bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin stimulates Escherichia coli phagocytosis by microglial cells
Authors: Ribes Sandra , Ebert Sandra , Regen Tommy , Czesnik Dirk , Scheffel Jörg , Zeug Andre , Bunkowski Stephanie , Eiffert Helmut , Hanisch Uwe‐Karsten , Hammerschmidt Sven , Nau Roland
Published: September 2009

Microglia express Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) that recognize invading pathogens as well as endogenous proteins such as fibronectin under nonphysiological conditions. Here, we demonstrated that fibronectin stimulates murine microglia in culture in a dose‐dependent manner: microglial cells secreted proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and increased phagocytosis of Escherichia coli DH5α and E. coli K1 strains. Low levels of fibronectin exerted a synergistic effect on the release of proinflammatory compounds by microglia co‐stimulated with agonists for TLR1/2 (Pam3CSK4) or TLR9 (CpG DNA), but not in combination with the TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Phagocytosis of bacterial strains was moderately enhanced when microglia was co‐stimulated with high concentrations of fibronectin and one pathogen‐derived TLR agonist. In conclusion, fibronectin increased proinflammatory and phagocytotic functions in microglia and partially synergized with microbial TLR agonists. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of NG2+ glial progenitors and microglia/macrophages from the injured spinal cord
Authors: Wu Junfang , Yoo Soonmoon , Wilcock Donna , Lytle Judith M. , Leung Philberta Y. , Colton Carol A. , Wrathall Jean R.
Published: September 2009

Spinal cord contusion produces a central lesion surrounded by a peripheral rim of residual white matter. Despite stimulation of NG2+ progenitor cell proliferation, the lesion remains devoid of normal glia chronically after spinal cord injury (SCI). To investigate potential cell–cell interactions of the predominant cells in the lesion at 3 days after injury, we used magnetic activated cell sorting to purify NG2+ progenitors and OX42+ microglia/macrophages from contused rat spinal cord. Purified NG2+ cells from the injured cord grew into spherical masses when cultured in defined medium with FGF2 plus GGF2. The purified OX42+ cells did not form spheroids and significantly reduced sphere growth by NG2+ cells in co‐cultures. Conditioned medium from these OX42+ cells, unlike that from normal peritoneal macrophages or astrocytes also inhibited growth of NG2+ cells, suggesting inhibition by secreted factors. Expression analysis of freshly purified OX42+ cells for a panel of six genes for secreted factors showed expression of several that could contribute to inhibition of NG2+ cells. Further, the pattern of expression of four of these, TNFα, TSP1, TIMP1, MMP9, in sequential coronal tissue segments from a 2 cm length of cord centered on the injury epicenter correlated with the expression of Iba1, a marker gene for OX42+ cells, strongly suggesting a potential regional influence by activated microglia/macrophages on NG2+ cells in vivo after SCI. Thus, the nonreplacement of lost glial cells in the central lesion zone may involve, at least in part, inhibitory factors produced by microglia/macrophages that are concentrated within the lesion. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motivational interviewing with a depressed adolescent
Authors: Brody Amanda E.
Published: September 2009

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a potentially useful tool for clinicians who are exploring ways to improve treatment outcomes with depressed clients. MI techniques may be particularly appropriate with depressed adolescents, for whom motivation to engage in therapy is often a problem and who often experience ambivalence about life choices. The present article presents a case description of MI with a depressed adolescent who was ambivalent about what life change to pursue. MI was used to help the client identify conflicts between her values, learn how they were contributing to her distress, and move toward resolving them. Advantages and limitations of these techniques are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–12, 2009.
Introduction to the special series on motivational interviewing and psychotherapy
Authors: Arkowitz Hal , Westra Henny A.
Published: September 2009

Clinical and research applications of motivational interviewing (MI) have grown at a remarkable pace over the past 25 years. Most of this work has targeted the addictions and health‐related behaviors. The series of articles in this issue highlight a rapidly accelerating recent trend: the application of MI to other problems typically seen in clinical practice. This introductory article describes MI, its core principles, treatment methods, and the variety of ways in which it has been employed. The 6 case reports in this issue are then described. They illustrate how MI can be employed with generalized anxiety, adolescent depression, lifestyle changes, social anxiety disorder, suicidality, and intimate partner violence. The series of articles in this issue concludes with a commentary on the cases and a practice‐friendly review of outcome research on MI. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–7, 2009.
Progressive chorion morphology during egg development in Samia ricini (Donovan)
Authors: Renthlei Collin Z. , Raghuvarman Arumugam , Kharbuli Besterwell , Dey Sudip
Published: September 2009

The egg of Samia ricini (Donovan), is oval or laterally flattened ellipsoid, freshly laid eggs are candid white while the chorion is colorless and semi‐transparent. The surface of the chorion is covered with network patterns of polygons and their shapes are common in the whole surface region. The boundaries between polygons made ridges had distinct acropyles at three‐cell junctions. The numbers of aeropyles are variable according to their structures both in the lateral flat and marginal regions. During the course of egg development, no significant structural changes were observed in either the polygonal structures or the overall morphology of the egg. However, the size of the aeropyles kept on changing as the egg matures. The aeropyle increases initially upto day‐9 of egg development and then decreases as it approach hatching. Lines of weaknesses were not observed at time of hatching or close to it. Hatching process of the newly emerge larvae are through gnawing. The larva eats their way out through the chorion membrane mostly from the anterior region. Egg buster or spine which aid in hatching are not present in the newly emerge larvae.

This article was published online on 25 September 2009. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected 6 January 2010. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stretch‐induced inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in mineralizing osteoblasts
Authors: Jansen Justus H.W. , Eijken Marco , Jahr Holger , Chiba Hideki , Verhaar Jan A.N. , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M. , Weinans Harrie
Published: September 2009

Wnt signaling is important for bone formation and osteoblastic differentiation. Recent findings indicate a stimulating role of Wnt signaling in bone mechanotransduction. However, negative effects of Wnt signaling on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization have been described as well. We conducted in vitro stretch experiments using human pre‐osteoblasts to study short‐ and long‐term effects of mechanical loading on Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. As the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is known to be involved in mechanotransduction in osteoblasts, we also evaluated its role in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Stretch experiments up to 21 days (using stretch episodes of 15 min, alternated with 90 min rest) resulted in higher mineralization compared to static control cultures. We found that 15 min of stretch initially increased nuclear β‐catenin, but ultimately resulted in significant decrease at 12 and 40 h after stretch. Downregulation of Wnt‐responsive element activity 16 h after stretch, using a luciferase construct, further supported these findings. The presence of the ERK inhibitor U0126 did not alter the stretch‐induced decrease of β‐catenin levels. Our data indicate a biphasic effect of mechanical loading on β‐catenin in mineralizing human differentiating osteoblasts, which is independent of the ERK pathway. The osteogenic potential of our loading regime was confirmed by an increase in osteogenic differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition after 3 weeks of culture. We conjecture that the biphasic aspect of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling with a strong decrease up to 40 h after the stretch induction, is important for the anabolic effects of mechanical stretch on bone. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:390–396, 2010
Conditional deletion of BMP7 from the limb skeleton does not affect bone formation or fracture repair
Authors: Tsuji Kunikazu , Cox Karen , Gamer Laura , Graf Daniel , Economides Aris , Rosen Vicki
Published: September 2009

While the osteoinductive activity of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) is well established, evaluation of the role of endogenous BMP7 in bone formation and fracture healing has been hampered by perinatal lethality in BMP7 knockout mice. Here we employ conditional deletion of BMP7 from the embryonic limb prior to the onset of skeletogenesis to create limb bones lacking BMP7. We find that the absence of locally produced BMP7 has no effect on postnatal limb growth, articular cartilage formation, maintenance of bone mass, or fracture healing. Our data suggest that other BMPs present in adult bone are sufficient to compensate for the absence of BMP7. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:384–389, 2010
Tendon‐selective genes identified from rat and human musculoskeletal tissues
Authors: Jelinsky Scott A. , Archambault Joanne , Li Li , Seeherman Howard
Published: September 2009

Mesenchymal stems cells have a demonstrated ability to differentiate into muscle, bone, and fat. Determining whether these same cells have the ability to differentiate into tendon‐like fibroblasts has been hampered by the lack of specific tendon cell marker genes. In order to identify molecular markers of mature tendon, expression profiling was used to identify genes expressed in adult rat and human tendon tissue compared to other musculoskeletal tissues. Using this technique, approximately 1,600 transcripts appeared to be selectively expressed in rat tendon tissue and approximately 300 transcripts appeared to be selectively expressed in human tendon tissue, with ∼20 genes selectively expressed in both human and rat tendon tissue. Of these common tendon‐selective genes, thrombospon‐din‐4 (THBS4) and tenomodulin (TNMD) were found to have the highest tendon‐selective expression compared to other tissues examined. Interestingly, expression of these tendon‐selective genes, which are present in primary tendon fibroblasts, is lost when these cells are placed in two‐dimensional culture systems. In conclusion, this study has defined a set of tendon‐selective genes present in both adult rat and human tendons. Identification of tendon‐selective genes provides potential molecular tools to facilitate a better understanding of tendon development and tendon repair. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:289–297, 2010
An internal locking plate to study intramembranous bone healing in a mouse femur fracture model
Authors: Histing Tina , Garcia Patric , Matthys Romano , Leidinger Markus , Holstein Joerg H. , Kristen Alexander , Pohlemann Tim , Menger Michael D.
Published: September 2009

In most murine fracture models, the femur is stabilized by an intramedullary implant and heals predominantly through endochondral ossification. The aim of the present study was to establish a mouse model in which fractures heal intramembranously. Femur fractures of 16 SKH‐mice were stabilized by an internal locking plate. Femur fractures of another 16 animals were stabilized by an intramedullary screw. Bone repair was analyzed by radiographic, biomechanical, and histological methods. At 2 weeks, histological analysis showed a significantly smaller callus diameter and callus area after locking plate fixation. Cartilage formation within the callus could only be observed after screw fixation, but not after fracture stabilization with the locking plate. Radiological and biomechanical analysis after 2 and 5 weeks showed a significantly improved healing and a higher bending stiffness of fractures stabilized by the locking plate. Fractures stabilized by the locking plate healed exclusively by intramembranous ossification, which is most probably a result of the anatomical reduction and stable fixation. The fractures that healed by intramembranous ossification showed an increased stiffness compared to fractures that healed by endochondral ossification. This model may be used to study molecular mechanisms of intramembranous bone healing. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:397–402, 2010
TiO2 thin films for spintronics application: a Raman study
Authors: Rossella F. , Galinetto P. , Mozzati M. C. , Malavasi L. , Diaz Fernandez Y. , Drera G. , Sangaletti L.
Published: September 2009

We present the results of a systematic study performed by micro‐Raman spectroscopy on pure anatase, pure rutile and mixed anatase–rutile TiO2 thin films, deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering on quartz substrates, with different thicknesses. The crystal structures of the as‐deposited films were unambiguously determined and a good crystalline homogeneity was revealed by a systematic mapping of the samples. In the mixed‐phase films, the relative amount of the two phases was monitored by a simple analysis of the components of the multi‐Lorentzian fitting curves. For the single‐phase films, the influence of the thickness and the effect of different thermal treatments, carried out to obtain series of thin films differing only for oxygen content, are discussed. The analysis of the scattered light has provided indication about the presence of an interface layer between the substrate and the film, which can play a role in driving the interesting magnetic properties exhibited by our samples, which are of potential usefulness for spintronics application. The results obtained from other techniques are briefly reported and discussed in relation to our systematic Raman characterization. This study points out how Raman investigation can provide suggestions toward the understanding of the complex physical phenomena leading to room‐temperature ferromagnetism in TiO2 thin films. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tentative differentiation between Iznik tiles and copies with Raman spectroscopy using both laboratory and portable instruments
Authors: Simsek Gulsu , Colomban Philippe , Milande Véronique
Published: September 2009

Iznik tiles dated from the 16th century, copies of tiles and pottery of Théodore Deck from the 19th century and also tiles without any information on their origin were analyzed with both laboratory and portable Raman instruments. As the original tiles are generally fixed on the walls of historical buildings, the portable Raman spectrometer is more convenient for the analysis but the information obtained from the spectra is not very useful because of the medium resolution and complex baseline of the instrument in spite of its speed and ease of use. The Raman signature of the glazes is the most pertinent and easily accessible fingerprint of the artifacts. The differentiation between Iznik ceramics and other samples could be made with Raman spectrometers, according to the specific signature of SiO stretching and bending bands of Iznik glazes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential stir bar extraction, thermal desorption and retention time locked GC–MS for determination of pesticides in water
Authors: Sampedro M. Carmen , Goicolea M. Aranzazu , Unceta Nora , Sánchez‐Ortega Alicia , Barrio Ramón J.
Published: September 2009

A method based on sequential stir bar sorptive extraction followed by automated thermal desorption–GC–MS for the determination of pesticides in underground and superficial water samples has been developed. Retention time locked GC–MS and deconvolution Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System software allows the use of pesticide databases for identification and quantification in routine applications. Quantitation limits and repetitivity using full scan mass spectrometric determination guarantee the applicability of the method, which enables considerable savings to be made in total analysis time, with data processing times of around 2 min/sample.
Assessing the economic impact of wind farms on tourism in Scotland: GIS, surveys and policy outcomes
Authors: Riddington Geoff , McArthur David , Harrison Tony , Gibson Hervey
Published: September 2009

The impact of wind farms on the environment and subsequently on tourism is the subject of much heated debate. The research was concerned with making a robust quantitative assessment of the economic impact, to help resolve the debate and inform government policy on planning for renewable energy. In addition to a broad description of the intercept surveys and the advanced local economic models used to ascertain impact, the research details two novel elements; a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model for the analysis of the number of tourists and bed spaces exposed to wind farms and a large internet‐based survey of the willingness to pay for landscape. The research found a very small but significant negative economic impact and, on the basis of the survey information, suggests ways of minimising this impact. Both GIS modelling and internet surveying were found to be extremely useful and, it is suggested, both should become standard tools for the tourism researcher. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional imaging of ventilation dynamics in asthmatics using multiecho projection acquisition with constrained reconstruction
Authors: Holmes James H. , O'Halloran Rafael L. , Brodsky Ethan K. , Bley Thorsten A. , Francois Christopher J. , Velikina Julia V. , Sorkness Ronald L. , Busse William W. , Fain Sean B.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this work is to detect dynamic gas trapping in three dimensions during forced exhalation at isotropic high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution using hyperpolarized helium‐3 MRI. Ten subjects underwent hyperpolarized helium‐3 MRI and multidetector CT. MRI was performed throughout inspiration, breath‐hold, and forced expiration. A multiecho three‐dimensional projection acquisition was used to improve data collection efficiency and an iterative constrained reconstruction was implemented to improve signal to noise ratio (SNR) and increase robustness to motion. Two radiologists evaluated the dynamic MRI and breath‐held multidetector CT data for gas and air trapping, respectively. Phantom studies showed the proposed technique significantly improved depiction of moving objects compared to view‐sharing methods. Gas trapping was detected using MRI in five of the six asthmatic subjects who displayed air trapping with multidetector CT. Locations in disagreement were found to represent small to moderate regions of air trapping. The proposed technique provides whole‐lung three‐dimensional imaging of respiration dynamics at high spatial and temporal resolution and compares well to the current standard, multidetector CT. While multidetector CT can provide information about static regional air trapping, it is unable to depict dynamics in a setting more comparable to a spirometry maneuver and explore the longitudinal time evolution of the trapped regions. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ex situ endorectal MRI probe for prostate imaging
Authors: Blank Aharon , Ish‐Shalom Shlomo , Shtirberg Lazar , Zur Yuval
Published: September 2009

A unique ex situ MRI probe, which examines samples external to its geometry, is presented. The probe is intended to be used for imaging the prostate gland via an endorectal pathway. It has a semicylindrical shape with a length of 6 cm and typical diameter of ∼3 cm. The probe's imaging field of view spans almost along its entire length and up to a distance of 2 cm away from its surface, with an angular sector of ∼90°. The detailed design of the probe is presented, followed by a set of representative results obtained by the current bench prototype of this system. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colorless polyimide nanocomposite films containing hexafluoroisopropylidene group
Authors: Choi Il Hwan , Chang Jin‐Hae
Published: September 2009

Poly(amic acid) (PAA) was prepared by the reaction of 4,4'‐(hexafluoro‐isopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) with 2,2'‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl] hexafluoropropane (BAPP) in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Hybrid films were obtained from blend solutions of the precursor polymer and the organoclay Cloisite 15A, varying the organoclay content from 0 to 3.0 wt%. The cast PAA film was heat‐treated at different temperatures to create polyimide (PI) hybrid films, which showed excellent optical transparencies and were almost colorless. The intercalation of PI chains in the organoclays was examined by means of wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). In addition, the thermo‐mechanical properties were tested using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and a universal tensile machine (UTM). In the XRD, SEM, and TEM results for the PI hybrid films, a substantial increase in the agglomeration of the clay particles was observed as the clay loading was increased from 0.5 to 3.0 wt%. This suggests that in the hybrid materials with low clay content, the clay particles are better dispersed in the matrix polymer and do not agglomerate significantly. We found that the addition of a small amount of organoclay is sufficient to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the PI, with the maximum enhancement being observed at 1.0 wt% Cloisite 15A. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of cationic and anionic clays on the hydrolytic degradation of polylactides
Authors: Zhou Quyuan , Xanthos Marino
Published: September 2009

Polylactide (PLA)/montmorillonite (MMT) cationic clay and PLA/hydrotalcite (HT) anionic clay composites at 5wt% clay were melt compounded and characterized for morphology before and after hydrolytic degradation. Semicrystalline and amorphous polymers were used as well as noncalcined and calcined clays. The addition of cationic clays led to the formation of microcomposites, whereas the addition of anionic clays produced a much finer dispersion and enhanced polymer intercalation corresponding to that found in nanocomposites. Hydrolytic degradation rate constants of cationic microcomposites and, particularly, of anionic nanocomposites are lower than those of the unfilled polymers, possibly due to the reduction of the carboxylic group catalytic effect through neutralization with the hydrophilic alkaline filler. Comparison of calcined MMT and HT clays vs. their noncalcined counterparts suggest that calcination can further reduce hydrolytic degradation rates, particularly for semicrystalline PLA. Based on the calculated activation energies, the degradation kinetics did not differ significantly above and below the assumed Tg of 58–60°C. The results of this work would be applicable to controlled release pharmaceutical formulations containing clay/drug combinations produced by melt compounding with a biodegradable polymer matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Highly transparent thermoplastic elastomer from isotactic polypropylene and styrene/ethylene‐butylene/styrene triblock copolymer: Structure‐property correlations
Authors: Ahmad Zubair , Kumar K. Dinesh , Saroop Madhumita , Preschilla Nisha , Biswas Amit , Bellare Jayesh R. , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: September 2009

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most useful general purpose plastics. However, the poor transparency and brittleness of PP restricts its applications in the field of medical and personal care where silicone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are presently used. This work concentrates on developing highly transparent elastomeric PP blends and also thermoplastic elastomer by blending isotactic polypropylene (I‐PP) with styrene/ethylene‐butylene/styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer. PP/SEBS blend derived from high melt flow index (MFI) PP and high MFI SEBS exhibit remarkable transparency (haze value as low as 6%) along with good percentage of elongation and processability. The reduction in difference of refractive index (RI) between PP and SEBS has been observed by blending SEBS with PP. The wide angle X‐ray diffraction studies show that there is significant reduction in the percentage crystallinity of PP by the addition of SEBS block copolymer. Temperature‐dependent polarized light microscopy studies reveal the reduction in spherulites size by the addition of SEBS block copolymer. Transmission electron micrographs show that the SEBS polymer forms a fine lamellar structure throughout the PP matrix with phase inversion at higher SEBS concentration. Development of phase morphology, crystalline morphology, and crystallinity in different blends has been analyzed and microstructure‐haze correlations have been developed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Melt surface grafting of HDPE with mercaptoesters by thermolysis method
Authors: Parthasarathy V. , Sundaresan B. , Dhanalakshmi V. , Anbarasan R.
Published: September 2009

High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was graft functionalized with two different mercaptoesters in an inert atmosphere at 160°C under different experimental conditions by thermolysis method. The order of functionalization, crosslinking, and CC formation reactions were determined from the relative intensities of carbonyl stretching vibration and CH bending vibrations. FTIR, DSC, and TGA analytical tools were used to characterize mercaptoester‐functionalized HDPE. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed here to explain the experimental results obtained. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use and impact of antidepressants in the school setting
Authors: Noggle Chad A. , Dean Raymond S.
Published: September 2009

Depression‐based presentations constitute some of the most commonly seen psychiatric manifestations within the school‐age population. In conjunction with increased numbers of children and adolescents being diagnosed with depressive symptomology over the past 2–3 decades, there has been seen a concurrent increase in the amount of antidepressant agents being prescribed within this group. This increase is largely related to the development of the newer class antidepressants, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which have demonstrated preferred efficacy and adverse effect profiles over the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclics. This article discusses the primary differences between the various forms of antidepressants, including their utility and efficacy. Positive and negative impacts are also reviewed, including potential impact on schooling. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability of thioester intermediates in ubiquitin‐like modifications
Authors: Song Jing , Wang Jianghai , Jozwiak Agnieszka A. , Hu Weidong , Swiderski Piotr M. , Chen Yuan
Published: September 2009

Ubiquitin‐like modifications are important mechanisms in cellular regulation, and are carried out through several steps with reaction intermediates being thioester conjugates of ubiquitin‐like proteins with E1, E2, and sometimes E3. Despite their importance, a thorough characterization of the intrinsic stability of these thioester intermediates has been lacking. In this study, we investigated the intrinsic stability by using a model compound and the Ubc9∼SUMO‐1 thioester conjugate. The Ubc9∼SUMO‐1 thioester intermediate has a half life of approximately 3.6 h (hydrolysis rate k = 5.33 ± 2.8 ×10−5 s−1), and the stability decreased slightly under denaturing conditions (k = 12.5 ± 1.8 × 10−5 s−1), indicating a moderate effect of the three‐dimensional structural context on the stability of these intermediates. Binding to active and inactive E3, (RanBP2) also has only a moderate effect on the hydrolysis rate (13.8 ± 0.8 × 10−5 s−1 for active E3 versus 7.38 ± 0.7 × 10−5 s−1 for inactive E3). The intrinsically high stability of these intermediates suggests that unwanted thioester intermediates may be eliminated enzymatically, such as by thioesterases, to regulate their intracellular abundance and trafficking in the control of ubiquitin‐like modifications.
MPEx: A tool for exploring membrane proteins
Authors: Snider Craig , Jayasinghe Sajith , Hristova Kalina , White Stephen H.
Published: September 2009

Hydropathy plot methods form a cornerstone of membrane protein research, especially in the early stages of biochemical and structural characterization. Membrane Protein Explorer (MPEx), described in this article, is a refined and versatile hydropathy‐plot software tool for analyzing membrane protein sequences. MPEx is highly interactive and facilitates the characterization and identification of favorable protein transmembrane regions using experiment‐based physical and biological hydrophobicity scales. Besides allowing the consequences of sequence mutations to be examined, it provides tools for aiding the design of membrane‐active peptides. MPEx is freely available as a Java Web Start application from our web site at http://blanco.biomol.uci.edu/mpex.
PTEN‐mediated G1 cell‐cycle arrest in LNCaP prostate cancer cells is associated with altered expression of cell‐cycle regulators
Authors: van Duijn P.W. , Ziel‐van der Made A.C.J. , van der Korput J.A.G. , Trapman J.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND

The tumor suppressor PTEN regulates many biological processes. A well‐known downstream effector of PTEN is phospho‐Akt. Although PTEN is the most frequently inactivated gene in prostate cancer, its mode of action is not fully understood. We studied the association of regulated PTEN expression with changes in biological function and gene expression profiles.

METHODS

PTEN‐negative LNCaP cells were stably transfected with wild‐type PTEN cDNA under inducible control, resulting in LNCaP/PTEN cells. Microarray analysis was used to monitor gene expression changes upon induction of PTEN. Expression of selected individual genes was studied in Q‐PCR and siRNA experiments. Cell‐cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Induced expression of PTEN in LNCaP/PTEN cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, at least partly due to cell‐cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Expression profiling combined with pathway analysis revealed that PTEN‐dependent G1 growth arrest was associated with an altered mRNA expression of the G1 cell‐cycle regulators Cdc25a, E2F2, cyclin G2, and RBL2/p130. Specific inhibition of Akt signaling by siRNA resulted in downregulation of both E2F2 and Cdc25a mRNA expression and upregulation of the FOXO target cyclin G2, similar to the effect observed by PTEN induction. However, Akt did not mediate the PTEN‐dependent RBL2/p130 mRNA expression in LNCaP/PTEN cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that PTEN dependent gene expression is important in cell‐cycle regulation and is mediated by both Akt‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms. Prostate 70: 135–146, 2010. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intimate encounters: the embodied transnationalism of backpackers and independent travellers
Authors: Allon Fiona , Anderson Kay
Published: September 2009

This paper examines some of the tensions between local government authorities, residents, and backpackers occurring in a group of Sydney coastal suburbs that are the host destinations for large numbers of young independent travellers. Drawing on the concepts of ‘intimacy’ and ‘encounter’, it focuses on the kinds of embodied encounters occurring when the transnational networks of these travellers become overlaid on, and in conflict with, the patterns of occupancy and governance of relatively settled and established residential communities. These exchanges not only include the mix of experiences of local residents living side by side this group of transnational visitors, but also the interactions established among the travellers themselves. These involve new and novel relations of social and physical community formation, sexual practices, patterns of drug and alcohol consumption, as well as instances of danger, discomfort, and violence. The range and intensity of these kinds of encounters, as well as the problems frequently associated with them, appear to be increasing primarily because backpackers not only travel through but also dwell in place. One of the more neglected results of this phenomenon, is, as we suggest in this paper, a range of new encounters that are ‘intimate’ not only in the obvious sense of a meeting of diverse and physically proximate bodies. Employing the notion of ‘cultural intimacy’, we suggest that such encounters can also be said to arouse sensitivities associated with the often cherished and taken‐for‐granted fixities of home, place, and entitlement, for ‘visitor’ and ‘host’ alike. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel approach to build QKD relaying models
Authors: Le Quoc‐Cuong , Bellot Patrick
Published: September 2009

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an unconditionally secure key‐agreement scheme that promises worthwhile applications. One most critical drawback of QKD is the limitation of the range. In this paper, we present a novel idea that can be useful in the development of new effective QKD relaying models. As an illustration, we introduce two new models that are based on the proposed idea, capable of securely extending the range of original QKD schemes by using untrusted relays. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A guide to trust in mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Balfe Shane , Yau Po‐Wah , Paterson Kenneth G.
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we examine issues of trust and reputation in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). We look at a number of the trust and reputation models that have been proposed, and we highlight open problems in this area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women's perceived frequency of disturbing interruptions and its relationship to self‐rated health and satisfaction with life as a whole
Authors: Erlandsson Lena‐Karin , Björkelund Cecilia , Lissner Lauren , Håkansson Carita
Published: September 2009

Daily occupations form a pattern dominated by a few main occupations intertwined with hidden occupations. A third category is denoted unexpected occupations or minor events that interrupt the rhythm of main and hidden occupations. The phenomenon of unexpected occupations can be interpreted as an illustration of interruptions in daily life or daily minor stressors. The study aimed to investigate women's perceived frequency of such disturbing interruptions, and possible relationships with their self‐rated health and satisfaction with life as a whole. The study included 202 women aged 38 years, and 286 women aged 50 years who replied to a mailed questionnaire. The results showed that perceived high frequency of interruptions was related to poor subjective health among the younger women, and to low satisfaction with life as a whole in both age groups. Furthermore, the younger women perceived disturbing interruptions more frequently than the older ones, and among the younger women those who had children living at home and lived with a partner experienced disturbing interruptions more frequently than those without children living at home or those living single. The results should be interpreted with caution because the measurement of perceived interruptions has not yet been subjected to psychometric evaluation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numb Promotes an Increase in Skeletal Muscle Progenitor Cells in the Embryonic Somite
Authors: Jory Aurélie , Le Roux Isabelle , Gayraud-Morel Barbara , Rocheteau Pierre , Cohen-Tannoudji Michel , Cumano Ana , Tajbakhsh Shahragim
Published: September 2009

Multiple cell types arise from cells in the dermomyotome of the somite that express Pax3 and Pax7, and myogenesis is regulated by Notch signaling. The asymmetric cell fate determinant Numb is thought to promote differentiation of skeletal muscle and other lineages by negatively regulating Notch signaling. We used transgenesis to overexpress Numb spatiotemporally in Pax3+/Pax7+ somitic stem and progenitor cells in mouse embryos using a spatiotemporally regulated enhancer element from the Myf5 locus that can target muscle progenitor cells prior to cell commitment. Molecular analyses as well as examination of dermal and skeletal muscle cell fates in vivo show that although Numb is thought to be associated with muscle differentiation, unexpectedly the common stem/progenitor pool size for these lineages is increased in Numb-transgenic embryos. Prospective isolation of the relevant transgenic cells and analysis by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that, in this context, canonical Notch targets are not significantly downregulated. These findings were corroborated using a Notch reporter mouse during the formation of somites and prior to lineage segregation. Thus, we propose that Numb can regulate the self-renewal of dermal and muscle progenitors during a lineage progression.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Characterization of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule as a Surface Marker on Undifferentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Ng Valerie Y. , Ang Sheu Ngo , Chan Jia Xin , Choo Andre B.H.
Published: September 2009

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have the capacity to remain pluripotent and self-renew indefinitely. To discover novel players in the maintenance of hESCs, we have previously reported the generation of monoclonal antibodies that bind to cell surface markers on hESCs, and not to mouse embryonic stem cells or differentiated embryoid bodies. In this study, we have identified the antigen target of one such monoclonal antibody as the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). In undifferentiated hESCs, EpCAM is localized to Octamer 4 (OCT4)-positive pluripotent cells, and its expression is down-regulated upon differentiation. To further understand its biological function in hESCs, endogenous EpCAM expression was silenced using small interfering RNA. EpCAM knockdown had marginal negative effects on OCT4 and TRA-1-60 expression, however cell proliferation was decreased by >40%. Examination of lineage marker expression showed marked upregulation of endoderm and mesoderm genes in EpCAM-silenced cells, under both pluripotent and differentiating conditions. These results were validated using a hESC line whose EpCAM expression has been stably knocked down. Data from the stable line confirmed that downregulation of EpCAM decreases cell growth and increases gene expression in the endoderm and mesoderm lineages. In vivo, hESCs lacking EpCAM were able to form teratomas containing tissues representing the three germ layers, and gene expression analysis yielded marked increase in the endoderm marker alpha fetoprotein compared with control. Together these data demonstrate that EpCAM is a surface marker on undifferentiated hESCs and plays functional roles in proliferation and differentiation.
Cross-Talk Between Stem Cells and the Dysfunctional Brain is Facilitated by Manipulating the Niche: Evidence from an Adhesion Molecule
Authors: Ourednik Václav , Ourednik Jitka , Xu Yifang , Zhang Ying , Lynch William P. , Snyder Evan Y. , Schachner Melitta
Published: September 2009

In the injured brain, the behavior of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) is regulated by multiple converging factors encountered in the niche, which is composed of several neural and non-neural cell types. Signals emanating from the host influence the migration, survival, distribution, and fate of transplanted NSCs, which in turn can create host microenvironments that favor a return to homeostasis. We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of key facilitatory molecules that define the injury niche might enhance this bidirectional stem cell–host interaction to therapeutic advantage. As proof of concept, we investigated whether conditioning the niche with the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 might enhance recovery in a prototypical neurodegenerative milieu—the MPTP-induced model of Parkinson's disease in aged mice—where cross-talk between NSCs and imperiled host dopaminergic neurons is known to be pivotal in rescuing the function and connectivity of the latter. In lesioned mice (and in unlesioned controls), we overexpressed L1 in the NSCs to be transplanted into the ventral mesencephalon. Several pairwise experimental combinations were tested based on variations of engrafting L1 overexpressing versus nonoverexpressing NSCs into wild-type (WT) versus L1-overexpressing transgenic mice (specifically L1 transcribed from the GFAP promoter and, hence, overexpressed in host astrocytes). Enrichment for L1—particularly when expressed simultaneously in both donor NSCs and host brain—led to rapid and extensive distribution of exogenous NSCs, which in turn rescued (with an efficacy greater than in nonengineered controls) dysfunctional host dopaminergic nigral neurons, even when grafting was delayed by a month. L1 overexpression by NSCs also enhanced their own differentiation into tyrosine hydroxylase–expressing neurons in both WT and transgenic hosts. Graft–host interactions were thus favored by progressively increasing levels of L1. More broadly, this study supports the view that manipulating components of the niche (such as an adhesion molecule) that facilitate cross-talk between stem cells and the dysfunctional brain may offer new strategies for more efficacious neurotransplantation, particularly when treatment is delayed as in chronic lesions or advanced stages of a neurodegenerative disease.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Isothermes Heißprägen von beschichteten Glaswafern
Authors: Worsch Christian , Rüssel Christian , Edelmann Jan , Schubert VornameAndreas
Published: September 2009

Heißprägen ist ein wirtschaftliches Verfahren zur Strukturierung von Gläsern. Für Strukturen mit Abmessungen im mm‐ und μm‐Bereich und hohen Aspektverhältnissen ist es notwendig, unter isothermen Prozessbedingungen zu arbeiten. Um hierbei ein Kleben des Glases am Werkzeug zu verhindern, wurden dünne Metall‐, Kohlenstoff bzw. oxidische Schichten auf das Glassubstrat aufgebracht.

Die Schichten wurden auf ihr Verhalten und ihre Eignung im Prägeprozess untersucht. Alle Schichten zeigten eine deutliche Reduzierung der Haftkräfte und eine Verschiebung der Klebetemperatur in höhere Temperaturbereiche. Einige Schichten führten sogar zur Aufhebung jeglicher Hafterscheinungen im gesamten für das Heißprägen relevanten Viskositätsbereich. Die untersuchten Schichten verhalten sich bei kleinen Umformgraden duktil, neigen jedoch bei größeren Dehnungen zur Rissbildung.

Es wurden fluidische Demonstrationsstrukturen realisiert und erfolgreich in Floatglas geprägt. Die lateralen Strukturabmessungen der Kanäle und Kammern betrugen zwischen 10 μm und 2 mm bei Prägetiefen bis zu 2 mm. Das größte Aspektverhältnis von Prägetiefe zu Strukturbreite betrug dabei 3. Die erzielbaren Genauigkeiten und Oberflächenqualitäten entsprechen dabei dem des verwendeten Werkzeuges. Die Ergebnisse der Forschungen zeigen das außerordentliche Potential der neuartigen Beschichtungsstrategie für das Heißprägen von Glas.
Computational rank‐based statistics
Authors: McKean Joseph W. , Terpstra Jeff T. , Kloke John D.
Published: September 2009

This review discusses two algorithms that can be used to compute rank‐based regression estimates. For completeness, a brief overview of rank‐based inference procedures in the context of a linear model is presented. The discussion includes geometry, estimation, inference, and diagnostics. In regard to computing the rank‐based estimates, we discuss two approaches. The first approach is based on an algebraic identity that allows one to compute the (Wilcoxon) estimates using aL1regression routine. The other approach is a Newton‐type algorithm. In addition, we discuss how rank‐based inference can be generalized to nonlinear and random effects models. Some simple examples using existing statistical software are also presented for the sake of illustration and comparison.

Traditional least squares (LS) procedures offer the user an encompassing methodology for analyzing models, linear or nonlinear. These procedures are based on the simple premise of fitting the model by minimizing the Euclidean distance between the vector of responses and the model. Besides the fit, the LS procedures include diagnostics to check the quality of fit and an array of inference procedures including confidence intervals (regions) and tests of hypotheses. LS procedures, though, are not robust. One outlier can spoil the LS fit, its associated inference, and even its diagnostic procedures (i.e., methods which should detect the outliers).

Rank‐based procedures also offer the user a complete methodology. The only essential change is to replace the Euclidean norm by another norm, so that the geometry remains the same. As with the LS procedures, these rank‐based procedures offer the user diagnostic tools to check the quality of fit and associated inference procedures. Further, in contrast to the LS procedures, they are robust to the effect of outliers. They are generalizations of simple nonparametric rank procedures such as the Wilcoxon one and two‐sample methods and they retain the high efficiency of these simple rank methods. Further, depending on the knowledge of the underlying error distribution, this rank‐based analysis can be optimized by the choice of the norm (scores). Weighted versions of the fit can obtain high (50%) breakdown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
Determination of fruit origin by using 26S rDNA fingerprinting of yeast communities by PCR–DGGE: preliminary application to Physalis fruits from Egypt
Authors: El Sheikha Aly Farag , Condur Ana , Métayer Isabelle , Le Nguyen Doan Duy , Loiseau Gérard , Montet Didier
Published: September 2009

The determination of geographical origin is a demand of the traceability system of import–export food products. One hypothesis for tracing the source of a product is by global analysis of the microbial communities of the food and statistical linkage of this analysis to the geographical origin of the food. For this purpose, a molecular technique employing 26S rDNA profiles generated by PCR–DGGE was used to detect the variation in yeast community structures of three species of Physalis fruit (Physalis ixocarpa Brat, Physalis pubescens L, Physalis pruinosa L) from four Egyptian regions (Qalyoubia, Minufiya, Beheira and Alexandria Governments). When the 26S rDNA profiles were analysed by multivariate analysis, distinct microbial communities were detected. The band profiles of Physalis yeasts from different Governments were specific for each location and could be used as a bar code to discriminate the origin of the fruits. This method is a new traceability tool which provides fruit products with a unique biological bar code and makes it possible to trace back the fruits to their original location. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Cyclic Hydroxylaminato‐aminoxide Complex of Gallium
Authors: Bösing Patrick , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: September 2009

The reaction of HON(tBu)CH2CH2N(tBu)OH with tri‐tert‐butyl gallium affords a hydroxylaminato complex of the formula [tBu2Ga{ON(tBu)CH2CH2N(H)(tBu)O}], which contains a monoanionic bishydroxylaminato ligand with one anionic and one neutral, but tautomeric aminoxide end, both linked to gallium by their oxygen atoms leading to a seven‐membered ring. The compound was characterised by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR and determination of its crystal structure.