Synthesis, Structure and Spectral, and Electrochemical Properties of New Mononuclear Ruthenium(III) Complexes of Tris[(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]amine: Role of Steric Hindrance in Tuning the Catalytic Oxidation Activity
Authors: Murali Mariappan , Mayilmurugan Ramasamy , Palaniandavar Mallayan
Published: June 2009

The new mononuclear RuIII complexes [Ru(ntb)Cl2]Cl (1), [Ru(ntb)Cl2]ClO4 (1a), and [Ru(mntb)Cl2]Cl (2) (ntb = tris(benzimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)amine, mntb = tris(N‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)amine) have been synthesized and characterized. The X‐ray crystal structure of 1 reveals that the coordination geometry around the RuIII center is distorted octahedral in which four sites are occupied by the tetradentate ligand ntb and the remaining cis positions by two chloride ions. The stronger Ru–Nbzim bonds elongate the Ru–Cl bonds thereby labilizing the coordinated chloride ions. In the electronic absorption spectra the RuIII complexes show two bands corresponding to π(bzim) → t2g(Ru) and pπ(Cl–) → t2g(Ru) ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) transitions along with intraligand transitions in the UV region. Complex 1 shows rhombic EPR spectral features (g1, 2.238; g2, 2.071; g3, 1.790). The RuIII complexes display both RuIII → RuII reduction and RuIII → RuIV oxidation processes. Complexes 1 and 2 catalyze the allylic oxidation of cyclohexene, selective and higher epoxidation of cyclooctene, and hydroxylation of alkanes in the presence of the peroxide TBHP and the peracid m‐CPBA as cooxidants illustrating that the electronic and steric effects of tripodal 4N ligands can be tuned to catalyze the effective oxidative transformation of organic compounds. ESI‐MS studies reveal the formation of ruthenium peroxido species in these catalytic reactions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Selective B–H versus N–H Bond Activation in Ammonia Borane by [Ir(dppm)2]OTf
Authors: Rossin Andrea , Caporali Maria , Gonsalvi Luca , Guerri Annalisa , Lledós Agustí , Peruzzini Maurizio , Zanobini Fabrizio
Published: June 2009

Ammonia borane (AB, NH3·BH3) was activated selectively on the boron hydrogen atoms by [Ir(dppm)2]OTf, as shown by variable‐temperature 31P, 11B and 1H NMR studies, to yield cis‐ and trans‐[Ir(H)2(dppm)2]OTf dihydrides. X‐ray crystal structures of these complexes were obtained. DFT calculations suggest the key reaction intermediate to be a Lewis base (L) stabilised adduct, cis‐[Ir(H)(BH2·L)(dppm)2]+(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Phosphate Ester Hydrolysis: Metal Complexes As Purple Acid Phosphatase and Phosphotriesterase Analogues (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 19/2009)
Authors: Gahan Lawrence R. , Smith Sarah J. , Neves Ademir , Schenk Gerhard
Published: June 2009

The cover picture shows the trimeric structure of the promiscuous glycerophosphodiesterase GpdQ from Enterobacter aerogenes and an octameric zinc(II) complex synthesised as a metalloenzyme biomimetic (the latter image is reproduced with permission of the Royal Society of Chemistry from Dalton Trans. 2008, 6045–6054, DOI: 10.1039/b806391e). The cover picture was designed by Caitlin Gahan. Details are presented in the Microreview by L. R. Gahan et al. on p. 2745 ff.
Utilizing Staudinger Ligation for the Synthesis of Glycoamino Acid Building Blocks and Other Glycomimetics
Authors: Schierholt Alexander , Shaikh Harun A. , Schmidt‐Lassen Jörn , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: June 2009

The synthesis of amide‐linked glycomimetics is of interest in the glycosciences as they represent a typical linkage in biologically important glycoconjugates. We have addressed the synthesis of three types of N‐glycosyl amide architectures, which were targeted using Staudinger ligation. This facile method has allowed us to synthesize a collection of N‐glycosyloctanamides, N‐glycosyloxyethyl amino acids and multivalent glycoclusters. The last two classes represent molecules that can be used as building blocks in solid‐phase peptide synthesis for the preparation of multivalent glycoconjugates. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A General and Efficient Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Protocol Using Weak Base and No Water: The Essential Role of Acetate
Authors: Wang Bing , Sun Hui‐Xia , Sun Zhi‐Hua
Published: June 2009

A weak base, CsOAc, promotes Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling and related Pd‐catalyzed reactions under anhydrous conditions as effectively as stronger bases. Aryl triflates exhibit unusual reaction rates, which are comparable to that of bromoarenes. A neglected six‐membered transition‐state model was proposed to give alternative insight into the key process of transmetalation.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The Observation of the C–H···O Hydrogen Bond in Trisialic Acid Lactone and Its Implications for Cooperative Lactonization (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 20/2009)
Authors: Chen Chien‐Sheng , Yu Yi‐Ping , Lin Bo‐Chao , Gervay‐Hague Jacquelyn , Fang Jim‐Min , Hsu Chao‐Ping , Wu Shih‐Hsiung
Published: June 2009

The cover picture shows the simulated NMR spectroscopic structure of polysialic acid polylactone. The local turn conformation of this right‐handed helix is held by an interresidual C–H···O hydrogen bond. The seams connected by C–H···O hydrogen bonds support the cooperative acid‐catalyzed lactonization of oligosialic acid. The hydrogen bond can be seen as the detonator of a Chinese firecracker. Once the hydrogen bond is formed (just like the ignition of the detonator), the cooperative lactones are formed stepwise in the polysialic acid. The construction of the right‐handed helix was described in a previous article (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2007, 3648). The observation of the C–H···O hydrogen bond is presented in the article by C.‐S. Chen et al. on p. 3351 ff. The authors thank Ms. Jui‐Wen Sue for the photograph in the cover picture.
Characteristics of strawberry plants propagated by in vitro bioreactor culture and ex vitro propagation method
Authors: Debnath Samir C.
Published: June 2009

Reproducible protocol for regeneration of complete plantlets from ‘Bounty’ strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.), using a combination of gelled medium and bioreactor system, has been standardized. Sepals, leaf discs, and petiole halves produced multiple buds and shoots when cultured on semi solid‐gelled medium containing 4 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) for 4 wk followed by transferring in liquid medium containing 2 μM TDZ in a bioreactor system and cultured for another 4 wk. TDZ induced shoot proliferation at 0.1 μM in the bioreactor system but inhibited shoot elongation. TDZ‐induced shoots were elongated and rooted in vitro on gelled medium containing 2 μM zeatin. Such bioreactor‐derived tissue culture (BC) plantlets obtained from sepal explants were grown ex vitro and compared with those propagated by tissue culture on gelled medium (GC) and by conventional runner cuttings (RC), for growth, morphology, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity after three growth seasons. The BC and GC plants produced more crowns, runners, leaves, and berries than the RC plants although berry weight per plant did not differ significantly. BC and GC plants produced berries with more anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities than those produced by the RC plants. However, intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker assay produced a homogenous amplification profile in the tissue culture and donor control plants confirming the clonal fidelity of micropropagated plants. In vitro culture on TDZ and zeatin‐containing nutrient media apparently induced the juvenile branching characteristics that favored enhanced vegetative growth with more crown, runners, leaf, and berry production.
User satisfaction with services in a randomised controlled trial of adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Roots Peter , Rowlands Laura , Gowers Simon G.
Published: June 2009

Background

User satisfaction is a neglected outcome in adolescent anorexia nervosa especially since the relative effectiveness of different treatments is unclear. It may also affect clinical outcome.

Aims

To assess young person's and parents' satisfaction with CAMHS outpatient, specialist outpatient and inpatient treatment received in a large randomised controlled trial.

Method

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of questionnaire data from 215 young people and their parents followed by focus groups to further explore emerging themes.

Results

High levels of satisfaction were reported, more amongst parents than young people and with specialist services. Both young people and carers strongly valued clinical relationships that involved being listened to and understood. They valued the expertise of specialist rather than generic CAMHS services. There were polarised views on the influence of other young people in inpatient units. Parents in particular valued support for themselves, both from professionals and other parents and felt this, and sibling support was lacking.

Conclusions

All comprehensive CAMH services are able to provide the good generic psychotherapeutic skills that parents and young people value so highly. However, generic CAMHS struggle to provide the demanded level of expertise and more specialised individual and family therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Calculation of thermal conductivity of gypsum plasterboards at ambient and elevated temperature
Authors: de Korte A. C. J. , Brouwers H. J. H.
Published: June 2009

Plasterboard often protects steel structures of buildings because it conducts heat slowly and absorbs the heat of the fire by its volumetric enthalpy. The most important property governing the heat transfer is the thermal diffusion. This property depends on the density, specific heat and thermal conductivity. The first two can be calculated based on the mass composition of the board. The thermal conductivity is more difficult to derive since it is a directional property. This paper will focus on the calculation of the thermal conductivity at ambient and elevated temperatures.

It is shown that the thermal conductivity of gypsum plasterboard (i.e. a porous medium) can be assumed to be a three‐phase system. Plasterboard consists of a solid phase and a water/air mix in the voids. The differences between different theoretical equations for both dry and moistured plasterboards are presented. The equation proposed by Zehner and Schlunder (Chem. Ing.‐Tech. 1972; 44(23):1303–1308) with shape‐factor C of 5 gave good agreement with experimental data of the different boards. Furthermore, the influence of the composition of the boards on the thermal conductivity is investigated. This has an influence, especially since the composition is also related to its moisture content. Regression analysis points out that the moisture content depends only on the gypsum content. A value of 2.8% absorbed water on the mass of gypsum is found, and this water plays an important role in the thermal conductivity of plasterboard at ambient temperature.

Finally, the thermal conductivity of board at elevated temperature is computed. A close fit between computed and experimental values derived from literature is found. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation and deactivation of periventricular white matter phagocytes during postnatal mouse development
Authors: Hristova Mariya , Cuthill Daniel , Zbarsky Virginia , Acosta‐Saltos Alejandro , Wallace Adam , Blight Ken , Buckley Suzanne M.K. , Peebles Donald , Heuer Heike , Waddington Simon N. , Raivich Gennadij
Published: June 2009

Brain microglia are related to peripheral macrophages but undergo a highly specific process of regional maturation and differentiation inside the brain. Here, we examined this deactivation and morphological differentiation in cerebral cortex and periventricular subcortical white matter, the main “fountain of microglia” site, during postnatal mouse development, 0–28 days after birth (P0–P28). Only macrophages in subcortical white matter but not cortical microglia exhibited strong expression of typical activation markers alpha5, alpha6, alphaM, alphaX, and beta2 integrin subunits and B7.2 at any postnatal time point studied. White matter phagocyte activation was maximal at P0, decreased linearly over P3 and P7 and disappeared at P10. P7 white matter phagocytes also expressed high levels of IGF1 and MCSF, but not TNFalpha mRNA; this expression disappeared at P14. This process of deactivation followed the presence of ingested phagocytic material but correlated only moderately with ramification, and not with the extent of TUNEL+ death in neighboring cells, their ingestion or microglial proliferation. Intravenous fluosphere labeling revealed postnatal recruitment and transformation of circulating leukocytes into meningeal and perivascular macrophages as well as into ramified cortical microglia, but bypassing the white matter areas. In conclusion, this study describes strong and selective activation of postnatally resident phagocytes in the P0–P7 subcortical white matter, roughly equivalent to mid 3rd trimester human fetal development. This presence of highly active and IGF1‐ and MCSF‐expressing phagocytes in the neighborhood of vulnerable white matter could play an important role in the genesis of or protection against axonal damage in the fetus and premature neonate. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age at onset and clinical features of late life compulsive hoarding
Authors: Ayers Catherine R. , Saxena Sanjaya , Golshan Shahrokh , Wetherell Julie Loebach
Published: June 2009

Objectives

Compulsive hoarding is a debilitating, chronic disorder, yet we know little about its onset, clinical features, or course throughout the life span. Hoarding symptoms often come to clinical attention when patients are in late life, and case reports of elderly hoarders abound. Yet no prior study has examined whether elderly compulsive hoarders have early or late onset of hoarding symptoms, whether their hoarding symptoms are idiopathic or secondary to other conditions, or whether their symptoms are similar to compulsive hoarding symptoms seen in younger and middle‐aged populations. The objectives of this study were to determine the onset and illustrate the course and clinical features of late life compulsive hoarding, including psychiatric and medical comorbitities.

Methods

Participants were 18 older adults (≥60) with clinically significant compulsive hoarding. They were assessed using structured interviews, including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID I), Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), and UCLA Hoarding Severity Scale (UHSS). Self‐report Measures Included the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and Savings Inventory‐Revised (SI‐R). Psychosocial and medical histories were also obtained. To determine age at onset, participants were asked to rate their hoarding symptoms and describe major life events that occurred during each decade of their lives.

Results

Results show that (1) onset of compulsive hoarding symptoms was initially reported as being in mid‐life but actually found to be in childhood or adolescence. No subjects reported late onset compulsive hoarding. (2) Compulsive hoarding severity increased with each decade of life. (3) Comorbid mood and anxiety disorders were common, but only 16% of patients met criteria for OCD if hoarding symptoms were not counted toward the diagnosis. (4) The vast majority of patients had never received treatment for hoarding. (5) Older adults with compulsive hoarding were usually socially impaired and living alone.

Conclusions

Compulsive hoarding is a progressive and chronic condition that begins early in life. Left untreated, its severity increases with age. Compulsive hoarding should be considered a distinct clinical syndrome, separate from OCD. Unfortunately, compulsive hoarding is largely unrecognized and untreated in older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative resistance of SGK1 knockout mice against chemical carcinogenesis
Authors: Nasir Omaima , Wang Kan , Föller Michael , Gu Shuchen , Bhandaru Madhuri , Ackermann Teresa F. , Boini Krishna M. , Mack Andreas , Klingel Karin , Amato Rosario , Perrotti Nicola , Kuhl Dietmar , Behrens Jürgen , Stournaras Christos , Lang Florian
Published: June 2009

The serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1 was originally cloned from mammary tumor cells. SGK1 was found to be up‐regulated in a variety of tumors, but down‐regulated in several distinct tumors. Thus, evidence for a role of SGK1 in tumor growth remained conflicting. According toin vitroobservations, SGK1 is up‐regulated by the oncogene β‐catenin and negatively regulates the proapoptotic transcription factor FOXO3a, which in turn stimulates transcription of the Bcl2‐interacting mediator BIM. This study aimed to define the role of SGK1 in colon carcinomain vivo. SGK1 knockout mice (sgk1−/−) and their wild type littermates (sgk1+/+) were subjected to chemical cancerogenesis (intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine followed by three cycles of 30 g/L synthetic dextran sulfate sodium for 7 days). Moreover, SGK1 was silenced in HEK293 cells. FOXO3a and BIM protein abundance was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Following chemical cancerogenesis,sgk1−/−mice developed significantly less colonic tumors thansgk1+/+mice. According to Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, SGK1 deficiency enhanced the expression of FOXO3a and BIM both,in vitroandin vivo. SGK1 deficiency counteracts the development of colonic tumors, an effect at least in part due to up‐regulation of FOXO3a and BIM. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(7): 768–776, 2009
How does changing age distribution impact stock prices? A nonparametric approach
Authors: Park Cheolbeom
Published: June 2009

This paper examines whether variations in demographic structure have influenced stock prices. The study employs a nonparametric approach based on the Fourier Flexible Form representation, which relates variations in the entire age distribution to the normalized stock price under a flexible functional form. The main findings of this paper are that there is a significant impact from prime working‐age consumers on the stock price, and that this impact is robust for all G5 countries (France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA). These findings survive many robust tests, and are consistent with the predictions from the life‐cycle models. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced L‐arginine transport contributes to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Venardos Kylie M. , Zatta Amanda J. , Marshall Tanneale , Ritchie Rebecca , Kaye David M.
Published: June 2009

Myocardial injury due to ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) damage remains a major clinical challenge. Its pathogenesis is complex including endothelial dysfunction and heightened oxidative stress although the key driving mechanism remains uncertain. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the I‐R process induces a state of insufficient L‐arginine availability for NO biosynthesis, and that this is pivotal in the development of myocardial I‐R damage. In neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NVCM), hypoxia‐reoxygenation significantly decreased L‐arginine uptake and NO production (42 ± 2% and 71 ± 4%, respectively, both P < 0.01), maximal after 2 h reoxygenation. In parallel, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased and ROS production increased (both P < 0.01). NVCMs infected with adenovirus expressing the L‐arginine transporter, CAT1, and NVCMs supplemented with L‐arginine both exhibited significant (all P < 0.05) improvements in NO generation and mitochondrial membrane potentials, with a concomitant significant fall in ROS production and lactate dehydrogenase release during hypoxia‐reoxygenation. In contrast, L‐arginine deprived NVCM had significantly worsened responses to hypoxia‐reoxygenation. In isolated perfused mouse hearts, L‐arginine infusion during reperfusion significantly improved left ventricular function after I‐R. These improved contractile responses were not dependent on coronary flow but were associated with a significant decrease in nitrotyrosine formation and increases in phosphorylation of both Akt and troponin I. Collectively, these data strongly implicate reduced L‐arginine availability as a key factor in the pathogenesis of I‐R injury. Increasing L‐arginine availability via increased CAT1 expression or by supplementation improves myocardial responses to I‐R. Restoration of L‐arginine availability may therefore be a valuable strategy to ameliorate I‐R injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 156–168, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced fracture repair by leukotriene antagonism is characterized by increased chondrocyte proliferation and early bone formation: A novel role of the cysteinyl LT‐1 receptor
Authors: Wixted John J. , Fanning Paul J. , Gaur Tripti , O'Connell Shannon L. , Silva Jason , Mason‐Savas April , Ayers David C. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: June 2009

Inflammatory mediators and drugs which affect inflammation can influence the healing of injured tissues. Leukotrienes are potent inflammatory mediators, and similar to prostaglandins, are metabolites of arachidonic acid which can have positive or negative effects on bone and cartilage tissues. Here we tested the hypothesis that blocking the negative regulation of leukotrienes, would lead to enhanced endochondral bone formation during fracture repair. A closed femoral fracture was created in mice. Animals were divided into three groups for treatment with either montelukast sodium, a cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor antagonist (trade name Singulair), zileuton, a 5‐lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitor (trade name Zyflo), or carrier alone. The fractures were analyzed using radiographs, quantitative gene expression, histology and histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry. Both the montelukast sodium group and the zileuton group exhibited enhanced fracture repair when compared with controls. Both treatment groups exhibited increased callous size and earlier bone formation when compared to controls as early as day 7. Gene expression analysis of treatment groups showed increased markers of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and increased early bone formation markers when compared with controls. Treatment with montelukast sodium directly targeted the cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor, leading to increased chondrocyte proliferation at early time points. These novel findings suggests a potential mechanism by which the cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor acts as a negative regulator of chondrocyte proliferation, with important and previously unrecognized implications for both fracture repair, and in a broader context, systemic chondrocyte growth and differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 31–39, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute ammonia toxicity and the protective effects of methionine sulfoximine on the swamp eel, Monopterus albus
Authors: Tng Yvonne Y. M. , Chew Shit F. , Wee Nicklaus L. J. , Wong Fung K. , Wong Wai P. , Tok Chia Y. , Ip Yuen K.
Published: June 2009

The objectives of this study were to examine how the swamp eel, Monopterus albus, defended against acute ammonia toxicity derived from the intraperitoneal injection with a sublethal dose (10 µmol g−1 fish) of ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4) followed by 24 hr of emersion, and to elucidate the mechanisms of acute ammonia toxicity with respect to glutamine accumulation in the brain using L‐methionine S‐sulfoximine [MSO; a glutamine synthetase inhibitor]. When confronted with a sublethal dose of CH3COONH4 followed by emersion, only a small fraction of the exogenous ammonia was excreted, and ammonia contents in various organs, especially the brain, increased transiently to high levels. Increased glutamine synthesis and decreased amino acid catabolism in and outside the brain were involved in the defence against acute ammonia toxicity. When injected with a lethal dose (16 µmol g−1 fish) of CH3COONH4 followed by emersion, ammonia (∼30 µmol g−1 tissue), but not glutamine (∼5 µmol g−1 tissue), accumulated to extraordinarily high levels in the brain of succumbed fish. Hence, glutamine accumulation in the brain might not be the major mechanism of acute ammonia toxicity in M. albus. MSO (100 µg g−1 fish) had a partial protective effect in fish injected with a lethal dose of CH3COONH4. However, this effect was unrelated to the suppression of glutamine synthesis and accumulation in the brain. Instead, MSO suppressed the rate of ammonia buildup in the brain, possibly through its effects on glutamate dehydrogenase therein. J. Exp. Zool. 311A: 676–688 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Introduction to a Special Issue of theJournal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling
Authors: Youngs Donna
Published: June 2009

When offender profiles have been presented as evidence in court, although in a few cases they may have been accepted initially, they have invariably been excluded on appeal. But with the evolution of Investigative Psychology as a systematic science with a broader remit than producing ‘offender profiles’, a framework for contributions to investigations has emerged over the last 20 years that maps out the rich potential range of contribution to the legal process. This considers not only the drawing of inferences about offenders from their actions (profiling), but also examination of testimony and what psychological processes may indicate whether it has been distorted deliberately or accidentally. Further, the decision‐making processes, especially as part of the investigation that gave rise to evidence presented are also subject to behavioural scrutiny. This special issue of The Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling provides examples of these contributions as a basis for encouraging debate about links between Investigative Psychology and the courtroom. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction or bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of osteoarthritis
Authors: Frisbie David D. , Kisiday John D. , Kawcak Chris E. , Werpy Natasha M. , McIlwraith C. Wayne
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was the assessment of clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of intraarticular administered adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction or bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in the middle carpal joint of all horses, the contralateral joint being sham‐operated. All horses received treatment on Day 14. Eight horses received placebo treatment and eight horses received adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction in their osteoarthritis‐affected joint. The final eight horses were treated the in osteoarthritis‐affected joint with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Evaluations included clinical, radiographic, synovial fluid analysis, gross, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical evaluations. No adverse treatment‐related events were observed. The model induced a significant change in all but two parameters, no significant treatment effects were demonstrated, with the exception of improvement in synovial fluid effusion PGE2 levels with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells when compared to placebo. A greater improvement was seen with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells when compared to adipose‐derived stromal vascular fraction and placebo treatment. Overall, the findings of this study were not significant enough to recommend the use of stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis represented in this model. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1675–1680, 2009
The US semiconductor industry in the 1990s: strategies and outcomes
Authors: Kaymak Turhan
Published: June 2009

The semiconductor industry was one of the chief beneficiaries and drivers of globalization in the 1990s. The competitive environment of that decade provided opportunities for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and domestic firms operating in the US marketplace.

The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there are relationships between certain business‐level strategies and firm‐level performance in the US semiconductor sector. Also, we investigate whether MNEs outperform their domestic‐oriented rivals.

Using objective measures, we uncover that a low‐cost strategy is associated with performance, while focus and differentiation strategies have negative relationships with performance. Also, firm size is strongly related to performance.

Our study contributes to our understanding of business‐level strategies with its development of new objective measures, while our findings question whether being a MNE is necessarily an advantage in the semiconductor industry.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenols in spikelets and leaves of field‐grown oats (Avena sativa) with different inherent resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae)
Authors: Dimberg Lena H , Peterson David M
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Avenanthramides, health‐beneficial phenols in oats, are produced in response to incompatible races of the crown rust fungus, Puccinia coronata, in seedlings of greenhouse‐grown oats. This study aimed to elucidate whether avenanthramides and/or other phenolic compounds, together with the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), phenoloxidase (PO) and the avenanthramide biosynthetic enzyme hydroxycinnamoyl‐CoA:hydroxyanthranilate‐N‐hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HHT), are associated with crown rust infection in mature field‐grown oats. Nine oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes with wide variation in crown rust resistance were exposed to naturally occurring fungal spores during the growth period.

RESULTS: In the spikelets avenanthramides as well as HHT activities were more abundant in the crown rust resistant genotypes, whereas p‐coumaric and caffeic acids were more abundant in the susceptible ones. In the leaves avenanthramides were not associated with resistance. Instead two unknown compounds correlated negatively with the rust score. Phenols released by alkaline hydrolysis and PAL and PO activities were not related to rust infection, either in spikelets or in the leaves.

CONCLUSION: Because grains of crown rust‐resistant oat genotypes seemed to have higher endogenous levels of health‐promoting avenanthramides, use of resistant oats may contribute to a food raw material with health‐beneficial effects. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Characteristics and prognosis for molecular breast cancer subtypes in Chinese women
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Hong , Wang Meng , Gu Lin , Guo Xiaojing , Gu Feng , Fu Li
Published: June 2009

Background

Breast cancer is regarded as a heterogeneous disease with four molecular subtypes. However, the clinicopathological characteristics among the different subtypes have not been studied in Chinese demographic. This study clarifies the prevalence and clinicopathological features of each subtype and investigates the independent prognosis factors in the Chinese population.

Methods

A retrospective review of 1,820 Chinese breast cancer women were classified into different molecular subtypes based on the IHC‐based definitions for ER, PR, and HER‐2/neu to evaluate the clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Results

Luminal A subtype was the most prevalent with the oldest median age at first full‐term birth. The basal cell‐like subtype was associated with early onset, higher percentage of node positivity, family history of breast cancer, increased tumor size, advanced tumor grade, higher prevalence in the premenopausal group, and the earlier age at menarche. Univariate and multivariate analysis of OS and RFS identified the basal cell‐like and HER‐2/neu subtypes as negative prognostic factors. A family history was an independent predictor of shorter RFS and OS in only the basal cell‐like subtype.

Conclusions

The basal cell‐like subtype is associated with a poor prognosis and a family history was a negative predictor in the basal cell‐like subtype. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:89–94. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of the number of resected and involved lymph nodes on esophageal cancer survival
Authors: Chen Yi‐Jen , Schultheiss Timothy E. , Wong Jeffrey Y.C. , Kernstine Kemp H.
Published: June 2009

Background

Using a large data set, we investigated the impact of the number of resected and involved lymph nodes on overall survival for patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

From the National Oncology Database™, esophageal cancer cases with data available on the total number of resected and involved nodes as well as other variables were evaluated as it relates to overall survival by multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards method. Patients with 0, exactly 1 or 1–3 positive nodes were separately studied to determine the association between the number of lymph nodes resected and overall survival.

Results

From 1969 to 2002, 3,144 (17%) of 18,390 esophageal cancer cases with complete data were identified. Increasing number of involved nodes predicted poorer outcome (P < 10−6). Results from studying patients with 0, exactly 1 or 1–3 positive nodes showed that survival improved with increasing number of nodes analyzed up to 12. Three‐tier nodal grouping with increasing risk of death were identified, 0, 1–3, and ≥4 positive nodes (P < 10−5).

Conclusions

The pathological assessment of minimal 12 lymph nodes provides sufficient prognostic information. Three‐tier nodal grouping is suggested for the next version of AJCC staging system for esophageal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:127–132. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling and prediction of retention behavior of histidine‐containing peptides in immobilized metal‐affinity chromatography
Authors: Tian Feifei , Yang Li , Lv Fenglin , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2009

Two kinds of structural characterization method as local descriptors and global descriptors were used to parameterize peptide structures, and several quantitative structure‐retention relationship models were then constructed using partial least square (PLS), least‐squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) and Gaussian process (GP) coupled with genetic algorithm‐variable selection. These models were validated rigorously and investigated systematically by Tropsha et al. criteria, Monte Carlo cross‐validation and one‐way analysis of variance. Results show that regression models constructed using nonlinear approaches such as LS‐SVM and GP are more robust and predictable than those by linear PLS method. By including linear and nonlinear terms in the covariance function, the GP is capable of handling both linear and nonlinear‐mixed relationship, and thus presents a better performance than LS‐SVM. Investigation of the optimal GP model revealed that diversified properties contribute to the retention behavior of peptides in immobilized metal‐affinity chromatography. Particularly, coordination interaction, electrostatic factor, sovlation effect and hydrogen bonding are correlated significantly with the peptide retention ability.
Quantification of domoic acid in shellfish tissues by pressurized capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Wu Weimin , Wu Xiaoping , Lin Xucong , Xie Zenghong , Giesy John P.
Published: June 2009

A method was developed to quantify domoic acid (DA), the chemical responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), by pressurized CEC (pCEC). The effect of different experimental conditions on the separation of DA and matrix solutes, such as the content of ACN in mobile phase, pH and concentration of buffer, supplementary pressure and applied voltage, were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the pCEC method separated DA from shellfish matrices within 6 min. By using supplementary pressure, bubble formation in the capillary column was completely suppressed. The method was repeatable, sufficient accurate and sensitive for rapid screening of DA in shell seafood.
Reversed phase liquid chromatography trace analysis of pesticides in soil by on‐column sample pumping large volume injection and UV detection
Authors: Hutta Milan , Chalányová Mária , Halko Radoslav , Góra Róbert , Dokupilová Svetlana , Rybár Ivan
Published: June 2009

The idea of utilization of one hydraulic line of a common commercial HPLC pump for direct on‐column sample pumping injection of large sample volumes, 20 mL, was further investigated with the aim to develop multicomponent pesticides trace residues HPLC method in gram soil samples. Target pesticides group involve asulam, atrazine, 2,4‐D, PCA, propazine, simazine, 4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxyacetic acid, 2‐(4‐chloro‐2‐tolyloxy) propionic acid, chlortoluron, metoxuron, epoxiconazole. The results proved the applicability of this approach in experiments with mixtures of analytes at low ng/mL levels. Analysis of 20 mL of soil leachates and extracts of fortified soil samples containing these pesticides at the 10–50 ng/g level (in dry soil) revealed good figures of merit, also in the presence of large excess of humics. LODs achieved by detection at 220 nm evaluated from calibration runs of spiked soil extracts by Hubaux et al. method ranged from 5–12 ng per injected volume. For 20 mL large volume injection it represents 0.25–0.6 ng/mL of diluted soil extract, or 2.5–6 ng/mL of crude extract, or 6–5 ng/g dry soil. Recoveries of pesticides at concentration levels approaching half of maximum allowable concentration of pesticides in soil (100 ng/g) ranged from 85 to 98% with acceptable reproducibility, except asulam and metoxuron.
Side‐chain modified bile acids: chromatographic separation of 23‐methyl epimers
Authors: Natalini Benedetto , Sardella Roccaldo , Gioiello Antimo , Carbone Giovanni , Dawgul Malgorzata , Pellicciari Roberto
Published: June 2009

Owing to the re‐flourished interest towards the bile acids (BAs) as versatile signalling hormones endowed with diverse endocrine functions, the development of reliable analytical protocols monitoring the synthesis of new BA‐based receptor modulators, still represents a cogent concern. On this basis, for the first time, a HPLC study has been engaged with the aim to set up suitable chromatographic conditions for the analysis of three different epimeric couples of 23‐methyl‐substituted unconjugated BAs. Three different methods (one for each couple) have been successfully established and then validated. Good precision and accuracy (evaluated both in the short and long period) as well as appreciably low LOD and LOQ values have turned out. Moreover, the engagement of an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) has proven its high effectiveness for the analysis of such steroidal species.