bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of theFrizzled10‐CreER™ transgenic mouse: An inducible Cre line for the study of Cajal‐Retzius cell development
Authors: Gu Xiaochun , Yan Yan , Li Hanlin , He Dongyang , Pleasure Samuel J. , Zhao Chunjie
Published: February 2009

Cajal‐Retzius cells are an enigmatic class of neurons located in the most superficial layer of the cerebral cortex, and they play an important role in cortical development. Although many studies have indicated that CR cells are involved in regulating cell migration and cortical maturation, the function of these cells is still not fully understood. Here we describe an inducible Cre mouse line in which CreER™ is driven by the promoter for the Wnt receptorFrizzled10. Consistent with our previous studies onFrizzled10expression and transgenic mouse lines using theFrizzled10promoter, we found that in the developing telencephalon, Cre was mainly detected at the cortical hem, the largest source of CR cells. By crossing the Cre line to R26R reporter mice and injecting tamoxifen at different time points, we were able to detect via X‐gal staining CR cells produced from the cortical hem at distinct stages during development. Thus, this transgenic Cre mouse line is a valuable tool for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of CR cell development. genesis 47:210–216, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gain of function of Tbx1 affects pharyngeal and heart development in the mouse
Authors: Vitelli Francesca , Huynh Tuong , Baldini Antonio
Published: February 2009

Mammalian development is highly sensitive to Tbx1 gene dosage reduction. Gene function insights can also be learned from increased or ectopic expression. The authors generated a novel mouse transgenic line, named COET, which expresses Tbx1 upon Cre‐mediated recombination. The authors crossed this transgenic line with Tbx1Cre animals to activate expression in the Tbx1‐expression domain. Compound mutant COET;Tbx1Cre/+ animals died after birth and showed heart enlargement. At E18.5, compound mutants showed ventricular septal defects and thymic abnormalities. The authors crossed compound mutants into a Tbx1 null background to understand whether this phenotype is caused by gene overdosage. Results showed that gene dosage reduction at the endogenous locus could not rescue heart and thymic defects, although the transgene rescued the loss of function phenotype. Thus, the transgenic phenotype appears to be due to gain of function. Resultant data demonstrate that Tbx1 expression must be tightly regulated to be compatible with normal embryonic development. genesis 47:188–195, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in low flow with the conversion of a coniferous plantation to a broad‐leaved forest in a summer precipitation region, Japan
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru , Kume Tomonori , Otsuki Kyoichi
Published: February 2009

Converting coniferous plantations to broad‐leaved forests is believed to result in increased runoff in Japan. This study examined low‐flow changes in runoff in the Tatsunokuchi–Minami catchment, located in a region with summer precipitation, caused by the conversion of a coniferous plantation to a broad‐leaved forest. We compared the flow duration curves for the coniferous plantation period with those for the broad‐leaved forest period. We observed no evidence of increased low flows according to the change in forest type. Thus, the commonly held belief was not supported by the results from a summer precipitation region with respect to low‐flow rates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indenyl‐ and Fluorenyl‐Functionalized N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium – Synthetic, Structural and Catalytic Studies
Authors: Downing Stephen P. , Pogorzelec Peter J. , Danopoulos Andreas A. , Cole‐Hamilton David J.
Published: February 2009

Rhodium and iridium complexes with N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) functionalized with neutral or anionic indenyl and fluorenyl groups are reported. In the complexes the ligands adopt monodentate, bidentate or bridging bonding modes with the NHC group σ‐bonded and the fluorenyl or indenyl functionalities either dangling or coordinated to the metal with various hapticities (η1, η3 and η5). Metallation of the C–H bond of the alkylene linker in the ligand has also been observed. Catalytic studies on the bidentate RhI complex 6 show that it is weakly active for the hydroformylation of 1‐octene with poor linear selectivity, but it shows slightly lower activity than the standard Monsanto system for the carbonylation of methanol.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Fat structuring with partial acylglycerols: Effect on solid fat profiles
Authors: Vereecken Jeroen , Foubert Imogen , Meeussen Wouter , Lesaffer Ans , Dewettinck Koen
Published: February 2009

The solid fat content (SFC) profiles of monoacylglycerol‐containing blends were determined. Firstly, the effect of the amount of saturated fatty acids was studied by a variation of the amount of saturated and unsaturated monoacylglycerols. As expected, the SFC profile decreases for a decreasing level of saturated fatty acids. For the subsequent experiments, the level of saturated fatty acids was set to 30%, a standard used by health organizations. The effect of the chain length of the monoacylglycerols, e.g. ratio of palmitic versus stearic acid, was investigated by a variation of the type of saturated monoacylglycerol. By this, the SFC profile at higher temperatures could be modified. A modification of the SFC profile at lower temperatures was obtained by a variation of the type of unsaturation (i.e. monounsaturated versus diunsaturated fatty acids). Substituting monoacylglycerols with diacylglycerols also gives a reduction of the SFC profile at lower temperatures. By selecting the right blend of monoacylglycerols, the preferred SFC profile could be obtained. Finally, the effect of water was demonstrated, giving different results for systems with unsaturated and systems with saturated monoacylglycerols. Water reduced the SFC value of systems with unsaturated monoacylglycerols, while it increased the SFC value of systems with saturated monoacylglycerols at certain temperatures.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Alkylcyclopropane‐Annelated Methyl 2‐Iminoimidazolidinecarboxylates
Authors: Nötzel Marcus W. , Frank Daniel , Labahn Thomas , Magull Jörg , de Meijere Armin
Published: February 2009

Cyclopropane‐ and alkylcyclopropane‐annelated methyl imidazolidinecarboxylates 5 are formed from unsubstituted 1‐H and from 2′‐substituted methyl 2‐chloro‐2‐cyclopropylideneacetates (1‐R) and N,N′,N″‐triarylguanidines (2) in a domino process consisting of a Michael addition and an immediately ensuing ring closure by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution in moderate to very good yields (30–95 %, 8 examples). The products 5 with alkyl substituents on the spirocyclopropane moiety are formed diastereoselectively.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Simulation of incompressible viscous flows around moving objects by a variant of immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Wu J. , Shu C. , Zhang Y. H.
Published: February 2009

A variant of immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method (IB‐LBM) is presented in this paper to simulate incompressible viscous flows around moving objects. As compared with the conventional IB‐LBM where the force density is computed explicitly by Hook's law or the direct forcing method and the non‐slip condition is only approximately satisfied, in the present work, the force density term is considered as the velocity correction which is determined by enforcing the non‐slip condition at the boundary. The lift and drag forces on the moving object can be easily calculated via the velocity correction on the boundary points. The capability of the present method for moving objects is well demonstrated through its application to simulate flows around a moving circular cylinder, a rotationally oscillating cylinder, and an elliptic flapping wing. Furthermore, the simulation of flows around a flapping flexible airfoil is carried out to exhibit the ability of the present method for implementing the elastic boundary condition. It was found that under certain conditions, the flapping flexible airfoil can generate larger propulsive force than the flapping rigid airfoil. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic topography of human corpus callosum using cytoarchitectural parcellation and high angular resolution diffusion imaging tractography
Authors: Chao Yi‐Ping , Cho Kuan‐Hung , Yeh Chun‐Hung , Chou Kun‐Hsien , Chen Jyh‐Horng , Lin Ching‐Po
Published: February 2009

The function of the corpus callosum (CC) is to distribute perceptual, motor, cognitive, learned, and voluntary information between the two hemispheres of the brain. Accurate parcellation of the CC according to fiber composition and fiber connection is of upmost important. In this work, population‐based probabilistic connection topographies of the CC, in the standard Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) space, are estimated by incorporating anatomical cytoarchitectural parcellation with high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) tractography. First, callosal fibers are extracted using multiple fiber assignment by continuous tracking algorithm based on q‐ball imaging (QBI), on 12 healthy and young subjects. Then, the fiber tracts are aligned in the standard MNI coordinate system based on a tract‐based transformation scheme. Next, twenty‐eight Brodmann's areas on the surface of cortical cortex are registered to the MNI space to parcellate the aligned callosal fibers. Finally, the population‐based topological subdivisions of the midsagittal CC to each cortical target are then mapped. And the resulting subdivisions of the CC that connect to the frontal and somatosensory associated cortex are also showed. To our knowledge, it is the first topographic subdivisions of the CC done using HARDI tractography and cytoarchitectonic information. In conclusion, this sophisticated topography of the CC may serve as a landmark to further understand the correlations between the CC, brain intercommunication, and functional cytoarchitectures. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visual rating of the hippocampus in non‐demented elders: Does it measure hippocampal atrophy or other indices of brain atrophy? The SMART‐MR study
Authors: Knoops Arnoud J.G. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Appelman Auke P.A. , Gerritsen Lotte , Mali Willem P.Th.M. , Geerlings Mirjam I.
Published: February 2009

Visual rating of hippocampal atrophy is often used to differentiate between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease. We investigated whether two visual rating scales of hippocampal atrophy were related to hippocampal volumes, and if visual rating was related to global, cortical and subcortical brain atrophy in persons without dementia. Within the SMART‐MR study, a prospective cohort study among patients with manifest arterial disease, medial temporal lobe atrophy was qualitatively rated in 95 participants without dementia (mean age 62 ± 10 years) using two visual rating scales: the medial temporal lobe (MTA) score was rated on coronal oriented images and the perihippocampal cerebrospinal fluid (HCSF) score was rated on axial oriented images. Hippocampal volume assessed by manual segmentation on a 3‐dimensional FFE T1‐weighted MR image. Automated segmentation was used to quantify volumes of brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. Total brain volume, gray matter volume, and ventricular volume were divided by intracranial volume to obtain brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), gray matter fraction (GMF) and ventricular fraction (VF). Using ANOVA, crude hippocampal volumes were smaller with increasing MTA and HSCF scores as were hippocampal volumes normalized for intracranial volume (P < 0.05). However, hippocampal volumes normalized for total brain size were not smaller with increasing MTA or HSCF scores (P = 0.33 and P = 0.49). Also, with increasing visual rating scores, BPF was smaller and VF was larger (P < 0.001), and the GMF decreased with increasing HCSF score (P = 0.008). In this nondemented population, visual rating of the medial temporal lobe reflects hippocampal atrophy as well as global and subcortical atrophy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel anticancer effect of Astragalus saponins: Transcriptional activation of NSAID‐activated gene
Authors: Auyeung Kathy K.W. , Cho Chi‐Hin , Ko Joshua K.S.
Published: February 2009

Astragalus membranaceus has been used to ameliorate the side effects of antineoplastic drugs because of its immunomodulating nature. We had recently demonstrated that total Astragalus saponins (AST) possess anticarcinogenic and proapoptotic properties in human colon cancer cells and tumor xenograft. In this study, we identified NSAID‐activated gene (NAG‐1) as a potential molecular target of AST. The growth‐inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of AST were assessed in a panel of human cancer cell lines. Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining, Annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide staining, Western immunoblotting, real‐time PCR, luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were conducted to determine the association of NAG‐1 and related transcription factors with AST during its regulation of apoptotic activities. Moreover, the combined proapoptotic and NAG‐1 promoting activities of AST and/or inhibitors of the PI3K‐Akt pathway were also examined. AST caused overexpression of NAG‐1, leading to PARP cleavage and apoptosis. The induction of NAG‐1 promoter activity by the drug was associated with increased gene expression, in addition to prior increase in Egr‐1 expression and DNA binding activity. AST‐induced NAG‐1 activation was intensified when PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Akt inhibitor was co‐treated and reversed by NAG‐1 siRNA transfection. Nevertheless, the extent of NAG‐1 induction could not be altered by the ERK inhibitor PD98059. Our results indicate that NAG‐1 is a potential molecular target of AST in its antitumorigenic and proapoptotic actions, which would have additive effects when used along with PI3K‐Akt inhibitors. The information obtained could facilitate future development of a novel target‐specific chemotherapeutic agent with known molecular pathway. © 2009 UICC
An in vivo study of Cdh1/APC in breast cancer formation
Authors: Fujita Takeo , Liu Weijun , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Wan Yong
Published: February 2009

Dysregulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) has been implicated in several types of tumorigenesis. Our previous studies have shown the potential role of Cdh1/APC in regulating tumor formation via governing the Skp2‐p27‐cyclinE/CDK2 axis. In this work, we used a xenograft mouse breast cancer model to identify the mechanism by which Cdh1/APC potentially suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Here, we report that depletion of Cdh1 results in a significant enhancement of the breast tumor proliferation, while elevated Cdh1 leads to suppression of breast tumor growth. Analysis of breast tissue arrays has indicated that higher levels of Cdh1 are associated with normal breast epithelial tissues whereas lower Skp2 expression and elevated p27 levels are detected. Conversely, the percentage of breast cancer tissues stained positive for Cdh1 and p27 are significantly lower with higher Skp2 levels. Thus, the E3 ligase, Cdh1/APC, may inhibit breast tumor growth via regulating Skp2‐p27 mediated cell cycle progression. © 2009 UICC
Hedgehog and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition signaling in normal and malignant epithelial cells of the esophagus
Authors: Isohata Noriyuki , Aoyagi Kazuhiko , Mabuchi Tomoko , Daiko Hiroyuki , Fukaya Masahide , Ohta Hiroyuki , Ogawa Kenji , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sasaki Hiroki
Published: February 2009

It has been established that the Hedgehog (Hh) and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) signals act on morphogenesis of embryonic and adult tissues. Recently, both signals have been involved in tumor malignancy. However, little is known as to whether Hh and EMT signals act on normal and malignant epithelial cells in the esophagus. By laser microdissection (LMD)‐based microarray and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in the undifferentiated and differentiated epithelial cells of the esophagus, we compared the expression profiles of Hh and EMT signaling molecules of these cells with those of cancers. Whether and how both signalings act in undifferentiated cells and in cancer cells are investigated by treatment of a Hh‐signal inhibitor and/or siRNAs of Hh and EMT transcriptional key regulator genes on a mouse primary culture and on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines. Undifferentiated esophageal epithelial cells and most ESCCs coexpressed Hh and EMT signaling genes. Some mesenchymal‐related genes were regulated by an EMT regulator SIP1/ZEB2/ZFHX1B, which was a downstream gene of a primary transcriptional transducer GLI1 in Hh signaling. Hh signal block inhibited esophageal keratinocyte differentiation and cancer cell invasion and growth. These findings suggest that the mesenchymal gene expression of undifferentiated cells is maintained or strengthened in cancer cells through Hh signaling. This is a first report showing the presence of crosstalk between Hh and EMT pathways. © 2009 UICC
Peripheral blood stem cell recovery following early termination of apheresis due to hypotension in a 4.8‐kg infant
Authors: Alex Jessie , Bahl Matthew J. , Schlueter Annette J.
Published: February 2009

We report a case in which peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were successfully recovered following early termination of a collection procedure due to hypotension in a 7‐month‐old patient. The patient was diagnosed at 4 months of age with neuroblastoma stage IV‐S with favorable Shimada histology. She had completed two cycles of chemotherapy before the PBSC collection (PSCC). The procedure was performed on the Cobe Spectra in manual mode, and terminated after 35 min due to severe hypotension. Etiologies considered for the hypotensive episode included a transfusion reaction to the unit of red blood cells (RBC) used for priming the Spectra, citrate reaction, and hypovolemia due to blood drawn for laboratory testing and fluid shifts at the beginning of the procedure. Hypovolemia was ultimately determined to be the most likely etiology. A rinseback was performed into a transfer bag, and the cells were sent to the laboratory for analysis of CD34+ cell yield, volume reduction, and cryopreservation. An adequate number of PBSC were recovered to permit successful autologous transplantation. The ability to recover PBSC from the Spectra white blood cell collection set allowed the patient to avoid undergoing another PSCC. In procedures involving small children, the blood volume drawn for preprocedure testing should be limited to less than 10% of the patient's total blood volume, and the RBC prime should at a minimum replace the entire extracorporeal volume. If the procedure must be terminated early, sufficient PBSC may be recoverable from the blood in the apheresis instrument. J. Clin. Apheresis 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
I think therefore i om: cognitive distortions and coping style as mediators for the effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety, positive and negative affect, and hope
Authors: Sears Sharon , Kraus Sue
Published: February 2009

This study examined cognitive distortions and coping styles as potential mediators for the effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety, negative affect, positive affect, and hope in college students. Our pre‐ and postintervention design had four conditions: control, brief meditation focused on attention, brief meditation focused on loving kindness, and longer meditation combining both attentional and loving kindness aspects of mindfulness. Each group met weekly over the course of a semester. Longer combined meditation significantly reduced anxiety and negative affect and increased hope. Changes in cognitive distortions mediated intervention effects for anxiety, negative affect, and hope. Further research is needed to determine differential effects of types of meditation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–13, 2009.
Sub‐proteome analysis in the green flagellate alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Wagner Volker , Boesger Jens , Mittag Maria
Published: February 2009

In the past years, research on the flagellate unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has entered a new era based on the availability of its complete genome. Since this green alga can be grown relatively easy in a short time‐range, sufficient biological material is available to efficiently establish biochemical purification procedures of sub‐cellular fractions. Combined with the available genome sequences, this paved the way to perform analysis of specific sub‐proteomes by mass spectrometry. In this review, several approaches that provided comprehensive lists of components of certain sub‐cellular compartments and their biological relevance will be described. These include proteins of chloroplast ribosomes, of flagella, of the eyespot as well as posttranslational and environmentally modified sub‐proteomes. The power of such proteome approaches lies in the identification of novel components and modifications of a given sub‐proteome that have not been discovered before. Information is usually gained at a large scale and is very valuable to further understand biological processes of a given cellular sub‐compartment. But clearly the arduous task has then to be performed to further analyze the function of specific proteins/genes by RNA interference technology, mutant analyses or methods for identifying the protein interaction network within a sub‐proteome. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Correlating Raman peak shifts with phase transformation and defect densities: a comprehensive TEM and Raman study on silicon
Authors: Wermelinger Thomas , Spolenak Ralph
Published: February 2009

Silicon is the most often used material in micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). Detailed understanding of its mechanical properties as well as the microstructure is crucial for the reliability of MEMS devices. In this paper, we investigate the microstructure changes upon indentation of single crystalline (100) oriented silicon by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman microscopy. TEM cross sections were prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) at the location of the indent. Raman microscopy and TEM revealed the occurrence of phase transformations and residual stresses upon deformation. Raman microscopy was also used directly on the cross‐sectional TEM lamella and thus microstructural details could be correlated to peak shape and peak position. The results show, however, that due to the implanted Ga+ ions in the lamella the silicon Raman peak is shifted significantly to lower wavenumbers. This hinders a quantitative analysis of residual stresses in the lamella. Furthermore, Raman microscopy also possesses the ability to map deformation structures with a lateral resolution in the submicron range. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phonon confinement and substitutional disorder in Cd1−xZnxS nanocrystals
Authors: Sahoo Satyaprakash , Dhara S. , Sivasubramanian V. , Kalavathi S. , Arora A. K.
Published: February 2009

1‐longitudinal optical (LO) phonons in free‐standing mixed Cd1−xZnxS nanocrystals, synthesized using chemical precipitation, are investigated using Raman spectroscopy. As expected for the nanocrystals, the 1‐LO modes are found to appear at slightly lower wavenumbers than those in the bulk mixed crystals and exhibit one‐mode behavior. On the other hand, the line broadening is found to be much more than that can be accounted on the basis of phonon confinement. From the detailed line‐shape analysis it turns out that the substitutional disorder in the mixed crystals contributes much more to the line broadening than the phonon confinement. The linewidth arising from these mechanisms are also extracted from the analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy of a β‐sheet peptide: a model for membrane protein folding
Authors: Shafaat Hannah S. , Sanchez Katheryn M. , Neary Tiffany J. , Kim Judy E.
Published: February 2009

The partitioning of a hydrophobic hexapeptide, N‐acetyl‐tryptophan‐pentaleucine (AcWL5), into self‐associated β‐sheets within a vesicle membrane was studied as a model for integral membrane protein folding and insertion via vibrational and electronic spectroscopy. Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy allows selective examination of the structures of amino acid side chains and the peptide backbone and provides information about local environment and molecular conformation. The secondary structure of AcWL5 within a vesicle membrane was investigated using 207.5‐nm excitation and found to consist of β‐sheets, in agreement with previous studies. The β‐sheet peptide shows enhanced Raman scattering cross‐sections for all amide modes as well as extensive hydrogen‐bonding networks. Tryptophan vibrational structure was probed using 230‐nm excitation. Increases in Raman cross‐sections of tryptophan modes W1, W3, W7, W10, W16, W17, and W18 of membrane‐incorporated AcWL5 are primarily attributed to greater resonance enhancement with the Bb electronic transition. The W17 mode, however, undergoes a much greater enhancement than is expected for a simple resonance effect, and this observation is discussed in terms of hydrogen bonding of the indole ring in a hydrophobic environment. The observed tryptophan mode frequencies and intensities overall support a hydrophobic environment for the indole ring within a vesicle, and these results have implications for the location of tryptophan in membrane protein systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What influences guests' emotions? The case of high‐quality hotels
Authors: Brunner‐Sperdin Alexandra , Peters Mike
Published: February 2009

This paper outlines the methodology and results of an attempt to assess influences on the emotional states of hotel guests. When consuming tourism products, tourists do not only expect professional services but also desire satisfying experiences. According to Pine and Gilmore (1998), goods and services must be ‘experientialized’ because customers seek for rewarding, memorable and pleasurable consumption experiences. Quality management research suggests that traditional service quality measures are insufficient in evaluating the satisfaction of the ‘new’ tourists with consumed services. In order to measure customer satisfaction, it is important to take into account factors concerning the psychological environment such as subjective personal reactions or feelings experienced by consumers. Thus, experience quality should be the starting point for developing models to assess emotions in tourism industry. After reviewing the latest literature in the field of service and experience measurement in leisure and tourism, the paper presents an experience model highlighting causalities measuring flow experience during the consumption of activities. The results show that the hotel setting has strong influence on the emotional state of the guests and that the staging of the service environment as well as the service process constitutes a crucial part of the hotel strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Branding a memorable destination experience. The case of ‘Brand Canada’
Authors: Hudson Simon , Ritchie J. R. Brent
Published: February 2009

Many destinations around the world sell themselves in very similar ways; imagery centres around overused icons, such as nature, beaches, families and couples all having fun. The tone of messaging is also generic, usually focusing on the ideas of escape and discovery. However, some destinations have developed a clear, unique positioning by branding the destination experience rather than the physical attributes of their destination, capturing the consumer's attention with a more compelling and urgent reason to visit. In order to emulate and compete with these countries, Canada has recently undergone a rebranding exercise called Brand Canada. After presenting a conceptual framework for understanding the brand‐building process, this paper describes the rebranding of Canada, a campaign that has focused on the tourist experience, creating marketing messages based on these experiences to appeal to the emotions of potential travellers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient profile, indications, efficacy and safety of duodenal levodopa infusion in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Devos David ,   for the French DUODOPA Study Group
Published: February 2009

The studies of duodenal infusion of a levodopa on small groups of parkinsonian patients have reported beneficial effects on motor complications. However, little is known about the patient profile and indications for duodenal levodopa infusion. The purpose of this study is to exhaustively investigate the clinical characteristics of the population and indication, efficacy and tolerability of duodenal levodopa infusion in natural care settings. Of the 102 patients treated with duodenal levodopa infusion since 2003, 91 were enrolled in a multicentre retrospective study. The mean age was 72.7 years, with average disease duration of 17 years. Patients were at advanced stage: 91% had gait disorders, 65% had visual hallucinations, and 50% were demented (MMSE: 23). Duodenal levodopa infusion was the last line of treatment for motor complications in 98% of the patients, due to failure of or contraindication for apomorphine pump and neurosurgical treatments. Long‐term treatment was observed by 73% of the population. Of these, >90% reported an improvement in motor fluctuations, quality of life, and autonomy. There were few severe adverse events. Technical problems were commonplace. Duodenal levodopa infusion seems to be an effective last‐line therapy for motor complications in Parkinson's disease. Hence, technical improvements and earlier introduction should be considered. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society.
Understanding the Value of Radar Rainfall Nowcasts in Flood Forecasting and Warning in Flashy Catchments
Authors: Werner Micha , Cranston Michael
Published: February 2009

Providing flood forecasts in flashy catchments poses significant challenges to the hydrologist. This is particularly the case when the prediction of high intensity rainfall at small spatial scales is difficult. Radar rainfall nowcasts, such as those provided by the Met Office Nimrod system, provide short range predictions at these spatial scales, and can be used as an input to hydrological models for the prediction of flood flows. Such short term forecasts are, however, considerably uncertain, and this uncertainty will influence the reliability of hydrological forecasts used in flood warning and forecasting. In this paper the value and benefit of the use of radar rainfall nowcasts in three small catchments in central Scotland is assessed through the evaluation of a large sample of forecasts. Both the reliability of the catchment rainfall predictions and the forecast flows are assessed. Whilst it is demonstrated that the rainfall predictions provided by Nimrod are uncertain and at times biased, it is also shown that there is considerable benefit in their use for flood forecasting when compared to the alternative of using no future prediction of rainfall. To deal with the uncertainty in the forecast, a method is shown that can help the hydrologist and forecaster to understand the structure of the uncertainties, allowing them to use the guidance provided by the forecasts more effectively in the provision of flood warnings. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
New developments in the spatial encoding of spin interactions for single‐scan 2D NMR
Authors: Shrot Yoav , Tal Assaf , Frydman Lucio
Published: February 2009

Single‐scan 2D NMR relies on a spatial axis for encoding the indirect‐domain internal spin interactions. Various strategies have been demonstrated for fulfilling the needs underlying this procedure. All such schemes use gradient‐echoed sequences that leave at their conclusion solely the effects of the internal interactions along the indirect domain; they also include a real‐time scheme that though simple, yields in general mixed‐phase line shapes. The present paper introduces two new proposals geared up for easing the spatial encoding underlying single‐scan 2D NMR methodologies. One of these is capable of delivering dispersive‐free peaks along the indirect domain, and thereby purely‐absorptive 2D line shapes, in amplitude‐encoded experiments. The other demonstrates for the first time, the possibility to obtain single‐scan 2D spectra without echoing the effects of the encoding gradient–simply by applying a single‐pulse frequency sweep to encode the interactions. Both of these modes are compatible with homo‐ and heteronuclear correlations, and exhibit a number of complementary features vis‐à‐vis encoding alternatives that have so far been presented. The overall principles underlying these new spatially encoding protocols are derived, and their performance demonstrated with single‐scan 2D NMR TOCSY and HSQC experiments on model compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional pulmonary blood flow: Comparison of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR perfusion and phase‐contrast MR
Authors: van Amerom Joshua F.P. , Vidarsson Logi , Wu Shengping , Tessler Rogerio , Yoo Shi‐Joon , Belik Jaques , Macgowan Christopher K.
Published: February 2009

Regional pulmonary blood flow can be assessed using both dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MR and phase‐contrast (PC) MR. These methods provide somewhat complementary information: DCE MR can assess flow over the entire lung while PC MR can detect rapid changes in flow to a targeted region. Although both methods are considered accurate, one may be more feasible than the other depending on pathology, patient condition, and availability of an intravenous route. The objective of this study was to establish a consensus between the two methods by comparing paired DCE MR and PC MR measurements of relative blood flow in Yorkshire piglets (N = 5, age = 7 days, weight = 3.3 ± 0.6 kg) under various physiological states including regional lung collapse. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.71, P < 0.01) was observed between the methods. In conclusion, DCE MR and PC MR provide a consistent measure of changes in regional pulmonary blood flow. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy using a needle microcoil
Authors: Howe Franklyn A. , Syms Richard R.A. , Ahmad Munir M. , Rodrigues Loreta M. , Griffiths John R. , Young Ian R.
Published: February 2009

Batch fabrication methods have been used to produce low‐cost microcoils for magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) that could be discarded after applications such as insertion into tissue during interventional surgery. Needle‐shaped microcoils were constructed using electroplated conductors buried in shafts formed with different combinations of silicon and plastic and used to acquire in vivo 31P spectra of rat thigh muscle at 81 MHz. The designs in this study achieved a maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for phosphocreatine (PCr) of 10.4 in a 10‐min acquisition, with the three adenosine triphosphate (ATP) multiplets also clearly visible. An average 20% reduction in PCr occurred over a 60‐min period, and intracellular pH was estimated to be 6.6, which are both evidence of ischemia. A needle microcoil design could have applications in real‐time MRS of tumors or in evaluating pathology in general during surgical investigations. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional, in vivo MRI with self‐gating and image coregistration in the mouse
Authors: Nieman Brian J. , Szulc Kamila U. , Turnbull Daniel H.
Published: February 2009

Motion during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans routinely results in undesirable image artifact or blurring. Since high‐resolution, three‐dimensional (3D) imaging of the mouse requires long scan times for satisfactory signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and image quality, motion‐related artifacts are likely over much of the body and limit applications of mouse MRI. In this investigation, we explored the use of self‐gated imaging methods and image coregistration for improving image quality in the presence of motion. Self‐gated signal results from a modified 3D gradient‐echo sequence showed detection of periodic respiratory and cardiac motion in the adult mouse—with excellent comparison to traditional measurements, sensitivity to respiration‐induced tissue changes in the brain, and even detection of embryonic cardiac motion in utero. Serial image coregistration with rapidly‐acquired, low‐SNR volumes further enabled detection and correction of bulk changes in embryo location during in utero imaging sessions and subsequent reconstruction of high‐quality images. These methods, in combination, are shown to expand the range of applications for 3D mouse MRI, enabling late‐stage embryonic heart imaging and introducing the possibility of longitudinal developmental studies from embryonic stages through adulthood. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of amyloid plaque contrast generated by T2‐weighted, T‐weighted, and susceptibility‐weighted imaging methods in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chamberlain Ryan , Reyes Denise , Curran Geoffrey L. , Marjanska Malgorzata , Wengenack Thomas M. , Poduslo Joseph F. , Garwood Michael , Jack Clifford R.
Published: February 2009

One of the hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is amyloid plaque deposition. Plaques appear hypointense on T2‐weighted and T‐weighted MR images probably due to the presence of endogenous iron, but no quantitative comparison of various imaging techniques has been reported. We estimated the T1, T2, T, and proton density values of cortical plaques and normal cortical tissue and analyzed the plaque contrast generated by a collection of T2‐weighted, T‐weighted, and susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) methods in ex vivo transgenic mouse specimens. The proton density and T1 values were similar for both cortical plaques and normal cortical tissue. The T2 and T values were similar in cortical plaques, which indicates that the iron content of cortical plaques may not be as large as previously thought. Ex vivo plaque contrast was increased compared to a previously reported spin‐echo sequence by summing multiple echoes and by performing SWI; however, gradient echo and SWI were found to be impractical for in vivo imaging due to susceptibility interface–related signal loss in the cortex. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualization of free radical reactions in an aqueous sample irradiated by 290 MeV carbon beam
Authors: Matsumoto Ken‐ichiro , Nagata Katsura , Yamamoto Haruhiko , Endo Kazutoyo , Anzai Kazunori , Aoki Ichio
Published: February 2009

The detection of free radical reactions in a gelatin sample irradiated by a heavy‐ion beam was tested using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic and MRI methods. Geometry and the amount of free radical generation in a sample are described. A reaction mixture containing glutathione and a nitroxyl radical, TEMPOL, was caked with gelatin, and then irradiated with a 290 MeV carbon beam. The amount of free radical generation in a solid sample was almost flat from the surface to the beam end, except for a small peak, the peak radioactivation profile, and then steeply decreased approaching the beam end. Total free radical reactions obtained with carbon‐beam irradiation were expected to be less than one‐third of X‐ray irradiation, when the same dose for a deeper target was considered. Both EPR and MRI are useful tools to visualize free radical generation in samples irradiated by a heavy‐ion beam. The EPR‐based method is more sensitive and quantitative than the MRI‐based method; however, the MRI method can achieve high spatial resolution. This study gives the rationale for a redox regulation trial using antioxidant drugs to reduce the side effects on normal tissues in carbon‐beam therapy. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of hepatic fibrosis with portal pressure gradient in rats
Authors: Wang Yuenan , Booth Carmen J. , Kim Hyeonjin , Qiu Maolin , Constable R. Todd
Published: February 2009

MRI has the potential of providing a noninvasive assessment of liver pathology. This work introduces a portal pressure gradient (PPG) model derived from fluid mechanics, where the PPG is proportional to the average velocity and inversely proportional to the vessel area in the upper part of portal vein. Using a phase‐contrast spoiled gradient echo sequence, the PPG model was verified in a phantom study and was tested in an animal study using 35 rats with various degrees of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Histological examination was conducted to determine the severity of hepatic fibrosis. The fibrosis score monotonically increased with the duration of CCl4 treatment. The PPG was highly correlated with nonzero fibrosis scores (r2 = 0.90, P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between control and cirrhosis groups (P < 0.0006, α < 0.0018). The difference between control and fibrosis (noncirrhosis) groups (P < 0.002, α < 0.006) was also significant. Without the administration of any contrast agent, the MRI‐PPG approach shows promise as a noninvasive means of evaluating liver fibrosis. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Group‐theoretic exploitations of symmetry in computational solid and structural mechanics
Authors: Zingoni A.
Published: February 2009

The use of group theory in simplifying the study of problems involving symmetry is a well‐established approach in various branches of physics and chemistry, and major applications in these areas date back more than 70 years. Within the engineering disciplines, the search for more systematic and more efficient strategies for exploiting symmetry in the computational problems of solid and structural mechanics has led to the development of group‐theoretic methods over the past 40 years. This paper reviews the advances made in the application of group theory in areas such as bifurcation analysis, vibration analysis and finite element analysis, and summarizes the various implementation procedures currently available. Illustrative examples of typical solution procedures are drawn from recent work of the author. It is shown how the group‐theoretic approach, through the characteristic vector‐space decomposition, enables considerable simplifications and reductions in computational effort to be achieved. In many cases, group‐theoretic considerations also allow valuable insights on the behaviour or properties of a system to be gained, before any actual calculations are carried out. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unrelated stem cell transplant for infantile idiopathic myelofibrosis
Authors: Domm Jennifer , Calder Cassie , Manes Becky , Crossno Christine , Correa Hernan , Frangoul Haydar
Published: February 2009

Idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) is a rare disease in children that can present during infancy and have a protracted course. The only known curative approach for this disease in adult patients is allogeneic stem cell transplant. We present two cases of IMF during infancy that did not resolve with supportive care measures. Both patients underwent unrelated stem cell transplant with complete resolution of their hematologic manifestations and resolution of the bone marrow fibrosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:893–895. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subcellular fractionation of TGF‐β1‐stimulated lung epithelial cells: A novel proteomic approach for identifying signaling intermediates
Authors: Milosevic Jadranka , Bulau Patrick , Mortz Ejvind , Eickelberg Oliver
Published: February 2009

Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β superfamily are key regulators of lung development and homeostasis, in particular by controlling alveolar/bronchial epithelial cell function. TGF‐β signaling involves ligand‐dependent activation of receptor serine/threonine kinases, activation and subsequent nuclear translocation of pathway‐specific transcription factors (Smads), and ultimately, modulation of gene expression. While Smad‐dependent responses represent the primary signaling components activated by TGF‐β receptors, their function is controlled by a variety of cofactors. In addition, alternative signaling systems mediating TGF‐β‐induced effects have recently been described such as MAP kinase pathways. To uncover novel proteins that participate in TGF‐β signaling via nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling in lung epithelial cells, we have analyzed A549 human lung epithelial cells, using subcellular fractionation combined with 2‐D PAGE, tryptic digestion, and MS. We identified a rapid increase in the cytosolic localization of KH‐type splicing regulatory protein (KHSRP), far upstream element‐binding protein (FUBP1), hnRNP‐L, and hnRNP‐H1, concomitant with a decrease in their nuclear localization in response to TGF‐β1. Proteomic data were confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses. In summary, we represent a powerful novel technology for the identification of previously unknown signaling intermediates.
Identification of glycoprotein receptors within the human salivary proteome for the lectin‐like BabA and SabA adhesins of Helicobacter pylori by fluorescence‐based 2‐D bacterial overlay
Authors: Walz Anke , Odenbreit Stefan , Stühler Kai , Wattenberg Andreas , Meyer Helmut E. , Mahdavi Jafar , Borén Thomas , Ruhl Stefan
Published: February 2009

Because gastric infection by Helicobacter pylori takes place via the oral route, possible interactions of this bacterium with human salivary proteins could occur. By using modified 1‐ and 2‐D bacterial overlay, binding of H. pylori adhesins BabA and SabA to the whole range of salivary proteins was explored. Bound salivary receptor molecules were identified by MALDI‐MS and by comparison to previously established proteome maps of whole and glandular salivas. By use of adhesin‐deficient mutants, binding of H. pylori to MUC7 and gp‐340 could be linked to the SabA and BabA adhesins, respectively, whereas binding to MUC5B was associated with both adhesins. Binding of H. pylori to the proline‐rich glycoprotein was newly detected and assigned to BabA adhesin whereas the SabA adhesin was found to mediate binding to newly detected receptor molecules, including carbonic anhydrase VI, secretory component, heavy chain of secretory IgA1, parotid secretory protein and zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein. Some of these salivary glycoproteins are known to act as scavenger molecules or are involved in innate immunity whereas others might come to modify the pathogenetic properties of this organism. In general, this 2‐D bacterial overlay technique represents a useful supplement in adhesion studies of bacteria with complex protein mixtures.
The cost of resistance to colistin in Acinetobacter baumannii: a proteomic perspective
Authors: Fernández‐Reyes María , Rodríguez‐Falcón Manuel , Chiva Cristina , Pachón Jerónimo , Andreu David , Rivas Luis
Published: February 2009

Colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen of clinical concern, was induced in the susceptible strain ATCC 19606 by growth under increasing pressure of the antibiotic, the only drug universally active against multi‐resistant clinical strains. In 2‐D difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) experiments, 35 proteins with differences in expression between both phenotypes were identified, most of them appearing as down regulated in the colistin‐resistant strain. These include outer membrane (OM) proteins, chaperones, protein biosynthesis factors, and metabolic enzymes, all suggesting substantial loss of biological fitness in the resistant phenotype, as substantiated by complementary experiments in the absence of colistin. Results shed light on the scarcity of widespread clinical outbreaks for resistant phenotypes.