bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defective development of the gall bladder and cystic duct in Lgr4‐ hypomorphic mice
Authors: Yamashita Ryo , Takegawa Yumiko , Sakumoto Machiko , Nakahara Mai , Kawazu Haruna , Hoshii Takayuki , Araki Kimi , Yokouchi Yuji , Yamamura Ken‐Ichi
Published: March 2009

Leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) ‐containing G protein coupled receptor (LGR) family members are characterized by the presence of a seven‐transmembrane domain and LRR motifs. We describe a new function for Lgr4 in the development of the gall bladder and cystic duct and in the epithelium–mesenchyme interaction. Lgr4 expression was observed in the gall bladder epithelium when the gall bladder primordium elongated ventrally. Although Lgr4 hypomorphic mutant (Lgr4Gt/Gt) embryos developed a normal gall bladder bud at embryonic day (E) 10.25, no further elongation was observed at later stages. At E12.5, the mesenchyme surrounding the gall bladder had completely disappeared in Lgr4Gt/Gt embryos, while the gall bladder remained unelongated. Neighboring tissues such as liver and pancreas were unaffected, as revealed by expression of marker genes. This is the first report of a mutant mouse that lacks a gall bladder and cystic duct without affecting the other tissues that derive from the same hepatic diverticulum. Developmental Dynamics 238:993–1000, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic organization and plasticity of sponge bodies
Authors: Snee Mark J. , Macdonald Paul M.
Published: March 2009

Sponge bodies, cytoplasmic structures containing post‐transcriptional regulatory factors, are distributed throughout the nurse cells and oocytes of the Drosophila ovary and share components with P bodies of yeast and mammalian cells. We show that sponge body composition differs between nurse cells and the oocyte, and that the sponge bodies change composition rapidly after entry into the oocyte. We identify conditions that affect sponge body organization. At one extreme, components are distributed relatively uniformly or in small dispersed bodies. At the other extreme, components are present in large reticulated bodies. Both types of sponge bodies allow normal development, but show substantial differences in distribution of Staufen protein and oskar mRNA, whose localization within the oocyte is essential for axial patterning. Based on these and other results we propose a model for the relationship between P bodies and the various cytoplasmic bodies containing P body proteins in the Drosophila ovary. Developmental Dynamics 238:918–930, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lmx1b‐expressing cells in the mouse limb bud define a dorsal mesenchymal lineage compartment
Authors: Qiu Qiong , Chen Haixu , Johnson Randy L.
Published: March 2009

The LIM‐homeodomain transcription factor lmx1b is a critical regulator of vertebrate dorsal–ventral limb patterning. In the mouse embryo, lmx1b is initially transcribed throughout most, if not all, limb bud cells at early stages, but then rapidly becomes restricted specifically to dorsal mesenchymal cells with a sharp boundary between the dorsal‐positive and ventral‐negative expression domains. How this expression pattern is initially established is not well understood, nor are mechanism(s) that maintain a sharp dorsal–ventral boundary between lmx1b expressing and nonexpressing cells. Here, we employ a genetic fate mapping approach to establish that the transition from a broad expression domain of lmx1b to a restricted dorsal domain of expression involves selective loss of lmx1b expression in presumptive ventral cells. In addition, we show that once lmx1b expression becomes restricted to dorsal mesenchyme cells, these cells form a lineage‐based compartment that prevents mixing between dorsal and ventral cells, consistent with recent fate mapping experiments carried out the chick and mouse (Pearse et al.,2007, Dev Biol 310:388–400; Arques et al.,2007, Development 134:3713–3722). Moreover, lmx1b activity is required to maintain, but not to establish the dorsal mesenchymal compartment likely through a mechanism involving differential cell adhesion. Taken together, our results indicate that lmx1b expressing cell define a dorsal limb bud mesenchymal lineage compartment and that maintenance of this compartment depends on lmx1b function. genesis 47:224–233, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gonadal sex differentiation and expression of Sox9a2, Dmrt1, and Foxl2 in Oryzias luzonensis
Authors: Nakamoto Masatoshi , Muramatsu Shinsuke , Yoshida Shoko , Matsuda Masaru , Nagahama Yoshitaka , Shibata Naoki
Published: March 2009

Oryzias luzonensis is closely related to the medaka, O. latipes. The sex of both species is determined by an XX‐XY system. However, the testis determining gene (DMY/Dmrt1bY) found in O. latipes does not exist in O. luzonensis. Instead, a different gene is thought to act as a testis determining gene. In this study, we focused the gonadal sex differentiation process in O. luzonensis under different testis determining gene. First, we observed the gonadal development of O. luzonensis histologically. We then analyzed the expression of Sox9a2/Sox9b, Dmrt1, and Foxl2 during early development. Our results suggest that the sexual differentiation of germ cells in O. luzonensis is initiated later than in O. latipes. However, the timing of the sexual differentiation of the supporting cell linage is similar between the species. genesis 47:289–299, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the Dll1 mesoderm enhancer element
Authors: Wehn Amy K. , Gallo Phillip H. , Chapman Deborah L.
Published: March 2009

To study paraxial mesoderm formation in the mouse, transgenic lines that can be used to either selectively delete or express genes of interest in the paraxial mesoderm are required. We have generated a transgenic mouse line that expresses Cre recombinase in the paraxial mesoderm (PAM) beginning at e7.5. A lacZ Cre recombinase reporter line showed that in addition to PAM and its derivatives, lateral plate and intermediate mesoderm derivatives were also exposed to Cre activity, while the node, notochord, and cardiac mesoderm were not. We further demonstrate that 70–75% of the fibroblasts generated from Dll1‐msd Cre, ROSA26‐rtTA embryos possess Cre recombinase activity. These mice can therefore be used in combination with tet‐responsive transgenic lines to generate mesoderm‐derived embryonic fibroblasts that inducibly express a gene of interest. genesis 47:309–313, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Click Chemistry Inspired Synthesis of Novel Ferrocenyl‐Substituted Amino Acids or Peptides
Authors: Sudhir V. Sai , Venkateswarlu Ch. , Musthafa O. T. Muhammed , Sampath S. , Chandrasekaran Srinivasan
Published: March 2009

This work reports on the synthesis of a wide range of ferrocenyl‐substituted amino acids and peptides in excellent yield. Conjugation is established via copper‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. Two complementary strategies were employed for conjugation, one involving cycloaddition of amino acid derived azides with ethynyl ferrocene 1 and the other involves cycloaddition between amino acid derived alkynes with ferrocene‐derived azides 2 and 3. Labeling of amino acids at multiple sites with ferrocene is discussed. A new route to 1,1′‐unsymmetrically substituted ferrocene conjugates is reported. A novel ferrocenophane 19 is accessed via bimolecular condensation of amino acid derived bis‐alkyne 9b with the azide 2. The electrochemical behavior of some selected ferrocene conjugates has been studied by cyclic voltammetry.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Internal Cysteine Accelerates Thioester‐Based Peptide Ligation
Authors: Haase Christian , Seitz Oliver
Published: March 2009

Thioester‐mediated peptide coupling reactions are powerful tools in protein synthesis. The fragment coupling occurs extremely fast at ligation sites that contain an N‐terminal cysteine residue. This native chemical ligation involves a capture step that affixes the acyl component in the immediate vicinity of the N‐terminal amino group. The subsequent intramolecular S,N‐acyl transfer step proceeds via an entropically favored five‐membered ring intermediate. In this study we investigated whether sequence internal cysteine residues that lead to the formation of macrocyclic intermediates are also able to accelerate the rate of thioester‐based fragment couplings. It was the aim to identify distance requirements that enable internal cysteine‐mediated ligation reactions to proceed at synthetically useful rates. It was found that appropriately positioned cysteine residues can induce up to 25‐fold rate enhancements compared to a cysteine‐lacking control peptide. Highest ligation rates and yields were obtained when the internal thiol amino acid was incorporated at the fifth or sixth position from the N‐terminus of the C‐terminal coupling segment. The findings reveal a correlation between the size of the macrocyclic ring intermediate and the ease of the peptide ligation. Internal cysteine ligation may provide the opportunity to shift amino acid cysteine bonds that are difficult to access through native chemical ligation (such as Pro–Cys bonds) by 4–5 amino acids to the N‐terminus.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Numerical methods for low‐order modeling of fluid flows based on POD
Authors: Weller J. , Lombardi E. , Bergmann M. , Iollo A.
Published: March 2009

This paper explores some numerical alternatives that can be exploited to derive efficient low‐order models of the Navier–Stokes equations. It is shown that an optimal solution sampling can be derived using appropriate norms of the Navier–Stokes residuals. Then the classical Galerkin approach is derived in the context of a residual minimization method that is similar to variational multiscale modeling. Finally, calibration techniques are reviewed and applied to the computation of unsteady aerodynamic forces. Examples pertaining to both non‐actuated and actuated flows are shown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential regulation of human thymosin beta 15 isoforms by transforming growth factor beta 1
Authors: Banyard Jacqueline , Barrows Courtney , Zetter Bruce R.
Published: March 2009

We recently identified an additional isoform of human thymosin beta 15 (also known as NB‐thymosin beta, gene name TMSB15A) transcribed from an independent gene, and designated TMSB15B. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether these isoforms were differentially expressed and functional. Our data show that the TMSB15A and TMSB15B isoforms have distinct expression patterns in different tumor cell lines and tissues. TMSB15A was expressed at higher levels in HCT116, DU145, LNCaP, and LNCaP‐LN3 cancer cells. In MCF‐7, SKOV‐3, HT1080, and PC‐3MLN4 cells, TMSB15A and TMSB15B showed approximately equivalent levels of expression, while TMSB15B was the predominant isoform expressed in PC‐3, MDA‐MB‐231, NCI‐H322, and Caco‐2 cancer cells. In normal human prostate and prostate cancer tissues, TMSB15A was the predominant isoform expressed. In contrast, normal colon and colon cancer tissue expressed predominantly TMSB15B. The two gene isoforms are also subject to different transcriptional regulation. Treatment of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells with transforming growth factor beta 1 repressed TMSB15A expression but had no effect on TMSB15B. siRNA specific to the TMSB15B isoform suppressed cell migration of prostate cancer cells to epidermal growth factor, suggesting a functional role for this second isoform. In summary, our data reveal different expression patterns and regulation of a new thymosin beta 15 gene paralog. This may have important consequences in both tumor and neuronal cell motility. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The neural correlates of naming and fluency deficits in Alzheimer's disease: an FDG‐PET study
Authors: Melrose Rebecca J. , Campa Olivia M. , Harwood Dylan G. , Osato Sheryl , Mandelkern Mark A. , Sultzer David L.
Published: March 2009

Objective

To examine the neural processes associated with language deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and in particular to elucidate the correlates of confrontation naming and word retrieval impairments.

Methods

Sixty patients with probable AD were included. Confrontation naming was assessed using the number of words spontaneously named correctly on the Boston Naming Test. We recorded the number of additional words stated following phonemic cuing. We also assessed phonemic (FAS) and semantic (supermarket items) fluency. We then correlated performance on each measure with resting cortical metabolic activity using FDG‐PET images.

Results

We found that poorer ability to spontaneously name an object was associated with hypometabolism of bilateral inferior temporal lobes. In contrast, when a phonemic cue was provided, successful naming under this condition was associated with higher metabolic activity in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), right superior frontal gyrus (SFG), left temporal, and occipital regions. Consistent with these findings, we found that poorer semantic fluency was associated with hypometabolism in regions including both IFG and temporal regions, and poorer phonemic fluency was associated with hypometabolism in only left IFG. Across analyses, measures that required cued retrieval were associated with metabolism in the left IFG, whereas measures taxing semantic knowledge were associated with metabolic rate of left temporal cortex.

Conclusions

Naming deficits in AD reflect compromise to temporal regions involved in the semantic knowledge network, and frontal regions involved in the controlled retrieval of information from that network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modality specific functional interaction in sensorimotor synchronization
Authors: Pollok Bettina , Krause Vanessa , Butz Markus , Schnitzler Alfons
Published: March 2009

Movement execution strongly relies on precise sensorimotor synchronization. In a finger‐tapping task that requires subjects to synchronize their finger taps to regular pacing signal synchronization accuracy varies with respect to pacing signal's modality. This study aimed at elucidating functional brain dynamics associated with modality specific behavioral synchronization accuracy. To this end, 10 right‐handed subjects performed a finger‐tapping task with respect to regular auditory and visual pacing, respectively, whereas neuromagnetic activity was recorded using a 122‐channel whole‐head neuromagnetometer. Visual pacing was associated with significantly reduced tap‐to‐pacer asynchrony and increased intertap variability as compared to auditory pacing. The brain dynamics associated with task execution were analyzed using the frequency domain beamformer approach dynamic imaging of coherent sources (DICS). Both tasks were shown to be associated with comparable networks. However, during visual pacing involvement of the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) was shown, whereas during auditory pacing the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) was concerned with task execution. Synchronization with respect to visual pacing was associated with significantly increased functional interaction between thalamus and PMv at beta frequency as compared to functional interplay between thalamus and PMd during auditory pacing. Auditory synchronization was associated with increased functional interaction between left superior temporal gyrus and PMd at alpha frequency. Furthermore, functional interaction between thalamus and premotor cortex at beta frequency was significantly correlated with synchronization accuracy. All in all the present data suggest that modality specific synchronization differences are associated with frequency and connectivity specific changes of functional interaction in distinct brain networks. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accreditation's benefits for individuals and institutions
Authors: McGuire Patricia A.
Published: March 2009

The accreditation process helped a small, private university move from crisis to success.
The impact of the changing climate for accreditation on the individual college or university: Five trends and their implications
Authors: Bardo John W.
Published: March 2009

In the current environment, presidents and chancellors can expect to have their institutions under nearly continuous scrutiny from regional accrediting bodies.
Ordinal and cardinal measures of health inequality: an empirical comparison
Authors: Madden David
Published: March 2009

When measuring health inequality using ordinal data, analysts typically must choose between indices specifically based upon ordinal data and more standard indices using ordinal data, which has been transformed into cardinal data. This paper compares inequality rankings across a number of different approaches and finds considerable sensitivity to the choice between ordinal‐ and cardinal‐based indices. There is relatively little sensitivity to the ethical choices made by the analyst in terms of the weight attached to different parts of the distribution. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous apoptosis of tumor‐specific tetramer+ CD8+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation of patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Albers Andreas E. , Schaefer Carsten , Visus Carmen , Gooding William , DeLeo Albert B. , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: March 2009

Background

In cancer, tumor escape from the host immune system includes apoptosis of circulating CD3+CD8+ effector T lymphocytes. Here, we compare sensitivity to apoptosis of virus‐ with tumor‐specific circulating CD8+ T cells in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Wild‐type p53 peptide‐specific (p53264‐272 and p53149‐157) and viral peptide‐specific (EBV BMLF259‐267 and CMVpp65495‐503) tetramers were used to measure the frequency of reactive T cells by flow cytometry. Annexin V (ANX) binding to circulating 7‐amino‐actinomycin D‐negative but tetramer+CD8+ T cells in PBMC obtained from 21 patients with head and neck cancer and 11 normal controls (NC) was evaluated.

Results

In patients with head and neck cancer, a higher percentage of tetramer+CD8+ than tetramer−CD8+ T cells bound ANX (p < .023–.005). Although most tumor‐epitope+CD8+ T cells bound ANX, lower percentages of virus‐specific CD8+ T cells were ANX+ in the same patients.

Conclusions

Preferential demise of circulating tumor‐specific CD8+ T cells and their paucity in head and neck cancer contribute to tumor escape. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Arteriovenous malformation of the scalp with cerebral steal
Authors: Kelly Kate , Trites Jonathan R. B. , Taylor S. Mark , Bullock Martin , Hart Robert D.
Published: March 2009

Background

Arteriovenous malformation of the scalp resulting from blunt trauma to the head is an unusual occurrence and is rarely associated with neurological sequelae. This case details an arteriovenous malformation with a cerebral steal phenomenon.

Methods

A 21‐year‐old man presented with an enlarging, pulsatile mass in the right facial/temporal area without known cause. CT and angiography were consistent with a large arteriovenous malformation involving the external carotid system, causing a secondary cerebral steal that resulted in neurological symptoms including seizure. Surgical resection of the mass was undertaken.

Results

The patient had an uncomplicated preoperative course with complete resolution of all neurologic symptoms.

Conclusion

Cerebral steal is an uncommon consequence of traumatic extracranial arteriovenous malformation. The current literature is reviewed, and the diagnostic approach as well as therapeutic options are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Prospective study of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes versus nasogastric tubes for enteral feeding in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing (chemo)radiation
Authors: Corry June , Poon Wendy , McPhee Narelle , Milner Alvin D. , Cruickshank Deborah , Porceddu Sandro V. , Rischin Danny , Peters Lester J.
Published: March 2009

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes have largely replaced nasogastric tubes (NGTs) for nutritional support of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing curative (chemo) radiotherapy without any good scientific basis.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted to compare PEG tubes and NGTs in terms of nutritional outcomes, complications, patient satisfaction, and cost.

Results

There were 32 PEG and 73 NGT patients. PEG patients sustained significantly less weight loss at 6 weeks post‐treatment (median 0.8 kg gain vs 3.7 kg loss, p < .001), but had a high insertion site infection rate (41%), longer median duration of use (146 vs 57 days, p < .001), and more grade 3 dysphagia in disease‐free survivors at 6 months (25% vs 8%, p = .07). Patient self‐assessed general physical condition and overall quality of life scores were similar in both groups. Overall costs were significantly higher for PEG patients.

Conclusion

PEG tube use should be selective, not routine, in this patient population. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Single nucleotide polymorphism–mediated translational suppression of endoplasmic reticulum mannosidase I modifies the onset of end-stage liver disease in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency #
Authors: Pan Shujuan , Huang Lu , McPherson John , Muzny Donna , Rouhani Farshid , Brantly Mark , Gibbs Richard , Sifers Richard N.
Published: March 2009

Inappropriate accumulation of the misfolded Z variant of alpha1-antitrypsin in the hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a risk factor for the development of end-stage liver disease. However, the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to its etiology are poorly understood. ER mannosidase I (ERManI) is a quality control factor that plays a critical role in the sorting and targeting of misfolded glycoproteins for proteasome-mediated degradation. In this study, we tested whether genetic variations in the human ERManI gene influence the age at onset of end-stage liver disease in patients homozygous for the Z allele (ZZ). We sequenced all 13 exons in a group of unrelated Caucasian ZZ transplant recipients with different age at onset of the end-stage liver disease. Homozygosity for the minor A allele at 2484G/A (refSNP ID number rs4567) in the 3′-untranslated region was prevalent in the infant ZZ patients. Functional studies indicated that rs4567(A), but not rs4567(G), suppresses ERManI translation under ER stress conditions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the identified single-nucleotide polymorphism can accelerate the onset of the end-stage liver disease associated with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and underscore the contribution of biosynthetic quality control as a modifier of genetic disease. (Hepatology 2009.)
TGFβR2 aberrant methylation is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in multiple myeloma
Authors: de Carvalho Fabrício , Colleoni Gisele W. B. , Sampaio Almeida Manuella S. , Carvalho André L. , Vettore André L.
Published: March 2009

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy. Different studies demonstrated the occurrence of genetic and epigenetic alterations in MM. The aberrant methylation is one of the most frequent epigenetic alterations in human genome. This study evaluated the aberrant methylation status of 20 genes in 51 MM samples by quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (QMSP) and compared the methylation profile with clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. The QMSP analyses showed that PTGS2 (100.0%), SFN (100.0%), CDKN2B (90.2%), CDH1 (88.2%), ESR1 (72.5%), HIC1 (70.5%), CCND2 (62.7%), DCC (45.1%) and TGFβR2 (39.2%) are frequently hypermethylated in MM while aberrant methylation of RARβ (16.6%), MGMT (12.5%), AIM1 (12.5%), CDKN2A (8.3%), SOCS1 (8.3%), CCNA1 (8.3%) and THBS1 (4.1%) are rare events. There was no methylation of GSTP1, MINT31, p14ARF and RB1 in the samples tested. Hypermethylation of ESR1 was correlated positively with isotype IgA, while aberrant methylation of THBS1 correlated negatively with isotype IgG. Furthermore, hypermethylation of DCC and TGFβR2 were correlated with poor survival. The multivariate analysis showed ISS and TGFβR2 hypermethylation strongly correlated with poor outcome. This study represents the first quantitative evaluation of promoter methylation in MM and our data provide evidence that TGFβR2 hypermethylation, besides ISS, may be useful as prognostic indicator in this disease. © 2009 UICC
Cancer‐induced bone loss and associated pain‐related behavior is reduced by risedronate but not its phosphonocarboxylate analog NE‐10790
Authors: Hald Andreas , Hansen Rikke R. , Thomsen Mette W. , Ding Ming , Croucher Peter I. , Gallagher Orla , Ebetino Frank H. , Kassem Moustapha , Heegaard Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2009

Prostate, breast and lung cancers readily develop bone metastases which lead to fractures, hypercalcemia and pain. Malignant growth in the bones depends on osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption and in this regard bisphosphonate compounds, which have high‐bone affinity and inhibit osteoclast activity, have been found to alleviate bone cancer symptoms. In this study, the bisphosphonate risedronate and its phosphonocarboxylate derivative NE‐10790 was tested in a murine bone cancer pain model. Risedronate decreased bone cancer‐related bone destruction and pain‐related behavior and decreased the spinal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, whereas NE‐10790 had no effect on these parameters. Furthermore, risedronate but not NE‐10790 induced dose‐dependent toxicity in NCTC‐2472 cells in vitro. Furthermore, the direct toxic effect of risedronate on tumor cells observed in vitro opens the possibility that a direct toxic effect on tumor cells may also be present in vivo and be related to the efficacy of bisphosphonate compounds. In conclusion, these results suggest that risedronate treatment may lead to an increased life quality, in patient suffering from bone cancer, in terms of decreased osteolysis and pain, and merits further study. © 2009 UICC
Modulation of TGF‐β activity by latent TGF‐β‐binding protein 1 in human malignant glioma cells
Authors: Tritschler Isabel , Gramatzki Dorothee , Capper David , Mittelbronn Michel , Meyermann Richard , Saharinen Juha , Wick Wolfgang , Keski‐Oja Jorma , Weller Michael
Published: March 2009

High biological activity of the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β‐Smad pathway characterizes the malignant phenotype of malignant gliomas and confers poor prognosis to glioma patients. Accordingly, TGF‐β has become a novel target for the experimental treatment of these tumors. TGF‐β is processed by furin‐like proteases (FLP) and secreted from cells in a latent complex with its processed propeptide, the latency‐associated peptide (LAP). Latent TGF‐β‐binding protein 1 (LTBP‐1) covalently binds to this small latent TGF‐β complex (SLC) and regulates its function, presumably via interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). We report here that the levels of LTBP‐1 protein in vivo increase with the grade of malignancy in gliomas. LTBP‐1 is associated with the ECM as well as secreted into the medium in cultured malignant glioma cells. The release of LTBP‐1 into the medium is decreased by the inhibition of FLP activity. Gene‐transfer mediated overexpression of LTBP‐1 in glioma cell lines results in an increase inTGF‐β activity. Accordingly, Smad2 phosphorylation as an intracellular marker of TGF‐β activity is enhanced. Conversely, LTBP‐1 gene silencing reduces TGF‐β activity and Smad2 phosphorylation without affecting TGF‐β protein levels. Collectively, we identify LTBP‐1 as an important modulator of TGF‐β activation in glioma cells, which may contribute to the malignant phenotype of these tumors. © 2009 UICC
Shared minds: Effects of a mother's imitation of her child on the mother–child interaction
Authors: Sanefuji Wakako , Yamashita Hiroshi , Ohgami Hidehiro
Published: March 2009

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have impaired social interaction right from early development. Previous studies (Dawson & Adams, 1984; Tiegerman & Primavera, 1981, 1984) have suggested that imitating children with ASD is effective in facilitating their social behaviors. The present case report, through a 6‐month intervention, investigated how a home‐based intervention of helping a mother imitate her 21‐month‐old child with ASD impacted the child's development of social communication outside the experimental settings. Our results show that the mother's imitation of her child might be associated with the development of nonverbal joint attention skills. Positive changes in the mother's emotion towards her child and the mother–child interaction also were noted and represent other important effects of parental involvement in therapeutic interventions for children with ASD.
The national survey of student engagement: Conceptual and empirical foundations
Authors: Kuh George D.
Published: March 2009

This chapter summarizes the history of the engagement concept, the development of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), and its impact on institutional researchers.
NSSE, organizational intelligence, and the institutional researcher
Authors: Gonyea Robert M. , Kuh George D.
Published: March 2009

Using an organizational intelligence framework, this chapter distills the major themes addressed in this volume: that institutional researchers need essential knowledge about student engagement, ranging from technical know‐how, to the how and why of measuring process indicators of student learning and development, to an understanding and appreciation for the reasons that higher education must respond to calls for assessment, accountability, and transparency.
On portfolio optimization: How and when do we benefit from high‐frequency data?
Authors: Liu Qianqiu
Published: March 2009

We examine how the use of high‐frequency data impacts the portfolio optimization decision. Prior research has documented that an estimate of realized volatility is more precise when based upon intraday returns rather than daily returns. Using the framework of a professional investment manager who wishes to track the S&P 500 with the 30 Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks, we find that the benefits of using high‐frequency data depend upon the rebalancing frequency and estimation horizon. If the portfolio is rebalanced monthly and the manager has access to at least the previous 12 months of data, daily data have the potential to perform as well as high‐frequency data. However, substantial improvements in the portfolio optimization decision from high‐frequency data are realized if the manager rebalances daily or has less than a 6‐month estimation window. These findings are robust to transaction costs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiapoptotic effects of dietary antioxidants towardsN‐nitrosopiperidine andN‐nitrosodibutylamine‐induced apoptosis in HL‐60 and HepG2 cells
Authors: García Almudena , Morales Paloma , Arranz Nuria , Delgado Ma Eugenia , Rafter Joseph , Haza Ana I.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of vitamin C, diallyl disulfide (DADS) and dipropyl disulfide (DPDS) towardsN‐nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) andN‐nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA)‐induced apoptosis in human leukemia (HL‐60) and hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. None of the vitamin C (5–50 µm), DADS and DPDS (1–5 µm) concentrations selected induced a significant percentage of apoptosis. In simultaneous treatments, vitamin C, DADS and DPDS reduced the apoptosis induced by NPIP and NDBA in HL‐60 and HepG2 cells (around 70% of reduction). We also investigated its scavenging activities towards reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by NPIP and NDBA using 2',7'‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate in both cell lines. ROS production induced by bothN‐nitrosamine was reduced to control levels by vitamin C (5–50 µm) in a dose‐dependent manner. However, DADS (5 µm) increased ROS levels induced by NPIP and NDBA in HL‐60 (40 and 20% increase, respectively) and HepG2 cells (18% increase), whereas DPDS was more efficient scavenger of ROS at the lowest concentration (1 µm) in both HL‐60 (52 and 25% reduction, respectively) and HepG2 cells (24% reduction). The data demonstrated that the scavenging ability of vitamin C and DPDS could contribute to inhibition of the NPIP‐ and NDBA‐induced apoptosis. However, more than one mechanism, such as inhibition of phase I and/or induction of phase II enzymes, could be implicated in the protective effect of dietary antioxidants towards NPIP‐ and NDBA‐induced apoptosis in HL‐60 and HepG2 cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circulation and distribution of gold nanoparticles and induced alterations of tissue morphology at intravenous particle delivery
Authors: Terentyuk Georgy S. , Maslyakova Galina N. , Suleymanova Leyla V. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Kogan Boris Ya. , Akchurin Garif G. , Shantrocha Alexander V. , Maksimova Irina L. , Khlebtsov Nicolai G. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: March 2009

Kinetics, biodistribution, and histological studies were performed to evaluate the particle‐size effects on the distribution of 15 nm and 50 nm PEG‐coated colloidal gold (CG) particles and 160 nm silica/gold nanoshells (NSs) in rats and rabbits. The above nanoparticles (NPs) were used as a model because of their importance for current biomedical applications such as photothermal therapy, optical coherence tomography, and resonance‐scattering imaging. The dynamics of NPs circulation in vivo was evaluated after intravenous administration of 15 nm CG NPs to rabbit, and the maximal concentrations of gold were observed 15–30 min after injection. Rats were injected in the tail vein with PEG‐coated NPs (about 0.3 mg Au/kg rats). 24 h after injection, the accumulation of gold in different organs and blood was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In accordance with the published reports, we observed 15 nm particles in all organs with rather smooth distribution over liver, spleen and blood. By contrast, the larger NSs were accumulated mainly in the liver and spleen. For rabbits, the biodistribution was similar (72 h after intravenous injection). We report also preliminary data on the light microscopy and TEM histological examination that allows evaluation of the changes in biotissues after gold NPs treatment. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in a hydrogel construct: Neocartilage formation in animal models as both mice and rabbits
Authors: Park Ji Sun , Woo Dae Gyun , Yang Han Na , Lim Hye Jin , Park Kyong Mi , Na Kun , Park Keun‐Hong
Published: March 2009

In this study, in vivo studies, both nude mouse and rabbit cartilage defect, were tested for chondrogenesis using stem cells (SCs) using growth factor. Specifically, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were embedded in a hydrogel scaffold, which was coencapsulated with transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3). The specific extracellular matrices (ECMs) released from hMSCs transplanted into the animal were assessed via glycosaminoglycan (GAG)/DNA content, RT‐PCR, real time‐QPCR, immunohistochemical (IHC), and Safranin‐O staining and were observed up to 7 weeks after injection. By detection of ECMs the GAG content per cell remained constant for all formulations, indicating that the dramatic increase in cell number for samples with TGF‐β3 was accompanied by the maintenance of the cell phenotypes. The histological and IHC staining of the newly repaired tissues observed after treatment with TGF‐β3 mixed with hMSCs evidenced hyaline cartilage‐like characteristics. Moreover, the results observed with the animal model (rabbit) treated with hMSCs embedded in the growth factor‐containing hydrogel indicate that the implantation of mixed cells with TGF‐β3 may constitute a clinically efficient method for the regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Synthesis and property of a novel calcium phosphate cement
Authors: Yu Tao , Ye Jiandong , Wang Yingjun
Published: March 2009

The β‐cyclodextrins (β‐CDs) and amorphous calcium phosphate were used to prepare a novel calcium phosphate cement (CPC) after mechanochemical activation. Under the mechanochemical treatment, hydrogen bonding formed between β‐CD molecules, which induced strong interaction among β‐CD molecules in aqueous solution, thus conferring good antiwashout property for CPC. After mechanochemical treatment, the solubility of β‐CD was increased and so β‐CD showed different behaviors within and on the outer surface of CPC. During the setting process, when β‐CD was injected it flowed to the surface of CPC, forming a β‐CD film on the surface of CPC; inside the cement, the hydration reaction of calcium phosphates was not affected. Moreover, the antiwashout CPC with β‐CD also showed good mechanical setting, rheological properties, and injectability. The novel CPC was supposed to be developed as a good injectable bone substitute material in the clinical application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Secreted frizzled related protein 1 is a target to improve fracture healing
Authors: Gaur Tripti , Wixted John J. , Hussain Sadiq , O'Connell Shannon L. , Morgan Elise F. , Ayers David C. , Komm Barry S. , Bodine Peter V. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: March 2009

Genetic studies have identified a high bone mass of phenotype in both human and mouse when canonical Wnt signaling is increased. Secreted frizzled related protein 1 (sFRP1) is one of several Wnt antagonists and among the loss‐of‐function mouse models in which 32‐week‐old mice exhibit a high bone mass phenotype. Here we show that impact fracture healing is enhanced in this mouse model of increased Wnt signaling at a physiologic level in young (8 weeks) sFRP1−/− mice which do not yet exhibit significant increases in BMD. In vivo deletion of sFRP1 function improves fracture repair by promoting early bone union without adverse effects on the quality of bone tissue reflected by increased mechanical strength. We observe a dramatic reduction of the cartilage callous, increased intramembranous bone formation with bone bridging by 14 days, and early bone remodeling during the 28‐day fracture repair process in the sFRP1−/− mice. Our molecular analyses of gene markers indicate that the effect of sFRP1 loss‐of‐function during fracture repair is to accelerate bone healing after formation of the initial hematoma by directing mesenchymal stem cells into the osteoblast lineage via the canonical pathway. Further evidence to support this conclusion is the observation of maximal sFRP1 levels in the cartilaginous callus of a WT mouse. Hence sFRP1−/− mouse progenitor cells are shifted directly into the osteoblast lineage. Thus, developing an antagonist to specifically inhibit sFRP1 represents a safe target for stimulating fracture repair and bone formation in metabolic bone disorders, osteoporosis and aging. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 174–181, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An immunofluorescence method for postembedded tissue in the acrylic resin Technovit 9100 New® using fluorescein isothiocyanate secondary detection
Authors: Singhrao Sim K. , Müller Carsten T. , Gilbert Sophie J. , Duance Victor C. , Archer Charles W.
Published: March 2009

Immunofluorescence labeling on postembedded tissue in resin is a formidable task. Although resin components and stabilizers are a source of additional strong native fluorescence that overlaps with absorption and emission spectra of commonly used green fluorophores, the unfixed tissue is also subject to native fluorescence. For tissue embedded in resin, we hypothesized that initially removing the resin and subsequently quenching the native fluorescence from the sample could result in specific immunofluorescence signals. The hypothesis was tested on fixed tissue samples embedded in Technovit 9100 New®. Deacrylated and rehydrated semithin sections from a variety of soft tissues were exposed to a quenching solution prior to immunolabeling. Cryostat sections from snap frozen tissue were also stained to assess whether all antigens investigated in fixed tissue were adequately detected. The secondary detection included antibodies conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The results were evaluated using conventional dark‐field and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Both forms of microscopy confirmed the considerable lowering of the native fluorescence associated with the resin and fixed tissue samples with enhanced specific signal. The cryostat tissue sections using the same antibodies in equivalent concentrations confirmed labeling of the same cellular sites as those observed in the fixed tissue. This article describes a method for immunofluorescence labeling in Technovit 9100 New resin embedded tissue and suggests the likely chromogenic elements generating autofluorescence. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interhospital transfer of critically ill and injured children: An evaluation of transfer patterns, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Odetola Folafoluwa O. , Davis Matthew M. , Cohn Lisa M. , Clark Sarah J.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To describe patterns of transfer, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes associated with interhospital transfer of critically ill and injured children.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of administrative claims data.

PARTICIPANTS

Children 0 to 18 years in the Michigan Medicaid program who underwent interhospital transfer for intensive care from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004. The 3 sources of transfer from referring hospitals were: emergency department (ED), ward, or intensive care unit (ICU).

MEASUREMENTS

Mortality and duration of hospital stay at the receiving hospitals.

RESULTS

Of 1643 interhospital transfer admissions to intensive care at receiving hospitals, 62%, 31%, and 7% were from the ED, ward, and ICU of referring hospitals, respectively. Nineteen percent had comorbid illness, while 11% had organ dysfunction at the referring hospital. After controlling for comorbid illness, patient age, and pretransfer organ dysfunction; compared with ED transfers, mortality in the receiving hospital was higher for ward transfers (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–3.03) but not for ICU transfers. Also, compared with ED transfers, hospital stay was longer by 1.5 days for ward transfers and by 13.5 days for ICU transfers.

CONCLUSION

In this multiyear, statewide sample, mortality and resource utilization were higher among children who underwent interhospital transfer to intensive care after initial hospitalization, compared with those transferred directly from emergency to intensive care. Decision‐making underlying initial triage and subsequent interhospital transfer of critically ill children warrants further study. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:164–170. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Institutionalising ethnic representation: How effective is affirmative action in Nigeria?
Authors: Mustapha Abdul Raufu
Published: March 2009

To deal with the tensions created by ethnic diversity and inequalities, many African countries have instituted affirmative action programmes ranging from informal ethnic balancing to explicit quotas. This study examines the reasons for affirmative action in Nigeria and the effectiveness of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) that was set up to oversee the programme. It argues that the affirmative action is an important aspect of governance in divided societies. Furthermore, while the FCC has not succeeded in achieving its formal objectives, it has nevertheless encouraged the non‐violent resolution of ethnic grievances. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amyloid‐β interrupts the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway that could be involved in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐induced Arc expression in rat cortical neurons
Authors: Chen Tsan‐Ju , Wang Dean‐Chuan , Chen Shun‐Sheng
Published: March 2009

The deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Even at low levels, Aβ may interfere with various signaling cascades critical for the synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is well known to be capable of inducing the synthesis of activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc), which plays a fundamental role in modulating synaptic plasticity. Our recent study has demonstrated that treatment of fibrillar Aβ at a nonlethal level was sufficient to impair BDNF‐induced Arc expression in cultured rat cortical neurons. In this study, BDNF treatment alone induced the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt‐mammlian target of rapamycin (PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR) signaling pathway, the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein (4EBP1) and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K), the dephosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), and the expression of Arc. Interrupting the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway by inhibitors prevented the effects of BDNF, indicating the involvement of this pathway in BDNF‐induced 4EBP1 phosphorylation, p70S6K phosphorylation, eEF2 dephosphorylation, and Arc expression. Nonlethal Aβ pretreatment partially blocked these effects of BDNF. Double‐ immunofluorescent staining in rat cortical neurons further confirmed the coexistence of eEF2 dephosphorylation and Arc expression following BDNF treatment regardless of the presence of Aβ. These results reveal that, in cultured rat cortical neurons, Aβ interrupts the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway that could be involved in BDNF‐induced Arc expression. Moreover, this study also provides the first evidence that there is a close correlation between BDNF‐induced eEF2 dephosphorylation and BDNF‐induced Arc expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The downside of religious attire: The Muslim headscarf and expectations of obtaining employment
Authors: Ghumman Sonia , Jackson Linda
Published: March 2009

As laws are being passed or considered to ban certain forms of religious attire in the current international arena (France, Netherlands, Italy), it is important to address some of the concerns that Americans who wear religious attire might have. Based on stereotype threat theory, data from 219 American Muslim females were examined regarding their expectations of receiving job offers for a variety of occupations. Results indicated that Muslim women who wear the headscarf (Hijabis) had lower expectations of receiving a job offer than Muslim women who do not wear the hijab. This difference increased as the amount of public contact associated with the occupation decreased and job status of the occupation increased. Furthermore, work centrality moderated this relationship, but only for Muslim women who did not wear the headscarf. Implications of these findings with regard to Hijabis and occupational attainment are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.