bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence that parent‐of‐origin affects birth‐weight reductions at high altitude
Authors: Bennett Adam , Sain Stephen R. , Vargas Enrique , Moore Lorna G.
Published: April 2008

Hypoxia exerts a profound depressant effect on fetal growth, lowering birth weight, and raising mortality risk. Multigenerational high‐altitude populations are relatively protected from this birth‐weight decline, leading us to hypothesize that genetic factors were involved. We asked if the amount of high‐ versus low‐altitude ancestry influenced birth weight at high altitude and, specifically, whether such influences were affected by parent‐of‐origin effects (i.e., genomic imprinting). Medical records were reviewed from 1,343 consecutive, singleton deliveries in La Paz, Bolivia (3,600 m) of high‐ (Andean) or low‐ (European) altitude ancestry. Parental surnames were used to classify ancestry as Andean, European, Mestizo (“mixed”) or some combination thereof. The effects of population ancestry on birth weight were determined by categorical, conditional linear regression. Babies born at altitude with two Andean parents weighed 252 g more than their European counterparts, with the protective effect being proportional to the amount of Andean parentage and independent of maternal parity, body size, smoking, or socioeconomic status. Paternal compared with maternal transmission raised birth weight 81 g for a given ancestry group. We concluded that indigenous high‐altitude ancestry protected against hypoxia‐associated fetal growth reduction in a dose‐dependent fashion consistent with the involvement of genetic factors. Further, some of the genes involved appeared to be influenced by parent‐of‐origin effects, given that maternal transmission restricted and paternal transmission enhanced fetal growth. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrent mutation in SNPs within Y chromosome E3b (E‐M215) haplogroup: A rebuttal
Authors: Cruciani Fulvio , Trombetta Beniamino , Novelletto Andrea , Scozzari Rosaria
Published: April 2008

In a previous issue of AJHB, Fernandes et al. (2008. Am J Hum Biol 20:185–190.) describe instances of identity by state at multiple short tandem repeat loci between human Y chromosomes belonging to different E‐M35 sub‐haplogroups. They interpret these findings as evidence for multiple mutational events in at least two loci (M78 and M81). Here, we introduce a novel polymorphic marker (V68), potentially useful to investigate the issue. This marker and sequence data, reported here for the first time, reinforce our previous interpretations on the phylogenetic structure of the E3b haplogroup. We discuss these results in the frame of general approaches to attain robust phylogenetic inferences based on biallelic polymorphism data. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Craniosynostosis in a patient with a de novo 15q15‐q22 deletion
Authors: Hiraki Yoko , Moriuchi Miyuki , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Ishikawa Nobutsune , Sugimoto Yosuke , Eguchi Kuniki , Sakai Haruya , Saitsu Hirotomo , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Harada Naoki , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: April 2008

Interstitial deletions involving the chromosomal band 15q15 are very rare. A total of five cases were previously reported. Here another case of a 15q15.2‐q22.2 deletion is reported, presenting with severe craniosynostosis of coronary, metopic, and sagittal sutures. The chromosome 15 with the 17.7‐Mb deletion was of the paternal origin. A critical region for craniosynostosis may be located at the 734‐kb segment at 15q15.2. Interestingly, the entire FBN1 gene was deleted in this patient. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Support for schizophrenia susceptibility locus on chromosome 2q detected in a Swedish isolate using a dense map of microsatellites and SNPs
Authors: Åberg Karolina , Axelsson Elin , Saetre Peter , Jiang Lin , Wetterberg Lennart , Pettersson Ulf , Lindholm Eva , Jazin Elena
Published: April 2008

Extended pedigrees are not only very useful to identify disease genes for rare Mendelian conditions, but they may also help unravel the genetics of complex diseases such as schizophrenia. In this study we performed genome‐wide multipoint non‐parametric linkage (NPL) score calculations using 825 microsatellites and 5,366 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively, and searched for haplotypes shared by affected individuals, in three multiplex families including 29 genotyped affected individuals which in total contains 49 relative pairs useful for linkage studies. The most consistent results for microsatellites and SNPs were observed on 2q12.3–q14.1 (NPL scores 2.0, empiricalP‐value 0.009). However, the overall highest NPL score was observed on chromosome 2q33.3 using SNPs (NPL score 2.2, empiricalP‐value 0.007). Other chromosomal regions were detected on 5q15‐q22.1, with microsatellites (NPL scores 1.7, empiricalP‐value 0.021) and with SNPs (NPL scores 2.0, empiricalP‐value 0.010) and on 5q23.1 (NPL score 1.9, empiricalP‐value 0.012) and 8q24.1–q24.2 (NPL score 2.1, empiricalP‐value 0.009) when using SNPs. The analysis of extended pedigrees allowed the search for haplotypes inherited identical by decent (IBD) by affected individuals. In all regions with NPL score >1.9 we found haplotypes inherited IBD by multiple cases. However, no common haplotypes were found for affected individuals in all families. In conclusion our NPL results support earlier findings suggesting that 2q and possibly 5q and 8q contain susceptibility loci for schizophrenia. Haplotype sharing in families helped to delimit the detected regions that potentially are susceptibility loci for schizophrenia. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome screen of late‐onset Alzheimer's extended pedigrees identifies TRPC4AP by haplotype analysis
Authors: Poduslo S.E. , Huang R. , Huang J. , Smith S.
Published: April 2008

Alzheimer's disease is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disorder with profound cognitive decline. Multiple susceptibility genetic variants have been identified with equivocal replication. While rare, collections of extended pedigrees with multiple affected family members are invaluable for genome‐wide screens. We have used two extended pedigrees, having 14–15 siblings with four to five affected late‐onset Alzheimer's disease patients in each, to identify the gene, transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 4 associated protein (TRPC4AP), on chromosome 20q11.22, as relevant for the disease. Multiple significant SNPs in this gene were found with the initial genome scan (after Bonferroni correction). Additional SNPs were assessed in the families and in the controls which were also significant by haplotype analysis. Moreover, 36% of the patients' haplotypes in our collection of late‐onset patients had the same haplotype. These results suggest that TRPC4AP is involved with the disease in these late‐onset Alzheimer's families. The results also confirm the use of the genome‐wide association study for identifying new genetic variants of complex diseases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of 4HB content on the properties of poly(3‐hydroxylbutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxylbutyrate) based on melt molded sheets
Authors: Cong Chuanbo , Zhang Suyun , Xu Riwei , Lu Weichuan , Yu Dingsheng
Published: April 2008

A series of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate)s[P(3HB‐co‐4HB)s] sheets with the 4HB contents from about 9 to 34 mol % were prepared via melt molding. Their crystallinity, crystalline structures, thermal and mechanical properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile test. It was found that the melt temperatures (Tm), glass transition temperatures (Tg), and storage modulus (E′) of all the [P(3HB‐co‐4HB)s] copolymers investigated decreased continuously with increasing the amount of the 4HB; the yield stress and breaking stress nearly decreased with the increase of the 4HB contents while the elongation at the yield and break points increased; and the thermal stability of the P(3HB‐co‐4HB)s improved with increasing 4HB contents. The results suggest that the mechanical properties and crystal lattice parameters of the melt molded sheets are somewhat different from those of the solution cast films. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Novel waterborne polyurethanes containing short fluoroalkyl chains: Synthesis and applications on cotton fabrics
Authors: Zhu Ming‐Jie , Qing Feng‐Ling , Meng Wei‐Dong
Published: April 2008

Two novel waterborne polyurethanes containing short fluoroalkyl groups [CH(CF3)2 and CH2CF2CF3] were designed and synthesized. They were applied as surface modification agents on cotton fabrics. The treated cotton fabrics showed good water‐repellent properties, and the contact angles for water were 146° for the fluorinated polyurethane with the CH2CF2CF3 group and 132° for the fluorinated polyurethane with the CH(CF3)2 group. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrokinetic and rheological behaviors of sepiolite suspensions in the presence of poly(acrylic acid sodium salt)s, polyacrylamides, and poly(ethylene glycol)s of different molecular weights
Authors: Tunç Sibel , Duman Osman , Uysal Ramazan
Published: April 2008

The effects of the molecular weights and concentrations of three polymers, poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) (NaPA), polyacrylamide (PAA), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), on the electrokinetic and rheological properties of sepiolite suspensions were investigated. The ζ‐potential values of the sepiolite suspensions were measured at different pH values, and the isoelectric point of sepiolite was determined to be 3.27. The anionic NaPA polymers were much effective in reducing the ζ‐potential values of sepiolite than the nonionic polymers PAA and PEG. PAA and PEG of higher molecular weights caused a significant increase in the ζ‐potentials of the sepiolite suspensions as their concentrations and molecular weights increased. The suspensions exhibited Bingham flow behavior. The reason for the increase in the plastic viscosity values of the sepiolite/NaPA suspensions was the increase in the polymer concentration in the suspensions; on the other hand, for the sepiolite/PAA or PEG suspensions, the reasons were the increase in the polymer concentration in the suspensions and the sepiolite–polymer interactions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Mitochondrial protein quality control: Implications in ageing
Authors: Friguet Bertrand , Bulteau Anne‐Laure , Petropoulos Isabelle
Published: April 2008

Mitochondria represent both a major source for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a target for oxidative macromolecular damage. Increased production of ROS and accumulation of oxidized proteins have been associated with cellular ageing. Protein quality control, also referred as protein maintenance, is very important for the elimination of oxidized proteins through degradation and repair. Chaperone proteins have been implicated in refolding of misfolded proteins while oxidized protein repair is limited to the catalyzed reduction of certain oxidation products of the sulfur‐containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine, by specific enzymatic systems. In the mitochondria, oxidation of methionine residues within proteins can be catalytically reversed by the methionine sulfoxide reductases, an ubiquitous enzymatic system that has been implicated both in ageing and protection against oxidative stress. Irreversibly oxidized proteins are targeted to degradation by mitochondrial matrix proteolytic systems such as the Lon protease. The ATP‐stimulated Lon protease is believed to play a crucial role in the degradation of oxidized proteins within the mitochondria and age‐related declines in the activity and/or expression of this proteolytic system have been previously reported. Age‐related impairment of mitochondrial protein maintenance may therefore contribute to the age‐associated build‐up of oxidized proteins and impairment of mitochondrial redox homeostasis.
Oxidative Double Dehalogenation of Tetrachlorocatechol by a Bio‐Inspired CuII Complex: Formation of Chloranilic Acid
Authors: Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Viciano‐Chumillas Marta , Lutz Martin , Spek Anthony L. , Reedijk Jan , van Koten Gerard , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M.
Published: April 2008

Copper(II) complexes of the potentially tripodal N,N,O ligand 3,3‐bis(1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)propionate (L1) and its conjugate acid HL1 have been synthesised and structurally and spectroscopically characterised. The reaction of equimolar amounts of ligand and CuII resulted in the complexes [Cu(L1)]n(X)n (X=OTf−, PF6−; n=1,2), for which a new bridging coordination mode of L1 is inferred. Although these complexes showed moderate catecholase activity in the oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol, surprising reactivity with the pseudo‐substrate tetrachlorocatechol was observed. A chloranilato‐bridged dinuclear CuII complex was isolated from the reaction of [Cu(L1)]n(PF6)n with tetrachlorocatechol. This stoichiometric oxidative double dehalogenation of tetrachlorocatechol to chloranilic acid by a biomimetic copper(II) complex is unprecedented. The crystal structure of the product, [Cu2(ca)Cl2(HL1)2], shows a bridging bis‐bidentate chloranilato (ca) ligand and ligand L1 coordinated as its conjugate acid (HL1) in a tridentate fashion. Magnetic susceptibility studies revealed weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J=−35 cm−1) between the two copper centres in the dinuclear complex. Dissolution of the green complex [Cu2(ca)Cl2(HL1)2] resulted in the formation of new pink‐purple mononuclear compound [Cu(ca)(HL1)(H2O)], the crystal structure of which was determined. It showed a terminal bidentate chloranilato ligand and N,N‐bidentate coordination of ligand HL1, which illustrates the flexible coordination chemistry of ligand L1.
Pore‐Size Tuning in Double‐Pillared Metal‐Organic Frameworks Containing Cadmium Clusters
Authors: Hernández‐Ahuactzi Irán F. , Höpfl Herbert , Barba Victor , Román‐Bravo Perla , Zamudio‐Rivera Luis S. , Beltrán Hiram I.
Published: April 2008

This contribution describes metal‐organic frameworks based on cadmium‐clusters that are capable of generating double‐pillared architectures. A brief overview of the literature concerning such systems is presented together with the description of three new coordination polymers, [{[Cd2(trans‐1,2‐a,a‐chdc)(trans‐1,2‐e,e‐chdcH)2(4,4′‐bpy)2]·8H2O}n] (1), [{Cd2(trans‐1,4‐e,e‐chdc)(trans‐1,4‐a,a‐chdc)(4,4′‐bpe)2}n] (2) and[{[Cd2(cis,cis‐1,3,5‐chtc)(HCO2)(H2O)(4,4′‐bpy)2]·DMF·4H2O}n] (3) [1,2‐chdc = 1,2‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate, 1,4‐chdc = 1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate, 1,3,5‐chtc = 1,3,5‐cyclohexanetricarboxylate, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine and 4,4′‐bpe = (E)‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene]. Compound 1 has a double‐pillared two‐dimensional layer structure, while compounds 2 and 3 are double‐pillared three‐dimensional frameworks. All materials have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The robustness of the open‐frameworks found for compounds 1 and 3 has been examined by X‐ray powder diffraction of dried samples, which showed that the crystal structure of the 2D coordination polymer 1 collapses whereas the 3D architecture of compound 3 remains intact. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Genotoxicity testing of the herbicide trifluralin and its commercial formulation Treflan using the piscine micronucleus test
Authors: Könen Serpil , Çavaş Tolga
Published: April 2008

In this study, the genotoxic effects of a widely used herbicide, trifluralin, and its commercial formulation, Treflan, were evaluated using the micronucleus test in a commercially important fish species, Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia). Fish were exposed to 1, 5, and 10 μg/L doses of trifluralin and Treflan for 3, 6, and 9 days under laboratory conditions. Ethylmethanesulfonate, at a single dose of 10 mg/L, was used as positive control. Micronuclei were evaluated on the peripheral erythrocytes. Both Treflan and trifluralin treatments significantly increased the micronucleus frequencies in peripheral erythrocytes of O. niloticus. Furthermore, the genotoxicity of the active ingredient, trifluralin, was observed to be higher than that of the commercial formulation Treflan. Our results indicate that herbicide trifluralin has genotoxic potential in fish. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A diffusion model for products with indirect network externalities
Authors: Chun Sung Yong , Hahn Minhi
Published: April 2008

This paper develops a new diffusion model that incorporates the indirect network externality. The market with indirect network externalities is characterized by two‐way interactive effects between hardware and software products on their demands. Our model incorporates two‐way interactions in forecasting the diffusion of hardware products based on a simple but realistic assumption. The new model is parsimonious, easy to estimate, and does not require more data points than the Bass diffusion model. The new diffusion model was applied to forecast sales of DVD players in the United States and in South Korea, and to the sales of Digital TV sets in Australia. When compared to the Bass and NSRL diffusion models, the new model showed better performance in forecasting long‐term sales. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐15b and miR‐16 modulate multidrug resistance by targeting BCL2 in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Xia Lin , Zhang Dexin , Du Rui , Pan Yanglin , Zhao Lina , Sun Shiren , Hong Liu , Liu Jie , Fan Daiming
Published: April 2008

microRNAs are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression negatively at posttranscriptional level. This latest addition to the complex gene regulatory circuitry revolutionizes our way to understanding physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Here we investigated the possible role of microRNAs in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in gastric cancer cells. microRNA expression profiling revealed a limited set of microRNAs with altered expression in multidrug‐ resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/VCR compared to its parental SGC7901 cell line. Among the downregulated microRNAs are miR‐15b and miR‐16, members of miR‐15/16 family, whose expression was further validated by qRT‐PCR. In vitro drug sensitivity assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐15b or miR‐16 sensitized SGC7901/VCR cells to anticancer drugs whereas inhibition of them using antisense oligonucleotides conferred SGC7901 cells MDR. The downregulation of miR‐15b and miR‐16 in SGC7901/VCR cells was concurrent with the upregulation of Bcl‐2 protein. Enforced mir‐15b or miR‐16 expression reduced Bcl‐2 protein level and the luciferase activity of a BCL2 3′ untranslated region‐based reporter construct in SGC7901/VCR cells, suggesting that BCL2 is a direct target of miR‐15b and miR‐16. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐15b or miR‐16 could sensitize SGC7901/VCR cells to VCR‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR‐15b and miR‐16 could play a role in the development of MDR in gastric cancer cells at least in part by modulation of apoptosis via targeting BCL2. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a novel epigenetically‐silenced, growth‐suppressive gene, ADAMTS9, and its association with lymph node metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lung Hong Lok , Lo Paulisally Hau Yi , Xie Dan , Apte Suneel S. , Cheung Arthur Kwok Leung , Cheng Yue , Law Evan Wai Lok , Chua Daniel , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Tsao Sai Wah , Stanbridge Eric J. , Lung Maria Li
Published: April 2008

By using a functional complementation approach, suppression of tumorigenicity was observed after transfer of intact or truncated copies of chromosome 3 into a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) HONE1 cell line. The extra exogenous chromosome 3 in the microcell hybrids (MCHs) significantly extended the lag period of tumor formation, which may be associated with loss or inactivation of wild type alleles from the normal donor chromosome 3. Representative tumors, which grew in nude mice were reconstituted into culture and expanded as tumor segregants (TSs). In our study, a disintegrin‐like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 (ADAMTS9), a gene mapping to 3p14.2, was identified to be critically associated with tumor suppression in NPC. Gene expression analysis showed that ADAMTS9 was either not expressed or was downregulated in HONE1 cells, TSs and NPC cell lines. The mechanism of ADAMTS9 gene inactivation in the NPC cell lines and tissues was attributed to promoter hypermethylation. Using a tissue microarray and immunohistochemical staining, 31 of 66 (47%) of the NPC cases showed downregulated or absence of ADAMTS9 expression. ADAMTS9 expression was downregulated or lost in 17 of 23 (73.9%) lymph node metastatic NPC specimens, which was significantly higher than in 14 of 43 (32.6%) primary tumors. After transfection of the ADAMTS9 gene into 7 NPC cell lines, a dramatic reduction of colony forming ability was observed. These findings support ADAMTS9 as a putative tumor suppressor gene in vivo in NPC that is significantly associated with lymph node metastases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Habitat Use by YOY in the Littoral Zone of an Artificially Heated Reservoir
Authors: Dembski Samuel , Masson Gerard , Wagner Philippe , Pihan Jean‐Claude
Published: April 2008

Both temporal and spatial distributions of a young of the year (YOY) fish community were studied in the littoral zone of a French reservoir. The time survey indicated that littoral occupation highly depends on YOY time of appearance. During late spring and summer, the smallest white bream YOY (LT < 20 mm) were restricted to complex habitats whereas those of pumpkinseed occupied all available habitats. Growing white bream progressively migrated to open water areas. At that time, pumpkinseed was the only species sampled in abundance in the littoral zone and was still collected in all habitats. The success of the introduction of pumpkinseed might be explained by both its late hatching and its opportunistic strategy in habitat selection enabling it to exploit physical spaces left vacant. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in Three‐Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Shao Mei‐Ling , Xie Zhi‐Cai , Han Xin‐Qin , Cao Ming , Cai Qing‐Hua
Published: April 2008

We investigated the macroinvertebrate community structure in Three‐Gorges Reservoir during a three‐year period after the reservoir became operational. Comparison with data of previous authors obtained before the damming showed that the benthic community changed drastically in the reservoir. Oligochaetes and chironomids dominate the present community. An apparent annual cycle in the benthic community (expressed as richness, density and community type) was found in the second year, lagging one year behind the annual cycle of transparency. After the second year, a Nais–Polypedilum community type, occurring in winter and spring with low inflow discharge and high transparency, was followed by a Limnodrilus community type that occurred in autumn and summer under contrasting conditions. Despite river regulation and damming, it appeared that macroinvertebrates in subtropical canyon‐shaped reservoirs remained influenced by floods. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Trophic Behavior of Two Perlidae Species (Insecta, Plecoptera) in a River in Southern Spain
Authors: Bo Tiziano , Fenoglio Stefano , López‐Rodríguez Manuel Jesús , Tierno de Figueroa José Manuel
Published: April 2008

Two Perlidae species, Dinocras cephalotes and Perla bipunctata, were studied in a river in Spain with the objectives of: a) describing their diets; b) detecting differences between size classes; c) analyzing niche breadth; and d) assessing the degree of niche overlap between both species and size classes. Dinocras cephalotes and Perla bipunctata nymphs fed mainly on Baetidae and immature Chironomidae. We did not detect significant differences in the quantity of ingested detritus, algae, and leaf pieces. Niche breadth was very low, although both species presented a high niche overlap. P. bipunctata seems to select some prey items throughout its nymphal development, whereas D. cephalotes augments its diet with other prey items as it grows. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Human beta defensin 2 promotes intestinal wound healing in vitro
Authors: Otte Jan‐Michel , Werner Ilka , Brand Stephan , Chromik Ansgar M. , Schmitz Frank , Kleine Michael , Schmidt Wolfgang E.
Published: April 2008

Limiting microbial threats, maintenance and re‐establishment of the mucosal barrier are vital for intestinal homeostasis. Antimicrobial peptides have been recognized as essential defence molecules and decreased expression of these peptides has been attributed to chronic inflammation of the human intestinal mucosa. Recently, pluripotent properties, including stimulation of proliferation and migration have been suggested for a number of antimicrobial peptides. However, it is currently unknown, whether the human β‐defensin 2 (hBD‐2) in addition to its known antimicrobial properties has further effects on healing and protection of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Caco‐2 and HT‐29 cells were stimulated with 0.1–10 µg/ml hBD‐2 for 6–72 h. Effects on cell viability and apoptosis were monitored and proliferation was quantified by bromo‐deoxyuridine incorporation. Migration was quantified in wounding assays and characterized by immunohistochemistry. Expression of mucins was determined by quantitative PCR and slot‐blot analysis. Furthermore, anti‐apoptotic capacities of hBD‐2 were studied. Over a broad range of concentrations and stimulation periods, hBD‐2 was well tolerated by IECs and did not induce apoptosis. hBD‐2 significantly increased migration but not proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, hBD‐2 induced cell line specific the expression of mucins 2 and 3 and ameliorated TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induced apoptosis. In addition to its known antimicrobial properties, hBD‐2 might have further protective effects on the intestinal epithelium. Results of this in vitro study suggest, that hBD‐2 expression may play a dual role in vivo, i.e. in impaired intestinal barrier function observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2286–2297, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of influent C/N ratio, C/P ratio and volumetric exchange ratio on biological phosphorus removal in UniFed SBR process
Authors: Zhao Chen‐hong , Peng Yong‐zhen , Wang Shu‐ying , Takigawa Akio
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: UniFed SBR is a novel process that can achieve high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus removal simultaneously in a simple single SBR tank. In this study, effects of influent C/N ratio, influent C/P ratio and volumetric exchange ratio on biological phosphorus removal in UniFed SBR process were investigated in a lab‐scale UniFed apparatus treating real domestic wastewater.

RESULTS: The results showed that phosphorus removal efficiency increased as C/N ratio increased from 27% at 2.8 to 88% at 5.7. For C/N ratios 6.5 and above, complete phosphorus removal could be achieved. When C/N ratios and volumetric exchange ratio were fixed at 6 and 33%, respectively, phosphorus removal efficiency remained at 100% for C/P ratios higher than 33; effluent phosphate concentration was below the detection limit. For C/P ratios lower than 33, phosphorus removal efficiency decreased linearly with C/P ratio. Under the same influent C/N ratio and C/P ratio, the following factors all contributed to better phosphorus removal performance: greater volumetric exchange ratio; more organic substrate for PAOs to utilize, less inhibition by NOx− of phosphorus release during the feed/decant period; more PHB synthesized; and more aerobic phosphate uptake.

CONCLUSION: High influent C/N ratio, high C/P ratio and high volumetric exchange ratio were beneficial to phosphorus removal in this process. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic values of pathologic findings and hypoxia markers in 21 patients with salivary duct carcinoma
Authors: Roh Jong‐Lyel , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Kwon Gui Young , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: April 2008

Background

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is associated with aggressive clinical behavior.

Methods

We examined the prognostic values of clinicopathologic variables and hypoxia biomarker expression in 21 patients with SDC treated by resection with/without neck dissection and radiotherapy. Tissue microarrays constructed from tumor blocks were stained with monoclonal antibodies to hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, HIF‐2α, carbonic anhydrase‐9, glucose transporter‐1, and erythropoietin receptor. Locoregional control and survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and prognostic factors were calculated from uni‐ and multivariate analyses.

Results

The cervical nodal metastasis rate was 67% at initial diagnosis and the distant metastasis rate was 71% during follow‐up. The only significant predictor of distant metastasis was nodal metastasis (P = 0.006). Actuarial 5‐year locoregional control, distant metastasis‐free survival, and overall survival rates were 57%, 40%, and 44%. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular and perineural invasion and radiotherapy were independent predictors of overall survival (P < 0.025). None of the hypoxia biomarkers, however, was a significant predictor of locoregional control, distant metastasis, or survival.

Conclusions

Lymphovascular and perineural invasion, but not hypoxia biomarkers, were significant prognostic factors for patients with SDC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:596–600. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐Assembly of a Hydrophobic Polypeptide Containing a Short Hydrophilic Middle Segment: Vesicles to Large Compound Micelles
Authors: Sun Jing , Shi Quan , Chen Xuesi , Guo Jinshan , Jing Xiabin
Published: April 2008

This report describes a facile route to prepare the vesicles and large compound micelles (LCMs) from a series of poly(ε‐benzyloxycarbonyl L‐lysine)‐block‐poly[diethylene glycol bis(3‐amino propyl) ether]‐block‐poly(ε‐benzyloxycarbonyl L‐lysine) (PZLL‐DGBE‐PZLL) in their water solution, depending on molecular weight of the polypeptides. A pyrene probe is used to demonstrate the aggregate formation of PZLL‐DGBE‐PZLL in solution, and also to measure their critical micelle concentration as a function of molecular weight of the polymer. Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy are used to observe their aggregate morphologies. Rhodamine B is used as a fluorescent probe to confirm the structure of large compound micelles composed of many reverse micelles with aqueous cores. These polypeptides are prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydrides with a small molecule as the initiator. Their structures are confirmed by NMR and SEC‐MALLS. These vesicles and large compound micelles are extremely expected to be used in drug delivery.

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Gene expression signatures that classify the mode of invasion of primary oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Kondoh Nobuo , Ishikawa Toshio , Ohkura Shuri , Arai Masaaki , Hada Akiyuki , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Shindoh Masanobu , Takahashi Masayuki , Ando Toshifumi , Sato Yasunori , Izumo Toshiyuki , Hitomi Kiyotaka , Yamamoto Mikio
Published: April 2008

To identify molecular signatures and establish a new diagnostic model for progressive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Total RNAs were isolated from primary OSCCs from both node‐positive and ‐negative patients and used in cDNA microarray analysis. To identify marker genes representing a malignant phenotype, their expression was further examined by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (QRT‐PCR) in 64 OSCC tissues. Using Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) fitted with a stepwise increment method, we created discriminatory predictor models. The stability of these models was examined using leave‐one‐out cross validation. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Among the 16 600 possible target cDNAs in the array analysis, 83 genes demonstrated significantly differential signals (>2‐fold). We further identified 53 marker genes that can be implicated in the Yamamoto–Kohama's (YKs) mode of invasion for OSCCs (P < 0.06). Using LDA fitted with a stepwise increment method, we created four discriminatory predictor models based on 16‐ to 25‐gene signatures which could best distinguish the five established grades of YKs mode of invasion. Leave‐one out validation demonstrated that the stability of these models was 92–95%. For validation, we also examined an independent set of 13 primary OSCCs; the predictor models determined the invasion status from 77% to 100% (on average, 85%) fidelity with the pathological observations. TGM3 protein expression was markedly suppressed in highly invasive OSCCs. We reveal novel gene expression alterations during the progression of OSCC, and have constructed prediction models for the evaluation of the invasion status of these cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UVB irradiation regulates Cox‐2 mRNA stability through AMPK and HuR in human keratinocytes
Authors: Zhang Jack , Bowden G. Tim
Published: April 2008

Considerable evidence has demonstrated that UVB irradiation is a strong carcinogen for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Up‐regulation of cyclooxygenase ‐2 (Cox‐2) has been shown to be a crucial event in human keratinocytes in their responses to UVB irradiation. To further understand the molecular mechanisms governing Cox‐2 regulation, we found that UVB irradiation significantly increased Cox‐2 mRNA stability by inducing cytoplasmic localization and protein abundance of human antigen R (HuR). We also found that AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) mediates these events and that UVB reduces AMPK activity by down‐regulating LKB1 kinase. Finally, we propose a novel model in which UVB regulates Cox‐2 mRNA stability through the LKB1/AMPK pathway. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different intervals of ovum pick‐up affect the competence of oocytes to support the preimplantation development of cloned bovine embryos
Authors: Ding Li‐Jun , Tian Hai‐Bin , Wang Jing‐Jun , Chen Juan , Sha Hong‐Ying , Chen Jian‐Quan , Cheng Guo‐Xiang
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different frequencies of transvaginal ovum pick‐up (OPU) on the quantity of recovered cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and subsequently the competence of matured oocytes to support the preimplantation development of cloned bovine embryos. The COCs were aspirated from the ovaries of 6 Chinese Holstein cows by transvaginal follicle aspiration twice a week (every 3 or 4 days) (Group I), every 5 days (Group II), once a week (every 7 days) (Group III), every 10 days (Group IV), and once every 2 weeks (every 14 days) (Group V). The developmental stages of the follicles were confirmed by the diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) and harvested COCs, and the dynamics of the follicular wave were clarified. In addition, extrusions of the first polar body (PB I) from the oocytes were observed at different time intervals after the initiation of in vitro maturation (IVM) to identify the appropriate culture time window for somatic cell nuclear transfer. Matured oocytes were used to produce cloned bovine embryos that were subsequently cultured in the goat oviduct. After 7 days, the embryos were flushed out, and the developmental rates of the blastocysts were compared among the five groups. The results showed that the aspirations of all follicles ≥3 mm in diameter (D1) induced and synchronized the dynamics of the follicular wave, and the subordinate follicles became atretic after 4 days (D5). Another follicular wave started between D7 and D10, and atresia in the subordinate follicles in the second follicular wave began on D14. The timing of meiotic progression (from the initiation of IVM to the extrusion of PB I) in the oocytes obtained by OPU was later than that of the oocytes obtained from the abattoir. Between 20 and 24 hr after the initiation of IVM, 20% of the oocytes extruded their PB I. Further, 80% (520/650) of the harvested COCs were arrested at metaphase II (MII) by 22 hr of the initiation of IVM and were used as cytoplast donors. The rates of development of the reconstituted embryos to the blastocyst stage were 23.1% (Group I), 15.0% (Group II), 10.9% (Group III), 4.9% (Group IV), and 29.0% (Group V). The results indicate that the developmental potential of follicles from the same living donors were different when different intervals of OPU were adopted and early atretic follicles from the second follicular wave had higher competence to support the early development of cloned bovine embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1710–1715, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in the protein kinase C signaling activated by a parthenogenetic agent in oocytes from reproductively old mice
Authors: Carbone M.C. , Tatone C.
Published: April 2008

To investigate the effect of female age on oocyte developmental competence, we focused on protein kinase C (PKC), a major component of the signalling pathway involved in oocyte activation, and put forward the hypothesis that, as it occurs in many organs and tissues, aging affects PKC function in mouse oocytes. Biochemical activity of PKC along with the expression and subcellular distribution of some PKC isoforms were monitored in young and old mouse oocytes parthenogenetically activated by SrCl2. We found that PKC activity increased reaching a level that was lower in old compared to young oocytes in association with an incomplete translocation of PKCβI to the plasma membrane. Moreover, old oocytes exhibited a reduced expression of PKCβ1 and PKCα at the protein level, without significant effects on the expression of the Ca2+‐independent PKCδ. Detectable amounts of PKCβ1 mRNA were observed in young and old oocytes at GV stage with no difference between the two groups of age. When meiotic progression to anaphase II up to first cleavage were analyzed, a delay in meiosis resumption and significantly lower rates of pronuclei formation and first cleavage were observed in old compared to young oocytes. Moreover, we found that, in contrast to SrCl2, PMA (12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate), a PKC agonist, was ineffective in activating old oocytes. Present findings provide evidence that aging affects the correct storage and activation of some PKCs, functional components of the machinery involved in oocyte activation, and suggest that these changes may negatively influence the activation competence of old oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 122–131, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) pellets from Roman Sagalassos (SW Turkey): distinguishing the prey remains from nest and roost sites
Authors: De Cupere B. , Thys S. , Van Neer W. , Ervynck A. , Corremans M. , Waelkens M.
Published: April 2008

Two concentrations of animal bones, almost exclusively from small mammals and wild birds, were found within the destruction debris of a Roman bath complex in Sagalassos (SW Turkey). The overall species spectrum, skeletal element representation, fragmentation and preservation condition of the bones indicate that they represent the prey remains of a large nocturnal avian predator, more precisely the eagle owl (Bubo bubo). Differences in skeletal element representation and in prey species' spectrum show that the two bone clusters derive from pellets deposited near a nest site and a roost site, respectively. Radiocarbon dates obtained from the bones indicate that eagle owls lived in the collapsing bath complex during the second half of the 6th to the beginning of the 7th century AD, before the final abandonment of the town. The MNI of the prey animals found at the nest site, confronted with the daily dietary needs of a female eagle owl and its young, indicates repetitive use of the same place during several years. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intervertebral chondrocalcinosis: an exercise in differential diagnosis in palaeopathology
Authors: Mays S. A. , Dungworth D.
Published: April 2008

Intervertebral chondrocalcinosis (calcification of intervertebral discs and associated structures) may arise from a variety of causes. This work presents a discussion of intervertebral chondrocalcinosis and the identification of its most probable cause in skeletal remains, using as a case study a skeleton of an elderly male from medieval Ipswich, UK. The skeleton is examined using gross observation and radiography, and the intervertebral calcifications are subject to chemical analysis. In addition to intervertebral chondrocalcinosis (which has resulted in ankylosis of lumbo‐sacral segments), lesions identified include chondrocalcinosis at some synovial joints, various soft tissue calcified bodies, and severe osteoarthritis particularly at the gleno‐humeral joints. Interpretation of the results of the chemical analysis of the calcified deposits is complicated by diagenesis, but they are most consistent with apatite and/or whitlockite. Arriving at a most probable cause of the lesions in this case is difficult, but it is tentatively suggested that ochronosis may be the best diagnostic option. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entdeckung der trizyklischen Antidepressiva. Serendipität oder die Faszination von “Zufällen”
Authors: Delini‐Stula Alexandra
Published: April 2008

Die unverhoffte Auffindung der thymoleptischen Eigenschaften von Imipramin, dem ersten trizyklischen Antidepressivum, feierte im Jahre 2007 das 50‐jährige Jubiläum. Diese Entdeckung bedeutete nicht nur einen Durchbruch in der Therapie der depressiven Erkrankungen, sie legte auch den wichtigsten Grundstein der – aus damaliger Sicht revolutionären – biologisch orientierten Psychiatrie.
Therapie mit trizyklischen Antidepressiva. Vor‐ und Nachteile der TZA
Authors: Laux Gerd
Published: April 2008

Auch 50 Jahre nach ihrer Entdeckung nehmen nicht‐selektive Monoamin‐Rückaufnahme‐Inhibitoren (NSMRI) – so genannte trizyklische Antidepressiva – einen wichtigen Platz in der medikamentösen Depressionsbehandlung ein. Aus dem Spektrum der verfügbaren Substanzen sollte ein Präparat aufgrund seines klinischen Wirkprofils sowie vor allem bezüglich seines Nebenwirkungsspektrums unter Beachtung möglicherweise vorliegender Kontraindikationen ausgewählt werden.
Pharmazeutische Betreuung depressiver Patienten. Compliance im Focus
Authors: Renner Katja
Published: April 2008

Die Depression ist eine ernst zu nehmende Krankheit, die immer noch zu sehr tabuisiert, zu selten diagnostiziert und adäquat behandelt wird. Im Rahmen der antidepressiven Pharmakotherapie werden zum Teil aus gesundheitsökonomischen Gründen immer noch sehr häufig die älteren trizyklischen Substanzen verordnet. Diese sind in ihrer Wirksamkeit unbestritten, doch bedingen ihre Nebenwirkungen häufig eine reduzierte Compliance beim Patienten. Gerade zu Therapiebeginn ist eine Unterstützung des Patienten durch die Pharmazeutische Betreuung besonders wertvoll. Die Vermittlung von Fachwissen zur Krankheit und Therapie, praktische Hilfestellungen zur Medikamenteneinnahme und nicht zuletzt die Enttabuisierung der Depression sind wichtige Aspekte zur Compliance‐Verbesserung. Durch seine klinisch‐pharmazeutischen Kenntnisse und die Möglichkeiten der strukturierten Pharmazeutischen Betreuung mit einem systematischen Datenmanagement ist der Apotheker der ideale Partner für Arzt und Patient für die langfristige Begleitung der Therapie. Arzneimittelbezogene Probleme können frühzeitig erkannt und Interventionen eingeleitet werden. Auch bezüglich der Compliance‐Sicherung in der Phase der Erhaltungstherapie zur Rezidivprophylaxe ist die Apotheke eine wichtige Anlaufstelle. Die Pharmazeutische Betreuung depressiver Patienten stellt aufgrund der Besonderheiten der Erkrankung große Herausforderungen an die Apotheke, sie eröffnet aber auch große Möglichkeiten zur Profilierung.
GPCR – Struktur des humanen β2‐Rezeptors aufgeklärt!
Authors: Hieke Martina , Zettl Heiko , Schubert‐Zsilavecz Manfred
Published: April 2008

Die detaillierte Kenntnis der dreidimensionalen Struktur von Targetproteinen in Lösung oder kristallinem Zustand spielt bei der Entwicklung von Arzneistoffen eine ganz entscheidende Rolle. Mit der Lösung der Kristallstruktur des humanen β2‐Rezeptors ist es nunmehr erstmals gelungen, die dreidimensionale Struktur eines humanen G‐Protein‐gekoppelten Rezeptors (GPCR) aufzuklären.
Interlayer toughening of composite materials
Authors: Tsotsis Thomas K.
Published: April 2008

This article describes the efforts that led to the development of low‐cost interlayer materials that may be used to significantly improve the compression‐after‐impact strength of composite laminates and to, correspondingly, dramatically reduce the area of damage because of impact. Moreover, with the proper selection of the interlayer material, other mechanical properties such as open‐hole compression and shear strength are unaffected or improved over laminates made from identical materials, but without the interlayer. These interlayer materials comprise very lightweight nonwoven veils that may either be melt‐bonded or knitted into noncrimped unidirectional and multiaxial fabric forms using commercial, production equipment. Other than some nominal set‐up costs, these materials add nothing to fabric manufacturing costs than the cost of the materials themselves. Fabrics made using the interlayers may be handled and infused with resin in exactly the same manner as fabrics without the interlayer veils. Proper selection of the veil material is essential, however. An improperly selected interlayer veil material can significantly reduce a composite material's performance. This technology represents a key enabler for the use of low‐cost vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding processes, low‐cost preforms, and liquid‐molding resins to supplant prepreg as the building‐block material of choice for composite structures. Details of the test methods, results, and conclusions are contained herein. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Particulate reinforced PC/PBT composites. II. Effect of nano‐clay particles on dimensional stability and structure–property relationships
Authors: DePolo W.S. , Baird D.G.
Published: April 2008

The effect of organoclay loading and surface treatment on the dimensional stability, structure–property relationships, and rheological behavior of nanocomposites consisting of polycarbonate (PC), poly[butylene terephyhalate] (PBT), and nano‐clay was investigated at various clay loadings and with various surface modifiers for the nano‐clay particles. It was found that by using an organoclay formed with a polar amine compound that contained two hydroxyl end groups as opposed to nano‐talc, the flexural strength and tensile toughness of the nanocomposites increased by 12 and 27%, respectively, at a particle loading of 1 wt%, while maintaining the flexural modulus of the nanofilled PC/PBT blends. The flexural and tensile modulus of the nanocomposites increased with an increase in particle loading even though the viscosity was reduced due to a loss of molecular weight of the PC/PBT and/or an increase in the compability of the interface between the PC and PBT phase, which varied with organoclay structure. Possible loss of the molecular weight of the PC/PBT matrix was supported by a significant reduction in the storage modulus and complex viscosity at high frequencies of the composites generated with nano‐clay relative to that of the unfilled matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Control of coherent magnetization precession in GaMnAs by ultrafast optical excitation
Authors: Qi J. , Xu Y. , Liu X. , Furdyna J. K. , Perakis I. E. , Tolk N. H.
Published: April 2008

We report comprehensive temperature and photoexcitation intensity dependent studies of the photoinduced magnetization precession in Ga1–x Mnx As (x = 0.036) by time‐resolved Kerr rotation measurements. We observe coherent oscillations of local Mn spins triggered by an ultrafast photo‐induced reorientation of the easy axis due to changes in the magnetic anisotropy. The amplitude saturation of these oscillations above certain pump intensity is indicative of stabilization of the magnetic easy axis orientation on temperatures above ∼Tc/2. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)