bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study of stress‐induced hippocampal volume changes in mice that are susceptible or resilient to chronic social defeat
Authors: Tse Yiu Chung , Montoya Ixchel , Wong Alice S. , Mathieu Axel , Lissemore Jennifer , Lagace Diane C. , Wong Tak Pan
Published: April 2014

Hippocampal shrinkage is a commonly found neuroanatomical change in stress‐related mood disorders such as depression and post‐traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Since the onset and severity of these disorders have been found to be closely related to stressful life events, and as stress alone has been shown to reduce hippocampal volume in animal studies, vulnerability to mood disorders may be related to a susceptibility to stress‐induced hippocampal shrinkage. However, a smaller hippocampal volume before stress exposure has also been suggested to confer vulnerability of stressed individuals to PTSD or depression. In this study, we examined the contribution of either innate hippocampal volume differences or hippocampal susceptibility to stress‐induced shrinkage to the formation of stress‐related psychopathology using longitudinal MRI measurements of hippocampal volume in inbred C57 mice before and after chronic social defeat stress. We found that only half of the stressed C57 mice were susceptible to stress and developed psychopathological behaviors such as social avoidance. The other half was resilient to stress and exhibited no social avoidance. Before exposure to stress, we observed a positive correlation between hippocampal volume and social avoidance. After chronic social defeat stress, we found significant increases in left hippocampal volume in resilient and nonstressed control mice. Intriguingly, this increase in hippocampal volume was not found in susceptible mice, suggesting an arrestment of hippocampal growth in these mice. Our findings suggest that both a susceptibility to stress‐induced hippocampal volume changes and a larger hippocampus before stress exposure confer vulnerability to psychopathology after chronic stress. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ROBO1, a tumor suppressor and critical molecular barrier for localized tumor cells to acquire invasive phenotype: Study in African‐American and Caucasian prostate cancer models
Authors: Parray Aijaz , Siddique Hifzur R. , Kuriger Jacquelyn K. , Mishra Shrawan K. , Rhim Johng S. , Nelson Heather H. , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Konety Badrinath R. , Koochekpour Shahriar , Saleem Mohammad
Published: April 2014

High‐risk populations exhibit early transformation of localized prostate cancer (CaP) disease to metastasis which results in the mortality of such patients. The paucity of knowledge about the molecular mechanism involved in acquiring of metastatic behavior by primary tumor cells and non‐availability of reliable phenotype‐discriminating biomarkers are stumbling blocks in the management of CaP disease. Here, we determine the role and translational relevance of ROBO1 (an organogenesis‐associated gene) in human CaP. Employing CaP‐progression models and prostatic tissues of Caucasian and African‐American patients, we show that ROBO1 expression is localized to cell‐membrane and significantly lost in primary and metastatic tumors. While Caucasians exhibited similar ROBO1 levels in primary and metastatic phenotype, a significant difference was observed between tumor phenotypes in African‐Americans. Epigenetic assays identified promoter methylation of ROBO1 specific to African‐American metastatic CaP cells. Using African‐American CaP models for further studies, we show that ROBO1 negatively regulates motility and invasiveness of primary CaP cells, and its loss causes these cells to acquire invasive trait. To understand the underlying mechanism, we employed ROBO1‐expressing/ROBO1‐C2C3‐mutant constructs, immunoprecipitation, confocal‐microscopy and luciferase‐reporter techniques. We show that ROBO1 through its interaction with DOCK1 (at SH3‐SH2‐domain) controls the Rac‐activation. However, loss of ROBO1 results in Rac1‐activation which in turn causes E‐Cadherin/β‐catenin cytoskeleton destabilization and induction of cell migration. We suggest that ROBO1 is a predictive biomarker that has potential to discriminate among CaP types, and could be exploited as a molecular target to inhibit the progression of disease as well as treat metastasis in high‐risk populations such as African‐Americans.
MicroRNA‐31 expression in relation to BRAF mutation, CpG island methylation and colorectal continuum in serrated lesions
Authors: Ito Miki , Mitsuhashi Kei , Igarashi Hisayoshi , Nosho Katsuhiko , Naito Takafumi , Yoshii Shinji , Takahashi Hiroaki , Fujita Masahiro , Sukawa Yasutaka , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Takahashi Taiga , Adachi Yasushi , Nojima Masanori , Sasaki Yasushi , Tokino Takashi , Baba Yoshifumi , Maruyama Reo , Suzuki Hiromu , Imai Kohzoh , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Shinomura Yasuhisa
Published: April 2014

The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is a distinct form of epigenomic instability. Many CIMP‐high colorectal cancers (CRCs) with BRAF mutation are considered to arise from serrated pathway. We recently reported that microRNA‐31 (miR‐31) is associated with BRAF mutation in colorectal tumors. Emerging new approaches have revealed gradual changes in BRAF mutation and CIMP‐high throughout the colorectum in CRCs. Here, we attempted to identify a possible association between miR‐31 and epigenetic features in serrated pathway, and hypothesized that miR‐31 supports the “colorectal continuum” concept. We evaluated miR‐31 expression, BRAF mutation and epigenetic features including CIMP status in 381 serrated lesions and 222 non‐serrated adenomas and examined associations between them and tumor location (rectum; sigmoid, descending, transverse and ascending colon and cecum). A significant association was observed between high miR‐31 expression and CIMP‐high status in serrated lesions with BRAF mutation (p = 0.0001). In contrast, miR‐31 was slightly but insignificantly associated with CIMP status in the cases with wild‐type BRAF. miR‐31 expression in sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) with cytological dysplasia was higher than that in SSAs, whereas, no significant difference was observed between traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) and TSAs with high‐grade dysplasia. The frequency of miR‐31, BRAF mutation CIMP‐high and MLH1 methylation increased gradually from the rectum to cecum in serrated lesions. In conclusion, miR‐31 expression was associated with CIMP‐high status in serrated lesions with BRAF mutation. Our data also suggested that miR‐31 plays an important role in SSA evolution and may be a molecule supporting the colorectal continuum.
HS3ST2 modulates breast cancer cell invasiveness via MAP kinase‐ and Tcf4 (Tcf7l2)‐dependent regulation of protease and cadherin expression
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Archana , Salem Gassar Ezeddin , Spillmann Dorothe , Stock Christian , Sen Yin‐Ping , Zhang Ting , Van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Hülsewig Carolin , Koszlowski Eliene O. , Pavao Mauro S.G. , Ibrahim Sherif A. , Poeter Michaela , Rescher Ursula , Kiesel Ludwig , Koduru Suresh , Yip George W. , Götte Martin
Published: April 2014

Heparan sulfate 3‐O‐sulfotransferase 2 (HS3ST2), an enzyme mediating 3‐O‐sulfation of heparan sulfate (HS), is silenced by hypermethylation in breast cancer. As HS has an important co‐receptor function for numerous signal transduction pathways, the phenotypical changes due to HS3ST2 reexpression were investigated in vitro using high and low invasive breast cancer cell lines. Compared to controls, highly invasive HS3ST2‐expressing MDA‐MB‐231 cells showed enhanced Matrigel invasiveness, transendothelial migration and motility. Affymetrix screening and confirmatory real‐time PCR and Western blotting analysis revealed increased expression of several matrix metalloproteinases, cadherin‐11, E‐cadherin and CEACAM‐1, while protease inhibitor and annexin A10 expression were decreased. Low invasive HS3ST2 ‐expressing MCF‐7 cells became even less invasive, with no change in gelatinolytic MMP activity. HS3ST2 expression increased HS‐dependent basal and FGF2‐specific signaling through the constitutively active p44/42 MAPK pathway in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Increased MAPK activation was accompanied by upregulation of ß‐catenin in MDA‐MB‐231, and of the transcription factor Tcf4 in both cell lines. Dysregulation of Tcf4‐regulated ion transporters and increased cytosolic acidification were observed in HS3ST2‐expressing MDA‐MB‐231 cells, which is a possible underlying cause of increased chemosensitivity towards doxorubicine and paclitaxel in these cells. This study provides the first in vitro evidence of the involvement of HS3ST2 in breast cancer cell invasion and chemosensitivity.
Collagen gel contraction as a measure of fibroblast function in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Yang Tai‐Hua , Thoreson Andrew R. , Gingery Anne , An Kai‐Nan , Larson Dirk R. , Zhao Chunfeng , Amadio Peter C.
Published: April 2014

Noninflammatory subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) fibrosis with nerve compression is a prominent feature of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Studies have shown that SSCT matrix synthesis and material property changes in CTS are associated with increased activity of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1. The aim of this study were to (1) investigate the ability of SSCT fibroblasts from CTS patients and unaffected individuals to contract a collagen gel ring and (2) determine how the addition of TGF‐β1 affects this ability. SSCT fibroblasts from three normal cadavers and three age‐matched female patients who had undergone surgery for CTS were used. Results showed patient cell‐seeded gels had a significantly higher contraction rate (p < 0.001) than control cells, and fully contracted gel rings possessed a significantly higher tensile strength (p = 0.003) and stiffness (p < 0.001). Furthermore, TGF‐β1 significantly intensified contraction rate (p < 0.001), tensile strength (p < 0.001), and stiffness (p < 0.001). In conclusion, SSCT cells from normal donors and CTS patients contract collagen gel rings differently, and this ability is affected by TGF‐β1 treatment. This cell‐seeded collagen gel model may be useful for developing new methods of stopping or eliminating the effect of TGF‐β1 on the SSCT fibroblasts and surrounding matrix, which might aid in the identification of medical treatment for CTS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 574–580, 2015.
Anti‐inflammatory and protective effects of 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer on oral epithelial cells
Authors: Yumoto Hiromichi , Hirota Katsuhiko , Hirao Kouji , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Miyamoto Koji , Murakami Keiji , Fujiwara Natsumi , Matsuo Takashi , Miyake Yoichiro
Published: April 2014

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by a microbial biofilm formed in the periodontal pocket. Gingival epithelium plays important roles as the first physical barrier to bacterial invasion and in orchestrating the innate immune reaction via toll‐like receptors (TLRs), which recognize various bacterial products, and maintaining its function. Newly developed oral care products to inhibit bacterial adherence, subsequent inflammatory reaction and protect the gingival epithelium are expected. We previously reported that 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)‐polymer coating decreased bacterial adhesion to human oral keratinocytes, RT‐7, and mouth‐rinsing with MPC‐polymer inhibited the increase of oral bacteria. In this study, regarding the possibility of MPC‐polymer application for preventing the adherence of periodontal pathogen, subsequent inflammatory reaction and protection of gingival epithelium, we examined the effects of MPC‐polymer on the adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, major periodontitis‐related pathogen, and TLR2 ligand to RT‐7 and subsequent interleukin (IL)−8 production. MPC‐polymer treatment significantly reduced P. gingivalis adherence by 44% and TLR2‐mediated IL‐8 production by blocking the binding of its specific‐ligand in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, MPC‐polymer pretreatment protected RT‐7 from injury by chemical irritants, cetylpyridinium chloride. These findings suggest that MPC‐polymer is potentially useful for oral care to prevent oral infection and to maintain oral epithelial function. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 555–563, 2015.
Scaffold structure and fabrication method affect proinflammatory milieu in three‐dimensional‐cultured chondrocytes
Authors: Kwon Heenam , Rainbow Roshni S. , Sun Lin , Hui Carrie K. , Cairns Dana M. , Preda Rucsanda C. , Kaplan David L. , Zeng Li
Published: April 2014

Cartilage tissue engineering has emerged as an attractive therapeutic option for repairing damaged cartilage tissue in the arthritic joint. High levels of proinflammatory cytokines present at arthritic joints can cause cartilage destruction and instability of the engineered cartilage tissue, and thus it is critical to engineer strong and stable cartilage that is resistant to the inflammatory environment. In this study, we demonstrate that scaffolding materials with different pore sizes and fabrication methods influence the microenvironment of chondrocytes and the response of these cells to proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐1beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Silk scaffolds prepared using the organic solvent hexafluoroisopropanol as compared to an aqueous‐based method, as well as those with larger pore sizes, supported the deposition of higher cartilage matrix levels and lower expression of cartilage matrix degradation‐related genes, as well as lower expression of endogenous proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β in articular chondrocytes. These biochemical properties could be related to the physical properties of the scaffolds such as the water uptake and the tendency to leach or adsorb proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, scaffold structure may influence the behavior of chondrocytes by influencing the microenvironment under inflammatory conditions, and should be considered as an important component for bioengineering stable cartilage tissues. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 534–544, 2015.
Viscoelastic properties of collagen–adhesive composites under water‐saturated and dry conditions
Authors: Singh Viraj , Misra Anil , Parthasarathy Ranganathan , Ye Qiang , Spencer Paulette
Published: April 2014

To investigate the time‐ and rate‐dependent mechanical properties of collagen–adhesive composites, creep and monotonic experiments are performed under dry and wet conditions. The composites are prepared by infiltration of dentin adhesive into a demineralized bovine dentin. Experimental results show that for small stress level under dry conditions, both the composite and the neat adhesive have similar behavior. On the other hand, in wet conditions, the composites are significantly soft and weak compared to the neat adhesives. The behavior in the wet condition is found to be affected by the hydrophilicity of both the adhesive and the collagen. As the adhesive–collagen composites are a part of the complex construct that forms the adhesive–dentin interface, their presence will affect the overall performance of the restoration. We find that Kelvin–Voigt model with at least four elements is required to fit the creep compliance data, indicating that the adhesive–collagen composites are complex polymers with several characteristic time scales whose mechanical behavior will be significantly affected by loading rates and frequencies. Such mechanical properties have not been investigated widely for these types of materials. The derived model provides an additional advantage that it can be exploited to extract other viscoelastic properties which are, generally, time consuming to obtain experimentally. The calibrated model is utilized to obtain stress relaxation function, frequency‐dependent storage and loss modulus, and rate‐dependent elastic modulus. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 646–657, 2015.
One‐step hydrothermal synthesis of BiOI/Bi2WO6 hierarchical heterostructure with highly photocatalytic activity
Authors: Chen Yunfang , Fang Jianzhang , Lu Shaoyou , Xu Weicheng , Liu Zhang , Xu Xiaoxin , Fang Zhanqiang
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Chlorophenols (CPs) are organic pollutants and are most widespread in the aqueous environment. Photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds has been extensively studied as a potential technology for water treatment. In this study, BiOI/Bi2WO6 hierarchical heterostructure with flower‐like morphology was synthesized by a facile method using a one‐step hydrothermal approach. The catalytic activities of the photocatalysts were tested by the degradation of 2,4‐DCP under visible‐light irradiation and the photocatalysis mechanism of BiOI/Bi2WO6 was investigated.

RESULTS

The as‐prepared catalysts exhibited the characteristic peaks of BiOI and Bi2WO6. The photocatalytic activities, which were evaluated by degradation of 2,4‐DCP under visible light irradiation, were enhanced significantly by BiOI/Bi2WO6 hierarchical heterostructures with different molar ratios of BiOI to Bi2WO6.

CONCLUSIONS

BiOI/Bi2WO6 hierarchical heterostructure significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The optimum percentage of BiOI was 10%. The optimal initial pH value of 2,4‐DCP was determined to be pH 8. The possible reaction mechanisms were discussed on the basis of the calculated energy band positions. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficient Synthesis of New Thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one Derivatives for Evaluation as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Hu Yang‐Gen , Zheng Ai‐Hua , Li Gao‐Jun , Dong Meng‐Zhu , Ye Fang , Sun Feng , Liu Zheng‐Yun , Li Wen
Published: April 2014

Thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones were reported to act as potent anticancer agents; in this work, a series of new substituted thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone (6) were synthesized via the aza‐Wittig reaction in satisfactory yields. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass spectral data, and compound 6h was further analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Cytotoxic effect of all the compounds was carried out on human breast and lung cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and SPC‐A‐1, A459). Compound 6f exhibited the best inhibition activities against A459 with IC50 4.1 μM.
Synthesis and Characterization of Phenylene‐bis‐pyrazolones and Nitrosation Derivatives
Authors: Belmar J. , Ortiz L. , Quezada J. , Parra M. , Jiménez C. A.
Published: April 2014

Phenylene bis‐pyrazolone derivatives were obtained by condensation of two aromatic β‐diketo diesters with methyl‐, 2‐hydroxyethyl‐ and phenylhydrazines. The pyrazolone rings are connected to the central benzene ring by their C‐3, leaving C‐4 free for further derivatization. Thus, and despite their low solubility, these compounds were successfully nitrosated in good yield providing new chelating dioximes.
Complexity of ruminant masticatory evolution
Authors: Fraser Danielle , Rybczynski Natalia
Published: April 2014

The evolution of robust jaws, hypsodont teeth, and large chewing muscles among grazing ruminants is a quintessential example of putative morphological adaptation. However, the degree of correlated evolution (i.e., to what extent the grazer feeding apparatus represents an evolutionary module), especially of soft and hard tissues, remains poorly understood. Recent generation of large datasets and phylogenetic information has made testing hypotheses of correlated evolution possible. We, therefore, test for correlated evolution among various traits of the ruminant masticatory apparatus including tooth crown height, jaw robustness, chewing muscle size, and characters of the molar occlusal surfaces, using phylogenetic and nonphylogenetic comparative methods as well as phylogenetic evolutionary model selection. We find that the large masseter muscles of grazing ruminants evolved with the inclusion of grass in the diet, an increase in the proportion of occlusal enamel bands oriented parallel to the chewing stroke, and possibly hypsodonty. We suggest that the masseter evolved under two evolutionary regimes: i) selection for higher masticatory forces during chewing and ii) flattening of the tooth profile, which resulted in reduced tooth guidance and, thus, a requirement for more chewing muscle activity during each chewing stroke, in agreement with previous research. The linear jaw metrics (depth of the mandibular angle, mandibular angle width, and length of the superficial masseteric scar) all show correlated evolution with hypsodonty and the proportion of enamel bands oriented parallel to the chewing stroke. We suggest that changes in the shape of the mandible represent the combined effects of selection for a reorientation of the chewing stroke, so as to emphasize horizontal translation of the teeth, and accommodation of high‐crowned teeth. Our analyses show that the ruminant feeding apparatus is an evolutionary mosaic with its various components showing both correlated and independent evolution. J. Morphol. 275:1093–1102, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutritive value of maize silage in relation to dairy cow performance and milk quality
Authors: Khan Nazir A , Yu Peiqiang , Ali Mubarak , Cone John W , Hendriks Wouter H
Published: April 2014

Maize silage has become the major forage component in the ration of dairy cows over the last few decades. This review provides information on the mean content and variability in chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and ensiling quality of maize silages, and discusses the major factors which cause these variations. In addition, the effect of the broad range in chemical composition of maize silages on the total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients, milk production and milk composition of dairy cows is quantified and discussed. Finally, the optimum inclusion level of maize silage in the ration of dairy cows for milk production and composition is reviewed. The data showed that the nutritive value of maize silages is highly variable and that most of this variation is caused by large differences in maturity at harvest. Maize silages ensiled at a very early stage (dry matter (DM) < 250 g kg−1) were particularly low in starch content and starch/neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratio, and resulted in a lowerDMintake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein content. TheDMI, milk yield and milk protein content increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for maize silages ensiled atDMcontents of 300–350 g kg−1, and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g kg−1. The increases in milk (R2= 0.599) and protein (R2= 0.605) yields with maturity of maize silages were positively related to the increase in starch/NDF ratio of the maize silages. On average, the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage‐based diets improved the forage DMI by 2 kg d−1, milk yield by 1.9 kg d−1and milk protein content by 1.2 g kg−1. Further comparisons showed that, in terms of milk and milk constituent yields, the optimum grass/maize silage ratio depends on the quality of both the grass and maize silages. Replacement of grass silage with maize silage in the ration, as well as an increasing maturity of the maize silages, altered the milk FA profile of the dairy cows, notably, the concentration of thecis‐unsaturated FAs, C18:3n‐3 and n‐3/n‐6 ratio decreased in milk fat. Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield. Harvesting maize silages at a DM content between 300 and 350 g kg−1and feeding in combination with grass silage results in a higher milk yield of dairy cows. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of the Rate Constant of the Reaction of CCl2 with HCl
Authors: GÓMEZ NICOLÁS D. , D'ACCURSO VIOLETA , MANZANO FRANCISCO A. , CODNIA JORGE , AZCÁRATE M. LAURA
Published: April 2014

The rate constant of the reaction between CCl2 radicals and HCl was experimentally determined. The CCl2 radicals were obtained by infrared multiphoton dissociation of CDCl3. The time dependence of the CCl2 radicals' concentration in the presence of HCl was determined by laser‐induced fluorescence. The experimental conditions allowed us to associate the decrease in the concentration of radicals to the self‐recombination reaction to form C2Cl4 and to the reaction with HCl to form CHCl3. The rate constant for the self‐recombination reaction was determined to be in the high‐pressure regime. The value obtained at 300 K was (5.7 ± 0.1) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, whereas the value of the rate constant measured for the reaction with HCl was (2.7 ± 0.1) × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1.
Iron-induced oxidative rat liver injury after non–heart-beating warm ischemia is mediated by tumor necrosis factor α and prevented by deferoxamine
Authors: Niu Xianwa , Huang Wen Hua , De Boer Bastiaan , Delriviere Luc , Mou Ling Jun , Jeffrey Gary P.
Published: April 2014

This study investigated iron-induced injury after warm ischemia in a non–heart-beating (NHB) rat liver model and the effects of deferoxamine (DFO). Livers from heart-beating (HB) rats or rats that were NHB for 60 minutes were stored in University of Wisconsin solution for 5 hours at 4°C [cold storage (CS)] and then were subjected to 2 hours of machine reperfusion (MRP) at 37°C. Three NHB groups were compared: (1) no DFO, (2) DFO 30 minutes before cardiac arrest and during CS and MRP, and (3) DFO during CS and MRP. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the NHB perfusate were significantly elevated (P < 0.01) in comparison with levels in HB controls after CS and MRP. After CS, the levels of iron and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were 0.077 ± 0.007 μmol/g and 151 ± 26 pg/g, respectively, in the NHB group and 0.022 ± 0.004 μmol/g and 17 ± 7 pg/g, respectively, in the HB group (P < 0.01). After MRP, LDH significantly correlated with iron (R
2 = 0.81, P < 0.01). The DFO pretreatment of NHB donors decreased AST (7.3 ± 0.8 versus 4.0 ± 0.5 U/g of liver, P < 0.05) and LDH (42.5 ± 4.1 versus 20.4 ± 2.5 U/g of liver, P < 0.05) with 2 hours of MRP and increased bile flow during MRP (142 ± 34 versus 240 ± 18 μL/g, P < 0.05). It also reduced the levels of iron (0.077 ± 0.007 versus 0.050 ± 0.008 μmol/g, P < 0.05) and TNF-α (151 ± 26 versus 51 ± 13 pg/g, P < 0.05) after CS and the levels of lipid peroxidation products F2-isoprostane (149 ± 11 versus 99 ± 10 ng/g, P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (1.58 ± 0.1 versus 1.14 ± 0.08 μmol/g, P < 0.05) after MRP. In conclusion, iron-initiated oxidative stress is likely involved in NHB donor liver injury, and importantly, DFO pretreatment reduces liver damage. Liver Transpl 20:904–911, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
A NIPAM–Zwitterion Copolymer: Rheological Interpretation of the Specific Ion Effect on the LCST
Authors: Obiweluozor Francis O. , GhavamiNejad Amin , Hashmi Saud , Vatankhah‐Varnoosfaderani Mohammad , Stadler Florian J.
Published: April 2014

The effect of various cations and anions on the ability to shield the electrostatic interaction between charged copolymers containing a non‐ionic moiety (N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)) is explored. The Hofmeister series, first noted in 1888, ranks the relative influence of ions on the physical behavior of a wide variety of aqueous processes ranging from colloidal assembly to protein folding. The viscoelastic behavior of a poly(NIPAM‐co‐Zw10%) solution as a function of ionic strength in the presence of different ions is rheologically investigated. The obtained copolymer exhibits a thermoresponsive behavior, with tunable lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ranging from 28 to 33 °C. The viscosity change specifically demonstrates the effectiveness of the low‐molecular‐weight ions in weakening the inter‐/intramolecular electrostatic crosslinks among the sulfobetaine chain and in enhancing the hydration of the macromolecule. The effectiveness of the anions follows the Hofmeister series while that of the cations follows the reversed Hofmeister series, as demonstrated by Collins' concept of “matching water affinity,” due to presence of a sulfobetaine group in the chains.

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Redefining Confidence for Consumer Behavior Research
Authors: Simintiras Antonis C. , Yeniaras Volkan , Oney Emrah , Bahia Tajinder K.
Published: April 2014

Although quintessential to market exchange and trade, consumer confidence evokes little interest from marketing scholars, and largely persists as an untapped dimension in consumer behavior research. Nevertheless, the dearth of confidence research provides a most useful foundation for investigating how it is both relevant and informative to the study of consumer decision making and behavior. Following a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations of confidence, an integrated conceptualization is mapped out, and examples of consumer behavior research areas deemed to benefit from a more honed study of confidence are highlighted.
Redox‐Switchable Supramolecular Graft Polymer Formation via Ferrocene–Cyclodextrin Assembly
Authors: Szillat Florian , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. , Hubert Artur , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Ritter Helmut
Published: April 2014

The redox switchable formation of very well‐defined supramolecular graft polymers in aqueous solution driven by host–guest interactions between ferrocene (Fc) and cyclodextrin (CD) is presented. The Fc‐containing acrylic backbone copolymer (PDMA‐stat‐Fc) is prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of N,N‐dimethyl­acrylamide (DMA) and the novel monomer N‐(ferrocenoylmethyl)acrylamide (NFMA). Via the RAFT process, copolymers containing variable Fc ratios (5‐10 mol%) are prepared, affording polymers of molecular masses of close to 11 000 g mol−1 and molar mass dispersities (Đ) of 1.2. The β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) containing building block is synthesized via RAFT‐polymerization, too, in order to afford a polymer with well‐defined molecular mass and low dispersity ( = 10 300 g mol−1, Đ = 1.1), employing a propargyl‐functionalized chain transfer agent for the polymerization of N,N‐diethylacrylamide (DEA). The polymerization product is subsequently terminated with β‐CD via the regiospecific copper (I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐cycloaddition (PDEA‐βCD). Host–guest interactions between Fc and CD lead to the formation of supramolecular graft‐polymers, verified via nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY). Importantly, their redox‐responsive character is clearly confirmed via cyclic voltammetry (CV). The self‐assembly of the statistical Fc‐containing lateral polymer chain in aqueous solution leads to mono‐ and multi‐core micelle‐aggregates evidenced via TEM. Only diffused cloud‐like, non‐spherical nanostructures are observed after addition of PDEA‐βCD (TEM).

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The neurobiological basis of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Halliday Glenda M. , Leverenz James B. , Schneider Jay S. , Adler Charles H.
Published: April 2014

The recent formalization of clinical criteria for Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) codifies many studies on this topic, including those assessing biological correlates. These studies show that the emergence of PDD occurs on the background of severe dopamine deficits with, the main pathological drivers of cognitive decline being a synergistic effect between alpha‐synuclein and Alzheimer's disease pathology. The presence of these pathologies correlates with a marked loss of limbic and cortically projecting dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and acetylcholine neurons, although the exact timing of these relationships remains to be determined. Genetic factors, such as triplications in the α‐synuclein gene, lead to a clear increased risk of PDD, whereas others, such as parkin mutations, are associated with a reduced risk of PDD. The very recent formalization of clinical criteria for PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI) allows only speculation on its biological and genetic bases. Critical assessment of animal models shows that chronic low‐dose MPTP treatment in primates recapitulates PD‐MCI over time, enhancing the current biological concept of PD‐MCI as having enhanced dopamine deficiency in frontostriatal pathways as well as involvement of other neurotransmitter systems. Data from other animal models support multiple transmitter involvement in cognitive impairment in PD. Whereas dopamine dysfunction has been highlighted because of its obvious role in PD, the role of the other neurotransmitter systems, neurodegenerative pathologies, and genetic factors in PD‐MCI remains to be fully elucidated. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) signaling during ovulation in mice
Authors: Siddappa Dayananda , Kalaiselvanraja Anitha , Bordignon Vilceu , Dupuis Lisa , Gasperin Bernardo G. , Roux Philippe P. , Duggavathi Raj
Published: April 2014

A complex network of endocrine/paracrine signals regulates granulosa‐cell function in ovarian follicles. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) has recently emerged as a master intracellular integrator of extracellular signals and nutrient availability. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the expression pattern and kinase activity of MTOR during follicular and corpus luteum development, and to examine how inhibition of MTOR kinase activity affects preovulatory maturation of ovarian follicles. MTOR expression was constitutive throughout follicular and corpus luteum development. Gonadotropins induced MTOR kinase activity in the ovary, which was inhibited by rapamycin treatment (10 µg/g body weight, intraperitoneal injection). Inhibition of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)‐induced MTOR activity during preovulatory follicle maturation did not change key events of ovulation. Granulosa cells of rapamycin‐treated mice showed reduced MTOR kinase activity at 1 and 4 hr post‐hCG and overexpression of hCG‐induced ovulation genes at 4 hr post‐hCG. Overexpression of these ovulatory genes was associated with hyper‐activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), which occurred in response to inhibition of MTOR with rapamycin and suggested that MTOR may function as a negative regulator of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Indeed, simultaneous inhibition of MTOR and ERK1/2 activities during preovulatory follicle maturation caused anovulation. Inhibition of hCG‐induced ERK1/2 activity alone suppressed MTOR kinase activity, indicating that MAPK pathway is upstream of MTOR. Thus, normal ovulation appears to be a result of complex interactions between MTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in granulosa cells of ovulating follicles in mice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 655–665, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of mouse astrocytes and their secretome by a combination of FASP and StageTip‐based, high pH, reversed‐phase fractionation
Authors: Han Dohyun , Jin Jonghwa , Woo Jongmin , Min Hophil , Kim Youngsoo
Published: April 2014

Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the CNS, but their function remains largely unknown. Characterization of the whole‐cell proteome and secretome in astrocytes would facilitate the study of their functions in various neurodegenerative diseases and astrocyte–neuron communication. To build a reference proteome, we established a C8‐D1A astrocyte proteome to a depth of 7265 unique protein groups using a novel strategy that combined two‐step digestion, filter‐aided sample preparation, StageTip‐based high pH fractionation, and high‐resolution MS. Nearly, 6000 unique protein groups were identified from conditioned media of astrocyte cultures, constituting the largest astrocyte secretome that has been reported. High‐confidence whole‐cell proteomes and secretomes are valuable resources in studying astrocyte function by label‐free quantitation and bioinformatics analysis. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000501 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000501).
Elasticity and magnetism of Ni2 MnGa premartensitic tweed
Authors: Seiner Hanuš , Kopecký Vít , Landa Michal , Heczko Oleg
Published: April 2014

Magnetic, magneto‐elastic and elastic measurements were used to characterize the thermal evolution of the premartensite phase of Ni2 MnGa. The premartensitic transition is shown to correspond to a sharp maximum of magnetostriction and a pronounced minimum of the (110) shear stiffness (the elastic coefficient); no additional softening of the coefficient prior to the martensitic transformation was observed. In contrast, a significant softening of the (100) stiffness (the elastic coefficient) was observed in the vicinity of the martensitic transition, while this coefficient is fully unaffected by the premartensitic transition. A simple two‐dimensional model of the tweed is presented to explain this mutual independence between the and shears and the effect of tweed formation on both of them.
Hydrological Effects on Relationships Between δ15N of River Nitrate and Land Use in a Rural River Basin, Western Japan
Authors: Ide J. , Somura H. , Nakamura T. , Mori Y. , Takeda I. , Nishida K.
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to examine how the relationship between δ15N of nitrate (δ15NNO3) in rivers and land use within a river basin changes with varying hydrological conditions. This information would aid in identifying the dominant source contributing to increased nitrate concentrations in rural rivers. For this, δ15NNO3 in river water was investigated monthly in the five subbasins of the Hii River basin (area: 911 km2), western Japan, for 1 year and 3 months. There were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between δ15NNO3 and the land‐use ratio (i.e. ratios of forested, agricultural and residential areas in a subbasin) for the majority of the observation days, indicating that δ15NNO3 reflected land use within the basin. δ15NNO3 ranged from +1.4‰ to +8.5‰ and was lower in a subbasin with a higher forested area ratio. We found that the absolute value of the regression slope of the relationship between δ15NNO3 and the land‐use ratio decreased with increasing river discharge. This finding demonstrates that differences in δ15NNO3 among subbasins with different land‐use compositions became smaller under higher flow conditions. Because δ15NNO3 decreased with increasing river discharge, the small absolute value of the regression slope under high flow conditions indicates that forested areas could be the dominant source of river nitrate during high flows in all subbasins investigated regardless of land‐use composition. The results suggest that forested areas make a large contribution to the increase in nitrate concentration in downstream rivers during high flows, because the nitrate concentration increased with increasing river discharge. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current Experience with Computed Tomographic Cystography and Blunt Trauma
Authors: Deck Andrew J. , Shaves Sarah , Talner Lee , Porter James R.
Published: April 2014

We present our experience with computed tomographic (CT) cystography for the diagnosis of bladder rupture in patients with blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma and compare the results of CT cystography to operative exploration. We identified all blunt trauma patients diagnosed with bladder rupture from January 1992 to September 1998. We also reviewed the radiology computerized information system (RIS) for all CT cystograms performed for the evaluation of blunt trauma during the same time period. The medical records and pertinent radiographs of the patients with bladder rupture who underwent CT cystography as part of their admission evaluation were reviewed. Operative findings were compared to radiographic findings. Altogether, 316 patients had CT cystograms as part of an initial evaluation for blunt trauma. Of these patients, 44
had an ultimate diagnosis of bladder rupture; 42 patients had CT cystograms indicating bladder rupture. A total of 28 patients underwent formal bladder exploration; 23 (82%) had operative findings that exactly (i.e., presence and type of rupture) matched the CT cystogram interpretation. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CT cystography for detection of bladder rupture were 95% and 100%, respectively. For intraperitoneal rupture,
the sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 99%, respectively. CT cystography provides an expedient evaluation for bladder rupture caused by blunt trauma and has an accuracy comparable to that reported for plain film cystography. We recommend CT cystography over plain film cystography for patients undergoing CT evaluation for other blunt trauma‐related injuries.
Immunoguided Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Cancer: A New Challenge?
Authors: Schneebaum Schlomo , Troitsa Anton , Haddad Riad , Avital Shmuel , Kashtan Hanoch , Baratz Mimi , Brazovsky Eli , Papo Joseph , Skornick Yehuda
Published: April 2014

Knowledge of lymphatic involvement in patients with colorectal cancer is important in surgery and in the postoperative decision‐making process. Fifty‐eight patients with recurrent colorectal cancer underwent operation with the RIGS® (Radioimmunoguided Surgery) technology. Preoperatively, patients were injected with 1 mg monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CC49 (anti‐TAG‐72‐tumor‐associated glycoprotein) labeled with 2 mCi of iodine 125. Traditional surgical exploration was followed by survey with a gamma‐detecting probe. Localization of MoAb on tumor was noted in 54/58 patients (93%). Traditional exploration identified 117 suspected tumor sites. With RIGS, 177 suspected tumor sites were detected. In 17 of the 58 patients (27.5%), at least one occult tumor site identified by RIGS was confirmed by pathology with hematoxylin & eosin (H & E) staining. This finding resulted in 16 major changes in surgical plan. RIGS performance varied between lymphatic and non‐lymphatic tissue, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95.6% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90% in non‐lymphoid tissue compared to PPV of 40% and NPV of 100% in lymphoid tissue. In patients with tumors that localize, no RIGS activity in lymph nodes signifies no tumor, while decisions based on RIGS activity in lymph nodes requires H & E confirmation. Using this guideline, additional information acquired by RIGS can help the surgeon in making an informed decision during surgery and in planning postoperative therapy.
Operative Technique on Nearly Total Gastrectomy Reconstructed by Interposition of a Jejunal J pouch with Preservation of Vagal Nerve, Lower Esophageal Sphincter, and Pyloric Sphincter for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tomita Ryouichi , Fujisaki Shigeru , Tanjoh Katsuhisa , Fukuzawa Masahiro
Published: April 2014

Nearly total gastrectomy preserving the vagal nerve, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the pyloric sphincter was developed as a function‐preserving surgical technique to improve postgastrectomy disorders. In this paper, application criteria and technique are outlined, and postoperative quality of life was clinically investigated. Ten subjects who underwent this surgical operation (group A: 7 male and 3 female subjects at age 48 to 68 years with a mean age of 58.3 years) were interviewed to inquire about reflux esophagitis, dumping syndrome, and microgastria. Group A was compared with 20 cases of conventional total gastrectomy with D2
lymphadenectomy, excision of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES),
total vagotomy, and single jejunal interposition (group B: 16 male and
4 female subjects at age 48 to 72 years with a mean age of 63.9 years).
Included were cases with early cancer (M or SM1 of N0) localizing at the middle third and lower stomach, which was not applicable to endoscopic excision of gastric mucosa or partial gastric excision in M cancer, 2 cm or farther from the margin of the cancer to the esophagogastric mucosa cephalad junction and 3.5 cm or farther from the margin of the cancer to the pyloric caudad sphincter; in SM1 cancer, 4
cm or farther from the oral‐side margin of the cancer to esophagogastric mucosa junction and 5.5 cm or farther from the anal‐side margin of the cancer to the pyloric sphincter. In excision with lymph nodes, hepatic and celiac branches bifurcating from anterior and posterior trunks of the vagal nerve were preserved. To preserve LES, the esophagus was severed at the His angle at right angle to the longitudinal axis of the esophagus. The antrum was severed at 1.5 cm from the pyloric sphincter, preserving the arteria supraduodenalis. An alternative gaster was created as a 15‐cm jejunal pouch with a 5‐cm jejunal conduit for orthodromic peristaltic movement, using an automatic suture instrument to complete side‐to‐side anastomosis of folded jejunum with 1‐ to 1.5‐cm long upper end of the pouch not anastomosed. The abdominal esophagus was mechanically anastomosed with a jejunal J pouch, and anastomosis of the pyloric antrum with a jejunal conduit was manually completed by stratum anastomosis. In group A, food ingestion per time could be taken the same as that of a healthy person,
with no reflux esophagitis and dumping syndrome being noticed. Reflux esophagitis developed more significantly in group B than in group A
(p < 0.05). In food ingestion per time, group B was significantly delayed compared with group A (p <
0.05). The present results suggested that the surgical technique proposed is a function‐preserving gastric surgery appropriate to prevent postgastrectomy disorder of subjects.
Laparoscopic Evaluation and Management of Nonpalpable Testis in Children
Authors: Lotan Gad , Klin Baruch , Efrati Yigal , Bistritzer Tzvi
Published: April 2014

We evaluated the outcome of children with nonpalpable testis managed and treated laparoscopically in our department over a 6‐year period. One hundred nine boys aged 12 months to 14 years were included in the study; most were between the ages of
12 months and 18 months. Diagnostic laparoscopy and eventual orchiectomy were performed in 50 patients (45.8%) with atrophic testicles. A normal sized intraabdominal testicle was found in 59
patients (54.1%). Seven of the intra‐abdominal testicles were bilateral (6.4%), and 12 were located in the vicinity of the inguinal ring (11%). All patients underwent both the first and second stages of the Fowler‐Stephens procedure, except for those whose testicles were located in the vicinity of the internal inguinal ring. They underwent an immediate one‐stage laparoscopic‐assisted orchiopexy without difficulty. Only two patients had atrophic testicles observed in the scrotal area after the complete Fowler‐Stephens procedure (3.4%). The good results reported in most series establish the laparoscopic management of the nonpalpable testis as "state of the art," with results superior to those obtained with the open technique regarding morbidity, complication rate, and length of hospital stay.