bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of dopaminergic cell markers in the adult zebrafish forebrain
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Ruuskanen Jori O. , Wullimann Mario F. , Vernier Philippe
Published: November 2010

Although the simultaneous presence of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is considered as a phenotypic signature of dopamine (DA) neurons, it has been suggested that they are not uniformly expressed in all dopaminergic brain nuclei. Moreover, in nonmammalian vertebrates, two tyrosine hydroxylase genes (TH1 and TH2) are found, and they exhibit different expression patterns in zebrafish brains. Here we present a detailed description of the distribution of TH1, TH2, AADC, DAT, and VMAT2 transcripts, in relation to TH and DA immunoreactivity to better characterize dopaminergic nuclei in the adult zebrafish forebrain. TH2‐positive cells in the hypothalamus are strongly DA immunoreactive (DAir), providing direct evidence that they are dopaminergic. DAir cells are also found in most TH1‐positive or TH‐immunoreactive (THir) nuclei. However, the DAir signal was weaker than THir in the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, ventral thalamus, pretectum, and some posterior tubercular and preoptic nuclei. These cell populations also exhibited low levels of VMAT2 transcripts, suggesting that low DA is due to a lower vesicular DA accumulation. In contrast, cell populations with low levels of AADC did not always have low levels of DA. DAT transcripts were abundantly expressed in most of the TH1‐ or TH2‐positive territories. In addition, DAT and/or VMAT2 transcripts were found in some periventricular cell populations such as in the telencephalon without TH1 or TH2 expression. Thus, expression patterns of dopaminergic cell markers are not homogeneous, suggesting that the gene regulatory logic determining the dopaminergic phenotype is unexpectedly complex. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:576–598, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Applying metamer sets to investigate data dependency of principal component analysis method in recovery of spectral data
Authors: Kandi S. Gorji , Tehran M. Amani
Published: November 2010

Principal component analysis (PCA) has been widely studied for reconstruction of spectral reflectance of a color sample from its tristimulus values. One of the most important factors that influences the recovery performance is the characteristic of the data set used for obtaining principal vectors. In this article, we investigated the influence of color similarities or color differences between the recovered and principal component (PC) data sets on the reconstruction error. For this purpose, two metamer sets that have similar color differences with the recovered samples, are used. The results show that two metamer sets can make completely different performance in recovery of specific color samples. It was shown that the most important factor that influences the recovery of spectral reflectance by PCA method is the characteristics of the data set used for obtaining PC vectors independent of the recovered samples. Another factor that influences the performance of PCA for spectral recovery is the characteristic of the sample that would be recovered. Some spectral data cannot be recovered precisely even applying different PC data sets. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Optical implementation of spectral filtering for the enhancement of skin color discrimination
Authors: Nishino Ken , Kaarna Arto , Miyazawa Kanae , Oda Hirofumi , Nakauchi Shigeki
Published: November 2010

Light reflected from an object contains a range of information about its physical and chemical properties. Changes in the physical properties of an object can sometimes be evident as barely detectable changes of color. Our earlier study (Proceedings of the 15th Color Imaging Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2007. p 195–200) proposed a method for designing a spectral filter to enhance visual discrimination. Two filters were designed: one to discriminate skin and vein colors on human arms, and other to discriminate human facial colors in the presence and absence of cosmetics. In this study, the filters with theoretically designed spectral transmittances were implemented as real optical filters. Visual inspection of RGB color images taken with a digital camera through the developed optical filters showed clear enhancement of discrimination of two preselected colors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012
Surfactant‐Free Self‐Assembly of Nanocrystals into Ellipsoidal Architectures
Authors: Peng Bo , Chen Dong , Deng Zhengtao , Wen Ting , Meng Xianwei , Ren Xiangling , Ren Jun , Tang Fangqiong
Published: November 2010

A simple approach to control the self‐assembly of ZnS nanocrystals into well‐defined, uniform, three‐dimensional, micrometer‐scale, solid ellipsoidal structures with rattle‐type, multishelled, and hollow architectures is presented. There is no surfactant or small molecule to assist the self‐assembly of the nanocrystals. A possible mechanism of the controlled self‐assembly is proposed. The growth process can be divided into two stages: 1) the formation of ellipsoidal architectures via oriented aggregation, the growth kinetics of which is primarily attributed to the charge–charge, charge–dipole, and dipole–dipole interactions of preformed ZnS nanocrystals; and 2) Ostwald ripening, which results in multishelled, rattle‐type, and hollow structures. This self‐assembly concept is also applicable to other metal sulfides.
High‐Resolution Surface Chemical Analysis of a Trifunctional Pattern Made by Sequential Colloidal Shadowing
Authors: Ogaki Ryosuke , Lyckegaard Folmer , Kingshott Peter
Published: November 2010

We present a new method for creating surface chemical patterns where three chemistries can be periodically arranged at alternate positions on a single substrate without the use of top‐down approaches. High‐resolution chemical imaging by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), with nanometer spatial resolution, is used to prove the success of the patterning and subsequent chemical modification steps. We use a combination of colloidal self‐assembly, plasma etching, self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) and physical vapour deposition (PVD). The method utilizes a double colloid assembly process in which a first layer of close‐packed colloids is created, followed by plasma etching, coating with gold and deposition of a first SAM layer. A second particle layer is deposited on top of the first layer masking the interstitial spaces containing the first SAM. A second gold layer is deposited followed by a second SAM. After particle removal the surface consists of the pattern containing two different SAMs and a SiO2 layer that can be readily functionalized with silanes. The possibility in the replacement of the two different thiols is investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and it was found that no replacement is taking place. ToF‐SIMS imaging is used to show the periodicity of the chemical patterns by tracking unique fragment ions from the different surface regions. The patterning method is adaptable to create smaller or larger chemical patterns by appropriate choice of particle sizes. The patterns are useful for immobilizing biomolecules for cell studies or as multiplexed biosensors.
Catalytic Oxidative Dehydration of Glycerol over a Catalyst with Iron Oxide Domains Embedded in an Iron Orthovanadate Phase
Authors: Wang Feng , Xu Jie , Dubois Jean‐Luc , Ueda Wataru
Published: November 2010

An embedded catalyst for the oxidative dehydration of glycerol, featuring iron oxide (FeOx) domains on the surface of an iron orthovanadate (FeVO4) phase, is developed. Catalytic reactions are conducted in a fixed‐bed reactor at 300 °C with a feed composition N2/O2/H2O/glycerol=66.6:1.7:30.3:1.5. Catalytic results show that the catalyst exhibits a better performance than an FeOx catalyst prepared by impregnation and than a mixture of FeVO4 and Fe2O3. The best yield for acrylic acid was 14 %. The presence of FeOx domains on the surface of FeVO4 catalyzes the oxidation of acrolein to acrylic acid. The catalysts are characterized by a range of techniques. The interaction between the nanometer‐sized FeOx domains and the FeVO4 phase is strong enough to stabilize the FeOx and retain its high activity. The proximity of the two phases provides an environment for the dehydration of glycerol and the oxidation of acrolein to acrylic acid.
Spectrum of male breast lesions diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology: A 5‐year experience at a tertiary care rural hospital in central India
Authors: Singh Ranbeer , Anshu  , Sharma Satish M. , Gangane Nitin
Published: November 2010

This study examines the spectrum of lesions in the male breast at a tertiary care rural hospital in central India and explores the role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of these lesions.

Male breast lesions formed 5.89% (119 cases) of the 2017 breast lesions which were sent for FNA in the cytology section over a period of 5 years (January 2005–December 2009). Of these, biopsy had been performed only on 37 (31.1%) patients. Benign lesions comprised 102 (85.7%) cases, malignant lesions comprised 14 (11.8%) cases and inflammation/abscess was found in 3 (2.5%) cases. Gynecomastia was the commonest benign lesion in 86 (84.3%) cases. The cytologic features of gynecomastia included mild to moderate cellularity, cohesive sheets of bland cells, bipolar bare nuclei. Mild nuclear atypia was found in 19 cases. The cytologic features of malignancy comprised of dyshesive groups of ductular cells with moderate to severe degree of nuclear atypia and absence of bare nuclei. Histology was done in 37 cases and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC for gynecomastia was 100% and for malignancy 85.7%.

This study showed that FNAC is a reliable tool for diagnosing male breast lesions. We conclude that FNAC should be performed as a standard procedure in the clinical evaluation of male breast masses. Many unnecessary surgical biopsies for histopathologic diagnosis can thus be avoided. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Structural Studies of Organotin(IV) and Organolead(IV) Thiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylate
Authors: Singh Suryabhan , Bhattacharya Subrato , Nöth Heinrich
Published: November 2010

A few organotin(IV) ([R2SnCl2], [R3SnCl]; R = Me, Ph, nPr, or nBu) and organolead(IV) ([Ph2PbCl2], [Ph3PbCl]) compounds that contain the thiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylate ligand have been synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, 119Sn NMR; FTIR; and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The molecular structures of some of the compounds were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Structures and electronic transitions have been explained on the basis of DFT calculations.
Syntheses, Structures and Properties of a Series of ZnII Complexes Constructed from a Tetrakis(imidazole) Ligand and Various Anions
Authors: Bai Hong‐Ye , Ma Jian‐Fang , Yang Jin , Liu Bo , Zhang Lai‐Ping , Ma Ji‐Cheng , Liu Ying‐Ying
Published: November 2010

Six new coordination polymers, namely, [Zn(L)](NO3)2·3H2O (1), [Zn2(L)0.5(HPO3)2]·H2O (2), [Zn2(L)(L1)2]·3H2O (3), [Zn2(L)(L2)2]·4.75H2O (4), [Zn2(L)(L3)2]·3H2O (5), and [Zn2(L)(L4)]·3H2O (6), where L = tetrakis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)methane, H2L1 = oxalic acid, H2L2 = 1,3‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, H2L3 = 5‐OH‐1,3‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, and H4L4 = 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic acid, were successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In compound 1, the L ligands connect the ZnII ions to yield a 3D 4‐connected 4·65 net with the free NO3– filling the channels. In compound 2, HPO32– anions and L ligands link the ZnII centers to generate a pentanodal (3,4)‐connected (4·6·8)(62·8)(62·84)(4·6·83·10)(84·102)2 net. In compound 3, the Zn2L12 units are linked by the L ligands to form a 2D 63 network. In compound 4, the L and L2 ligands connect the ZnII ions to form a 3D framework with (4·62·83)(62·72·82)(4·6·73·8) topology. In compound 5, L ligands coordinate with the ZnII centers to give a 2D binodal 4‐connected layer with the Schläfli symbol of (55·8)2(54·62), which are further consolidated by L3 ligands. In compound 6, the ZnII centers are connected by the L and L4 ligands to form a 2D 4‐connected 43·63 network. The structural differences in 1–6 suggest the importance of the anions in the construction of the coordination polymers. The compounds underwent thermogravimetric analysis, and the luminescent properties of the compounds were also investigated.
Tandem Ugi MCR/Mitsunobu Cyclization as a Short, Protecting‐Group‐Free Route to Benzoxazinones with Four Diversity Points
Authors: Banfi Luca , Basso Andrea , Giardini Lorenzo , Riva Renata , Rocca Valeria , Guanti Giuseppe
Published: November 2010

A tandem Ugi/Mitsunobu protocol, starting from o‐aminophenols, α‐hydroxy acids, amines and aldehydes gives benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐3‐ones of general formula 1 in two high‐yielding steps, with the introduction of up to four diversity inputs. The mildness of the methodology allows the stereospecific synthesis of enantiomerically pure products as well as the introduction of additional functional groups. The overall procedure can also be carried out in a one‐pot manner.
Enantioselective Allylation of Aldehydes Catalyzed by Diastereoisomeric Bis(tetrahydroisoquinoline) N,N′‐Dioxides
Authors: Vlašaná Klára , Hrdina Radim , Valterová Irena , Kotora Martin
Published: November 2010

Enantioselective allylation of aromatic and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes with allyltrichlorosilane catalyzed by two diastereoisomeric (R,Rax,R)‐ and (R,Sax,R)‐bis‐1,1′‐[5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐3‐(tetrahydrofuran‐2‐yl)isoquinoline] N,N′‐dioxideswas studied. The course of the reaction was profoundly influenced by the chosen solvent. The (R,Sax,R) catalyst efficiently promoted the reaction in THF with enantioselectivity up to 96 %. On the other hand, the allylation of aromatic aldehydes in the presence of the (R,Rax,R) catalyst proceeded only in MeCN (up to 67 % ee), and the level of asymmetric induction was strongly influenced by the presence of electron‐donating and ‐accepting groups in the aldehyde. The allylation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes proceeded only in dichloromethane (enantioselectivity up to 68 %).
Preparation of Novel Chiral Non‐Racemic Diselenides and Applications in Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Zhao Liwei , Li Zhong , Wirth Thomas
Published: November 2010

New chiral non‐racemic diselenides were prepared and their corresponding selenium electrophiles were used for thestereoselective functionalization of alkenes. The influence of different nucleophiles on the outcome of the selenenylation reaction was studied.
Effluent-dominated streams. Part 1: Presence and effects of excess nitrogen and phosphorus in Wascana Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Waiser Marley J , Tumber Vijay , Holm Jennifer
Published: November 2010

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (population 190,400) treats its sewage at a modern sewage treatment plant (STP) on Wascana Creek. In the winter, treated sewage effluent makes up almost 100% of stream flow. Four surveys conducted from 2005 to 2007, in differing seasons, indicated significantly higher nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations at sites downstream of the STP compared to an upstream control site. Downstream, Wascana Creek is N hypersaturated (total dissolved N >3 mg/L) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) makes up a greater percentage of total P (TP). Diminished nutrient retention capacities for both N and P are directly attributable to STP effluent. Creek SRP concentrations are less than estimates of equilibrium P concentrations (EPCo), indicating that creek sediments may be a source of P, further exacerbating hypereutrophic ambient SRP concentrations. As well, NO2 + NO3-N concentrations far surpass World Health Organization limits for drinking water (10 mg/L) and sensitive taxa, while NH3-N, NH4-N, and NO2 + NO3-N exceed Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for Protection of Aquatic Life and those for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. High NH4-N concentrations may be responsible for depressions not only in algal biomass and production observed downstream but reductions in primary to bacterial production ratios (PP:BP). In spring and fall, these reductions push PP:BP from net autotrophy to heterotrophy. The Wascana Creek study highlights the considerable problems associated with excess nutrients in effluent-dominated ecosystems (EDS). It also underlines the need for better controls on NH4-N additions from STPs in such EDS, especially in a day and age when freshwater supplies are dwindling and negative effects of climate change are expected. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:496–507. © 2010 SETAC
Genomic approaches with natural fish populations from polluted environments
Authors: Bozinovic Goran , Oleksiak Marjorie F
Published: November 2010

Transcriptomics and population genomics are two complementary genomic approaches that can be used to gain insight into pollutant effects in natural populations. Transcriptomics identify altered gene expression pathways, and population genomics approaches more directly target the causative genomic polymorphisms. Neither approach is restricted to a predetermined set of genes or loci. Instead, both approaches allow a broad overview of genomic processes. Transcriptomics and population genomic approaches have been used to explore genomic responses in populations of fish from polluted environments and have identified sets of candidate genes and loci that appear biologically important in response to pollution. Often differences in gene expression or loci between polluted and reference populations are not conserved among polluted populations, suggesting a biological complexity that we do not yet fully understand. As genomic approaches become less expensive with the advent of new sequencing and genotyping technologies, they will be more widely used in complementary studies. However, although these genomic approaches are immensely powerful for identifying candidate genes and loci, the challenge of determining biological mechanisms that link genotypes and phenotypes remains. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:283–289. © 2010 SETAC
Spatial patterns of intrinsic brain activity in mild cognitive impairment and alzheimer's disease: A resting‐state functional MRI study
Authors: Wang Zhiqun , Yan Chaogan , Zhao Cheng , Qi Zhigang , Zhou Weidong , Lu Jie , He Yong , Li Kuncheng
Published: November 2010

We used resting‐state functional MRI to investigate spatial patterns of spontaneous brain activity in 22 healthy elderly subjects, as well as 16 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 16 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The pattern of intrinsic brain activity was measured by examining the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of blood oxygen level dependent signal during rest. There were widespread ALFF differences among the three groups throughout the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices. Both AD and MCI patients showed decreased activity mainly in the medial parietal lobe region and lentiform nucleus, while there was increased activity in the lateral temporal regions and superior frontal and parietal regions as compared with controls. Compared with MCI, the AD patients showed decreased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and increased activity in the superior frontal gyrus and inferior and superior temporal gyri. Specifically, the most significant ALFF differences among the groups appeared in the posterior cingulate cortex, with a reduced pattern of activity when comparing healthy controls, MCI, and AD patients. Additionally, we also showed that the regions with ALFF changes had significant correlations with the cognitive performance of patients as measured by mini‐mental state examination scores. Finally, while taking gray matter volume as covariates, the ALFF results were approximately consistent with those without gray matter correction, implying that the functional analysis could not be explained by regional atrophy. Together, our results demonstrate that there is a specific pattern of ALFF in AD and MCI, thus providing insights into biological mechanisms of the diseases. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free flap reconstruction of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible: A 10‐year review and defect classification
Authors: Baumann Donald P. , Yu Peirong , Hanasono Matthew M. , Skoracki Roman J.
Published: November 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of free flap reconstruction for advanced osteoradionecrosis (ORN) defects and develop an algorithm to guide surgical planning.

Methods

All cases involving free flap reconstruction for ORN of the mandible between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed. A defect classification scheme was developed. Flap selection and outcomes were analyzed and evaluated by defect type.

Results

Seventy‐five free flaps and 13 pedicle flaps were performed in 63 patients. Total flap loss was 5%. Overall surgical complication was 32%. Complication rates were higher with bone flaps than with soft tissue flaps (p = .018). A full oral diet was tolerated in 57% of patients, whereas 26% required partial tube feeding, and 16% were tube‐feeding dependent.

Conclusion

Free flap reconstruction of advanced ORN defects can be safely performed in a variety of flap configurations with good outcomes. The classification scheme may assist in flap selection. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Extraction of a headscarf pin from the vertebral artery without embolization
Authors: Ilan Ophir , Weinberger Jeffrey M. , Gomori J. Moshe , Gross Menachem
Published: November 2010

Background

Foreign bodies traversing the aerodigestive tract lining into the surrounding soft tissues is a well‐known entity. A 14‐year‐old girl was referred to our hospital after swallowing a pin that was not visualized by laryngoscopy, despite a neck film that localized it to the level of the larynx.

Methods

A CT scan demonstrated a bent pin piercing the left vertebral artery “through and through,” and this was confirmed by angiography. The pin was extracted via an external approach to the neck without preoperative intravascular manipulation.

Results

Angiography immediately after the surgery demonstrated a stable thrombotic sleeve in the vertebral artery without further clot propagation or bleeding from the vessel wall. This is the first report of a “through and through” thrombotic sleeve in an artery.

Conclusions

Simple surgical removal of a sharp foreign body from the vertebral artery without intravascular management may be a reasonable option. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Human genetic variants of homologous recombination repair genes first found to be associated with Epstein–Barr virus antibody titers in healthy Cantonese
Authors: Shen Guo‐Ping , Pan Qing‐Hua , Hong Ming‐Huang , Qin Hai‐De , Xu Ya‐Fei , Chen Li‐Zhen , Feng Qi‐Sheng , Jorgensen Timothy J. , Shugart Yin Yao , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Jia Wei‐Hua
Published: November 2010

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major risk factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite high prevalence of infection among the general population worldwide, only a small proportion of infected individuals presents with seropositivity for EBV‐specific IgA antibodies. This seropositive subgroup of EBV carriers has an elevated cumulative risk for NPC during their lifetime. Previous studies reported that the host homologous recombination repair (HRR) system participates in EBV lytic replication, suggesting a potential mechanism to influence EBV reactivation status and thus seropositivity. To investigate whether genetic variants of HRR genes are associated with the serostatus in a healthy population, we investigated the association between seropositivity for anti‐VCA‐IgA and 156 tagging SNPs in 35 genes connected with HRR in an observational study among 755 healthy Cantonese speakers in southern China. Six variant alleles of MDC1, RAD54L, TP53BP1, RPA1, LIG3 and RFC1 exhibited associations with seropositivity (ptrend from 0.0085 to 0.00027). Our study provides evidence that genetic variation within the HRR might affect an individual's propensity for EBV seropositive status of anti‐VCA IgA antibody.
Occupational and residential exposure to electromagnetic fields and risk of brain tumors in adults: A case–control study in Gironde, France
Authors: Baldi Isabelle , Coureau Gaëlle , Jaffré Anne , Gruber Anne , Ducamp Stéphane , Provost Dorothée , Lebailly Pierre , Vital Anne , Loiseau Hugues , Salamon Roger
Published: November 2010

The etiology of brain tumors remains largely unknown. Among potential risk factors, exposure to electromagnetic fields is suspected. We analyzed the relationship between residential and occupational exposure to electromagnetic field and brain tumors in adults. A case–control study was carried out in southwestern France between May 1999 and April 2001. A total of 221 central nervous system tumors (105 gliomas, 67 meningiomas, 33 neurinomas and 16 others) and 442 individually age‐ and sex‐matched controls selected from general population were included. Electromagnetic field exposure [extremely low frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency separately was assessed in occupational settings through expert judgement based on complete job calendar, and at home by assessing the distance to power lines with the help of a geographical information system. Confounders such as education, use of home pesticide, residency in a rural area and occupational exposure to chemicals were taken into account. Separate analyses were performed for gliomas, meningiomas and acoustic neurinomas. A nonsignificant increase in risk was found for occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields  [odds ratio (OR = 1.52, 0.92–2.51)]. This increase became significant for meningiomas, especially when considering ELF separately [OR = 3.02; 95 percent confidence interval (95% CI) =1.10–8.25]. The risk of meningioma was also higher in subjects living in the vicinity of power lines (<100 m), even if not significant (OR = 2.99, 95% CI 0.86–10.40). These data suggest that occupational or residential exposure to ELF may play a role in the occurrence of meningioma.
Molecular imaging of vulnerable plaques in rabbits using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound targeting to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Xiang , Tan Kai‐Bing , Liu Ping , Zhuo Zhong‐Xiong , Liu Zheng , Hua Xing , Zhuo Qin‐Qiang , Xia Hong‐Mei , Gao Yun‐Hua
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Increased neovascularization has been identified as a feature of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and can be traced by microbubble ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). We investigated the relationship between retention of a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) targeted UCA and VEGFR‐2 expression in a vulnerable plaque model in rabbits.

Methods

Microbubbles targeting to VEGFR‐2 were prepared by conjugation of biotinylated microbubbles with biotinylated VEGFR‐2 antibody via streptavidin. Vulnerability was created by delivering recombinant p53 adenovirus to atherosclerotic plaques obtained in abdominal aorta by a high cholesterol diet and balloon endothelial injury. Twelve week later, the average video intensity of pre‐ and postcontrast ultrasound images was measured. VEGFR‐2 expression and vascular density were quantified by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Retention of targeted UCA in plaques was higher than that of nontargeted UCA (144 ± 18 dB versus 107 ± 9 dB; Z= −3.984, p
= 0.000). VEGFR‐2 expression was correlated with video intensity of targeted (r2 = 0.78, p
= 0.001), but not of nontargeted, UCA (r2= 0.17, p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions

The magnitude of the sonographic signal from retained VEGFR‐2 targeted UCA correlates with VEGFR‐2 expression. These results validate the use of targeted UCA for sonographic imaging of vulnerable abdominal artery plaques in rabbits. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20759
Necrotizing fasciitis: Early sonographic diagnosis
Authors: Wronski Marek , Slodkowski Maciej , Cebulski Wlodzimierz , Karkocha Dominika , Krasnodebski Ireneusz W.
Published: November 2010

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, but potentially fatal bacterial infection of the soft tissues. Establishing the diagnosis at the early stages of the disease remains the greatest challenge. We report a case ofnecrotizing fasciitis involving the upper extremity. Sonography revealed subcutaneous emphysema spreading along the deep fascia, swelling, and increased echogenicity of the overlying fatty tissue with interlacing fluid collections. The patient responded well to early surgical debridement and parenteral antibiotics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
A NEW DIMENSION TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND HUMAN CAPITAL: THE ROLE OF POLITICAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Osei‐Yeboah Kwasi
Published: November 2010

Domestic human capital is definitely a determinant of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows for the developing world. Yet, the contribution of human capital will depend to a great extent on the institutional framework of a nation. Good political rights and civil liberties favour human capital to reap the benefits of FDI inflows more efficiently. Our paper shows that the interlinkages between FDI, human capital and institutions play a very important role in explaining FDI inflows to developing countries. The results show that in the presence of good political rights and civil liberties, the association between human and FDI inflows is enhanced. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of new galactose oxidase genes in Fusarium spp.
Authors: Aparecido Cordeiro Fabio , Bertechini Faria Carla , Parra Barbosa‐Tessmann Ione
Published: November 2010

Galactose oxidase (GO) converts galactose to an aldehyde and has several biotechnological applications, including cancer diagnosis. It is mainly produced by Fusarium austroamericanum but is also produced by Fusarium acuminatum and by isolates of the Fusarium graminearum and Gibberella fujikuroi complexes. The F. austroamericanum GO gaoA gene has been cloned, but the GO genes from other secreting species have not been characterized. Problems associated with the F. austroamericanum GO such as high pI and low catalytic efficiency and thermostability, and the difficult purification process makes the search for homologous genes attractive. In this work, the GO genes from Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium subglutinans, two species of the G. fujikuroi complex, were cloned, sequenced, and analyzed. New GO genes were found in databases and were used to construct a phylogenetic tree, which revealed the existence of three orthologous lineages of GO genes in Fusarium spp. In addition, RT‐PCR analyses revealed that the new GO cloned gene may be endogenously expressed in F. subglutinans but not in F. verticillioides, in the used culture conditions. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Production, characterization, cloning and sequence analysis of a monofunctional catalase from Serratia marcescens SYBC08
Authors: Zeng Hua‐Wei , Cai Yu‐Jie , Liao Xiang‐Ru , Zhang Feng , Zhang Da‐Bing
Published: November 2010

A monofunctional catalase from Serratia marcescens SYBC08 produced by liquid state fermentation in 7 liter fermenter was isolated and purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation (ASP), ion exchange chromatography (IEC), and gel filtration (GF) and characterized. Its sequence was analyzed by LC‐MS/MS technique and gene cloning. The highest catalase production (20,289 U · ml–1) was achieved after incubation for 40 h. The purified catalase had an estimated molecular mass of 230 kDa, consisting of four identical subunits of 58 kDa. High specific activity of the catalase (199,584 U · mg–1 protein) was 3.44 times higher than that of Halomonas sp. Sk1 catalase (57,900 U · mg–1 protein). The enzyme without peroxidase activity was found to be an atypical electronic spectrum of monofunctional catalase. The apparent Km and Vmax were 78 mM and 188, 212 per µM H2O2 µM heme–1 s–1, respectivly. The enzyme displayed a broad pH activity range (pH 5.0–11.0), with optimal pH range of 7.0–9.0: It was most active at 20 °C and had 78% activity at 0 °C. Its thermo stability was slightly higher compared to that of commercial catalase from bovine liver. LC–MS/MS analysis confirmed that the deduced amino acid sequence of cloning gene was the catalase sequence from Serratia marcescens SYBC08. The sequence was compared with that of 23 related catalases. Although most of active site residues, NADPH‐binding residues, proximal residues of the heme, distal residues of the heme and residues interacting with a water molecule in the enzyme were well conserved in 23 related catalases, weakly conserved residues were found. Its sequence was closely related with that of catalases from pathogenic bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae. This result imply that the enzyme with high specific activity plays a significant role in preventing those microorganisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae against hydrogen peroxide resulted in cellular damage. Calalase yield by Serratia marcescens SYBC08 has potential industrial application in scavenging hydrogen peroxide. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of the interspecific competitive ability of the bioincising fungus Physisporinus vitreus
Authors: Schubert M. , Schwarze F. W. M. R.
Published: November 2010

A hierarchical set of assays were used to evaluate the interspecific competitive ability of the bioincising fungus Physiporinus vitreus (response species). The competitiveness and growth mode of P. vitreus against a range of blue stain fungi and Trichoderma species (challenge species) was investigated in dual culture tests (a) and a spatially heterogeneous system of tessellation agar (b) on different media. In addition, the robustness of the bioincising process against biotic influences was determined by controlled interaction tests with different inocula of the challenge species (colony‐forming units: 102, 104, 106ml–1) on Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) heartwood. The results of the dual culture and tessellation agar tests revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.001) antagonistic potential (lethal effect) of the T. atroviride strain (15603.1), whereas no or only a slight effect of the blue stain fungi on P. vitreus was detectable. The interaction tests on Norway spruce heartwood confirmed that an increase in inoculum size of the challenge fungi correlated with an increased negative effect (Spearman's rho coefficient (ρ) = –0.521). Among the challenge species, T‐15603.1 revealed the most negative effect on the homogeneous development of P. vitreus on wood and thus on the outcome of the bioincising process. To improve the uniformity of colonization and to reduce the rate of contamination, the incubation of wood in a sealed system (bioreactor) after sterilization is suggested. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cellular roles of neuronal calcium sensor‐1 and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinases in fungi
Authors: Tamuli Ranjan , Kumar Ravi , Deka Rekha
Published: November 2010

The neuronal calcium sensor‐1 (NCS‐1) possesses a consensus signal for N‐terminal myristoylation and four EF‐hand Ca2+‐binding sites, and mediates the effects of cytosolic Ca2+. Minute changes in free intracellular Ca2+ are quickly transformed into changes in the activity of several kinases including calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinases (Ca2+/CaMKs) that are involved in regulating many eukaryotic cell functions. However, our current knowledge of NCS‐1 and Ca2+/CaMKs comes mostly from studies of the mammalian enzymes. Thus far very few fungal homologues of NCS‐1 and Ca2+/CaMKs have been characterized and little is known about their cellular roles. In this minireview, we describe the known sequences, interactions with target proteins and cellular roles of NCS‐1 and Ca2+/CaMKs in fungi. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Late Holocene climate change in central Sweden inferred from lacustrine stable isotope data
Authors: Andersson Sofia , Rosqvist Gunhild , leng Melanie j. , Wastegård Stefan , Blaauw Maarten
Published: November 2010

Stable isotopes (δ18O and δ13C) of lacustrine carbonates (Chara spp. algae and Pisidium spp. molluscs) from a lake sedimentary sequence in central Sweden were analysed to infer changes in lake hydrology and climate during the late Holocene. Results from analysis of lake water isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) show that Lake Blektjärnen water isotope composition is responsive to the balance between evaporation and input water (E/I ratio). A high E/I ratio results from a dry and probably warmer climate, decreasing the relative importance of precipitation input. Under such conditions evaporation and atmospheric equilibration probably enrich lake water in 18O and 13C, respectively, which is reflected in the isotopic composition of the carbonates in the lake. From the relatively positive Chara δ18O values we infer that conditions were dry and warm between 4400 and 4000 cal. a BP, whereas more negative values indicate that conditions were wetter and probably cooler between 4000 and 3000 cal. a BP. A drier climate is inferred from more positive values between 2500 and 1000 cal. a BP. However, a successive depletion after ca. 1750 cal. a BP, also detected in several other δ18O records (carbonate and diatom), suggest increasingly wetter conditions in Scandinavia after that time, which is probably related to increased strength of the zonal flow. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction of polyphenols from apple pomace using response surface methodology and HPLC analysis
Authors: Bai Xue‐Lian , Yue Tian‐Li , Yuan Ya‐Hong , Zhang Hua‐Wei
Published: November 2010

A simple and efficient microwave‐assisted extraction of polyphenols from industrial apple pomace was developed and optimized by the maximization of the yield using response surface methodology. A Box–Behnken design was used to monitor the effect of microwave power, extraction time, ethanol concentration and ratio of solvent to raw material (g/mL) on the polyphenols yield. The results showed that the optimal conditions were as follows: microwave power 650.4 W, extraction time 53.7 s, ethanol concentration 62.1% and ratio of solvent to raw material 22.9:1. Validation tests indicated that the actual yield of polyphenols was 62.68±0.35 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g dry apple pomace with RSD=0.86% (n=5) under the optimal conditions, which was in good agreement with the predicted yield and higher than those of reflux and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction methods. HPLC analysis indicated that the major polyphenols of apple pomace consisted of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syrigin, procyanidin B2, (−)‐epicatechin, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, phlorizin and quercetin, of which procyanidin B2 had the highest content of 219.4 mg/kg.
Visualization of Molecular Selectivity and Structure Generation for Selective Dopamine Inhibitors
Authors: Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Keiya Migita , Funatsu Kimito
Published: November 2010

Activity landscapes were used in combination with atom colourings for the visualization of molecular selectivity. Multiple inhibitory activities in the dopamine family were selected in order to derive its molecular selectivity. All molecular structures were mapped in 2D chemical space by preserving the relative distance between any pair of molecules using multidimensional scaling. The values for the inhibitory activity against each dopamine isoenzyme (D2, D3, and D4) were added independently to the data points in 2D chemical space. Three activity landscapes were generated after carrying out colour‐graded interpolation between the data points. The activity landscapes facilitated the detection of three specific active regions and the corresponding specific inhibitors for D2, D3, and D4 isoenzymes. Three support vector regression models were separately constructed using extended connectivity fingerprint descriptors and each inhibitory data set. By applying the atom scores along with the graded‐colours to the specific inhibitors, the molecular selectivity differentiating each dopamine isoenzyme could be understood visually. Furthermore, the landscape technique was combined with structure generation to produce chemical structures that stay within the D3 specific active region.
Analysis of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene in childhood and adolescent germ cell tumors
Authors: Okpanyi Vera , Schneider Dominik T. , Zahn Susanne , Sievers Sonja , Calaminus Gabriele , Nicholson James C. , Palmer Roger D. , Leuschner Ivo , Borkhardt Arndt , Schönberger Stefan
Published: November 2010

Background

Aberrant Wnt signaling due to deregulation of Wnt regulators is implicated in the development and progression of numerous embryonal tumors. This study addresses the questions if activation of Wnt signaling in germ cell tumors (GCTs) arising during childhood and adolescence is associated with aberrations of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and whether APC aberrations might be responsible for progression from benign teratoma to malignant yolk sac tumor (YST).

Procedure

Forty‐eight GCTs were analyzed, including mature (n = 5) and immature (n = 7) teratomas, mixed malignant GCTs (n = 10), YSTs (n = 17) as well as dysgerminomas (n = 9). To screen APC for genetic aberrations, we conducted direct sequencing of the mutation cluster region (MCR), loss of heterozygosity analyses (LOH) and protein truncation test. Epigenetic analyses included methylation specific PCR and bisulfite genomic sequencing of the APC 1a promoter. Gene expression was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

Aberrant promoter methylation was detected in YSTs, teratomas and mixed malignant GCTs, with a pronounced hypermethylation exclusively in YSTs (11/13) while dysgerminomas were not methylated (0/9). Teratomas (2/2) and YSTs (4/5) show LOH at the APC locus. However, neither mutations within the MCR nor truncated protein were detected. APC expression did not significantly vary between the different histological subgroups.

Conclusions

Methylation of APC and LOH 5q21‐22 in YSTs and teratomas provide evidence for involvement of APC in the accumulation of β‐catenin and activation of the WNT pathway. Our additional analyses suggest that APC is unlikely to be solely responsible for the formation and progression of childhood GCTs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:384–391. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diabetes and depression? Secular trends in the use of antidepressants among persons with diabetes in Finland in 1997–2007
Authors: Manderbacka Kristiina , Sund Reijo , Koski Sari , Keskimäki Ilmo , Elovainio Marko
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The association between diabetes and depression is well demonstrated. Less is known about the trends in use of antidepressants in the rapidly growing population of diabetics. We examined trends in antidepressant medication use during 1997–2007 in Finland among persons with or without diabetes using register‐based data on both diabetes and antidepressant use.

Methods

The diabetes population was obtained from the FinDM II database including 50 027 persons with insulin treated (ITDM) and 346 290 persons with non‐insulin treated diabetes (NITDM) identified from several administrative registers. Data on persons without diabetes were obtained from the yearly population statistics and their antidepressant use from the register for refunded prescription medicine costs covering all medicine purchases of non‐institutionalised residents. Differences in trends and prevalence were examined using the binomial regression model.

Results

Antidepressant use was more common among persons with diabetes in all age groups and each study year among both genders (prevalence ratios (RR) 1.4–2.2 for women and 1.7–2.2 for men). Prevalence was both higher (RR 2.0–2.2 women, 1.9–2.2 men), and increased more rapidly among younger persons with NITDM.

Conclusions

The use of register data linked using unique personal identifiers allowed us to identify a total cohort of persons with diabetes, to separate between ITDM and NITDM patients and to examine patterns of antidepressant use in populations with and without diabetes during an 11 year study period. Our results suggest that more attention should be focused on psychological well‐being in those with diabetes and especially young people in risk of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Self‐terminating radical cyclizations’ – new insight into the mechanism of the termination step from computational studies
Authors: Wille Uta
Published: November 2010

Computational methods were used to gain detailed insight into the mechanism of self‐terminating radical cyclizations, which are initiated by intermolecular addition of O‐centred radicals XO• to alkynes. The calculations were performed for the reaction of NO, SO, and AcO• with cyclodecyne (1) and 5‐cyclodecynone (2), respectively. Whereas radical addition and the subsequent transannular radical translocation steps are energetically highly favourable processes for the various XO•, the terminating homolytic β‐fragmentation of the OX bond in the intermediate α‐oxy radicals 10–13 shows a strong dependence on the nature of X. Using simplified model systems, the fragmentation was explored in detail, which revealed that the rate of this step is primarily determined by the strength of the OX bond and only to a minor extent by the ability of the X moiety to stabilize an unpaired electron in the transition state. However, the cleavage is exothermic, when the released radical X• is resonance stabilized, e.g. NO, SO, and Bn•, respectively. In those cases where the unimolecular β‐fragmentation of the OX bond is slow, termination could also proceed through a bimolecular radical chain process involving the α‐oxy radical intermediate 10–13 and the precursor of XO•, e.g. the Barton PTOC ester 18 or Kim's dithiocarbamate 20, respectively. Alternative termination mechanisms via oxidation of 10–13 can be ruled out under the usual experimental conditions of self‐terminating radical cyclizations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical value of a cluster of patient history and observational findings as a diagnostic support tool for lumbar spine stenosis
Authors: Cook Chad , Brown Christopher , Michael Keith , Isaacs Robert , Howes Cameron , Richardson William , Roman Matthew , Hegedus Eric
Published: November 2010

Objective. The study aims to create a diagnostic support tool to indicate the likelihood of the presence of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using a cluster of elements from the patient history and observational findings. Design. The study is case based and case controlled. Setting. The study was performed in the tertiary care of a medical center. Subjects. There were a total of 1,448 patients who presented with a primary complaint of back pain with or without leg pain. Methods. All patients underwent a standardized clinical examination. The diagnosis of LSS was made by one of two experienced orthopaedic surgeons based on clinical findings and imaging. Data from the patient history and observational findings were then statistically analysed using bivariate analysis and contingency tables. Results. The most diagnostic combination included a cluster of: 1) bilateral symptoms; 2) leg pain more than back pain; 3) pain during walking/standing; 4) pain relief upon sitting; and 5) age >48 years. Failure to meet the condition of any one of five positive examination findings demonstrated a high sensitivity of 0.96 (95% CI = 0.94–0.97) and a low negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.19 (95% CI = 0.12–0.29). Meeting the condition of four of five examination findings yielded a LR+ of 4.6 (95% CI = 2.4–8.9) and a post‐test probability of 76%. Conclusion. The high sensitivity of the diagnostic support tool provides the potential to reduce the incidence of unnecessary imaging when the diagnosis of LSS is statistically unlikely. In patients where the condition of four of the five findings was present, the post‐test probability of 76% suggests that imaging and further workup are indicated. This is an inexpensive but powerful tool, with a potential to increase diagnostic efficiency and reduce cost by narrowing the indications for imaging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.