bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2β-(Isobutyryloxy)florilenalin, a Sesquiterpene Lactone Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Centipeda minima, Induces Apoptosis in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma CNE Cells
Authors: Su Miaoxian , Li Yaolan , Chung Hau Yin , Ye Wencai
Published: June 2009

Centipeda minima is a medicinal plant reputed in China as a remedy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, bioactivity-guided fractionation of the anti-NPC compound(s) from C. minima led to the isolation of 2β-(isobutyryloxy)florilenalin (IF), a sesquiterpene lactone. IF showed significant dose- and time- dependent inhibition on the growth of the human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelia cells (CNE). It induced apoptosis in CNE cells, as shown by the accumulation of sub-G1 cell population, DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Such induction was associated with the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the release of cytochrome c to cytosol to regulate the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins. These activities led to the cleavage of caspases and the trigger of cell death process. Overall, IF in C. minima showed potent antiproliferative effect of C. minima on NPC cells, suggesting that the plant deserves more extensive investigation for its potential medicinal application.
Cyclization of Hydrazones of 2-Acetyl-1-naphthol and 1-Acetyl-2-naphthol with Triphosgene. Synthesis of Spiro Naphthoxazine Dimers
Authors: Al-Bogami Abdullah Saad , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Al-Saad Mohammed Ali , Mousa Ahmed Amine , Al-Mazroa Sara Abdullah , Alkhathlan Hamad Zaid
Published: June 2009

Cyclization of hydrazones derived from 2-acetyl-1-naphthol and 1-acetyl-2-naphthol with triphosgene gave naphtho[1,2-e]-1,3-oxazines, naphtho[2,1-e]-1,3-oxazines or their spiro dimers depending on the molar ratio of triphosgene used for the cyclization.
Polarimetric Emission of Rain Events: Simulation and Experimental Results at X-Band
Authors: Duffo Nuria , Vall llossera Mercedes , Camps Adriano , Corbella Ignasi , Torres Francesc
Published: June 2009

Accurate models are used today for infrared and microwave satellite radiance simulations of the first two Stokes elements in the physical retrieval, data assimilation etc. of surface and atmospheric parameters. Although in the past a number of theoretical and experimental works have studied the polarimetric emission of some natural surfaces, specially the sea surface roughened by the wind (Windsat mission), very limited studies have been conducted on the polarimetric emission of rain cells or other natural surfaces. In this work, the polarimetric emission (four Stokes elements) of a rain cell is computed using the polarimetric radiative transfer equation assuming that raindrops are described by Pruppacher-Pitter shapes and that their size distribution follows the Laws-Parsons law. The Boundary Element Method (BEM) is used to compute the exact bistatic scattering coefficients for each raindrop shape and different canting angles. Numerical results are compared to the Rayleigh or Mie scattering coefficients, and to Oguchi’s ones, showing that above 1-2 mm raindrop size the exact formulation is required to model properly the scattering. Simulation results using BEM are then compared to the experimental data gathered with a X-band polarimetric radiometer. It is found that the depolarization of the radiation caused by the scattering of non-spherical raindrops induces a non-zero third Stokes parameter, and the differential phase of the scattering coefficients induces a non-zero fourth Stokes parameter.
Development of a Prototype Miniature Silicon Microgyroscope
Authors: Xia Dunzhu , Chen Shuling , Wang Shourong
Published: June 2009

A miniature vacuum-packaged silicon microgyroscope (SMG) with symmetrical and decoupled structure was designed to prevent unintended coupling between drive and sense modes. To ensure high resonant stability and strong disturbance resisting capacity, a self-oscillating closed-loop circuit including an automatic gain control (AGC) loop based on electrostatic force feedback is adopted in drive mode, while, dual-channel decomposition and reconstruction closed loops are applied in sense mode. Moreover, the temperature effect on its zero bias was characterized experimentally and a practical compensation method is given. The testing results demonstrate that the useful signal and quadrature signal will not interact with each other because their phases are decoupled. Under a scale factor condition of 9.6 mV/o/s, in full measurement range of ± 300 deg/s, the zero bias stability reaches 15o/h with worse-case nonlinearity of 400 ppm, and the temperature variation trend of the SMG bias is thus largely eliminated, so that the maximum bias value is reduced to one tenth of the original after compensation from -40 oC to 80 oC.
A New and Inexpensive Pyranometer for the Visible Spectral Range
Authors: Martínez Miguel  A. , Andújar José  M. , Enrique Juan  M.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents the design, construction and testing of a new photodiode-based pyranometer for the visible spectral range (approx. 400 to 750 nm), whose principal characteristics are: accuracy, ease of connection, immunity to noise, remote programming and operation, interior temperature regulation, cosine error minimisation and all this at a very low cost, tens of times lower than that of commercial thermopile-based devices. This new photodiode-based pyranometer overcomes traditional problems in this type of device and offers similar characteristics to those of thermopile-based pyranometers and, therefore, can be used in any installation where reliable measurement of solar irradiance is necessary, especially in those where cost is a deciding factor in the choice of a meter. This new pyranometer has been registered in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office under the number P200703162.
Perianth evolution in the sandalwood order Santalales
Authors: Wanntorp Livia , De Craene Louis P. Ronse
Published: June 2009

Flowers of Santalales remain largely unexplored with several questions of homology unanswered despite the large size of the order. Morphological and ontogenetic floral studies have the potential to identify new informative characters. We studied floral development in species of Loranthaceae, Santalaceae, Opiliaceae, and “Olacaceae” with scanning electron microscopy to clarify the origin and evolution of the perianth in Santalales. The perianth is either dichlamydeous or when monochlamydeous interpreted as sepals, petals, or tepals. A girdling calyculus of debatable origin is found in some clades. We show that species of Diogoa and Heisteria in “Olacaceae” have a dichlamydeous perianth, unlike Olax in which the calyx is replaced by a calyculus. The calyculus arises by development of two lateral primordia, supporting the hypothesis of bracteole origin. A calyculus with similar development is present in species of Loranthaceae and possibly of Opiliaceae, suggesting a position of Olax closer to these families than to traditional genera of “Olacaceae”. The monochlamydeous perianth in Santalaceae is shown to correspond to petals of other members of Santalales. Flower ontogenetic evidence suggests a repeated loss of the calyx, replacement by a calyculus, and further loss, leading to monochlamydeous perianths in Santalaceae.
A new method to measure leaf age: Leaf measuring‐interval index
Authors: Chen Chyi‐Chuann , Chen Hung , Chen Yung‐reui
Published: June 2009

We propose a new method, the leaf measuring‐interval index (LMI), to estimate leaf age in morphological and physiological studies of leaves. When the plastochron, the interval between the initiation of successive leaves, is constant, the well‐known leaf plastochron index (LPI) provides a robust measure of leaf age. When the duration of the plastochron is not uniform, however, we show that the LPI can (in simulations) and does (with actual data) turn variation in duration of the plastochron into variance about the regression estimates of leaf growth curves. The method we present in this paper, the LMI, is plastochron independent. This new method is particularly suited, therefore, for studies of plants growing in natural environments rather than in controlled growth facilities where the assumptions of the LPI method can be met.
Controlling hazardous chemicals in microreactors: Synthesis with iodine azide
Authors: Brandt Johan C , Wirth Thomas
Published: June 2009

Aromatic aldehydes have been converted into the corresponding carbamoyl azides using iodine azide. These reactions have been performed safely under continuous flow reaction conditions in microreactors.
Mapping a transformation from a traditional to an entrepreneurial organisation: A South African case
Authors: Serfontein Septimus , Basson Johan S. , Burden Johann
Published: June 2009

This study conceptualises the transformation of a company within a corporate environment after facing a crisis precipitated by several internal and external factors. A modernist qualitative research methodology was followed in order to understand transformational change as a phenomenon and to establish a set of principles practitioners can apply. Multiple data sources were used and the case study approach was applied to capture and interpret the emergent principles of the change process during the transformation. Grounded theory was used in the analysis of data. The result was a high-performance company that meets the criteria of an entrepreneurial unit in a corporate environment. The study provides practical guidelines for the transformation of a company and the implementation of factors such as strategy, the redesign of structures, organisational culture, leadership and communication.
Enantioselectivity of Enzymes
Authors: Hollmann Frank , Otten Linda G.
Published: June 2009

The enantioselectivity of enzymes plays a central role within life and is manifold exploited by using biocatalysis as a key step in the development of fine chemicals and drug synthesis. Some of the most relevant examples are summarized in this article. Understanding the molecular background of this enantioselectivity is an ongoing topic in modern enzymology. Current approaches aiming at in‐depth comprehension comprise structure‐based molecular modeling as well as empirical methods. Based thereon, strategies to gain control over the enantioselectivity are developed including (semi‐)rational and purely random mutagenesis. In addition, reaction engineering approaches are discussed. In this respect, fast and robust methods to determine enzyme enantioselectivity are pivotal. Here, an overview of the current knowledge and the most exciting developments in the area of understanding, controlling, and exploiting enzyme enantioselectivity is given.
Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gosset Marjolaine , Sellam Jérémie , Jacques, Claire , Berenbaum, Francis
Published: June 2009

Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered the most common skeletal disorder and is characterized by cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation in joints. Although it is the most common joint disease, OA is often difficult to define because it is heterogeneous in its presentation style, rate of progression, and manifestations. Recently, new insights into the molecular biological basis of chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage homeostasis have been reported. The pathology of osteoarthritis is now interpreted as the disruption of balance between anabolic and catabolic signals. This article focuses on the risk factors, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in OA, tools to study OA such as animal models and biomarkers, as well as treatment. Findings with regard to the physiologic and pathologic mechanisms involved in OA have made it possible to target therapeutic approaches more accurately, which allows the development of new drugs to reduce or block the progression of the disease.
Blood‐Brain Barrier, Considerations in Drug Development and Delivery
Authors: Miller David S. , Hawkins Brian T.
Published: June 2009

The brain capillary endothelium, which comprises the blood‐brain barrier, provides an exceptionally effective barrier to the entry of foreign chemicals into the central nervous system (CNS). As such, it limits pharmacotherapy of major CNS diseases, which include neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, brain cancer, and neuro‐AIDS. Two elements of the endothelium are largely responsible for its barrier properties. First, tight junctions between endothelial cells present a physical barrier. Second, endothelial cells themselves express high levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐driven drug efflux transporters, which present a selective/enzymatic barrier. Together, the physical and enzymatic barriers effectively limit blood to CNS delivery of both small‐molecule and macromolecule drugs. Developing strategies to circumvent these barriers is a major challenge for both medicinal chemists and pharmacologists.
Decontamination Methods for Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Systems
Authors: McFee John , Krishnan Radha , Piao Haishan , Randall Paul
Published: June 2009

Once contamination has occurred in drinking water systems and the contaminated segment has been isolated from other parts of the system, there will be great urgency to decontaminate the areas as rapidly and cost effectively as possible. This article describes available and developing technologies for
in situ
and
ex situ
decontamination of systems and contaminated water for classes of potential contaminants. Three relevant research programs are described that first address the potential for agents to adhere to water system surfaces and impede returning the system to function. Subsequent research evaluates the effectiveness of selected treatment and decontamination agents. The applicability, decontamination/treatment effectiveness and limitations for addressing chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants are tabulated for a number of physical and chemical technologies.
The Military Roots of Critical Infrastructure Analysis and Attack
Authors: Rinaldi Steven M.
Published: June 2009

Critical infrastructures underpin the political, military, economic, and social fabrics of societies. In recent years, it has become widely recognized that infrastructure disruptions could disproportionately affect the normal functioning of a nation. However, the understanding that the destruction of key infrastructure nodes and linkages could disproportionately affect national and economic security is not new; its early origins can be traced to military writings and application in the early 1900s. During World War I, attempts to attack key nodes were hampered by operational considerations, such as the inability to bomb accurately during adverse weather and darkness, and technological limitations including crude bombsights and small, dumb bombs. By the end of the century, however, significant improvements in technology enabled precision targeting of and attacks against critical infrastructures. In this article, we trace the military roots of critical infrastructure analysis and attack from World War I to the post‐Desert Storm era.
Detection of Hidden Information, Covert Channels and Information Flows
Authors: Johnson Neil F. , Sallee Phil A.
Published: June 2009

Steganography is the art and science of writing hidden messages in such a way that no one apart from the intended recipient knows of the existence of the message. Hiding or embedding steganographic data digitally is accomplished through the use of mathematical techniques to add information content to digital objects—often images, video, and audio, but even other digital objects such as executable code. Steganalysis is the examination of an object to determine the presence of steganographic content, and potentially to characterize or extract such embedded information. Watermarking refers to embedding content that conveys some information about the cover object (e.g. copyright information). In this context, digital data forensics is the use of science and technology to determine information about how a digital object was formed or modified, even in the absence of the original object. Detection of covert information flows relies on the ability to detect information hidden within a stream of information that is transmitted from one system to another.
The role of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism in the phenotypic expression of obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Katerberg Hilga , Cath Danielle C. , Denys Damiaan A. J. P. , Heutink Peter , Polman Annemiek , van Nieuwerburgh Filip C. W. , Deforce Dieter L. D. , Bochdanovits Zoltán , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , den Boer Johan A.
Published: June 2009

Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions, and shows considerable phenotypic variability. Family and twin studies have indicated a genetic component in the etiology of OCD, and the catechol‐O‐methyl transferase (COMT) gene is an important candidate gene for OCD. This study investigates the influence of the functional COMT Val158Met polymorphism on the phenotypic expression of OCD, using an item‐level factor‐analytic approach in a large sample. The COMT Val158Met variant was genotyped in 373 patients and 462 controls. It was tested whether there was an association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and OCD or dimensional phenotypes such as YBOCS severity score, age of onset of obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and six symptom dimensions recently found in a large item‐level factor‐analytic study [Katerberg et al., submitted]. We further investigated possible sex‐specific associations between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and OCD or dimensional phenotypes. There was a trend for an association of the COMT 158Met allele with OCD in males, and an interaction between the COMT Val158Met genotype and sex on the somatic and sensory phenomena symptom dimension, with females showing lower scores. In conclusion, a dimensional approach seems fruitful in detecting genes of importance for OCD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A view of the data on P2P file‐sharing systems
Authors: Yee Wai Gen , Nguyen Linh Thai , Frieder Ophir
Published: June 2009

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) file sharing is a leading Internet application. Millions of users use P2P file‐sharing systems daily to search for and download files, accounting for a large portion of Internet traffic. Due to their scale, it is important to fully understand how these systems work. We analyze user queries and shared files collected on the Gnutella system, draw some conclusions on the nature of the application, and propose some research problems.
Risk‐minimizing hedging strategies with restricted information and cost
Authors: Yang Jianqi , Xiao Qingxian
Published: June 2009

With the assumption that information cost is characterized by a Poisson process, this paper presents risk‐minimizing problems under jump‐diffusion models. First, the explicit optimal strategy under complete information is given using Itô formula. Second, the optimal strategy problem under restricted information is solved by projection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorine‐18 labeling of phosphopeptides: A potential approach for the evaluation of phosphopeptide metabolism in vivo
Authors: Richter Susan , Bergmann Ralf , Pietzsch Jens , Ramenda Theres , Steinbach Jörg , Wuest Frank
Published: June 2009

Phosphopeptides are very useful reagents to study signal transduction pathways related with cellular protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Phosphopeptides have also been identified as important drug candidates to modulate intracellular signaling mechanisms through targeting phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, or phosphothreonine residue‐binding protein domains. In this report, we describe the development of a convenient method for the mild and sufficient radiolabeling of phosphopeptides with the short‐lived positron emitter fluorine‐18 (18F) to allow radiopharmacological studies on phosphopeptide metabolism in vivo by means of positron emission tomography (PET). Radiolabeling was accomplished via conjugation of the N‐terminus of polo‐box domain (PBD)‐binding phosphopeptide H‐Met‐Gln‐Ser‐pThr‐Pro‐Leu‐OH with the bifunctional labeling agent N‐succinimidyl‐4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) in reproducible isolated radiochemical yields of 25–28%. Radiopharmacological evaluation in vitro and in vivo of radiolabeled phospheptide [18F]FB‐Met‐Gln‐Ser‐pThr‐Pro‐Leu‐OH [18F]‐3 and its non‐phosphorylated analog [18F]FB‐Met‐Gln‐Ser‐Thr‐Pro‐Leu‐OH [18F]‐4 involved metabolic stability, cell uptake studies, and small animal PET experiments. Radiolabeled phosphopeptide [18F]‐3 showed a remarkable high metabolic stability in vivo compared to the corresponding non‐phosphorylated peptide [18F]‐4. The presented method indicates that radiolabeling of phosphopeptides with [18F]SFB is a promising approach for studying phosphopeptide metabolism in vivo. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 92: 479–488, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
New daunomycin–oligoarginine conjugates: Synthesis, characterization, and effect on human leukemia and human hepatoma cells
Authors: Miklán Zsanett , Orbán Erika , Csík Gabriella , Schlosser Gitta , Magyar Anna , Hudecz Ferenc
Published: June 2009

In this article, the synthesis, a novel chromatographic procedure and characteristics of a new class of daunomycin (Dau)–oligoarginine conjugates are described. In these compounds oligoarginine with 6 or 8 residues (Argn, n = 6, 8) is attached to Dau by different covalent bond: squaric amide (Dau‐□‐Argn), oxime (DauNOCH2COArgn), or hydrazone (HGlu(Argn)NHNDau). Conjugates were characterized by RP‐HPLC and mass spectrometry. We report also on our findings concerning chemical and biological properties of Dau‐conjugates as a function of covalent linkage, site of conjugation and length of the oligoarginine moiety. Stability, fluorescent properties as well as cytostatic effect and cellular uptake of these compounds were studied. Dau‐conjugates with squaric amide or oxime linkage were stable, but continuous release of free Dau was observed from the hydrazone conjugate in solution. We found that some spectral characteristics (e.g., the amplitude of the emission spectrum) of conjugates could be sensitive for the site of coupling (amino vs. oxo function). Cytostasis and cellular uptake of conjugates were investigated both on human leukemia (HL‐60) and human hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines by MTT assay and flow cytometry We found that cytostatic effect and uptake properties of Dau‐conjugates were dependent on the acid stability of the linkage (hydrazone vs. oxime/amide) applied and more markedly on the cell line studied. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 92: 489–501, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The structure of well‐folded β‐hairpin peptides promotes resistance to peptidase degradation
Authors: Cline Lauren L. , Waters Marcey L.
Published: June 2009

To investigate the effect of peptide secondary structure on proteolytic resistance, we have synthesized a series of peptides based on a well‐folded β‐hairpin, WKWK. Mutations were made within the peptide which either decreased or increased the propensity to form β‐hairpin structures and one scrambled sequence was used as an unstructured control. The peptides were incubated with three different enzymes, α‐chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pronase E, which represented both specific and non‐specific proteases. The reactions were quenched at varying time points and analyzed with RP‐HPLC to determine the rate of degradation for each of the peptides. We found that an increase in structure correlates well with an increase in resistance to degradation. We have shown that having both strong side chain interactions and a rigid D‐Pro‐Gly β‐turn resulted in the most proteolytic resistant peptides. The results from this study suggest that β‐hairpin structure is a viable way to provide added protease resistance to a peptide. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 92: 502–507, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Sustainability practices: trends in New Zealand businesses
Authors: Collins Eva , Roper Juliet , Lawrence Stewart
Published: June 2009

This paper reports on the sustainability practices of New Zealand businesses based on two national surveys and a series of focus groups and interviews. There was an average increase of 10% in the number of companies adopting environmental practices from 2003 to 2006. There was less of an increase for social practices, although still more commonly adopted by companies than environmental practices. Values and beliefs of management were the overwhelming driver for the adoption of sustainability practices with reputation and brand also significant drivers. Costs, management time, and knowledge/skills were the three most commonly reported barriers to adoption of sustainability initiatives. The implications of the study are that for New Zealand business, there is a strong link with the business case for sustainability. For policymakers interested in achieving sustainability goals, the results suggest that a ‘soft’ approach to business practices may be in order in New Zealand. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Patches: character skinning with local deformation layer
Authors: Lee Jieun , Kim Myung‐Soo , Yoon Seung‐Hyun
Published: June 2009

We present a layered geometric approach to the skinning of character animation. On top of a global shape deformation, B‐spline surface patches are attached to various body parts for local control. The patches are directly manipulated so as to generate example local shapes at some important poses. During character animation, the B‐spline control points move continuously by kinematically interpolating a set of example patches, and at the same time they can also move dynamically by elastic simulation. The movement of control points changes the shape of a local patch, and consequently skin vertices move according to the patch deformation, finally generating the desired local deformation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by generating natural local details at various poses including muscular effects and elastic deformation. Moreover, dealing with only a small number of control points, the proposed method is very efficient, while generating hundreds to thousands frames per second. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TFAN: A low complexity 3D mesh compression algorithm
Authors: Mamou Khaled , Zaharia Titus , Prêteux Françoise
Published: June 2009

This paper proposes a novel approach for mono‐resolution 3D mesh compression, called TFAN (Triangle Fan‐based compression). TFAN treats in a unified manner meshes of arbitrary topologies, i.e., manifold or not, oriented or not, while offering a linear computational complexity (with respect to the number of mesh vertices) for both encoding and decoding algorithms. In addition, the TFAN compressed representation is optimized for real‐time decoding applications. In order to validate the proposed approach, two databases have been considered for experimentations. The first is the MPEG‐4 test set, which includes over 3500 general purpose manifold meshes. The second, related to the French national project SEMANTIC‐3D, includes over 4000 computer assisted design (CAD) meshes of highly irregular, non‐manifold topologies. In both cases, the TFAN approach outperforms existing techniques such as MPEG‐4/3DMC (3D Mesh Coding) or Touma and Gotsman, with decoding times lower by an order of magnitude at equivalent or even better levels of compression efficiency (±10% in bitrate). In addition, when applied to non‐manifold 3D data, the compression performances are significantly enhanced (6–30% gain in bitrate). Due to its high compression performances the TFAN approach has been recently retained for ISO standardization, within the framework of the MPEG‐4/AFX standard. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of neurons with Kv3 potassium channel subunits, Kv3.1b and Kv3.2, in macaque primary visual cortex
Authors: Constantinople Christine M. , Disney Anita A. , Maffie Jonathan , Rudy Bernardo , Hawken Michael J.
Published: June 2009

Voltage‐gated potassium channels that are composed of Kv3 subunits exhibit distinct electrophysiological properties: activation at more depolarized potentials than other voltage‐gated K+ channels and fast kinetics. These channels have been shown to contribute to the high‐frequency firing of fast‐spiking (FS) GABAergic interneurons in the rat and mouse brain. In the rodent neocortex there are distinct patterns of expression for the Kv3.1b and Kv3.2 channel subunits and of coexpression of these subunits with neurochemical markers, such as the calcium‐binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D‐28K (CB). The distribution of Kv3 channels and interrelationship with calcium‐binding protein expression has not been investigated in primate cortex. We used immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent labeling and stereological counting techniques to characterize the laminar and cell‐type distributions of Kv3‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons in macaque V1. We found that across the cortical layers ≈25% of both Kv3.1b‐ and Kv3.2‐ir neurons are non‐GABAergic. In contrast, all Kv3‐ir neurons in rodent cortex are GABAergic (Chow et al. [1999] J Neurosci. 19:9332–9345). The putatively excitatory Kv3‐ir neurons were mostly located in layers 2, 3, and 4b. Further, the proportion of Kv3‐ir neurons that express PV or CB also differs between macaque V1 and rodent cortex. These data indicate that, within the population of cortical neurons, a broader population of neurons, encompassing cells of a wider range of morphological classes may be capable of sustaining high‐frequency firing in macaque V1. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:291–311, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arborization pattern of Engrailed‐positive neural lineages reveal neuromere boundaries in the Drosophila brain neuropil
Authors: Kumar Abhilasha , Fung S. , Lichtneckert Robert , Reichert Heinrich , Hartenstein Volker
Published: June 2009

The Drosophila brain is a highly complex structure composed of thousands of neurons that are interconnected in numerous exquisitely organized neuropil structures such as the mushroom bodies, central complex, antennal lobes, and other specialized neuropils. While the neurons of the insect brain are known to derive in a lineage‐specific fashion from a stereotyped set of segmentally organized neuroblasts, the developmental origin and neuromeric organization of the neuropil formed by these neurons is still unclear. In this study we used genetic labeling techniques to characterize the neuropil innervation pattern of engrailed‐expressing brain lineages of known neuromeric origin. We show that the neurons of these lineages project to and form most arborizations, in particular all of their proximal branches, in the same brain neuropil compartments in embryonic, larval and adult stages. Moreover, we show that engrailed‐positive neurons of differing neuromeric origin respect boundaries between neuromere‐specific compartments in the brain. This is confirmed by an analysis of the arborization pattern of empty spiracles‐expressing lineages. These findings indicate that arborizations of lineages deriving from different brain neuromeres innervate a nonoverlapping set of neuropil compartments. This supports a model for neuromere‐specific brain neuropil, in which a given lineage forms its proximal arborizations predominantly in the compartments that correspond to its neuromere of origin. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:87–104, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential responsiveness in brain and behavior to sexually dimorphic long calls in male and female zebra finches
Authors: Gobes Sharon M.H. , ter Haar Sita M. , Vignal Clémentine , Vergne Amélie L. , Mathevon Nicolas , Bolhuis Johan J.
Published: June 2009

In zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), as in most other songbird species, there are robust sex differences in brain morphology and vocal behavior. First, male zebra finches have larger song system nuclei—involved in sensorimotor learning and production of song—than females. Second, male zebra finches learn their song from a tutor, whereas female zebra finches develop a learned preference for the song of their father but do not sing themselves. Third, female zebra finches produce an unlearned “long call,” while males learn their long call (which is different from that of females) from their song tutor. We investigated behavioral and molecular neuronal responsiveness to this sexually dimorphic communication signal. Behavioral responsiveness was quantified by measuring the number of calls and approaches in response to calls that were broadcast from a speaker. We quantified neuronal activation by measuring the number of neurons expressing Zenk, the protein product of the immediate early geneZENK, in a number of different forebrain regions in response to male calls, to female calls, or to silence. In both sexes female calls evoked more calls and approaches than male calls. There was significantly greater Zenk expression in response to female calls compared to silence in the caudomedial nidopallium, caudomedial mesopallium, and the hippocampus in females, but not in males. Thus, male and female zebra finches both show a behavioral preference for female calls, but differential neuronal activation in response to sexually dimorphic calls. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:312–320, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterned rhodopsin expression in R7 photoreceptors of mosquito retina: Implications for species‐specific behavior
Authors: Hu Xiaobang , England James H. , Lani Aaron C. , Tung Jennifer J. , Ward Nicholas J. , Adams Sheila M. , Barber Kathleen A. , Whaley Michelle A. , O'Tousa Joseph E.
Published: June 2009

Visual perception of the environment plays an important role in many mosquito behaviors. Characterization of the cellular and molecular components of mosquito vision will provide a basis for understanding these behaviors. A unique feature of the R7 photoreceptors in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae is the extreme apical projection of their rhabdomeric membrane. We show here that the compound eye of both mosquitoes is divided into specific regions based on nonoverlapping expression of specific rhodopsins in these R7 cells. The R7 cells of the upper dorsal region of both mosquitoes express a long wavelength op2 rhodopsin family member. The lower dorsal hemisphere and upper ventral hemisphere of both mosquitoes express the UV‐sensitive op8 rhodopsin. At the lower boundary of this second region, the R7 cells again express the op2 family rhodopsin. In Ae. aegypti, this third region is a horizontal stripe of one to three rows of ommatidia, and op8 is expressed in a fourth region in the lower ventral hemisphere. However, in An. gambiae the op2 family member expression is expanded throughout the lower region in the ventral hemisphere. The overall conserved ommatidial organization and R7 retinal patterning show these two species retain similar visual capabilities. However, the differences within the ventral domain may facilitate species‐specific visual behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:334–342, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genoarchitectonic profile of developing nuclear groups in the chicken pretectum
Authors: Ferran J.L. , de Oliveira E. Dutra , Merchán P. , Sandoval J.E. , Sánchez‐Arrones L. , Martínez‐De‐La‐Torre M. , Puelles L.
Published: June 2009

Earlier results on molecularly coded progenitor domains in the chicken pretectum revealed an anteroposterior subdivision of the pretectum in precommissural (PcP), juxtacommissural (JcP), and commissural (CoP) histogenetic areas, each specified differentially (Ferran et al. [2007] J Comp Neurol 505:379–403). Here we examined the nuclei derived from these areas with regard to characteristic gene expression patterns and gradual histogenesis (eventually, migration patterns). We sought a genoarchitectonic schema of the avian pretectum within the prosomeric model of the vertebrate forebrain (Puelles and Rubenstein [2003] Trends Neurosci 26:469–476; Puelles et al. [2007] San Diego: Academic Press). Transcription‐factor gene markers were used to selectively map derivatives of the three pretectal histogenetic domains: Pax7 and Pax6 (CoP); FoxP1 and Six3 (JcP); and FoxP2, Ebf1, and Bhlhb4 (PcP). The combination of this genoarchitectonic information with additional data on Lim1, Tal2, and Nbea mRNA expression and other chemoarchitectonic results allowed unambiguous characterization of some 30 pretectal nuclei. Apart from grouping them as derivatives of the three early anteroposterior domains, we also assigned them to postulated dorsoventral subdomains (Ferran et al. [2007]). Several previously unknown neuronal populations were detected, thus expanding the list of pretectal structures, and we corrected some apparently confused concepts in the earlier literature. The composite gene expression map represents a substantial advance in anatomical and embryological knowledge of the avian pretectum. Many nuclear primordia can be recognized long before the mature differentiated state of the pretectum is achieved. This study provides fundamental notions for ultimate scientific study of the specification and regionalization processes building up this brain area, both in birds and other vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:405–451, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connexin30 null and conditional connexin26 null mice display distinct pattern and time course of cellular degeneration in the cochlea
Authors: Sun Yu , Tang Wenxue , Chang Qing , Wang Yunfeng , Kong Weijia , Lin Xi
Published: June 2009

Mutations in connexin26 (Cx26) and Cx30 are the most common cause of nonsyndromic inherited deafness in humans. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, we investigated the pattern and time course of cellular degeneration in the cochlea of conditional Cx26 (cCx26) null and Cx30 null mice. In cCx26 null mice, initial degeneration was observed around postnatal day 14 in outer hair cells (OHCs) and supporting cells surrounding the OHCs. All cells in the middle turn organ of Corti were lost 1 month after birth, and degeneration gradually spread to the basal and apical turns. Most spiral ganglion (SG) neurons in the middle and basal turns disappeared in the first 3 months, whereas significant amounts of apical SG neurons survived. In the cochlea of Cx30 null mice, survival of most inner HCs, supporting cells, and SG neurons was observed for up to 18 months. The most severe degeneration was found in apical SG neurons and OHCs. OHC loss followed a slow time course and a base to apex gradient. Gross structures of the endolymphatic space and stria vascularis observed at the light microscope level were unchanged in either Cx null mouse models. This study revealed that cellular degeneration in the cochlea of cCx26 null mice was dramatically more rapid and widespread than that observed in Cx30 null mice. The radically different pathogenesis processes displayed by cCx26 and Cx30 null mice suggest heterogeneous underlying deafness mechanisms, despite co‐assembly of Cx26 and Cx30 in forming gap junctions in the cochlea. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:569–579, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Broad complex isoforms have unique distributions during central nervous system metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Spokony Rebecca F. , Restifo Linda L.
Published: June 2009

Broad Complex (BRC) is a highly conserved, ecdysone‐pathway gene essential for metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster, and possibly all holometabolous insects. Alternative splicing among duplicated exons produces several BRC isoforms, each with one zinc‐finger DNA‐binding domain (Z1, Z2, Z3, or Z4), highly expressed at the onset of metamorphosis. BRC‐Z1, BRC‐Z2, and BRC‐Z3 represent distinct genetic functions (BRC complementation groups rbp, br, and 2Bc, respectively) and are required at discrete stages spanning final‐instar larva through very young pupa. We showed previously that morphogenetic movements necessary for adult CNS maturation require BRC‐Z1, ‐Z2, and ‐Z3, but not at the same time: BRC‐Z1 is required in the mid‐prepupa, BRC‐Z2 and ‐Z3 are required earlier, at the larval‐prepupal transition. To explore how BRC isoforms controlling the same morphogenesis events do so at different times, we examined their central nervous system (CNS) expression patterns during the ≈16 hours bracketing the hormone‐regulated start of metamorphosis. Each isoform had a unique pattern, with BRC‐Z3 being the most distinctive. There was some colocalization of isoform pairs, but no three‐way overlap of BRC‐Z1, ‐Z2, and ‐Z3. Instead, their most prominent expression was in glia (BRC‐Z1), neuroblasts (BRC‐Z2), or neurons (BRC‐Z3). Despite sequence similarity to BRC‐Z1, BRC‐Z4 was expressed in a unique subset of neurons. These data suggest a switch in BRC isoform choice, from BRC‐Z2 in proliferating cells to BRC‐Z1, BRC‐Z3, or BRC‐Z4 in differentiating cells. Together with isoform‐selective temporal requirements and phenotype considerations, this cell‐type‐selective expression suggests a model of BRC‐dependent CNS morphogenesis resulting from intercellular interactions, culminating in BRC‐Z1‐controlled, glia‐mediated CNS movements in late prepupa. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:15–36, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Receptive field organization across multiple electrosensory maps. II. Computational analysis of the effects of receptive field size on prey localization
Authors: Maler Leonard
Published: June 2009

The electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus emits a high‐frequency electric organ discharge (EOD) sensed by specialized electroreceptors (P‐units) distributed across the fish's skin. Objects such as prey increase the amplitude of the EOD over the underlying skin and thus cause an increase in P‐unit discharge. The resulting localized intensity increase is called the electric image and is detected by its effect on the P‐unit population; the electric image peak value and the extent to its spreads are cues utilized by these fish to estimate the location and size of its prey. P‐units project topographically to three topographic maps in the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL): centromedial (CMS), centrolateral (CLS), and lateral (LS) segments. In a companion paper I have calculated the receptive fields (RFs) in these maps: RFs were small in CMS and very large in LS, with intermediate values in CLS. Here I use physiological data to create a simple model of the RF structure within the three ELL maps and to compute the response of these model maps to simulated prey. The Fisher information (FI) method was used to compute the optimal estimates possible for prey localization across the three maps. The FI predictions were compared with behavioral studies on prey detection. These comparisons were used to frame alternative hypotheses on the functions of the three maps and on the constraints that RF size and synaptic strength impose on weak signal detection and estimation. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:394–422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased expression of the growth‐associated protein 43 gene in the sensorimotor cortex of the macaque monkey after lesioning the lateral corticospinal tract
Authors: Higo Noriyuki , Nishimura Yukio , Murata Yumi , Oishi Takao , Yoshino‐Saito Kimika , Takahashi Masahito , Tsuboi Fumiharu , Isa Tadashi
Published: June 2009

To investigate the neural basis for functional recovery of the cerebral cortex following spinal cord injury, we measured the expression of growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP‐43), which is involved in the process of synaptic sprouting. We determined the GAP‐43 mRNA expression levels in the sensorimotor cortical areas of macaque monkeys with a unilateral lesion of the lateral corticospinal tract (l‐CST) at the C4/C5 level of the cervical cord and compared them with the levels in the corresponding regions of intact monkeys. Lesioned monkeys recovered finger dexterity during the first months after surgery, and the GAP‐43 mRNA levels increased in layers II–III in primary motor areas (M1), bilaterally. Double‐labeling analysis of the lesioned monkeys showed that GAP‐43 mRNA was expressed strongly in excitatory neurons but only rarely in inhibitory interneurons. Expression also increased in the medium‐sized (area, 500–1,000 μm2) and large pyramidal cells (area, >1,000 μm2) in layer V of the bilateral M1. The increased expression of GAP‐43 mRNA in the M1 contralateral to the lesion was more prominent during the early recovery stage than during the late recovery stage. In addition, GAP‐43 mRNA increased in layers II–III of both the contralesional ventral premotor area and the primary somatosensory area. These results suggest that GAP‐43 is involved in time‐dependent and brain region‐specific plastic changes after l‐CST lesioning. The expression patterns imply that plastic changes occur not only in M1 but also in the broad associative cortical network, including the ventral premotor and primary sensory areas. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:493–506, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compartmentalization in the triceps brachii motoneuron nucleus and its relation to muscle architecture
Authors: Lucas‐Osma Ana M. , Collazos‐Castro Jorge E.
Published: June 2009

Each fascicle of the triceps brachii (TB) can be independently recruited during movement execution. To investigate the anatomical basis of this selective control and to gain insight into its functional role in adult rats, we carried out a triple retrograde tracing of the motoneurons (MNs) innervating each TB head, and performed muscle ATPase histochemistry and histology to correlate the size of the MN pools with the number and type of muscle fibers innervated. No double‐labeled MNs were found, demonstrating that each TB head is innervated by a completely independent MN subnucleus. Absolute cell counts determined that the long fascicle had the largest MN subnucleus, followed by the medial and the lateral fascicles. MNs of the three fascicles intermingled extensively in the rostral part of the spinal motor column, while the caudal part of the column comprised mostly MNs innervating the long fascicle. Muscle histology and average innervation ratios estimated from absolute MN counts showed that the medial head was predominantly formed by small type I fibers and motor units (69 fibers/MN). In contrast, the lateral fascicle comprised a great quantity of large type IIb fibers and motor units (179 fibers/MN), whereas the long head consisted of a more balanced mixture of fiber types and motor units (99 fibers/MN). Taking into account the mechanical and physiological heterogeneity of the TB, our findings suggest that each fascicle may be considered an independent muscle with specific functional roles. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:226–239, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.