bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve related to inguinal ligament, adjacent bony landmarks, and femoral artery
Authors: Doklamyai Porames , Agthong Sithiporn , Chentanez Vilai , Huanmanop Thanasil , Amarase Chavarin , Surunchupakorn Purich , Yotnuengnit Pattarapol
Published: October 2008

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) generally emerges from the pelvis behind the inguinal ligament (IL) to the thigh. Because of its proximity to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and hip joint, the LFCN is prone to injuries during various procedures. Anatomy of this nerve is highly variable among studies. Moreover, measurement data regarding its branches including the differences between genders and sides are still lacking. This study was, therefore, done to clarify these issues. Eighty‐five thighs from 43 cadavers of both genders were dissected at the inguinal region. Distances from each branch of the LFCN to palpable landmarks: the ASIS, pubic tubercle (PT) and femoral artery (FA) were measured along the IL. Up to four branches of the LFCN were found; however, the single trunk was the most common form (>65%). The common site of this pattern on the IL was within 2 cm medial to the ASIS but could be present at over 6 cm. The distances in case of bifurcation were mostly comparable to those of the single trunk. In contrast, the values varied considerably in the cases with three or more branches (three cases). Regarding side and gender, asymmetry in the branching pattern was found in one fourth of specimens. However, only some minor differences between genders or sides in the measurement data were seen. These findings suggest that asymmetry and multiple branches of the LFCN should be concerned. The measurement data are also useful for localizing the LFCN with higher accuracy. Clin. Anat. 21:769–774, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical exposures for distal humerus fractures: A review
Authors: Pollock J. Whitcomb , Athwal George S. , Steinmann Scott P.
Published: October 2008

The majority of distal humerus fractures have complex fracture patterns, with displaced articular segments, requiring operative intervention. The goals of surgery are anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation via an operative approach that balances maximum required exposure with minimum soft tissue or bony disruption that may necessitate postoperative protection. The selection of a surgical approach depends on multiple factors, including, facture pattern, extent of articular involvement, associated soft tissue injury, rehabilitation protocols, and surgeon preference. This review focuses on the various surgical approaches to the distal humerus. Clin. Anat. 21:757–768, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retracted: Dynorphin inhibits NEP activity in R1.1 mouse thymoma cells
Authors: Martin‐Kleiner Irena , Balog Tihomir , Marotti Tanja
Published: October 2008

The following article from Cell Biochemistry and Function, Dynorphin inhibits NEP activity in R1.1 mouse thymoma cells, by I. Martin‐Kleiner, T. Balog and T. Marotti, published online on 21 October 2008 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Nigel Loveridge, and Wiley‐Blackwell. The retraction has been agreed due to doubts regarding the reproducibility of the data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the Use of Reclaimed Water on the Quality of Groundwater Resources in the Jordan Valley, Jordan
Authors: Al Kuisi Mustafa , Aljazzar Taiseer , Rüde Thomas , Margane Armin
Published: October 2008

The use of reclaimed water and its impact on groundwater quality in the middle and southern parts of the Jordan Valley are investigated. The chemical analyses indicate that nitrate and bacteriological pollution is widespread, and thus, seriously affects groundwater use. During the study, 365 water samples were collected from wells and springs to determine the water chemistry and the extent of nitrate pollution. Three hydrochemical facies are identifed, i. e., (Ca–(Mg)–Na–HCO3), (Ca–Na–SO4–Cl) and (Ca–Na–Cl). The change of facies is accompanied by a gradual increase in the groundwater total dissolved solids (TDS), which is mainly controlled by evaporates and carbonates dissolution in the aquifer matrix. Water analyses indicate that the shallow aquifer in the study area is affected by non‐point pollution sources, primarily from natural (manure) and chemical nitrogen (N)‐fertilizers and treated wastewater used for agriculture. The concentration of nitrate in the groundwater ranges from 10 to 355 mg/L. Considerable seasonal fluctuations in groundwater quality are observed as a consequence of agricultural practices and other factors such as annual rainfall distribution and the Zarqa River flow. The noticeable levels of total coliform and Escherichia coli in the northern part of the study area may be attributed to contamination from the urban areas, intensive livestock production, and illegal dumping of sewage. Heavy metal concentrations in all samples were found to be significantly lower than the permissible limits for drinking water standards.
Differential Pulse Polarographic Determination of the Oxime Carbamante Insecticide Alanycarb
Authors: İnam Recai , Çiçek Esma
Published: October 2008

As basis for the development of a sensitive analytical method for the determination of the insecticide alanycarb, a study of the differential pulse polarographic (DPP) reduction of alanycarb on a dropping mercury electrode (DME) was performed. The pesticide was found to give a single DP peak over the pH range 1.0 to 6.0 and the pH dependency of the peak potential showed a linear segment with a slope of 65.2 mV (at 20°C). For the analytical DPP method running at pH 6.0 (peak at –503.4 mV), the relationship between the peak current and alanycarb concentration was linear in the range of 1.10 to 9.76 μg mL–1 with a detection limit of 0.33 μg mL–1. The proposed method was applied for the determination of alanycarb in spiked dam water and orange juice samples. The recoveries calculated for both types of dam water and orange juice samples spiked with 12.0 μg mL–1 alanycarb were 96.3 and 99.0% with relative standard deviations of 5.2 and 1.3%, respectively. The sufficiently good recoveries and low relative standard deviations for the data reflect the high accuracy and precision of the proposed differential pulse polarographic method. The effects of diverse metal ions and other commonly used pesticides on the determination of alanycarb were also investigated.
Spontaneous Emergence of Homochirality via Coherently Coupled Antagonistic and Reversible Reaction Cycles
Authors: Mauksch Michael , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: October 2008

Asymmetric synthesis aims at obtaining enantio‐enriched products in stereoselective reactions under a chiral influence. We demonstrate both mathematically and numerically that, even under nominally achiral conditions, fully homochiral steady states can be obtained in open reactive systems by spontaneous mirror‐symmetry breaking in the homogenous solution phase when the autocatalytic reaction network is closed in the form of coherently coupled antagonistic reversible reaction cycles which, paradoxically, allow for complete recycling of the reactant. We show that the fully reversible Frank mechanism for spontaneous mirror‐symmetry breaking is closely related to the Lotka–Volterra system, which models predator–prey relations in ecosystems. Amplification of total enantiomeric excess and the principle of microscopic reversibility are not in conflict for all conceivable reactions. A viable and widely applicable reaction protocol is introduced and discussed, and it permits the theoretical implications to be applied to practical laboratory examples. Implications for the possible origin of biological homochirality on early earth are discussed.
Flow cytometric differential of leukocyte populations in normal bone marrow: Influence of peripheral blood contamination1
Authors: Brooimans R. A. , Kraan J. , van Putten W. , Cornelissen J. J. , Löwenberg B. , Gratama J. W.
Published: October 2008

Background:

Availability of immunophenotypic reference values for the various leukocyte populations distributed in bone marrow may be helpful to recognize abnormal bone marrow development and, therefore, useful as first screening of individuals with suspected hematological malignancies or other hematopoietic disorders.

Methods:

A single tube four‐color staining panel (CD66abce/CD14/CD45/CD34) together with a predefined gating strategy was utilized to immunologically differentiate the distribution of the major leukocyte populations in bone marrow aspirates of healthy donors. The sample‐blood erythrocyte ratio was applied to assess the amount of blood contamination of marrow and account for this in the marrow value estimates.

Results:

The frequency of the major leukocyte populations in bone marrow of 134 normal donors were for granulocytes: mean, 69.4%; SD, 10.3%; monocytes: mean, 4.7%; SD, 2.3%; lymphocytes: mean, 18.3%; SD, 8.7%. The frequency of the immature cell population that included precursor cells of each of the cell lineages among other cell types were mean 5.0%; SD 2.2%. The mean percentage of CD34 positive cells was 1.5%; SD 0.7%. Our results showed further that the frequency of cell populations, of which the presence is restricted to the bone marrow (e.g., CD34+ progenitor cells), is influenced by the degree of peripheral blood admixture. Between the total immature cells and purity of the bone marrow, there was a significant positive correlation demonstrated, whereas a negative correlation was found between the percentages of both lymphocytes as monocytes and the purity of the bone marrow.

Conclusions:

With a single tube‐staining panel, we obtained reference values for flow cytometric assessment of all relevant leukocyte populations present in bone marrow that can be used as a frame of reference for better recognition of individuals with abnormal hematopoiesis. In addition, we have demonstrated the influence of the degree of peripheral blood admixture in the bone marrow aspirates on those reference values. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
Effects of siblings on reproductive maturation and infanticidal behavior in cooperatively breeding Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Saltzman Wendy , Thinda Sumeer , Higgins Alexis L. , Matsumoto Wesley R. , Ahmed Shahen , McGeehan Laura , Kolb Erik M.
Published: October 2008

Mongolian gerbils living with their natal families undergo delayed reproductive maturation while helping to rear their younger siblings, whereas those housed away from their natal families may mature earlier but often respond aggressively to unfamiliar pups. We tested whether cohabitation with pups contributes to reproductive suppression and inhibition of infanticidal behavior, using young males and females housed with (1) their parents and younger siblings (pups), (2) parents without pups, (3) mixed‐sex littermate groups, or (4) mixed‐sex groups of unrelated peers. Maturation in males was inhibited by cohabitation with the parents, while maturation in females was further suppressed in the presence of pups. Males in all housing conditions showed little aggression towards unfamiliar pups, whereas females were usually infanticidal unless housed with pups. Aggression toward pups was especially pronounced in females that were pregnant or undergoing ovulatory cycles. Thus, cohabitation with younger siblings may intensify reproductive suppression and inhibit infanticidal behavior in female gerbils, whereas male gerbils exhibit parentally induced reproductive suppression and low rates of infanticide even in the absence of younger siblings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 60–72, 2009
Maternal care can rapidly induce an odor‐guided huddling preference in rat pups
Authors: Kojima Sayuri , Alberts Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2008

Olfactory‐guided huddling is learned and expressed by postnatal day (PND) 15, when rat pups huddle preferentially with conspecifics or with targets bearing an odor previously associated with maternal care. Experiment 1 replicated this induction of an odor‐guided huddling preference with a truncated regime of conditioning with a scented foster dam. Pups exposed to an odor in association with foster maternal care during five daily 2‐hr sessions on PNDs 1–5, 5–9, or 10–14, but not pups merely exposed to the odor, displayed a huddling preference for the conditioned odor, but only when conditioning commenced after PND5. Experiment 2 demonstrated that a single, 2‐hr exposure to a scented foster dam can induce a huddling preference in pups. Analysis of maternal behavior during the 2‐hr conditioning sessions on PND14 revealed that frequency of maternal hovering over pups, but not licking/grooming or duration of contact, was associated with induction of the odor preference. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 95–105, 2009
Diverse expression patterns of LIM‐homeodomain transcription factors (LIM‐HDs) in mammalian inner ear development
Authors: Huang Mingqian , Sage Cyrille , Li Huawei , Xiang Mengquig , Heller Stefan , Chen Zheng‐Yi
Published: October 2008

LIM‐homeodomain transcription factors (LIM‐HDs) are essential in tissue patterning and differentiation. But their expression patterns in the inner ear are largely unknown. Here we report on a study of twelve LIM‐HDs, by their tempo‐spatial patterns that imply distinct yet overlapping roles, in the developing mouse inner ear. Expression of Lmx1a and Isl1 begins in the otocyst stage, with Lmx1a exclusively in the non‐sensory and Isl1 in the prosensory epithelia. The second wave of expression at E12.5 includes Lhx3, 5, 9, Isl2, and Lmx1b in the differentiating sensory epithelia with cellular specificities. With the exception of Lmx1a and Lhx3, all LIM‐HDs are expressed in ganglion neurons. Expression of multiple LIM‐HDs within a cell type suggests their redundant function. Developmental Dynamics 237:3305–3312, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wnt11r is required for cranial neural crest migration
Authors: Matthews Helen K. , Broders‐Bondon Florence , Thiery Jean Paul , Mayor Roberto
Published: October 2008

wnt11r is a recently identified member of the Wnt family of genes, which has been proposed to be the true Xenopus homologue to the mammalian wnt11 gene. In this study we have examined the role of wnt11r on neural crest development. Expression analysis of wnt11r and comparison with the neural crest marker snail2 and the noncanonical Wnt, wnt11, shows wnt11r is expressed at the medial or neural plate side of the neural crest while wnt11 is expressed at the lateral or epidermal side. Injection of wnt11r morpholino leads to strong inhibition of neural crest migration with no effect on neural crest induction or maintenance. This effect can be rescued by co‐injection of Wnt11r but not by Wnt11 mRNA, demonstrating the specificity of the loss of function treatment. Finally, neural crest graft experiments show that wnt11r is required in a non–cell‐autonomous manner to control neural crest migration. Developmental Dynamics 237:3404–3409, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implication of neuropilin 2/semaphorin 3F in retinocollicular map formation
Authors: Claudepierre T. , Koncina E. , Pfrieger F.W. , Bagnard D. , Aunis D. , Reber M.
Published: October 2008

Neural representations of the environment within the brain take the form of topographic maps whose formation relies on graded expression of axon guidance molecules. Retinocollicular map formation, from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to the superior colliculus (SC) in the midbrain, is mainly driven by Eph receptors and their ligands ephrins. However, other guidance molecules participate in the formation of this map. Here we demonstrate that the receptor Neuropilin‐2 is expressed in an increasing nasal–temporal gradient in RGCs, whereas one of its ligands, Semaphorin3F, but not other Sema3 molecules, presents a graded low‐rostral to high‐caudal expression in the SC when mapping is underway. Neuropilin‐2 and its coreceptor Plexin A1 are present on RGC growth cones. Collapse assays demonstrate that Semaphorin3F induces significant growth cone collapse of temporal, but not nasal, RGCs expressing high levels of Neuropilin‐2. Our results suggest that Neuropilin‐2/Semaphorin3F are new candidates involved in retinotopy formation within the SC. Developmental Dynamics 237:3394–3403, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A role for Xvax2 in controlling proliferation of Xenopus ventral eye and brain progenitors
Authors: Liu Mingnan , Liu Yang , Liu Ying , Lupo Giuseppe , Lan Lei , Barsacchi Giuseppina , He Rongqiao
Published: October 2008

The Vax2 homeobox gene plays a crucial role in early dorsoventral patterning of the eye. However, although Vax2 transcripts have been detected in later differentiating eye and brain regions, its possible roles at these stages are still unclear. By immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we extensively compared the expression patterns of Xenopus Vax2 (Xvax2) mRNA and protein. Expression of Xvax2 protein was found to be largely overlapping but more restricted than that of mRNA, suggesting that Xvax2 expression may be also regulated at posttranscriptional levels. During eye and brain neurogenesis, Xvax2 protein was detected in proliferating neural progenitors and postmitotic differentiating cells in ventral regions of both structures. Overexpression of Xvax2 in Xenopus embryos by mRNA microinjection and DNA lipofection appeared to inhibit proliferation in both eye and brain cells, thus pointing to a new potential role for Vax2 in controlling the proliferative properties of ventral eye and brain progenitors. Developmental Dynamics 237:3387–3393, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of two Mst1‐deficient mouse models
Authors: Anguera Montserrat C. , Liu Matthew , Avruch Joseph , Lee Jeannie T.
Published: October 2008

Mammalian sterile 20‐like kinase 1 (Mst1) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase belonging to the family of Sterile 20‐like kinases. MST1 has been inferred to play important roles in apoptosis and in the inhibition of proliferation in mammalian cells. Here, we describe the genetic characterization of Mst1‐deficient mice produced by two distinct gene‐trap insertions. Animals generated from clone RRT293 exhibit transmission ratio distortion favoring the mutated allele which is amplified with each generation. Inexplicably, while the mutated allele is favored for transmission, its homozygosity is embryonic lethal. By contrast, animals generated from the second Mst1 gene‐trap clone, AJ0315, do not show any gross abnormalities. We find that the discrepancy in phenotype is most likely attributable to a second insertion in the RRT293 clone. Thus, a mutation in Mst1 alone does not affect survival. Our results set the stage for identification of the lethal second‐site mutation that is paradoxically favored for transmission. Developmental Dynamics 237:3424–3434, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential requirements for Fgf3 and Fgf8 during mouse forebrain development
Authors: Theil Thomas , Dominguez‐Frutos Elena , Schimmang Thomas
Published: October 2008

Multiple Fgfs are expressed during formation and patterning of the telencephalon in vertebrates. Fgf8 has been shown to control the size of the telencephalon and the development of signaling centers in zebrafish and mouse. Next to Fgf8, Fgf3 also influences telencephalic gene expression in the zebrafish. Moreover, Fgf3 and Fgf8 have been shown to have combinatorial functions during forebrain development in this species. Here, we have examined telencephalic development in Fgf3 null mouse mutants and embryos that lack both Fgf3 and Fgf8 in their forebrain. In contrast to zebrafish, Fgf3 mutants show normal forebrain development and expression of telencephalic marker genes. Although double mutants for Fgf3 and Fgf8 show a further reduction of forebrain size no additional changes of telencephalic gene expression are observed compared with Fgf8 mutants. Therefore unlike in zebrafish, Fgf3 is not required for mouse forebrain development whereas Fgf8 has a central role during this process. Developmental Dynamics 237:3417–3423, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Murine retroviruses re‐engineered for lineage tracing and expression of toxic genes in the developing chick embryo
Authors: Venters Sara J. , Dias Da Silva Magnus R. , Hyer Jeanette
Published: October 2008

We describe two replication incompetent retroviral vectors that co‐express green fluorescent protein (GFP) and beta‐galactosidase. These vectors incorporate either the avian reticuloendotheliosis (spleen necrosis virus; SNV) promoter or the chick beta‐actin promoter, into the backbone of the murine leukemia (MLV) viral vector. The additional promoters drive transgene expression in avian tissue. The remainder of the vector is MLV‐like, allowing high titer viral particle production by means of transient transfection. The SNV promoter produces high and early expression of introduced genes, enabling detection of the single copy integrated GFP gene in infected cells and their progeny in vivo. Substitution of the LacZ coding DNA with a relevant gene of interest will enable its co‐expression with GFP, thus allowing visualization of the effect of specific and stable changes in gene expression throughout development. As the VSV‐G pseudotyped viral vector is replication incompetent, changes in gene expression can be controlled temporally, by altering the timing of introduction. Developmental Dynamics 237:3260–3269, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Haploid male germ cell‐ and oocyte‐specific Mbd3l1 and Mbd3l2 genes are dispensable for early development, fertility, and zygotic DNA demethylation in the mouse
Authors: Jin Seung‐Gi , Tsark Walter , Szabó Piroska E. , Pfeifer Gerd P.
Published: October 2008

Genome‐wide erasure of CpG methylation occurs along the paternal pronucleus in fertilized oocytes. This process involves an active, replication‐independent enzymatic step, which has remained enigmatic. MBD3L1 and MBD3L2 are two mammalian homologues of the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein genes MBD2 and MBD3 that arose from recent gene duplication events. Expression of Mbd3l1 occurs specifically in haploid male germ cells. Mbd3l2 expression is restricted to metaphase II oocytes and zygotes making both proteins candidates for the zygotic demethylation process. Neither of these genes was able to promote reactivation of a methylation‐silenced reporter gene. We created Mbd3l1 and Mbd3l2 knockout mice, which were viable and fertile. We show that demethylation of the paternal pronucleus in Mbd3l1−/− and Mbd3l2−/− mice is identical to that in wild‐type controls. These data suggest that Mbd3l1 and Mbd3l2 are not involved in genome‐wide demethylation of paternal genomes in mouse zygotes and are dispensable for normal development. Developmental Dynamics 237:3435–3443, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient temporally‐controlled targeted mutagenesis in smooth muscle cells of the adult mouse
Authors: Wendling Olivia , Bornert Jean‐Marc , Chambon Pierre , Metzger Daniel
Published: October 2008

To generate temporally‐controlled targeted somatic mutations selectively and efficiently in smooth muscles, we have established a transgenic SMA‐Cre‐ERT2 mouse line in which the expression of the Tamoxifen‐dependent Cre‐ERT2 recombinase is under the control of a large genomic DNA segment of the mouse smooth muscle α actin (SMA) gene, contained in a Bacterial artificial chromosome (Bac). In this transgenic mouse line, Cre‐ERT2‐mediated recombination of LoxP‐flanked target DNA is strictly Tamoxifen‐dependent, and efficient in both vascular and visceral smooth muscle cells. Moreover, with the exception of few cardiomyocytes, LoxP‐flanked DNA excision is restricted to smooth muscle cells. Thus, SMA‐Cre‐ERT2 mice should be of great value to analyze gene function in smooth muscles, and to establish new animal models of human smooth muscle disorders. genesis 47:14–18, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Processing and Characterization of Spherical Alumina Pellets Coated with BaTiO3 and Li0.10Ti0.02Ni0.88O Dielectric Materials
Authors: Fournaud Benoit , Iordan Alexandra , Rossignol Sylvie , Tatibouët Jean‐Michel , Thollon Stephanie
Published: October 2008

Sol–gel methods were used to synthesize BaTiO3 and LixTiyNi(1–x) materials. Processes using these sols were adjusted to coat spherical alumina pellets. The annealing temperature was studied in detail. This study also focuses on the characterization of the deposits. Data obtained by XRD, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and gravimetric analyses were compared. Multiple impregnations were necessary to achieve a satisfactory deposit of the dielectric material. For Li0.10Ti0.02Ni0.88O, these sol–gel methods led to an impregnation depth of 50 μm, whereas for BaTiO3 a homogeneous deposit of only 5 μm was obtained. A special treatment with an ammonia solution was required to efficiently disperse BaTiO3. This preparation method achieved a spherical deposit of the dielectric material. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
N‐Alkylation of Ammonioundecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate(1–) for the Preparation of Anions for Ionic Liquids
Authors: Justus Eugen , Vöge Andrea , Gabel Detlef
Published: October 2008

Different N‐alkylated derivatives of ammonioundecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate(1–), [B12H11NH3]–, were prepared. Strategies for the introduction of one alkyl chain or two equal alkyl chains and the trisubstitution by two different alkyl chains were developed. Several of the resulting salts have low melting points and are examples of a new class of ionic liquids.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of (Hydrazonido)aluminum Complexes
Authors: Javed Saba , Hoffman David M.
Published: October 2008

Complexes [XAl{CH2CR=NNMe2}2] {X = Cl and R = Me oriPr, X = Me and R = Me, and X = N(NMe2)[CR=CH2] and R = Me oriPr} were synthesized by salt metathesis reactions involving lithium salts of hydrazones, Li[CH2CR=NNMe2]. X‐ray crystallographic studies showed that all the complexes contain two chelating hydrazonido ligands bonding to aluminum through the methylene carbon and amine nitrogen(–NMe2). For the complexes in which X = N(NMe2)[CR=CH2] (R = Me oriPr), the N(NMe2)[CR=CH2] ligand represents a linkage isomer in which the hydrazonido ligand bonds through nitrogen rather than through carbon, thereby becoming a hydrazido ligand. In the single crystal containing [Al{CH2CiPr=NNMe2}2{N(NMe2)(CiPr=CH2)}], its isomer [Al{CH2CiPr=NNMe2}3], having two chelating hydrazonido and one monodentate hydrazonido ligands, is present 45 % of the time. In solution, the [Al{CH2CR=NNMe2}2{N(NMe2)(CR=CH2)}] (R = Me oriPr) complexes are in equilibrium with [Al{CH2CR=NNMe2}3]. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Bi16I4 – A New Bismuth Subiodide: An Analysis of Molecular Packing and Electronic Structures of the Compounds in the BimI4 (m = 14, 16, 18) Family
Authors: Lindsjö Martin , Kloo Lars , Kuznetzov Alexei , Popovkin Boris
Published: October 2008

A new bismuth subiodide Bi16I4 was synthesized by high‐temperature synthesis. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis [C2/m (No. 12), a = 25.948(6) Å, b = 4.354(1) Å, c = 13.259(3) Å, β = 104.48(2)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.041, wRall(F2) = 0.109]. The compound belongs to the BimI4 (m = 14, 16, 18) family of low‐dimensional subhalides that feature one‐dimensional bismuth stripes of varying width, terminated by iodine atoms. Ab initio calculations at the DFT level were performed on 3D structures of all three BimI4 compounds of the family. According to the computational data all three compounds are expected to exhibit metallic behavior and Pauli paramagnetism, with a directional anisotropy of the properties indicated by the calculated band structures. The molecular packing in bismuth subiodides has been analyzed in detail and two homologous series – Bi8+4nI4 and Bi10+4nI4 (n = 0, 1, 2, ...) – are suggested to describe existing and possible structures of the compounds of the BimI4 family. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Structure and Conformational Studies of the Disaccharides Derived from the Inner Core of the Lipopolysaccharide Isolated from Sinorhizobium fredii SMH12
Authors: Fernández de Córdoba Francisco J. , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Miguel A. , Tejero‐Mateo Pilar , Gil‐Serrano Antonio M.
Published: October 2008

The structure and conformational behaviour of the core region of the lipopolysaccharide isolated from Sinorhizobium fredii SMH12, a wide‐ranging host bacterium isolated from nodulated soybean plants growing in Vietnam, have been studied. A mixture of oligosaccharides was isolated from the lipopolysaccharide by mild hydrolysis followed by size‐exclusion chromatography. The structures were determined by sugar analysis, ESI‐MS/MS and NMR studies. Conformational analysis was performed by molecular dynamics calculations and compared with the NMR spectroscopic data. The results indicate that the core oligosaccharide contains a disaccharide made up of α‐D‐glucopyranuronic acid (1→4)‐linked to D‐Kdo. In solution, this disaccharide exists as an equilibrium of three different structures. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The process of definitive institutionalization of community dwelling demented vs non demented elderly: data obtained from a network of sentinel general practitioners
Authors: Schoenmakers Birgitte , Buntinx Frank , Devroey Dirk , Van Casteren Viviane , DeLepeleire Jan
Published: October 2008

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences between characteristics of community dwelling demented and non demented elderly and their caregivers at the moment of definitive institutionalization.

Methods

The study is a cross‐sectional analysis performed on data obtained from a Network of Sentinel General Practitioners.

Results

Older demented patients with several concomitant diseases were mainly placed because of unmanageable behavioral disturbances. Strikingly, these dementia patients were more often confronted with a time delay in definitive institutionalization due to their high care dependence. Although burden in the dementia family caregivers was an important motivation for definitive institutionalization, it did not seem to be a motive in the final institutionalization circumstances.

Conclusions

Behavioral disturbances are independently of caregiver burden, professional support, or a spousal relationship the main direct reason for institutionalization of community dwelling demented elderly. The way caregivers feel supported might play the key role in the final placement decision. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved spatial learning in aged rats by genetic activation of protein kinase C in small groups of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Zhang Guo‐rong , Liu Meng , Cao Haiyan , Kong Lingxin , Wang Xiaodan , O'Brien Jennifer A. , Wu Shuo‐chieh , Cook Robert G. , Geller Alfred I.
Published: October 2008

Age‐related decline in human cognition is well known, and there are correlative changes in the function of neocortical and hippocampal neurons. Similarly, age‐related decline in learning has been observed in rodents, including deficits in a hippocampal‐dependent learning paradigm, the Morris water maze. Furthermore, there are correlative deficits in specific signaling pathways, including protein kinase C (PKC) pathways, in cerebellar, hippocampal, or neocortical neurons. PKC pathways are strong candidates for mediating the molecular changes that underlie spatial learning, as they play critical roles in neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity, including long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD), and deletion of specific PKC genes results in deficits in learning. Conversely, genetic activation of PKC pathways in small groups of hippocampal or cortical neurons enhances learning in specific paradigms. In this study, the authors delivered a constitutively active PKC into small groups of hippocampal dentate granule neurons in aged rats (using a herpes simplex virus‐1 vector). Aged 2‐year‐old rats that received the constitutively active PKC displayed improved performance in the Morris water maze relative to controls in three different measures. These results indicate that PKC pathways play an important role in mediating spatial learning in aged rats. Additionally, these results represent a system for studying the neural mechanisms underlying aging‐related learning deficits, and potentially developing gene therapies for cognitive and age‐related deficits. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bilateral NMDA lesions centered on the postrhinal cortex have minimal effects on hippocampal place cell firing
Authors: Nerad Ludek , Liu Ping , Bilkey David K.
Published: October 2008

The postrhinal cortex (POR) receives input from parietal cortex and sends output to the hippocampus. It may, therefore, relay spatial information to the hippocampus and as a result, lesions of POR may disturb the spatial firing patterns of hippocampal place cells. To test this hypothesis, the firing of hippocampal CA1 place cells in rats with bilateral N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid lesions centered on the POR (n = 83 cells) and rats with sham lesions (n = 77 cells) was compared, while animals foraged freely. The main effect of postrhinal lesions on the basic firing properties of hippocampal place cells was to decrease the coherence of their firing fields. In contrast to the previously reported effects of lesions of neighboring perirhinal cortex, however, there was no effect of postrhinal lesions on the location stability of the fields over time or in the response of these cells to the animal's movement. These data indicate that information originating from the POR has relatively little influence on hippocampal place cell firing while an animal is engaged in foraging behavior. This also suggests that perirhinal and postrhinal cortices make distinct contributions to hippocampal functioning. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison and validation of MODIS standard and new combination of Terra and Aqua snow cover products in northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Xie Hongjie , Liang Tiangang , Huang Xiaodong
Published: October 2008

Taking northern Xinjiang, China, as an example, this study first compares the standard MODIS Terra and Aqua snow cover classifications, and then compares the accuracy of the standard MODIS daily and 8‐day snow cover products with the new daily and multi‐day snow cover combination of MODIS Terra and Aqua observations using in situ measurements. Under clear sky in both products, the agreement of land classification from MODIS Terra and Aqua daily and 8‐day snow cover products is close to 100% for a entire water year. In contrast, the agreement of snow classification from MODIS Terra and Aqua is high only in the winter months, decreasing in the rest of the period. The high agreement mainly concentrates in land or snow‐dominated areas, and major disagreements take place in the transitions zones from snow to land. The disagreement (mainly snow–land) in the 8‐day products is higher than that in the daily products. In addition, both MODIS Terra and Aqua cloud masks tend to map more areas in the transition zones as cloud. Under clear sky conditions, the three daily products have similar accuracy of snow and land classification, and the 8‐day standard products and the multi‐day combination product also have similar accuracy of snow and land classification. This further suggests that the algorithm in the combination of Terra and Aqua snow cover products is valid. Moreover, in the actual weather/cloud conditions, the combination products from Terra and Aqua reduce cloud blockage and improve snow classification accuracy against either MODIS Terra or Aqua (51% against 44% and 34% for daily and 92% against 87% and 78% for 8‐day, respectively), although Terra snow product (daily or 8‐day) has slightly better accuracy than the Aqua snow product. The new combination products can provide better mapping of spatiotemporal variation of snow cover/glacier and for snow‐melting modeling. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activator protein 2 alpha (AP2α) suppresses 42 kDa C/CAAT enhancer binding protein α (p42C/EBPα) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bennett Kristi L. , Romigh Todd , Arab Khelifa , Teresi Rosemary E. , Tada Yasuhiro , Eng Charis , Plass Christoph
Published: October 2008

The tumor suppressor C/CAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is a transcription factor involved in cell cycle control and cellular differentiation. A recent study showed that C/EBPα is frequently downregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by DNA methylation in an upstream regulatory region. Here, we investigated how DNA methylation in the upstream regulatory region disrupts the transcriptional regulation of C/EBPα in HNSCC. The results reveal that aberrant methylation correlates with methyl binding domain protein binding and repressive histone modifications. This methylated region contains previously uninvestigated AP2α binding sites. AP2α suppresses C/EBPα promoter activity and protein expression. Interestingly, silencing AP2α by shRNA increases the antiproliferative isoform of C/EBPα (p42C/EBPα). Furthermore, growth analysis revealed that these 2 isoforms yield very different proliferative properties in HNSCC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer mortality in women and men who survived the siege of Leningrad (1941–1944)
Authors: Koupil Ilona , Plavinskaja Svetlana , Parfenova Nina , Shestov Dmitri B. , Danziger Phoebe Day , Vågerö Denny
Published: October 2008

The population of Leningrad suffered from severe starvation, cold and psychological stress during the siege in World War II in 1941–1944. We investigated the long‐term effects of the siege on cancer mortality in 3,901 men and 1,429 women, born between 1910 and 1940. All study subjects were residents of St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad, between 1975 and 1982. One third of them had experienced the siege as children, adolescents or young adults (age range, 1–31 years at the peak of starvation in 1941–1942). Associations of siege exposure with risk of death from cancer were studied using a multivariable Cox regression, stratified by gender and period of birth, adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol and social characteristics, from 1975 to 1977 (men) and 1980 to 1982, respectively (women), until the end of 2005. Women who were 10–18 years old at the peak of starvation were taller as adults (age‐adjusted difference, 1.7 cm; 95% CI, 0.5–3.0) and had a higher risk of dying from breast cancer compared with unexposed women born during the same period (age‐adjusted HR, 9.9; 95% CI, 1.1–86.5). Mortality from prostate cancer was nonsignificantly higher in exposed men. The experience of severe starvation and stress during childhood and adolescence may have long‐term effects on cancer in surviving men and women. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spindle assembly checkpoint and p53 deficiencies cooperate for tumorigenesis in mice
Authors: Chi Ya‐Hui , Ward Jerrold M. , Cheng Lily I. , Yasunaga Junichiro , Jeang Kuan‐Teh
Published: October 2008

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) guards against chromosomal missegregation during mitosis. To investigate the role of SAC in tumor development, mice heterozygously knocked out for the mitotic arrest deficient (Mad) genes Mad1 and/or Mad2 were mated with p53+/− mice. Increased tumor frequencies were reproducibly observed in Mad2+/−p53+/− (88.2%) and Mad1+/−Mad2+/−p53+/− (95.0%) mice compared with p53+/− (66.7%) mice. Moreover, 53% of Mad2+/−p53+/− mice developed lymphomas compared with 11% of p53+/− mice. By examining chromosome content, increased loss in diploidy was seen in cells from Mad2+/−p53+/− versus p53+/− mice, correlating loss of SAC function, in a p53+/− context, with increased aneuploidy and tumorigenesis. The findings here provide evidence for a cooperative role of Mad1/Mad2 and p53 genes in preventing tumor development. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Folate status in various pathophysiological conditions
Authors: Wani Nissar Ahmad , Hamid Abid , Kaur Jyotdeep
Published: October 2008

Folate is the generic term for compounds that have vitamin activity similar to that of pteroylglutamic acid. Folate acts as a coenzyme in several single carbon transfers involved in biosynthesis of purine nucleotides and deoxythymidylic acid essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. In addition, folate provides one‐carbon unit for methylation of a wide variety of biological substances including DNA, proteins, phospholipids, and neurotransmitters, thereby regulating their function. Recent epidemiological‐clinical and experimental studies suggest the association of folate deficiency with the risk of various cancers, birth defects, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, it is important to consider the conditions that are associated with altered folate status and their consequences. The impairment in folate status has been found in number of pathophysiological conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, alcoholism, pregnancy, neonatal growth, and during administration of some drugs. The recent advances dealing with mechanistic aspects of impaired folate status in these conditions have been discussed in this review. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(12): 834–842, 2008
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase laboratory assay: How, when, and why?
Authors: Minucci Angelo , Giardina Bruno , Zuppi Cecilia , Capoluongo Ettore
Published: October 2008

Glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common defect of red blood cells. Although some different laboratory techniques or methods are employed for the biochemical screening, a strict relationship between biochemists, clinicians, and molecular biologists is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. This article represents an overview on the current laboratory tests finalized to the screening or to the definitive diagnosis of G6PD‐deficiency, underlying the problems regarding the biochemical and molecular identification of heterozygote females other than those regarding the standardization of the clinical and laboratory diagnostic procedures. Finally, this review is aimed to give a flow‐chart for the complete diagnostic approach of G6PD‐deficiency. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(1): 27–34, 2009
Psychotherapists who abstain from personal therapy: do they practice what they preach?
Authors: Norcross John C. , Bike Denise H. , Evans Krystle L. , Schatz Danielle M.
Published: October 2008

The authors examined the attitudes and reasons of 119 American psychologists, counselors, and clinical social workers who had never sought personal therapy. Nontherapy seekers, compared to therapy seekers, expressed less‐positive attitudes toward its value as a prerequisite for clinical work and for ongoing professional development. Women, men, and members of all three professions were equally likely to have sought therapy, but cognitive–behavioral therapists and academics were significantly less likely to do so. Top reasons for not undergoing personal therapy entailed dealing with stress in other ways, receiving sufficient support from friends and family, believing coping strategies were effective, and resolving the problem before therapy was needed. The likelihood of seeking personal treatment in the future as well as reasons for doing so are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1–9, 2008.
Concurrent validity of the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale–Symptom checklist
Authors: Sulkowski Michael L. , Storch Eric A. , Geffken Gary R. , Ricketts Emily , Murphy Tanya K. , Goodman Wayne K.
Published: October 2008

Despite the frequent use of the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale–Symptom Checklist (Y‐BOCS‐SC; Goodman et al., 1989a) and the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory‐Revised (OCI‐R; Foa et al., 2002), there are limited data on the psychometric properties of the two instruments. In the present research, clinician ratings on the Y‐BOCS‐SC for 112 patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) were compared to their self‐report ratings on the OCI‐R. In addition, Y‐BOCS‐SC and OCI‐R scores were compared to measures of OCD symptom severity and self‐report measures of anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory–Trait Subscale [STAI‐T]; Spielberger, Gorusch, & Lushene, 1970) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory‐II [BDI‐II]; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). The six symptom scales of the OCI‐R had good internal consistency reliabilities (αs). For the Y‐BOCS‐SC, three of five scales had good reliabilities (αs >.80), but αs for symmetry/ordering and sexual/religious symptom scales were inadequate. Total scores for the two instruments were strongly correlated with their corresponding “checking” scales, but no individual symptoms scales were identified as indices of overall OCD symptom presence. Scales assessing washing/contamination, symmetry/ordering, and hoarding from the two OCD instruments correlated well, but lower correlations for the other scales suggested differences in symptom coverage by the two instruments. Most symptom scales from the Y‐BOCS‐SC and OCI‐R had low correlations with the BDI‐II and STAI‐T, but the OCI‐R obsessing scale was well correlated (r=.54) with the STAI‐T. These findings reveal some of the strengths and weaknesses of these two OCD instruments, and the results provide guidance for selecting scales that are suitable for measuring OCD symptoms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1–14, 2008.
Commentary on Sprock and Fredendall's (2008), “Comparison of Prototypic Cases of Depressive Personality Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder”
Authors: Huprich Steven K.
Published: October 2008

In this commentary, the author discusses the merits and contributions of Sprock and Fredendall's (2008) study of depressive personality and dysthymia using a prototype methodology with experienced clinicians. Their article demonstrates the difficulty in differentiating depressive personality disorder from dysthymia, though it seems to raise even more salient questions about the current ways by which personality disorders are assessed and diagnosed. In light of these findings, the author offers some ways by which personality disorder assessment could be improved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1–5, 2008.
Characterization of ion channels in human preadipocytes
Authors: Hu Hao , He Mu‐Lan , Tao Rong , Sun Hai‐Ying , Hu Rui , Zang Wei‐Jin , Yuan Bing‐Xiang , Lau Chu‐Pak , Tse Hung‐Fat , Li Gui‐Rong
Published: October 2008

Ion channels participate in regulation of cell proliferation. However, though preadipocyte (the progenitor of fat cell) is a type of highly proliferating cells, ion channel expression and their role in proliferation is not understood in human preadipocytes. The present study was designed to characterize ion channels using whole‐cell patch clamp technique, RT‐PCR, and Western blotting. It was found that a 4‐aminopyridine‐ (4‐AP) sensitive transient outward K+ current (Ito) was present in a small population of (32.0%) cells, and an outward “noisy” big conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current (IKCa) was present in most (92.7%) preadipocytes. The noisy current was inhibited by the big conductance IKCa channel blocker paxilline (1 µM), and enhanced by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (5 µM) and the big conductance IKCa channel activator NS1619 (10 µM). RT‐PCR and Western blot revealed the molecular identities (i.e., KCa1.1 and Kv4.2) of the functional ionic currents IKCa and Ito. Blockade of IKCa or Ito with paxilline or 4‐AP reduced preadipocyte proliferation, and similar results were obtained with specific siRNAs targeting to KCa1.1 and Kv4.2. Flow cytometric analysis showed ion channel blockade or knockdown of KCa1.1 or Kv4.2 with specific siRNA increased the cell number of G0/G1 phase. The present study demonstrates for the first time that two types of functional ion channel currents, Ito and big conductance IKCa, are present in human preadipocytes and that these two types of ion channels participate in regulating proliferation of human preadipocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 427–435, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.