bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs), their receptors and genetic regulation in the chondrogenesis and growth of the mandibular condylar cartilage
Authors: Patil Amol S. , Sable Ravindra B. , Kothari Ramanlal M.
Published: July 2011

Growth of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) is reviewed as a function of genetic and epigenetic factors. The growth centers around the differential spatial concentration of the chondrocytes, influence of growth factors like TGF‐β and heterogeneity in the number of IGF receptors, control the action of IGF. Besides these factors, growth of the mandibular condyle is influenced by differential response of chondrocytes as a function of their source/ageing, which in turn is regulated by TGF‐β, BMPs and IGFs. While IGF‐1 promotes proteoglycan synthesis and survival of the chondrocytes to maintain cartilage homeostasis, TGF‐β synergistically catalysed the effect of IGF‐1, while BMPs catalysed proteolysis as and when physiologically needed. To understand these processes, role of IGF‐1 and its six receptors is at the center to a number of physiological processes being regulated by its mode of application for the growth and differentiation. Probing deeper, biological functions of IGFs seemed to depend on their level of free status rather than bound status to respective IGF‐binding proteins (IGF‐BPs), considered prerequisite to modulate their biological functions. Genetic regulation of their secretion has thrown light on their insulin‐like structural homology, level and response in osteo‐arthritis (OA), rheumatic arthritis (RA) and diabetes type‐II. Biochemistry and spatial distribution of IGF receptors in different domains exerts control on IGF‐1 activities. In ultimate analysis, IGF‐axis conserved during the evolution to regulate cell growth and proliferation affect nearly every organ in the body as judged from the techniques determining skeletal maturity and decision making dependent on it for orthodontic, orthognathic/orthopedic and dental implant applications. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1796–1804, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Requirements for ion and solute transport, and pH regulation during enamel maturation
Authors: Lacruz Rodrigo S. , Smith Charles E. , Moffatt Pierre , Chang Eugene H. , Bromage Timothy G. , Bringas Pablo , Nanci Antonio , Baniwal Sanjeev K. , Zabner Joseph , Welsh Michael J. , Kurtz Ira , Paine Michael L.
Published: July 2011

Transcellular bicarbonate transport is suspected to be an important pathway used by ameloblasts to regulate extracellular pH and support crystal growth during enamel maturation. Proteins that play a role in amelogenesis include members of the ABC transporters (SLC gene family and CFTR). A number of carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have also been identified. The defined functions of these genes are likely interlinked during enamel mineralization. The purpose of this study is to quantify relative mRNA levels of individual SLC, Cftr, and CAs in enamel cells obtained from secretory and maturation stages on rat incisors. We also present novel data on the enamel phenotypes for two animal models, a mutant porcine (CFTR‐ΔF508) and the NBCe1‐null mouse. Our data show that two SLCs (AE2 and NBCe1), Cftr, and Car2, Car3, Car6, and Car12 are all significantly up‐regulated at the onset of the maturation stage of amelogenesis when compared to the secretory stage. The remaining SLCs and CA gene transcripts showed negligible expression or no significant change in expression from secretory to maturation stages. The enamel of CFTR‐ΔF508 adult pigs was hypomineralized and showed abnormal crystal growth. NBCe1‐null mice enamel was structurally defective and had a marked decrease in mineral content relative to wild‐type. These data demonstrate the importance of many non‐matrix proteins to amelogenesis and that the expression levels of multiple genes regulating extracellular pH are modulated during enamel maturation in response to an increased need for pH buffering during hydroxyapatite crystal growth. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1776–1785, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acetylation‐dependent nuclear arrangement and recruitment of BMI1 protein to UV‐damaged chromatin
Authors: Šustáčková Gabriela , Kozubek Stanislav , Stixová Lenka , Legartová Soňa , Matula Pavel , Orlova Darya , Bártová Eva
Published: July 2011

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, organized into Polycomb bodies, are important regulatory components of epigenetic processes involved in the heritable transcriptional repression of target genes. Here, we asked whether acetylation can influence the nuclear arrangement and function of the BMI1 protein, a core component of the Polycomb group complex, PRC1. We used time‐lapse confocal microscopy, micro‐irradiation by UV laser (355 nm) and GFP technology to study the dynamics and function of the BMI1 protein. We observed that BMI1 was recruited to UV‐damaged chromatin simultaneously with decreased lysine acetylation, followed by the recruitment of heterochromatin protein HP1β to micro‐irradiated regions. Pronounced recruitment of BMI1 was rapid, with half‐time τ = 15 sec; thus, BMI1 is likely involved in the initiation step leading to the recognition of UV‐damaged sites. Histone hyperacetylation, stimulated by HDAC inhibitor TSA, suppression of transcription by actinomycin D, and ATP‐depletion prevented increased accumulation of BMI1 to γH2AX‐positive irradiated chromatin. Moreover, BMI1 had slight ability to recognize spontaneously occurring DNA breaks caused by other pathophysiological processes. Taken together, our data indicate that the dynamics of recognition of UV‐damaged chromatin, and the nuclear arrangement of BMI1 protein can be influenced by acetylation and occur as an early event prior to the recruitment of HPβ to UV‐irradiated chromatin. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1838–1850, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immortalization and characterization of osteoblast cell lines generated from wild‐type and Nmp4‐null mouse bone marrow stromal cells using murine telomerase reverse transcriptase (mTERT)
Authors: Alvarez Marta B. , Childress Paul , Philip Binu K. , Gerard‐O'Riley Rita , Hanlon Michael , Herbert Brittney‐Shea , Robling Alexander G. , Pavalko Fredrick M. , Bidwell Joseph P.
Published: July 2011

Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) adds new bone to the osteoporotic skeleton; the transcription factor Nmp4/CIZ represses PTH‐induced bone formation in mice and as a consequence is a potential drug target for improving hormone clinical efficacy. To explore the impact of Nmp4/CIZ on osteoblast phenotype, we immortalized bone marrow stromal cells from wildtype (WT) and Nmp4‐knockout (KO) mice using murine telomerase reverse transcriptase. Clonal lines were initially chosen based on their positive staining for alkaline phosphatase and capacity for mineralization. Disabling Nmp4/CIZ had no gross impact on osteoblast phenotype development. WT and KO clones exhibited identical sustained growth, reduced population doubling times, extended maintenance of the mature osteoblast phenotype, and competency for differentiating toward the osteoblast and adipocyte lineages. Additional screening of the immortalized cells for PTH‐responsiveness permitted further studies with single WT and KO clones. We recently demonstrated that PTH‐induced c‐fos femoral mRNA expression is enhanced in Nmp4‐KO mice and in the present study we observed that hormone stimulated either an equivalent or modestly enhanced increase in c‐fos mRNA expression in both primary null and KO clone cells depending on PTH concentration. The null primary osteoblasts and KO clone cells exhibited a transiently enhanced response to bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). The clones exhibited lower and higher expressions of the PTH receptor (Pthr1) and the BMP2 receptor (Bmpr1a, Alk3), respectively, as compared to primary cells. These immortalized cell lines will provide a valuable tool for disentangling the complex functional roles underlying Nmp4/CIZ regulation of bone anabolism. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1873–1882, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid induces apoptosis through modulation of Akt/FOXO3a/Bim pathway in human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Sharma Gunjan , Kar Susanta , Palit Shreyasi , Das Pijush K.
Published: July 2011

Triterpenes found in plants display a multitude of biological activities, including anti‐tumor properties. The present study investigates the effect of 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA) a pentacyclic triterpenoid of the β‐amyrin type, isolated from the root of Licorice (Glycyrrhizza glabra) on human breast cancer cells, MCF‐7. GRA showed potent inhibitory effects on MCF‐7 proliferation in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner without affecting immortalized normal mammary epithelial cell line (MCF‐10A). Growth inhibition of MCF‐7 cells by GRA occurred through apoptosis, as evident from phosphatidyl serine externalization and DNA fragmentation. Apoptosis was primarily mediated through mitochondrial death cascade as evidenced by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase‐9. GRA induced an increase in Bax:Bcl‐2 ratio along with a significant increase in the protein level of the BH3 protein Bim. SiRNA‐mediated knock down of Bim markedly attenuated GRA‐mediated apoptosis. Profiling of transcriptional regulators of Bim revealed a role of Forkhead box O 3a transcription factor (FOXO3a) as judged by increased expression and nuclear translocation of FOXO3a. Silencing of FOXO3a resulted in marked attenuation in the expression of Bim as well as protection against GRA‐mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, GRA‐induced activation and nuclear localization of FOXO3a was associated with a reduced activity of Akt kinase. These results suggest that GRA induces apoptosis in human breast carcinoma MCF‐7 cells via caspase activation and modulation of Akt/FOXO3a pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1923–1931, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The transient receptor potential channel TRPV6 is dynamically expressed in bone cells but is not crucial for bone mineralization in mice
Authors: van der Eerden Bram C.J. , Weissgerber Petra , Fratzl‐Zelman Nadja , Olausson Jenny , Hoenderop Joost G.J. , Schreuders‐Koedam Marijke , Eijken Marco , Roschger Paul , de Vries Teun J. , Chiba Hideki , Klaushofer Klaus , Flockerzi Veit , Bindels René J.M. , Freichel Marc , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M.
Published: July 2011

Bone is the major store for Ca2+ in the body and plays an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis. During bone formation and resorption Ca2+ must be transported to and from bone by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. However, little is known about the Ca2+ transport machinery in these bone cells. In this study, we examined the epithelial Ca2+ channel TRPV6 in bone. TRPV6 mRNA is expressed in human and mouse osteoblast‐like cells as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cell‐derived human osteoclasts and murine tibial bone marrow‐derived osteoclasts. Also other transcellular Ca2+ transport genes, calbindin‐D9k and/or ‐D28K, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1, and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA1b) were expressed in these bone cell types. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy on human osteoblasts and osteoclasts and mouse osteoclasts revealed TRPV6 protein at the apical domain and PMCA1b at the osteoidal domain of osteoblasts, whereas in osteoclasts TRPV6 was predominantly found at the bone‐facing site. TRPV6 was dynamically expressed in human osteoblasts, showing maximal expression during mineralization of the extracellular matrix. 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) did not change TRPV6 expression in both mineralizing and non‐mineralizing SV‐HFO cultures. Lentiviral transduction‐mediated overexpression of TRPV6 in these cells did not alter mineralization. Bone microarchitecture and mineralization were unaffected in Trpv6D541A/D541A mice in which aspartate 541 in the pore region was replaced with alanine to render TRPV6 channels non‐functional. In summary, TRPV6 and other proteins involved in transcellular Ca2+ transport are dynamically expressed in bone cells, while TRPV6 appears not crucial for bone metabolism and matrix mineralization in mice. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1951–1959, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parathyroid hormone‐related protein is a hypertrophy factor for human mesangial cells: Implications for diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ortega Arantxa , Romero Montserrat , Izquierdo Adriana , Troyano Nuria , Arce Yolanda , Ardura Juan Antonio , Arenas María Isabel , Bover Jordi , Esbrit Pedro , Bosch Ricardo J.
Published: July 2011

Hypertrophy of human mesangial cells (HMC) is among the earliest characteristics in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Recently, we observed the upregulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH)‐related protein (PTHrP) in experimental DN, associated with renal hypertrophy. Herein, we first examined whether PTHrP was overexpressed in human DN, and next assessed the putative role of this protein on high glucose (HG)‐induced HMC hypertrophy. As previously found in mice, kidneys from diabetic patients showed an increased tubular and glomerular immunostaining for PTHrP. In HMC, HG medium increased PTHrP protein expression associated with the development of hypertrophy as assessed by cell protein content. This effect was also induced by PTHrP(1–36). HG and PTHrP(1–36)‐induced hypertrophy were associated with an increase in cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 protein expression, a decreased cyclin E expression, and the prevention of cyclin E/cdk2 complex activation. Both PTHrP neutralizing antiserum (α‐PTHrP) and the PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist (JB4250) were able to abolish HG induction of hypertrophy, the aforementioned changes in cell cycle proteins, and also TGF‐β1 up‐regulation. Moreover, the capability of both HG and PTHrP(1–36) to induce HMC hypertrophy was abolished by α‐TGFβ1. These data show for the first time that PTHrP is upregulated in the kidney of patients with DN. Our findings also demonstrate that PTHrP acts as an important mediator of HG‐induced HMC hypertrophy by modulating cell cycle regulatory proteins and TGF‐β1. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1980–1987, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Bidder's organ of the toad Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia, Anura). Presence of steroidogenic enzymes
Authors: Scaia María Florencia , Regueira Eleonora , Sassone Alina Grisel , Volonteri María Clara , Ceballos Nora Raquel
Published: July 2011

The Bidder's organ (BO) of male true toads of Bufonidae family is located in the anterior pole of the testis and it has been compared to a rudimentary ovary because of the presence of previtellogenic follicles. In some species, BO remains in both sexes, while in others only adult males preserve the structure. Several studies suggest that the development of BO is inhibited by the differentiation of the corresponding gonad. The purpose of this study is to describe morphological and histological variability of the BO of Rhinella arenarum and also analyze its steroidogenic capacity. Observations indicate that although most bidderian follicles are in pre vitellogenesis, there are others in early or late vitellogenesis. Moreover, we found that BOs weight was significantly lower in males during the pre‐reproductive period and that there is no significant correlation between the weights of BO and the adjacent testis. We also analyzed the presence of steroidogenic enzymes using immunohistochemistry. Results indicate that all the follicles were immunoreactive with the antibody against aromatase, while only few of them were positive for the cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage. Furthermore, activities of 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase, cytochrome P450 17‐hydroxylase, C17,20‐lyase and aromatase were detected by the transformation of radioactive substrates into products. Taken together, these results confirm the steroidogenic capacity of the BO in adult males of R. arenarum. J. Exp. Zool. 315:439–446, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mating does not influence reproductive investment, in a viviparous lizard
Authors: Bleu Josefa , Le Galliard Jean‐François , Meylan Sandrine , Massot Manuel , Fitze Patrick S.
Published: July 2011

Mating is crucial for females that reproduce exclusively sexually and should influence their investment into reproduction. Although reproductive adjustments in response to mate quality have been tested in a wide range of species, the effect of exposure to males and mating per se has seldom been studied. Compensatory mechanisms against the absence of mating may evolve more frequently in viviparous females, which pay higher direct costs of reproduction, due to gestation, than oviparous females. To test the existence of such mechanisms in a viviparous species, we experimentally manipulated the mating opportunity of viviparous female lizard, Lacerta (Zootoca) vivipara. We assessed the effect of mating on ovulation, postpartum body condition and parturition date, as well as on changes in locomotor performances and body temperatures during the breeding cycle. Female lizards ovulated spontaneously and mating had no influence on litter size, locomotor impairment or on selected body temperature. However, offspring production induced a more pronounced locomotor impairment and physical burden than the production of undeveloped eggs. Postpartum body condition and parturition dates were not different among females. This result suggests that gestation length is not determined by an embryonic signal. In the common lizard, viviparity is not associated with facultative ovulation and a control of litter size after ovulation, in response to the absence of mating. J. Exp. Zool. 315:458–464, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Introduction: The human sciences and Cold War America
Authors: Isaac Joel
Published: July 2011

Studies of the history of the human sciences during the Cold War era have proliferated over the past decade—in JHBS and elsewhere. This special issue focuses on the connections between the behavioral sciences and the culture and politics of the Cold War in the United States. In the recent literature, there is a tendency to identify the Cold War human sciences with two main paradigms: that of psychocultural analysis, on the one hand, and of the systems sciences, on the other. The essays in the special issue both extend understanding of each of these interpretive frameworks and help us to grasp their interconnection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The last stand of the psychocultural Cold warriors: Military contract research in Vietnam
Authors: Rohde Joy
Published: July 2011

In 1966, the social scientists of the Simulmatics Corporation arrived in Saigon. Tasked by the Pentagon with helping to pacify South Vietnam, they conducted political and social psychological research on Viet Cong defectors, government soldiers, and Vietnamese villagers. This essay argues that Simulmatics's work captures some of the ironies of Cold War social science: its tendency to mask militarization behind the rhetoric of peaceful nation‐building, its blurring of data collection and intelligence gathering, and its ambitious dedication to revealing the unseen contents of hearts and minds while remaining ignorant of the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts in which its subjects lived. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyborg pantocrator: International relations theory from decisionism to rational choice
Authors: Guilhot Nicolas
Published: July 2011

International relations theory took shape in the 1950s in reaction to the behavioral social science movement, emphasizing the limits of rationality in a context of high uncertainty, weak rules, and the possibility of lethal conflict. Yet the same discipline rapidly developed “rational choice” models applied to foreign policy decision making or nuclear strategy. This paper argues that this transformation took place almost seamlessly around the concept of “decision.” Initially associated with an antirationalist or “decisionist” approach to politics, the sovereign decision became the epitome of political rationality when it was redescribed as “rational choice,” thus easing the cultural acceptance of political realism in the postwar years. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chicago neoliberalism versus Cowles planning: Perspectives on patents and public goods in Cold War Economic Thought
Authors: Van Horn Robert , Klaes Matthias
Published: July 2011

In post‐SputnikAmerica, when many policymakers and social scientists feared the Soviet Union had a technological advantage over the United States, assessing the relative importance of patents for inventive activity and examining whether scientific research constituted a public good were paramount concerns. The neoliberals of the University of Chicago and the planners of the Cowles Commission both spoke to these issues. This paper sheds light on their views on patents and public goods in the late 1950s and early 1960s by examining representatives of Cowles and Chicago, Kenneth Arrow and Ronald Coase, respectively. Furthermore, it evaluates whether their views on patents and public goods clashed with the interests of RAND, at which both Arrow and Coase worked at some point during this time period. The paper argues that the Chicago–neoliberal position of Coase undermined the interests of RAND, while the Cowles–planning conclusions of Arrow furthered those interests. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Female reproductive tract of the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla, myrmecophagidae, Xenarthra). Anatomy and histology
Authors: Rossi L.F. , Luaces J.P. , Marcos H.J. Aldana , Cetica P.D. , Gachen G. , Jimeno G. Pérez , Merani M.S.
Published: July 2011

The morphological and histological features of the unusual reproductive tract of the female lesser anteater, Tamandua tetradactyla (Myrmecophagidae, Xenarthra), are described for the first time. The present study aimed to establish the main similarities and differences between this species and other xenarthrans. The populations of this species are declining rapidly for a number of reasons and our study is relevant to diverse programs related to its conservation. Studies were carried out on five female genital tracts of adult specimens. Ovaries were ovoid, presenting a medulla completely surrounded by the cortex, differently from that described in other xenarthans. Like in Dasypus but different from all other armadillos studied, single oocyte follicles were observed and a simple the uterus. The uterovaginal canal connects the uterus with the urogenital sinus. The simple columnar epithelium of the uterovaginal canal ends abruptly at a septum which resembles a hymen, where the transitional epithelium of the urogenital sinus appears. This ancestral feature is shared with that of other armadillos, except Tolypeutes matacus, which has a true vagina. Characteristics of the reproductive tract and sperm morphology of other Xenarthra are comparatively discussed. These observations suggest that important reproductive features are shared between the family Myrmecophagidae and the genus Dasypus, a basal group in the phylogeny of Xenarthra. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noninvasive measurement of brain glycogen by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its application to the study of brain metabolism
Authors: Tesfaye Nolawit , Seaquist Elizabeth R. , Öz Gülin
Published: July 2011

Glycogen is the reservoir for glucose in the brain. Beyond the general agreement that glycogen serves as an energy source in the central nervous system, its exact role in brain energy metabolism has yet to be elucidated. Experiments performed in cell and tissue culture and animals have shown that glycogen content is affected by several factors, including glucose, insulin, neurotransmitters, and neuronal activation. The study of in vivo glycogen metabolism has been hindered by the inability to measure glycogen noninvasively, but, in the past several years, the development of a noninvasive localized 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy method has allowed the study of glycogen metabolism in the conscious human. With this technique, 13C‐glucose is administered intravenously, and its incorporation into and washout from brain glycogen is tracked. One application of this method has been to the study of brain glycogen metabolism in humans during hypoglycemia: data have shown that mobilization of brain glycogen is augmented during hypoglycemia, and, after a single episode of hypoglycemia, glycogen synthesis rate is increased, suggesting that glycogen stores rebound to levels greater than baseline. Such studies suggest that glycogen may serve as a potential energy reservoir in hypoglycemia and may participate in the brain's adaptation to recurrent hypoglycemia and eventual development of hypoglycemia unawareness. Beyond this focused area of study, 13C NMR spectroscopy has a broad potential for application in the study of brain glycogen metabolism and carries the promise of a better understanding of the role of brain glycogen in diabetes and other conditions. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clozapine and lithium require Caenorhabditis elegans β‐arrestin and serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase to affect Daf‐16 (Foxo) localization
Authors: Weeks Kathrine R. , Dwyer Donard S. , Aamodt Eric J.
Published: July 2011

Numerous studies have implicated low levels of signaling in the Akt network with psychotic illnesses, and a growing body of literature has shown that all classes of antipsychotic drugs increase Akt signaling. The most clinically effective antipsychotic drug is clozapine. With Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, this study demonstrates that clozapine is unique among antipsychotic drugs because it requires β‐arrestin and serum and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase (SGK) in addition to Akt to suppress the nuclear localization of DAF‐16 (Forkhead box O [FOXO]). Lithium, a mood stabilizer often used to treat psychosis, also requires β‐arrestin and SGK to suppress the nuclear localization of DAF‐16. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anthraquinone‐Imide‐Based Dimers: Synthesis, Piezochromism, Liquid Crystalline and Near‐Infrared Electrochromic Properties
Authors: Chen Fengkun , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua
Published: July 2011

A series of anthraquinone‐imide‐based dimers, C5*‐AQI‐Si2, C5*‐AQI‐Si3, C5*‐AQI‐Si4, and C5*‐AQI‐Si8, have been prepared by the hydrosilylation of N‐(hex‐5‐enyl)‐6‐(4′‐((S)‐2‐methylbutoxy)phenyl)anthraquinone‐2,3‐dicarboxylic imide and hydride‐terminated siloxanes with different lengths. Their liquid crystalline behaviors, and piezochromic and near‐infrared electrochromic properties have been characterized by DSC, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy. Although anthraquinone imide is not liquid crystalline by itself, all the dimers formed a smectic A mesophase. Under moderate pressure, the color of the dimers changed from light yellow to deep red. Upon reduction to a radical anionic state, the dimers exhibited an intense NIR absorption at 844 nm. These anthraquinone‐imide‐based dimers are probably the first multifunctional molecules with combined liquid crystalline, mechanochromic, and NIR electrochromic properties.

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Effects of Structural Change Induced by Physical Aging on the Biodegradation Behavior of PLGA Films at Physiological Temperature
Authors: Yoshioka Taiyo , Kawazoe Naoki , Tateishi Tetsuya , Chen Guoping
Published: July 2011

The effects of structural changes induced by physical aging (namely, enthalpy relaxation) on the biodegradability of PLGA films at physiological temperature (37 °C) is investigated. The degradation rate and behavior of aged and non‐aged PLGA films are compared, and the effects of physical aging on the biodegradability of the PLGA film are determined. Prior to the degradation experiments, aged films are prepared by annealing the amorphous PLGA films at 25 °C for 5 d or more. The degradation rate of aged films in accelerated degradation tests using aqueous NaOH is higher than those of non‐aged films due to heterogeneous microscopic structural changes that occur during the aging process.

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Tuning the Donor–Acceptor Strength of Low‐Bandgap Platinum‐Acetylide Polymers for Near‐Infrared Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Qin Chuanjiang , Fu Yingying , Chui Chung‐Hin , Kan Chi‐Wai , Xie Zhiyuan , Wang Lixiang , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: July 2011

Two near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing metallopolyynes of platinum (P1 and P2) functionalized with a weakly electron‐donating fluorene unit and two strong electron acceptors (viz. benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]bis([1,2,5]thiadiazole) and [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐i]dibenzo[a,c]phenazine) were synthesized and applied for NIR photovoltaic applications. With these designed weak donor–strong acceptor electronic traits, these metallopolymers possess narrow bandgaps of 1.54 and 1.65 eV and a low HOMO level of about 5.50 eV, thus inducing a power conversion efficiency up to 1% for bulk heterojunction solar cells at the NIR wavelength.

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Self‐healing in Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Haraguchi Kazutoshi , Uyama Kazuhisa , Tanimoto Hisashi
Published: July 2011

Polymer hydrogels with characteristics distinct from those of solid materials are one of the most promising candidates for smart materials. Here, we report that a nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel) consisting of a unique polymer/clay network structure, can exhibit complete self‐healing through autonomic reconstruction of crosslinks across a damaged interface. Mechanical damage in NC gels can be repaired without the use of a healing agent, and even sections of NC gels separated by cutting, from whichever the same or different kinds of NC gel, perfectly (re‐)combine by just contacting the cut surfaces together at mildly elevated temperatures. In NC gels, the autonomic fusion of cut surfaces as well as the self‐healing could be achieved not only immediately after being cut but also after a long waiting time.

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One‐Pot Synthesis of Microcapsules with Nanoscale Inclusions
Authors: Hu Xiaobo , Tong Zhen , Lyon L. Andrew
Published: July 2011

Temperature responsive poly(N‐isopropylmethacrylamide) (pNIPMAm) microgel capsules around 1 µm containing multiple poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) nanoinclusions were prepared. This structure was achieved through the addition of a cross‐linked pNIPMAm shell to stable, monodispersed aggregates of pNIPAm chains. This one‐pot synthetic approach resulted in core/shell microgels at high temperature wherein only the shell (pNIPMAm) component contained stable, covalent cross‐links between chains. Thus, upon decreasing the temperature following synthesis, the majority of the encapsulated pNIPAm chains escaped from the shell, resulting in nearly hollow microcapsules. Remnant pNIPAm segments in the microcapsule then form nanoparticulate inclusions upon raising the temperature.

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Trends and variability in pan evaporation and other climatic variables at Ibadan, Nigeria, 1973–2008
Authors: Oguntunde Philip G. , Abiodun Babatunde J. , Olukunle Olawale J. , Olufayo Ayorinde A.
Published: July 2011

Understanding changes in evaporation rates is expected to be of great importance for water resource planning and management. This paper examines pan evaporation data as an example of the detection and attribution of trends in climate variables. Records of pan evaporation (Epan), rainfall (R), radiation (SR), wind speed (WS), temperature (Ta) and humidity (RH) for the period 1973–2008 were collected from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Mann–Kendall trend and Sen's slope tests were performed on the respective meteorological variables and a variability index (VI) was also computed for these. The results showed that annually Epan, SR and WS significantly decrease (P < 0.001) while R, Ta, and RH showed insignificant increasing trends in the last four decades. Epan and SR decrease at the rate of 8.3 mm year−2 and 37.8 MJ m−2 year−1, respectively. Similar to Epan, SR decreased significantly in all the months (P < 0.01) and the reduction ranged from 5.1% per decade in March to 9.3% per decade in August. The result of VI showed that the decrease in Epan and other explanatory variables is rather recent. Regression between Epan and other variables indicates that about 30, 15 and 6% of its variance can be explained by SR, WS and VPD (vapour pressure deficit), respectively. The possible roles of dust‐haze known as ‘harmattan’ winds and monsoon clouds in attenuating SR and hence reducing Epan are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A Comparative Study on the Constitutive Properties of Marketed Pesticides
Authors: Hao Gefei , Dong Qingjian , Yang Guangfu
Published: July 2011

The concept of drug‐likeness has been established in the field of drug discovery. Pesticide discovery is also a complicated and rigorous filtering process compared with drug discovery. This study involved investigation of the constitutive properties of 788 marketed pesticides, including 341 herbicides, 182 fungicides, and 265 insecticides. In a comparison of the constitutive properties of different kinds of pesticides and of pesticides from different periods of registration, ClogP, the number of H‐bond donors (HBD), and the number of aromatic bonds (ARB) were identified as the most important factors that distinguish herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. In addition, the reduction in pesticide toxicity with revolution time was found to have some relationship with an increase in values of the six constitutive properties. Finally, we established some rules for pesticide‐likeness, including molecular weight≤435 Da, ClogP≤6, number of H‐bond acceptors (HBA)≤6, HBD≤2, number of rotatable bonds (ROB)≤9, and ARB≤17. The constitutive property‐related novel findings in this study will promote the structure‐based optimization of pesticide candidates.
High dose of dietary resveratrol enhances insulin sensitivity in healthy rats but does not lead to metabolite concentrations effective for SIRT1 expression
Authors: Andersen Gaby , Burkon Alexander , Sulzmaier Florian J. , Walker Joel M. , Leckband Gunhild , Fuhst Rainer , Erbersdobler Helmut F. , Somoza Veronika
Published: July 2011

Scope: trans‐Resveratrol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and to enhance cellular glucose uptake. Evidence from recent studies indicates that these effects depend on SIRT1‐pathways.

Methods and results: Since ingestion of resveratrol leads to the presence of resveratrol and resveratrol metabolites in the body, we aimed at investigating (i) whether a daily dose of 300 mg resveratrol/kg body weight in healthy male Wistar rats for a period of 8 wk affects the selected parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and (ii) whether the resulting plasma concentrations of resveratrol metabolites were effective in modulating SIRT1 expression. The dietary dose was based on the results from preceding toxicity studies. The results from the feeding experiment revealed plasma concentrations of resveratrol and its metabolites below 1 μmol/L and showed that fasting glucose and insulin levels were decreased by 35 and 41%, respectively, in the resveratrol group compared with controls. Insulin sensitivity was enhanced by 70%, whereas liver SIRT1 protein expression was not affected. Treatment of HepG2 cells with 10 μM resveratrol (1.49‐fold) or its diglucuronides (1.21‐fold) increased SIRT1 expression.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the improved insulin sensitivity after dietary administration of 300 mg resveratrol/kg body weight does not involve increased protein expression of SIRT1.
Advanced Oxidation Process for Degradation of Aqueous Phenol in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor
Authors: Marotta Ester , Schiorlin Milko , Ren Xianwen , Rea Massimo , Paradisi Cristina
Published: July 2011

A novel dielectric barrier discharge reactor was developed for the oxidative degradation of organic pollutants in water. Phenol, chosen as a model compound, is efficiently removed from the aqueous solution according to an exponential decay as a function of treatment time at constant voltage. The effect of different experimental variables was investigated, including the active electrodes material and size and the flow rate of air above the solution. A few intermediates and CO2, the final product of phenol decomposition, were detected and identified by LC/ESI‐MS and FT/IR analysis. The major reactive species formed upon application of the discharge in air, the OH radical and ozone, were determined by means of specific chemical probes.

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Mechanisms of Plasma Polymerization – Reviewed from a Chemical Point of View
Authors: Friedrich Jörg
Published: July 2011

Several reaction mechanisms have been proposed for the formation of plasma polymers, such as monomer fragmentation followed by poly‐recombination into randomly structured and crosslinked films; fragmentation, accompanied by the formation of acetylene or other film‐forming intermediates and deposition of polystyrene‐like material; plasma‐initiation of a radical chain‐growth polymerization; and ion‐molecule reactions, as well as ionic chain‐growth polymerization. The bulk structure of plasma polymers is completely irregular, far from that of conventional polymers. The retention of functional groups during plasma polymerization tends to be greater than that of the entire monomer structure found again as an intact repeat unit in the resulting plasma polymer. An alternative method for depositing ultra‐thin, pin‐hole free coatings, ones that possess regular structures, is by electrospray ionization (ESI) of pre‐fabricated polymers.

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Metal salts of carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotubes – preparation, structure and thermal properties
Authors: Michalski Oskar , Kwiecień Brunon , Khachatryan Karen , Khachatryan Gohar , Stobinski Leszek , Tomasik Piotr
Published: July 2011

Salts of carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes with monovalent Ag(I), Li, Na, NH4, divalent Ba, Co(II), Cu(II), Pd(II), UO2, Zn, trivalent Ce(III), Cr(III), In(III), Ru(III), Sm(III), tetravalent Pt(IV), Th(IV) and pentavalent Nb(V) cations were prepared and elucidation of their structure was attempted based on their thermal and the QMS analyses. The salts usually decomposed specifically up to 400 °C. Above that temperature decomposition of the nanotubes matter can proceed with either oxidizing or catalyzing participation of the metal derivatives formed on the thermolysis of the metal salts. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemical syntheses of nanocrystalline lithium manganese oxide spinel
Authors: Michalska Monika , Lipińska Ludwika , Diduszko Ryszard , Mazurkiewicz Marta , Małolepszy Artur , Stobinski Leszek , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: July 2011

The use of lithium manganese oxides in rechargeable lithium ion batteries has been stimulated due to their low cost and environmental compatibility. Especially, the interest of scientists concerns the oxide of the stable, spinel structured LiMn2O4. In the present work, this compound has been synthesized by three different methods viz., solid state reaction, modified sol–gel, and microwave hydrothermal techniques. The phase compositions of products were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) method and the surface morphology of nanopowders was examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quercetin 3‐rhamnoside Exerts Antiinfluenza A Virus Activity in Mice
Authors: Choi Hwa Jung , Song Jae Hyoung , Kwon Dur Han
Published: July 2011

Our previous report showed that quercetin 3‐rhamnoside (Q3R) possessed antiviral activity against influenza A/WS/33 virus in vitro. The present study evaluated the effect of Q3R on influenza A/WS/33 virus infected mice. Mice orally treated with Q3R (6.25 mg/kg per dose) at 2 h before and once daily for 6 days after influenza virus infection showed significant decreases in weight loss, and decreased mortality. Lung virus titers of mice killed at 6 days after infection were about 2000 times lower than that of the placebo‐treated control mice and about two times lower than that for the oseltamivir‐treated mice. Furthermore, histological evaluation showed that administration of Q3R delayed the development and progression of pulmonary lesions. Therefore, Q3R could be an attractive lead for the development of antiviral agents against influenza virus. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying criteria for multimodel software process improvement solutions – based on a review of current problems and initiatives
Authors: Kelemen Zádor Dániel , Kusters Rob , Trienekens Jos
Published: July 2011

In this article, we analyze current initiatives in multimodel software process improvement and identify criteria for multimodel solutions. With multimodel, we mean the simultaneous usage of more than one quality approach (e.g. standards, methods, techniques to improve software processes). This paper discusses first the current problems regarding the use of multiple software quality approaches. Subsequently, multimodel initiatives are categorized into three different groups, respectively: quality approach harmonization, quality approach integration, and quality approach mapping. Based on an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of current multimodel initiatives in these three classes, we derive a set of criteria, which can provide a basis for multimodel software process improvement solutions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Harbor Homoplasmic and Heteroplasmic Mitochondrial DNA Mutations While Maintaining Human Embryonic Stem Cell–like Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Prigione Alessandro , Lichtner Björn , Kuhl Heiner , Struys Eduard A. , Wamelink Mirjam , Lehrach Hans , Ralser Markus , Timmermann Bernd , Adjaye James
Published: July 2011

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been recently found to harbor genomic alterations. However, the integrity of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within reprogrammed cells has yet to be investigated. mtDNA mutations occur at a high rate and contribute to the pathology of a number of human disorders. Furthermore, the lack of mtDNA integrity may alter cellular bioenergetics and limit efficient differentiation. We demonstrated previously that the derivation of iPSCs is associated with mitochondrial remodeling and a metabolic switch towards glycolysis. Here, we have discovered that alterations of mtDNA can occur upon the induction of pluripotency. Massively parallel pyrosequencing of mtDNA revealed that human iPSCs derived from young healthy donors harbored single base mtDNA mutations (substitutions, insertions, and deletions), both homoplasmic (in all mtDNA molecules) and heteroplasmic (in a fraction of mtDNAs), not present in the parental cells. mtDNA modifications were mostly common variants and not disease related. Moreover, iPSC lines bearing different mtDNA mutational loads maintained a consistent human embryonic stem cell–like reprogramming of energy metabolism. This involved the upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, increased glucose-6-phosphate levels, and the over-expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 protein, which reroutes the bioenergetic flux toward glycolysis. Hence, mtDNA mutations within iPSCs may not necessarily impair the correct establishment of pluripotency and the associated metabolic reprogramming. Nonetheless, the occurrence of pathogenic mtDNA modifications might be an important aspect to monitor when characterizing iPSC lines. Finally, we speculate that this random rearrangement of mtDNA molecules might prove beneficial for the derivation of mutation-free iPSCs from patients with mtDNA disorders.
Radical Acceleration of Nuclear Reprogramming by Chromatin Remodeling with the Transactivation Domain of MyoD
Authors: Hirai Hiroyuki , Tani Tetsuya , Katoku-Kikyo Nobuko , Kellner Steven , Karian Peter , Firpo Meri , Kikyo Nobuaki
Published: July 2011

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be created by reprogramming differentiated cells through introduction of defined genes, most commonly Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM). However, this process is slow and extremely inefficient. Here, we demonstrate radical acceleration of iPSC creation with a fusion gene between Oct4 and the powerful transactivation domain (TAD) of MyoD (M3O). Transduction of M3O as well as Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc into fibroblasts effectively remodeled patterns of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and protein binding at pluripotency genes, raising the efficiency of making mouse and human iPSCs more than 50-fold in comparison to OSKM. These results identified that one of the most critical barriers to iPSC creation is poor chromatin accessibility and protein recruitment to pluripotency genes. The MyoD TAD has a capability of overcoming this problem. Our approach of fusing TADs to unrelated transcription factors has far-reaching implications as a powerful tool for transcriptional reprogramming beyond application to iPSC technology.
Crucial Role of C-Myc in the Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Araki Ryoko , Hoki Yuko , Uda Masahiro , Nakamura Miki , Jincho Yuko , Tamura Chihiro , Sunayama Misato , Ando Shunsuke , Sugiura Mayumi , Yoshida Mitsuaki A. , Kasama Yasuji , Abe Masumi
Published: July 2011

c-Myc transduction has been considered previously to be nonessential for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation. In this study, we investigated the effects of c-Myc transduction on the generation of iPSCs from an inbred mouse strain using a genome integration-free vector to exclude the effects of the genetic background and the genomic integration of exogenous genes. Our findings reveal a clear difference between iPSCs generated using the four defined factors including c-Myc (4F-iPSCs) and those produced without c-Myc (3F-iPSCs). Molecular and cellular analyses did not reveal any differences between 3F-iPSCs and 4F-iPSCs, as reported previously. However, a chimeric mice formation test indicated clear differences, whereby few highly chimeric mice and no germline transmission was observed using 3F-iPSCs. Similar differences were also observed in the mouse line that has been widely used in iPSC studies. Furthermore, the defect in 3F-iPSCs was considerably improved by trichostatin A, a histone deacetyl transferase inhibitor, indicating that c-Myc plays a crucial role in iPSC generation through the control of histone acetylation. Indeed, low levels of histone acetylation were observed in 3F-iPSCs. Our results shed new light on iPSC generation mechanisms and strongly recommend c-Myc transduction for preparing high-quality iPSCs.
Announcement
Authors: Johnson John E.
Published: July 2011

After 25 years as Editor‐in‐Chief of Synapse, I will be retiring from the journal as of January 1, 2012. I founded this journal in 1987, and it has been a very enjoyable experience. Wiley will be organizing a search committee to find the appropriate replacement. I wish Synapse all the best for the future.
In‐hospital Death following Inpatient Surgical Procedures in the United States, 1996–2006
Authors: Weiser Thomas G. , Semel Marcus E. , Simon Alan E. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Haynes Alex B. , Funk Luke M. , Berry William R. , Gawande Atul A.
Published: July 2011

Background

Over the past decade, improvements in perioperative care have been widely introduced throughout the United States, yet there is no clear indication that the death rate following surgery has improved. We sought to evaluate the number of deaths after surgery in the United States over a 10‐year period and to evaluate trends in postoperative mortality.

Methods

Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey, we identified patients who underwent a surgical procedure and subsequently died in the hospital within 30 days of admission.

Results

In 1996 there were 12,250,000 hospitalizations involving surgery, rising to 13,668,000 in 2006. Postoperative deaths, however, declined during this same period, from 201,000 to 156,000 (P < 0.01), giving a postoperative in‐hospital death ratio (death per hospitalization) of 1.64 and 1.14% (P < 0.001), respectively, for the two time frames.

Conclusions

The death rate following surgery is substantial but appears to have improved. Such mortality statistics provide an essential measure of the public health impact of surgical care. Incorporating mortality statistics following therapeutic intervention is an essential strategy for regional and national surveillance of care delivery.