bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal nerve ligation decreases γ‐aminobutyric acidB receptors on specific populations of immunohistochemically identified neurons in L5 dorsal root ganglion of the rat
Authors: Engle Mitchell P. , Merrill Michelle A. , Marquez De Prado Blanca , Hammond Donna L.
Published: November 2011

This study examined the distribution of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptors on immunohistochemically identified neurons, and levels of GABAB(1) and GABAB(2) mRNA, in the L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the rat in the absence of injury and 2 weeks after L5 spinal nerve ligation. In uninjured DRG, GABAB(1) immunoreactivity colocalized exclusively with the neuronal marker (NeuN) and did not colocalize with the satellite cell marker S‐100. The GABAB(1) subunit colocalized to >97% of DRG neurons immunoreactive (IR) for neurofilament 200 (N52) or calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), or labeled by isolectin B4 (IB4). Immunoreactivity for GABAB(2) was not detectable. L5 spinal nerve ligation did not alter the number of GABAB(1)‐IR neurons or its colocalization pattern in the L4 DRG. However, ligation reduced the number of GABAB(1)‐IR neurons in the L5 DRG by ≈38% compared with sham‐operated and naïve rats. Specifically, ligation decreased the number of CGRP‐IR neurons in the L5 DRG by 75%, but did not decrease the percent colocalization of GABAB(1) in those that remained. In the few IB4‐positive neurons that remained in the L5 DRG, colocalization of GABAB(1)‐IR decreased to 75%. Ligation also decreased levels of GABAB(1) and GABAB(2) mRNA in the L5, but not the L4 DRG compared with sham‐operated or naïve rats. These findings indicate that the GABAB receptor is positioned to presynaptically modulate afferent transmission by myelinated, unmyelinated, and peptidergic afferents in the dorsal horn. Loss of GABAB receptors on primary afferent neurons may contribute to the development of mechanical allodynia after L5 spinal nerve ligation. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1663–1677, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensillum‐specific, topographic projection patterns of olfactory receptor neurons in the antennal lobe of the cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Watanabe Hidehiro , Haupt S. Shuichi , Nishino Hiroshi , Nishikawa Michiko , Yokohari Fumio
Published: November 2011

In vertebrates and many invertebrates, olfactory signals detected by peripheral olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are conveyed to a primary olfactory center with glomerular organization in which odor‐specific activity patterns are generated. In the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, ORNs in antennal olfactory sensilla project to 205 unambiguously identifiable antennal lobe (AL) glomeruli that are classified into 10 glomerular clusters (T1–T10 glomeruli) innervated by distinct sensory tracts. In this study we employed single sensillum staining techniques and investigated the topographic projection patterns of individual ORNs to elucidate the relationship between sensillum types and glomerular organization in the AL. Axons of almost all ORNs projected to individual glomeruli. Axons of ORNs in perforated basiconic sensilla selectively innervated the anterodorsal T1–T4 glomeruli, whereas those in trichoid and grooved basiconic sensilla innervated the posteroventral T5–T9 glomeruli. About 90% of stained ORNs in trichoid sensilla sent axons to the T5 glomeruli and more than 90% of ORNs in grooved basiconic sensilla innervated the T6, T8, and T9 glomeruli. The T5 and T9 glomeruli exclusively receive sensory inputs from the trichoid and grooved basiconic sensilla, respectively. All investigated glomeruli received convergent input from a single type of sensillum except F11 glomerulus in the T6 glomeruli, which was innervated from both trichoid and grooved basiconic sensilla. These results suggest that ORNs in distinct sensillum types project to glomeruli in distinct glomerular clusters. Since ORNs in distinct sensillum types are each tuned to distinct subsets of odorant molecules, the AL is functionally compartmentalized into groups of glomeruli. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1687–1701, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organization of the auditory brainstem in a lizard, Gekko gecko. I. Auditory nerve, cochlear nuclei, and superior olivary nuclei
Authors: Tang Yezhong , Christensen‐Dalsgaard Jakob , Carr Catherine E.
Published: November 2011

We used tract tracing to reveal the connections of the auditory brainstem in the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). The auditory nerve has two divisions, a rostroventrally directed projection of mid‐ to high best‐frequency fibers to the nucleus angularis (NA) and a more dorsal and caudal projection of low to middle best‐frequency fibers that bifurcate to project to both the NA and the nucleus magnocellularis (NM). The projection to NM formed large somatic terminals and bouton terminals. NM projected bilaterally to the second‐order nucleus laminaris (NL), such that the ipsilateral projection innervated the dorsal NL neuropil, whereas the contralateral projection crossed the midline and innervated the ventral dendrites of NL neurons. Neurons in NL were generally bitufted, with dorsoventrally oriented dendrites. NL projected to the contralateral torus semicircularis and to the contralateral ventral superior olive (SOv). NA projected to ipsilateral dorsal superior olive (SOd), sent a major projection to the contralateral SOv, and projected to torus semicircularis. The SOd projected to the contralateral SOv, which projected back to the ipsilateral NM, NL, and NA. These results suggest homologous patterns of auditory connections in lizards and archosaurs but also different processing of low‐ and high‐frequency information in the brainstem. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1784–1799, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Bilateral and ipsilateral ascending tectopulvinar pathways in mammals: A study in the squirrel (spermophilus beecheyi)
Authors: Fredes Felipe , Vega‐Zuniga Tomas , Karten Harvey , Mpodozis Jorge
Published: November 2011

The mammalian pulvinar complex is a collection of dorsal thalamic nuclei related to several visual and integrative processes. Previous studies have shown that the superficial layers of the superior colliculus project to multiple divisions of the pulvinar complex. Although most of these works agree about the existence of an ipsilateral tectopulvinar projection arising from the stratum griseum superficialis, some others report a bilateral projection originating from this same tectal layer. We investigated the organization of the tectopulvinar projections in the Californian ground squirrel using cholera toxin B (CTb). We confirmed previous studies showing that the caudal pulvinar of the squirrel receives a massive bilateral projection originating from a specific cell population located in the superficial collicular layers (SGS3, also called the “lower SGS” or “SGSL”). We found that this projection shares striking structural similarities with the tectorotundal pathway of birds and reptiles. Morphology of the collicular cells originating this projection closely corresponds to that of the bottlebrush tectal cells described previously for chickens and squirrels. In addition, we found that the rostral pulvinar receives an exclusively ipsilateral projection from a spatially separate population of collicular cells located at the base of the stratum opticum, deeper than the cells projecting to the caudal pulvinar. These results strongly support, at a structural level, the homology of the pathway originating in the SGS3 collicular cells upon the caudal pulvinar with the tectorotundal pathway of nonmammalian amniotes and contribute to clarifying the general organization of the tectopulvinar pathways in mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1800–1818, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical Studies on the Photoinduced Rearrangement Mechanism of α‐Santonin
Authors: Chen Xing , Rinkevicius Zilvinas , Luo Yi , Ågren Hans , Cao Zexing
Published: November 2011

α‐Santonin is the first organic compound observed to feature a photoinduced rearrangement and is now known to undergo a series of photochemical processes under UV irradiation. On the basis of the considerable interest of this system as a prototype, and of the yet limited insights reached for the basic photo mechanisms, we calculate the high‐level electronic structures and explore the potential energy surfaces (PES) of α‐santonin in the ground and lowest‐lying excited states, their couplings, and the possible photoinduced isomerization pathways. The calculations identify the low‐lying singlet excited state 1(nπ*) accessible under light irradiation, which decays to the low‐energy 3(ππ*) state through an intersystem crossing in the Franck–Condon region to initiate the photoinduced rearrangement. The initial reaction from the C3C5 bond coupling, which takes place on the 3(ππ*) state potential energy surface, leads to a three‐membered alkyl‐ring compound intermediate state INT. The following photochemical reactions have the possibility to arise from two distinct CC bond cleavages, C4C5 and C3C4, denoted as path A and path B. Path A is favored both dynamically on the excited‐state PES and thermodynamically on the ground‐state PES in vacuo. Experiments show that it also becomes the dominant photoinduced rearrangement process in the crystal, which can be explained by considering the requirement for less space and the stacking effect under the confined environment. Path B is dynamical advantaged both on the ground‐ and excited‐state PESs in a weak polar solvent, such as dioxane. Once the biradical intermediate B‐INT is accessible on the ground‐state PES, the formation of the product B‐P is almost barrier free.
Free‐Standing Aluminium Nanowire Architectures Made in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Zein El Abedin Sherif , Endres Frank
Published: November 2011

We report on the electrochemical synthesis of free‐standing aluminium nanowire architectures through a template‐assisted electrodeposition technique. For this purpose, nuclear track‐etched polycarbonate membranes were employed as templates. One side of the template was sputtered with a thin gold film to serve as a working electrode. Subsequently the nanowires were made in the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIm]Cl)/AlCl3 (40/60 mol %) under potentiostatic conditions. Two different electrodeposition procedures were employed to fabricate strongly adherent Al nanowire structures on an electrodeposited Al layer. In the first procedure, electrodeposition simultaneously occurs along the pores of the template and on the Au‐sputtered side of the template. In the second procedure, electrodeposition takes place in two different steps: first a thick supporting film of Al is deposited on the sputtered side of the membrane and second Al nanowires are grown within the pores. After chemical dissolution of the membrane in dichloromethane, an aluminium foil of a controlled thickness with a three‐dimensional nanowire structure on one side was obtained. Different nanowire architectures, such as free‐standing nanowires, vertically aligned tree‐shaped arrays, and bunched nanowire films, were obtained. Such nanowire architectures are of particular interest for applications in Li‐ion micro‐batteries.
Organosilicon Polymers Deposition by PECVD and RPECVD on Micropatterned Substrates
Authors: Supiot Philippe , Vivien Céline , Blary Karine , Rouessac Vincent
Published: November 2011

Thin films of organosilicon materials produced by plasma‐assisted deposition are frequently used because of their multifunctional character, but few comparative studies into their growth on structured surfaces are available. Two types of CVD processes, plasma‐enhanced (PE)CVD and remote plasma‐enhanced (RPE)CVD are taken as typical operating conditions. Polymer films of thicknesses ranging from 0.25 to 1.2 µm are obtained by both processes from the tetramethylsiloxane (TMDSO) precursor, on silicon substrates microstructured with a set of patterns (trenches, holes, and columns) with various spacings, and with vertical dimensions of 1.3 or 1.45 µm. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the samples is carried out after sample cleavage. The effects of pattern size and shape, defined by the aspect ratio parameter, on the local growth rate are studied more specifically for trenches for both PECVD and RPECVD processes
Highly‐efficient, fluorescent, locus directed cre and FlpO deleter mice on a pure C57BL/6N genetic background
Authors: Birling Marie‐Christine , Dierich Andrée , Jacquot Sylvie , Hérault Yann , Pavlovic Guillaume
Published: November 2011

To facilitate the use of the new mutant resource developed in the mouse, we have generated Cre and FlpO deleter mice on a pure inbred C57BL/6N background. The new transgenic constructs were designed to drive either the Cre or FlpO recombinase, fused to a specific fluorescent marker, respectively the eGFP or the eYFP, and were inserted by homologous recombination in the neutral Rosa26 locus. They allow a rapid, cost‐effective, and efficient identification of the carrier individuals through the coexpression of the fluorescent marker. The recombination efficiency of the two deleter lines, Gt(ROSA)26Sor and Gt(ROSA)26Sor, was carefully evaluated using five loxP‐flanked or four FRT‐flanked alleles located at different positions in the mouse genome. For each tested locus, we observed a 100% excision rate. The transgenic mice are easily distinguishable from wild type animals by their bright fluorescence that remains easily detectable until 10 days after birth. In the adult, fluorescence can still be detected inthe unpigmented paws. Furthermore, they both display accumulation of the specific recombinase during oogenesis. These fluorescent ‘Cre‐ and Flp‐ deleter’ transgenic lines are valuable tools for the scientific community by their high and stable recombination efficiency, the simplicity of genotype identification and the maintenance of a pure genetic background when used to remove specific selection cassette or to induce complete loss‐of‐function allele. genesis 50:482–489, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the role of ecohydrological feedbacks in ecosystem state change in drylands
Authors: Turnbull L. , Wilcox B. P. , Belnap J. , Ravi S. , D'Odorico P. , Childers D. , Gwenzi W. , Okin G. , Wainwright J. , Caylor K. K. , Sankey T.
Published: November 2011

Ecohydrological feedbacks are likely to be critical for understanding the mechanisms by which changes in exogenous forces result in ecosystem state change. We propose that in drylands, the dynamics of ecosystem state change are determined by changes in the type (stabilizing vs amplifying) and strength of ecohydrological feedbacks following a change in exogenous forces. Using a selection of five case studies from drylands, we explore the characteristics of ecohydrological feedbacks and resulting dynamics of ecosystem state change. We surmise that stabilizing feedbacks are critical for the provision of plant‐essential resources in drylands. Exogenous forces that break these stabilizing feedbacks can alter the state of the system, although such changes are potentially reversible if strong amplifying ecohydrological feedbacks do not develop. The case studies indicate that if amplifying ecohydrological feedbacks do develop, they are typically associated with abiotic processes such as runoff, erosion (by wind and water), and fire. These amplifying ecohydrological feedbacks progressively modify the system in ways that are long‐lasting and possibly irreversible on human timescales. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voltammetric Determination of Trace Antiepileptic Gabapentin with a Silver‐Nanoparticle Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode
Authors: Yari Abdollah , Papi Fatemeh , Farhadi Said
Published: November 2011

For the first time, a novel carbon nanotube bed electrode impregnated with silver–nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the determination of trace amounts of gabapentin (GBP) is described. We synthesized the AgNPs via a new procedure. The voltammetric behavior of the electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. There were linear relationships in the ranges from 3.1×10−9 to 2.9×10−2 M and from 1.0×10−8 to 1.0×10−2 GBP with square wave and differential pulse voltammetric peak currents, respectively. The detection limits were 5.6×10−10 and 9.7×10−9 M, respectively. The electrode showed excellent response over a period of 2 months and was successfully applied in human plasma and pharmaceutical capsular products.
Analysis of Citrus essential oils: state of the art and future perspectives. A review.
Authors: Tranchida Peter Quinto , Bonaccorsi Ivana , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi , Dugo Giovanni
Published: November 2011

The present paper provides descriptions and critical views of the most significant chromatography‐based methods, employed in the field of Citrus essential oils, mainly over the past decade. Both single‐column and multidimensional chromatography approaches are reported, with advantages and shortcomings of each method reported. The contribution reports compositions only marginally. For detailed information on the latter issue, the reader is directed to two books, namely Citrus and Citrus oils, referenced in the paper. A great deal of space is devoted to the use of the mass spectrometer, in relation to its potential for separation and identification. The employment of the most powerful chromatography techniques available today, namely comprehensive two‐dimensional ones, is also described. Finally, possible future scenarios in the field of Citrus essential oil analysis are anticipated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periodically reactivated context memory retains its precision and dependence on the hippocampus
Authors: de Oliveira Alvares Lucas , Einarsson Einar Örn , Santana Fabiana , Crestani Ana Paula , Haubrich Josué , Cassini Lindsey Freitas , Nader Karim , Quillfeldt Jorge Alberto
Published: November 2011

Hippocampus is hypothesized to play a temporary role in the retrieval of context memories. Similarly, previous studies have reported that the expression of context memories becomes more generalized as memory ages. We report, first, that contextual fear memory expression changes from being sensitive to dorsal hippocampus inactivation by muscimol at 2 days post‐conditioning, to insensitive at 28 days, and second, that over the same period rats lose their ability to discriminate between a novel and conditioned context. Furthermore, we show thatrepeated brief memory reactivation sessions prevent memory from becoming both hippocampus‐independent and generalized. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistically downscaled probabilistic multi‐model ensemble projections of precipitation change in a watershed
Authors: Hashmi Muhammad Z. , Shamseldin Asaad Y. , Melville Bruce W.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the development of a probabilistic multi‐model ensemble of statistically downscaled future projections of precipitation of a watershed in New Zealand. Climate change research based on the point estimates of a single model is considered less reliable for decision making, and multiple realizations of a single model or outputs from multiple models are often preferred for such purposes. Similarly, a probabilistic approach is preferable over deterministic point estimates. In the area of statistical downscaling, no single technique is considered a universal solution. This is due to the fact that each of these techniques has some weaknesses, owing to its basic working principles. Moreover, watershed scale precipitation downscaling is quite challenging and is more prone to uncertainty issues than downscaling of other climatological variables. So, multi‐model statistical downscaling studies based on a probabilistic approach are required. In the current paper, results from the three well‐reputed statistical downscaling methods are used to develop a Bayesian weighted multi‐model ensemble. The three members of the downscaling ensemble of this study belong to the following three broad categories of statistical downscaling methods: (1) multiple linear regression, (2) multiple non‐linear regression, and (3) stochastic weather generator. The results obtained in this study show that the new strategy adopted here is promising because of many advantages it offers, e.g. it combines the outputs of multiple statistical downscaling methods, provides probabilistic downscaled climate change projections and enables the quantification of uncertainty in these projections. This will encourage any future attempts for combining the results of multiple statistical downscaling methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive self‐assembly microcapsules/microparticles: Synthesis, characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity, and drug release properties
Authors: Ma Liwei , Liu Mingzhu , Shi Xiang
Published: November 2011

A simple method was developed to prepare the microcapsules and microparticles as drug carriers. The drug‐loaded microcapsules and microparticles were prepared by self‐assembly of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) and carboxymethyl chitosan‐graft‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (CMCTS‐g‐PDEA) in aqueous media under mild conditions. The preparation method did not involve any organic solvent and surfactant, and it could offer good control over the morphology and the size of self‐assemblies. Through adjusting the grafting percentage, nanosized drug‐delivery systems with different shapes, that is, microcapsules and microparticles, could be obtained. The grafting reaction was confirmed by comparing the FTIR spectra of CMCTS and the grafted copolymer, and the morphologies of the drug‐delivery systems were observed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron micrograph. Preliminary characterization of the biocompatibility of these microgels was done by the cytotoxicity assays using the L02 human hepatic natural cell as probes. The in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA) release behavior indicated that drug release rate and encapsulation efficiency depended upon pH value and nanoparticle structure. The release of BSA could be effectively sustained from both drug‐loaded microgels, which passed the qualitative cytotoxicity test and have no apparent cytotoxicity for the CMCTS‐g‐PDEA microgel self‐assembly. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 305–313, 2012.
Reinforced Portland cement porous scaffolds for load‐bearing bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Higuita‐Castro Natalia , Gallego‐Perez Daniel , Pelaez‐Vargas Alejandro , García Quiroz Felipe , Posada Olga M. , López Luis E. , Sarassa Carlos A. , Agudelo‐Florez Piedad , Monteiro Fernando J. , Litsky Alan S. , Hansford Derek J.
Published: November 2011

Modified Portland cement porous scaffolds with suitable characteristics for load‐bearing bone tissue engineering applications were manufactured by combining the particulate leaching and foaming methods. Non‐crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane was evaluated as a potential reinforcing material. The scaffolds presented average porosities between 70 and 80% with mean pore sizes ranging from 300 μm up to 5.0 mm. Non‐reinforced scaffolds presented compressive strengths and elastic modulus values of 2.6 and 245 MPa, respectively, whereas reinforced scaffolds exhibited 4.2 and 443 MPa, respectively, an increase of ∼62 and 80%. Portland cement scaffolds supported human osteoblast‐like cell adhesion, spreading, and propagation (t = 1–28 days). Cell metabolism and alkaline phosphatase activity were found to be enhanced at longer culture intervals (t ≥ 14 days). These results suggest the possibility of obtaining strong and biocompatible scaffolds for bone repair applications from inexpensive, yet technologically advanced materials such as Portland cement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 501–507, 2012.
Ab Initio direct classical trajectory investigation on the SN2 reaction of F− with NH2F: Nonstatistical central barrier recrossing dynamics
Authors: Yu Feng
Published: November 2011

The bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction of Fa− with NH2Fb has been investigated with the ab initio direct classical trajectory method. According to our trajectory calculations, a dynamic behavior of nonstatistical central barrier recrossing is revealed. Among the 64 trajectories calculated in this work, 45 trajectories follow the dynamic reaction pathways as assumed by statistical theory and other 19 trajectories with central barrier recrossings are nonstatistical. For the nonstatistical trajectories, the central barrier recrossings may originate from the inefficient kinetic energy transfer from the intramolecular modes of the NH2Fa moiety in the dynamic Fb−…HNHFa complex to the intermolecular modes of the dynamic Fb−…HNHFa complex on the exit‐channel potential energy surface. With respect to the dynamic behavior of the nonstatistical central barrier recrossing, the statistical theories such as the Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus and transition state theories without further corrections cannot be used to model the reaction kinetics for this SN2 reaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
A computational study on the hydrogen adsorption capacity of various lithium—Doped boron hydrides
Authors: Pan Sudip , Giri Santanab , Chattaraj Pratim K.
Published: November 2011

An aromatic boron hydride B3H32– and its various Li/Li+ doped isomers have been studied at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d) and M06/6‐311+G(d) levels of theory to assess their hydrogen storage potential. Different types of interaction energies, reaction enthalpies and reaction electrophilicities associated with the hydrogen adsorption process suggest that B3H32– itself and some of its Li—decorated analogues may turn out to be effective hydrogen storage material. Nucleus independent chemical shift and conceptual density functional theory based reactivity descriptors lend additional support. The temperature–pressure phase diagram identifies the temperature–pressure zone where the reaction Gibbs free energy for the hydrogen adsorption is negative making it a thermodynamically feasible process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
The Composites of Cationic Polyelectrolyte and Glutathione‐capped Quantum Dots for Selective Fluorescence Detection of Cu2+
Authors: Liu Fang‐Chen , Shen Chien‐Chih , Tseng Wei‐Lung
Published: November 2011

A new composite of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDAC) and glutathione‐capped ZnHgSe quantum dots (GSH‐QDs) has been developed for sensing Cu2+ in aqueous solution on the basis of fluorescence quenching. The formation of the composite is dominated through the electrostatic interaction between cationic PDDAC and anionic GSH‐QDs. When Cu2+ collides with PDDA/GSH‐QDs composites, Cu2+ displaces the Zn and/or Hg in the ZnHgSe QDs and forms extremely low soluble particles of CuSe onto the surface of QDs. As a result, the fluorescence intensity of QDs is quenched efficiently. Compared to GSH‐QDs, PDDA/GSH‐QDs composites exhibited better selectivity toward Cu2+ as a result of minimizing the electrostatic interaction between metal ions and the ligands. The selectivity of PDDA/GSH‐QDs composites toward Cu2+ was further improved by increasing glycine concentration and optimizing the pH of the solution. Under the optimal conditions, PDDA/GSH‐QDs composites provided the limits of detection for Cu2+ at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 of 0.2 nM (∼2.0 ppt). We believe that this probe has great potential for the detection of Cu2+ in environmental waters.
Detection of Nucleoside Monophosphates through Surface‐Assisted Laser, Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using CTAB‐Adsorbed Gold, Nanoparticles
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Ting , Chen Wen‐Tsen , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we demonstrate the determination of nucleoside monophosphates through surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI‐MS) using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)–adsorbed gold nanoparticles (CTAB‐Au NPs) as the surface. The binding of four nucleoside monophosphates — adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP), guanosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐GMP), uridine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐UMP), and cytidine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐CMP) — to the surfaces of the CTAB‐Au NPs induced their aggregation, allowing selective concentration of the four analytes from sample solutions. The analyte‐adsorbed CTAB‐Au NPs were subjected directly to SALDI‐MS measurement — that is, without mixing the analytes with organic matrices. The presence of CTAB improved the ionization efficiency of the analytes and suppressed the MS background signals arising from Au clusters. By using CTAB‐Au NPs prepared from a mixture of 0.4 μM CTAB and 1.8 nM Au NPs, this SALDI‐MS approach provided limits of detection (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3) for 5′‐AMP, 5′‐GMP, 5′‐UMP, and 5′‐CMP of 5, 10, 25, and 25 nM, respectively. The SLADI‐MS method established was also employed for the analyses of nucleoside monophosphates in mushroom extracts and a commercial sample of monosodium glutamate. 5′‐AMP, 5′‐GMP, 5′‐UMP, and 5′‐CMP were found in the samples. This system has several advantageous features — simplicity, sensitivity, and reproducibility (shot‐to‐shot variation: < 15%) — that allow its use for the determination of the concentrations of nucleoside monophosphates in biological samples.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ultrasmall Thioglycerol Modified ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Ethiraj Anita S. , Wua Hui‐Fen , Gopal Judy
Published: November 2011

This study demonstrates a simple, rapid, low cost, and straightforward method for synthesis the thioglycerol (TG) modified ZnS QDs. These ZnS QDs were highly stable and when excited with ultraviolet light exhibited strong blue photoluminescence at ∼ 418 nm. In this study, we have successfully demonstrated the applicability of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) for ultrasmall size determination of the TG capped ZnS QDs (∼ 1.5 nm ± 0.03 nm). The result was found to be close to that obtained by the optical (UV/Visible) absorption method (∼ 1.2 nm ± 0.2 nm) and X‐ray diffraction technique (∼ 1.0 nm ± 0.3 nm).
Investigation of pH Effect on Gold Nanorod Synthesis
Authors: Cheng Jing , Ge Lan , Xiong Bin , He Yan
Published: November 2011

Gold nanorods (GNRs) are routinely prepared by the seed‐mediated growth method under the assistant of surfactant CTAB and it is important to understand the factors that control the formation process of GNRs. Here we investigated systematically how the pH conditions contribute to the GNR morphology and size evolution with UV‐Vis absorption spectrometry and TEM. It was found that the aspect ratio and morphology of GNRs are dependent on the pH of the growth solution. Moreover, the GNR growth pathway also varies at different pH. Our results indicated that pH affected CTAB micelle's stability and reduced its absorption ability on gold surface, which changes the gold atom deposition behavior onto the surface.
Constitutively active PTH/PTHrP receptor specifically expressed in osteoblasts enhances bone formation induced by bone marrow ablation
Authors: Ono Noriaki , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Schipani Ernestina , Hayata Tadayoshi , Ezura Yoichi , Soma Kunimichi , Kronenberg Henry M. , Noda Masaki
Published: November 2011

Bone is maintained by continuous bone formation by osteoblasts provided by proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitors. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) activates bone formation, but because of the complexity of cells in the osteoblast lineage, how these osteoprogenitors are regulated by PTH in vivo is incompletely understood. To elucidate how signals by PTH in differentiated osteoblasts regulate osteoprogenitors in vivo, we conducted bone marrow ablation using Col1a1‐constitutively active PTH/PTHrP receptor (caPPR) transgenic mice. These mice express caPPR specifically in osteoblasts by using 2.3 kb Col1a1 promoter and showed higher trabecular bone volume under steady‐state conditions. In contrast, after bone marrow ablation, stromal cells recruited from bone surface extensively proliferated in the marrow cavity in transgenic mice, compared to limited proliferation in wild‐type mice. Whereas de novo bone formation was restricted to the ablated area in wild‐type mice, the entire marrow cavity, including not only ablated area but also outside the ablated area, was filled with newly formed bone in transgenic mice. Bone mineral density was significantly increased after ablation in transgenic mice. Bone marrow cell culture in osteogenic medium revealed that alkaline phosphatase‐positive area was markedly increased in the cells obtained from transgenic mice. Furthermore, mRNA expression of Wnt‐signaling molecules such as LRP5, Wnt7b, and Wnt10b were upregulated after marrow ablation in bone marrow cells of transgenic mice. These results indicate that constitutive activation of PTH/PTHrP receptor in differentiated osteoblasts enhances bone marrow ablation‐induced recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoprogenitors. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 408–415, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Porous Poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) Neutral Monolith: From Design and Characterization to Reversed‐Phase Capillary Electrochromatography Applications
Authors: Lav Thanh‐Xuan , Grande Daniel , Gaillet Christine , Guerrouache Mohamed , Carbonnier Benjamin
Published: November 2011

Macroporous cross‐linked organic polymers, based on styrene and divinylbenzene (PS‐DVB), are prepared as monolithic stationary phases for capillary electrochromatographic applications. The synthetic strategy, which relies on the semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) approach, is performed through UV‐initiated free radical copolymerization of the comonomers in the presence of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) within the confines of fused silica capillaries. The characterization of PS‐DVB monoliths is carried out at the different stages of the synthesis using a combination of experimental techniques, thus providing information on the chemical and porous structures. All experimental results evidence the sole role of the PCL oligomer as a porogen.
Controlled Positioning of Activated Ester Moieties on Well‐Defined Linear Polymer Chains
Authors: Kakuchi Ryohei , Zamfir Mirela , Lutz Jean‐François , Theato Patrick
Published: November 2011

The successful sequence‐controlled installation of an activated ester using a newly designed monomer pentafluorophenyl 4‐maleimidobenzoate is demonstrated. Pentafluorophenyl 4‐maleimidobenzoate is kinetically installed at different stages of a nitroxide‐mediated polymerization, namely, near the α‐chain end and in the middle of a PS chain. In addition, successful installation of apolar and polar functional groups is achieved via post‐polymerization functionalization, which demonstrated the versatility of the synthesis of a universal precursor for locally functionalized polymers.
A review of the evidence germane to the putative protective role of the macular carotenoids for age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Sabour‐Pickett Sarah , Nolan John M. , Loughman James , Beatty Stephen
Published: November 2011

There is a consensus that age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the result of (photo)‐oxidative‐induced retinal injury and its inflammatory sequelae, the latter being influenced by genetic background. The dietary carotenoids, lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso‐zeaxanthin (meso‐Z), accumulate at the macula, where they are collectively known as macular pigment (MP). The anatomic (central retinal), biochemical (anti‐oxidant) and optical (short‐wavelength‐filtering) properties of this pigment have generated interest in the biologically plausible rationale that MP may confer protection against AMD. Level 1 evidence has shown that dietary supplementation with broad‐spectrum anti‐oxidants results in risk reduction for AMD progression. Studies have demonstrated that MP rises in response to supplementation with the macular carotenoids, although level 1 evidence that such supplementation results in risk reduction of AMD and/or its progression is still lacking. Although appropriately weighted attention should be accorded to higher levels of evidence, the totality of available data should be appraised in an attempt to inform professional practice. In this context, the literature demonstrates that supplementation with the macular carotenoids is probably the best means of fortifying the anti‐oxidant defences of the macula, thus putatively reducing the risk of AMD and/or its progression.
Nutrigenetics of the lipoprotein metabolism
Authors: Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Lopez‐Miranda Jose , Perez‐Jimenez Francisco
Published: November 2011

It is well known that lipid metabolism is a cornerstone in the development of the commonest important chronic diseases worldwide, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, or metabolic syndrome. In this regard, the area of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism is one of the areas in which the understanding of the development and progression of those metabolic disorders has been studied in greater depth. Thus, growing evidence has demonstrated that while universal recommendations might be appropriate for the general population, in this area there is great variability among individuals, related to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Moreover, the interaction between genetic and dietary components has helped in understanding this variability. Therefore, with further study into the interaction between the most important genetic markers or single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and diet, it may be possible to understand the variability in lipid metabolism, which could lead to an increase in the use of personalized nutrition as the best support to combat metabolic disorders. This review discusses some of the evidence in which candidate SNPs can affect the key players of lipid metabolism and how their phenotypic manifestations can be modified by dietary intake.
Role of dietary proteins and peptides in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Cam Anthony , de Mejia Elvira Gonzalez
Published: November 2011

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and most other countries. Therefore, a disease of such wide‐ranging impact calls for the development of multiple viable strategies for prevention. Diet plays an important role in the development of the major risk factors of CVD such as low‐grade systemic inflammation, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis, the most significant. Thus, diet‐based methods of prevention would not only be more feasible, but ultimately more cost‐effective than relying on drugs to combat this condition. In recent years, peptides derived from either animal or plant sources have been found to have various bioactive properties. Nevertheless, their potential impact on inflammation and prevention of atherosclerosis has not been fully explored, particularly at the molecular level. In this review, the most current scientific information from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies on the role of dietary proteins and peptides on CVD has been summarized and discussed.
Regioselective synthesis and structural elucidation of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives using 1D and 2D NMR spectral techniques
Authors: Babu Thelagathoti Hari , Phani Kumar B. V. N. , Rajeswari C. , Perumal Paramasivan T.
Published: November 2011

Regioselective synthesis of 2‐[1‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)‐1H‐[1,2,3]triazol‐4‐ylmethoxy]‐benzaldehyde derivatives was achieved by [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 2‐(prop)‐2‐ynyloxy‐benzaldehyde derivatives with phenacyl azide. The regiochemistry and the spectral assignments of the synthesized triazole derivatives were studied using both 1D and 2D NMR spectral techniques in solution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of transgenic calves expressing an shRNA targeting myostatin
Authors: Tessanne K. , Golding M.C. , Long C.R. , Peoples M.D. , Hannon G. , Westhusin M.E.
Published: November 2011

Myostatin (MSTN) is a well‐known negative regulator of muscle growth. Animals that possess mutations within this gene display an enhanced muscling phenotype, a desirable agricultural trait. Increased neonatal morbidity is common, however, resulting from complications arising from the birth of offspring with increased fetal muscle mass. The objective of the current research was to generate an attenuated MSTN‐null phenotype in a large‐animal model using RNA interference to enhance muscle development without the detrimental consequences of an inactivating mutation. To this end, we identified a series of short interfering RNAs that demonstrated effective suppression of MSTN mRNA and protein levels. To produce transgenic offspring capable of stable MSTN suppression in vivo, a recombinant lentiviral vector expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting MSTN for silencing was introduced into bovine fetal fibroblasts. These cells were used as nucleus donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Twenty blastocysts were transferred into seven recipient cows resulting in five pregnancies. One transgenic calf developed to term, but died following delivery by Caesarean‐section. As an alternative strategy, microinjection of recombinant lentiviral particles into the perivitelline space of in vitro‐produced bovine zygotes was utilized to produce 40 transgenic blastocysts that were transferred into 14 recipient cows, resulting in 7 pregnancies. Five transgenic calves were produced, of which three expressed the transgene. This is the first report of transgenic livestock produced by direct injection of a recombinant lentivirus, and expressing transgenes encoding shRNAs targeting an endogenous gene (myostatin) for silencing. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 176–185, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Survivability in hierarchical telecommunications networks
Authors: Fouilhoux Pierre , Karasan Oya Ekin , Mahjoub A. Ridha , Özkök Onur , Yaman Hande
Published: November 2011

The survivable hierarchical telecommunications network design problem consists of locating concentrators, assigning user nodes to concentrators, and linking concentrators in a reliable backbone network. In this article, we study this problem when the backbone is 2‐edge connected and when user nodes are linked to concentrators by a point‐to‐point access network. We formulate this problem as an integer linear program and present a facial study of the associated polytope. We describe valid inequalities and give sufficient conditions for these inequalities to be facet defining. We investigate the computational complexity of the corresponding separation problems. We propose some reduction operations to speed up the separation procedures. Finally, we devise a branch‐and‐cut algorithm based on these results and present the outcome of a computational study. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
Proteomic analysis of rat microglia establishes a high‐confidence reference data set of over 3000 proteins
Authors: Bell‐Temin Harris , Barber David S. , Zhang Ping , Liu Bin , Stevens Stanley M.
Published: November 2011

Highly aggressively proliferating immortalized (HAPI) microglial cells have been used as an in vitro model for investigating key microglial functions including inflammatory, neurotoxic, and phagocytic activities. Through the use of offline strong cation‐exchange fractionation followed by inline reversed‐phase chromatographic separation and tandem mass spectrometric analysis on a hybrid linear ion trap‐Orbitrap instrument, the HAPI microglial proteome was characterized to a depth of 3006 unique protein groups. Upon bioinformatic analysis of the HAPI proteome data set, enrichment was observed for processes relevant to microglial function including those associated with immune system response. This study marks the most comprehensive reference data set generated to date for the rat microglial proteome.
Hepatitis C core Ag and its clinical applicability: Potential advantages and disadvantages for diagnosis and follow‐up?
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam SM , Iran‐Pour E. , Rotstein C. , Husain S. , Lilly L. , Renner E. , Mazzulli T.
Published: November 2011

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is often a silent disease has resulted in a global epidemic. The diagnosis of hepatitis C virus often requires confirmation with molecular techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction for detection of HCV RNA. Following laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, molecular techniques are routinely used to monitor HCV RNA levels, particularly in those undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, molecular tests are relatively expensive and their cost may be prohibitive in the developing world.

Several studies have investigated the applicability of the hepatitis C core Ag (HCVcAg), as a substitute for measuring HCV RNA levels. In this review, we provide an overview of the major findings of these studies focused on the utility of measuring HCVcAg antigen levels in the clinical setting. Overall, measuring HCVcAg levels is associated with several advantages and disadvantages. It may be useful in different clinical settings for monitoring HCV patients after obtaining an initial baseline HCV RNA result. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epoxy‐functionalized surfaces for microarray applications: surface chemical analysis and fluorescence labeling of surface species
Authors: Funk Christian , Dietrich Paul M. , Gross Thomas , Min Hyegeun , Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Weigel Wilfried
Published: November 2011

Methods for characterization of epoxy‐functionalized substrates used for microarray applications, prepared by silanization with 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, have been developed. Contact angle measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and fluorescence based methods have been applied to investigate these epoxy‐functionalized microarray substrates. The surface density of epoxy‐functionalized glass slides was investigated by fluorescence labeling of surface species utilizing Rhodamine 110 as fluorescence probe. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Software patterns catalog based on a new classification scheme
Authors: Hasso Sargon , Carlson R.C.
Published: November 2011

There are many software pattern catalogs that exist in the published literature today, but none of them uses a consistent classification technique that results in evolving and extensible pattern catalog. We have created a new classification scheme and used it as the basis for constructing a software pattern catalog. It is a uniform approach for creating, maintaining, and expanding the catalog. We present a brief overview of the classification scheme, describe the resulting catalog and the principles underlying its construction, show how to use the catalog, and demonstrate some of its benefits for software designers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the feedback error compensation for adaptive modulation and coding scheme
Authors: Choi Seyeong , Yang Hong‐Chuan , Alouini Mohamed‐Slim
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we consider the effect of feedback error on the performance of the joint adaptive modulation and diversity combining (AMDC) scheme which was previously studied with an assumption of perfect feedback channels. We quantify the performance of two joint AMDC schemes in the presence of feedback error, in terms of the average spectral efficiency, the average number of combined paths, and the average bit error rate. The benefit of feedback error compensation with adaptive combining is also quantified. Selected numerical examples are presented and discussed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed feedback error compensation strategy with adaptive combining. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.