bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both histidine residues of the conserved HHXXXDG motif are essential for wax ester synthase/acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase catalysis
Authors: Stöveken Tim , Kalscheuer Rainer , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: February 2009

Bacterial acyltransferases of the wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) family possess a highly conserved HHXXXDG motif. In this study, we describe the first experimental evidence that this motif is part of the active site of WS/DGAT from the Acinetobacter baylyi strain ADP1 and that it is crucial for enzymatic activity. The second histidine residue of this motif (H133) turned out to be essential for the catalytic activity. In addition, the replacement of the first histidine (His132) also led to explicitly decreased activity. A complete loss of activity was only observed upon substitution of both histidine residues by leucine, revealing that both are necessary for maximal activity. In contrast, the replacement of Asp137 and Gly138 against alanine had only little effect on enzyme activity, thus demonstrating that they are not essential for WS/DGAT catalysis although belonging to the highly conserved motif. One peculiarity of WS/DGAT enzymes is their little substrate specificity regarding hydrophobic compounds. In this study, we demonstrated the inability of WS/DGAT to accept polar compounds as substrates.
A Selective Metal–Ligand Fluorescent Chemosensor for Dihydrogen Phosphate via Intermolecular Excimer Formation in Water
Authors: Huang Xiao‐huan , He Yong‐bing , Hu Chen‐guang , Chen Zhi‐hong
Published: February 2009

Two new anthrylpolyamine ligands and their zinc complexes 1·2Zn and 2·Zn have been synthesized. The recognition ability of 1·2Zn and 2·Zn towards inorganic anions was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy in water at physiological pH values. The receptor 1·2Zn displays an excellent selective fluorescent enhancement of the excimer emissive peak with H2PO4– that is absent with other inorganic anions such as SO42–, NO3–, HCO3–, AcO–, F–, Cl–, Br– and I–. The obvious excimer formation can be explained by 2+2‐type binding between 1·2Zn and H2PO4–, which was confirmed by electrospray ionization data. The sensitive fluorescent response and excellent selectivity show that receptor 1·2Zn can be used as a fluorescent chemosensor for the H2PO4– anion under physiological pH conditions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Sweets for Catalysis – Facile Optimisation of Carbohydrate‐Based Bis(oxazoline) Ligands (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 7/2009)
Authors: Minuth Tobias , Irmak Mustafa , Groschner Annika , Lehnert Tobias , Boysen Mike M. K.
Published: February 2009

The cover picture shows various uses for carbohydrates in nature: Chitin in the exoskeleton of crustaceans (lower left corner), cellulose in plants (upper right corner) and as the energy‐storage compound sucrose in plants, which ultimately makes its way into sweets such as candy canes. In the laboratory, carbohydrates can be transformed into interesting and versatile tools for stereoselective synthesis such as chiral ligands for asymmetric catalysis. The article by M. M. K. Boysen on p. 997 ff describes carbohydrate‐based bis(oxazoline) ligands. These sweets for catalysis were successfully fine‐tuned for asymmetric cyclopropanation reactions by the introduction of O‐substituents with varying steric and electronic properties. The authors thank Anja Glinschert for her help with the cover design. Financial support of the German Research Foundation, VolkswagenFoundation and Fonds der Chemischen Industrie is gratefully acknowledged.
Retracted: Correction or comparison? The effects of prime awareness on social judgments
Authors: Maringer Marcus , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: February 2009

In previous research on the effects of accessible information on social judgments, divergent explanations have been offered for contrast effects that occur as a consequence of prime awareness. Some authors favor a comparison explanation, whereas others favor a correction explanation. In two studies, we successfully disentangled comparison and correction contrast by demonstrating that whereas correction for unwanted influences is a general process that leads to contrast on various dimensions on which a target is judged, comparison effects are prime specific and occur mainly on comparison relevant dimensions. In addition, our findings indicate that for correction attempts to occur and succeed, respondents must have the feeling that these primes contaminate their target judgments and should be removed from their “true” reaction to the target. When people are not suspicious of the potential contaminating influences of priming stimuli, prime awareness is more likely to lead to prime‐target comparisons than to correction efforts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What I think you see is what you get: Influence of prejudice on assimilation to negative meta‐stereotypes among Dutch Moroccan teenagers
Authors: Kamans Elanor , Gordijn Ernestine H. , Oldenhuis Hilbrand , Otten Sabine
Published: February 2009

This research examined how Dutch Moroccan teenagers in the Netherlands deal with the negative stereotype that they believe the Dutch have about their group. We hypothesize that Moroccans act in line with this negative image when they are prejudiced against the Dutch and feel personally meta‐stereotyped. A survey study among 88 Dutch Moroccan teenagers revealed that Moroccan teenagers who felt negative about the Dutch and thought that they were personally negatively stereotyped, expressed attitudes in line with this negative “meta‐stereotype.” That is, they act in line with the outgroup's negative image by legitimizing criminality, aggression, loitering teenagers, and Muslim extremism. These findings suggest that being confronted with a negative stereotype about one's group might sometimes lead to a reaction that is both harmful for the stereotyped group as well as society in general. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group membership influences social control of perpetrators of uncivil behaviors
Authors: Nugier Armelle , Chekroun Peggy , Pierre Karine , Niedenthal Paula M.
Published: February 2009

The present research examined bystanders' reactions to uncivil behaviors. We tested a proposed mediator of the effect by which bystanders are more likely to exert social control over in‐group compared to out‐group members. Participants were asked to report their likely reaction if they were to witness a woman throwing a plastic bottle into a flowerbed. Participants reported that they were more likely to express their disapproval to the woman if she was an in‐group rather than an out‐group member. This effect was mediated by the moral emotions that participants expected the woman to feel if they were to intervene: Participants expected the woman to feel more embarrassment and shame when she was an in‐group member, and this explained why they were more likely to exert social control toward an in‐group member than an out‐group member. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elaborating the police perspective: The role of perceptions and experience in the explanation of crowd conflict
Authors: Prati Gabriele , Pietrantoni Luca
Published: February 2009

Classical theories of crowd behaviour view crowd conflict as deriving from the pathology of the crowd itself. Recent developments in crowd psychology as the elaborated social identity model (ESIM) conceptualize crowd behaviour as a dynamic intergroup process between demonstrators and police. The present study assessed exposure to crowd conflict, adherence to classical views of crowd behaviour, public order policing methods and attributions of responsibility for crowd conflict among 352 Italian police officers. Results showed that exposure to crowd conflict was related to adherence to classical views of crowd, which, in turn, was related to ‘bad practices’ of public order policing and to system‐justificatory attributions. Overall, these results offer support and extend the police perspective within the ESIM model. Practical implications for public order policing strategies and training are also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pollutants removal and distribution of microorganisms in a reed wetland of Shanghai Mengqing Park
Authors: Xie Bing , Cui Yuxue , Yuan Qi , Li Jingjing
Published: February 2009

This project studies a constructed reed wetland located in Mengqing Park, near the downstream of Suzhou Creek, Shanghai. Under hydraulic loading of 60–70 cm/day, the mean treatment efficiency to remove ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand, and suspended solid could reach about 30, 50, and 60%, respectively, in reed wetlands. To clarify the roles of microorganisms on pollutant degradation in reed wetlands, distribution and characterization of heterotrophic bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, and denitrifiers were studied in the water and sediment of the wetland, using the traditional culture‐dependent and molecular methods. It was found that heterotrophic bacteria, nitrobacteria, and denitrifying bacteria varied seasonally. The distribution of heterotrophic bacteria and autotrophic bacteria in the inlet of wetland was quite different from that in the outlet areas of the wetland. There were more heterotrophic bacteria and much less nitrobacteria in the inlet sediment than in the outlet. The amount of bacteria in reed rhizospheres was larger than that in nonrhizospheres. The good correlation between the removal rate of ammonia and the amount of nitrifying bacteria indicated that nitrobacteria contributed significantly to ammonia removal in the reed wetland. Profile of PCR‐SSCP (single‐strand conformation polymorphism) also showed that DNA diversity of bacteria in the inlet area was higher than that in the outlet, and the dominant bacteria in the wetland were genus of Bacillus. DNA diversity and similarity suggested that the functional microorganism distribution correlated to the different nutrient level in the wetland. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous microorganism products to the wetland could help promote the pollutant removal by bioaugmentation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Changes in microbial community composition following treatment of methanogenic granules with chloroform
Authors: Hu Bo , Zhou Xia , Forney Larry , Chen Shulin
Published: February 2009

Eliminating hydrogen consuming bacteria is a critical step in anaerobic fermentation for biohydrogen production. Treatment of anaerobic granular sludge with chloroform was reported as effective in transforming a methane‐producing system into a hydrogen‐producing system by eliminating methane production. This study, using 16S rRNA gene sequences, further assessed changes in microbial community composition as a result of chloroform treatment and during continuous cultivation of chloroform‐treated granules in a continuous upflow reactor employing immobilized cells. Profiles of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T‐RFLP) of 16S rRNA genes sequences cloned from samples before and after chloroform treatment showed that methanogenic hydrogen consumers and Methanosaeta harundinacea sp. were eliminated. Methanosaeta concilii, however, was not eliminated from the hydrogen‐producing system, which might explain, in part, the granulation phenomena in the anaerobic hydrogen fermentation system. The results also showed that Clostridium butyricum dominated the hydrogen‐production system. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Estimation of load reduction factors for clay masonry walls
Authors: da Porto Francesca , Grendene Manuel , Modena Claudio
Published: February 2009

The in‐plane cyclic behaviour of three types of unreinforced clay masonry was characterized by means of laboratory tests on full‐scale specimens. The masonry walls were assembled with various bonding arrangements (head joints made with mortar pockets, dry head joints with mechanical interlocking, thin‐layer mortar bed joints), which are not yet inserted in seismic codes. Experimental behaviour was modelled with an analytical hysteretic model able to predict lateral load–displacement curves in case of shear failure of the unreinforced walls. According to the experimental results and those of the selected analytical model, parametric study to evaluate the reduction in lateral strength demand produced by non‐linear behaviour in masonry walls, i.e. the load reduction factor was carried out by non‐linear dynamic analyses. The calculated values of the load reduction factor were modest. The differences in values found for the three masonry types, although consistent with them, were not great. This may indicate that, in the ultimate limit state, the type of masonry cannot significantly affect the behaviour of an entire building. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear stochastic dynamic analysis for performance‐based earthquake engineering
Authors: Kiureghian Armen Der , Fujimura Kazuya
Published: February 2009

A new approach for computing seismic fragility curves for nonlinear structures for use in performance‐based earthquake engineering analysis is proposed. The approach makes use of a recently developed method for nonlinear stochastic dynamic analysis by tail‐equivalent linearization. The ground motion is modeled as a discretized stochastic process with a set of parameters that characterizes its evolutionary intensity and frequency content. For each selected response (seismic demand) threshold, a linear system is defined that has the same tail probability as the nonlinear response in first‐order approximation. Simple linear random vibration analysis with the tail‐equivalent linear system then yields the fragility curve. The approach has the advantage of avoiding the selection and scaling of recorded accelerograms and repeated time‐history analyses, which is the current practice for developing fragility curves. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal Alloy Electrode Configurations For Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hassoun J. , Panero S. , Scrosati B.
Published: February 2009

We show that the proper use of lithium‐metal (Li‐M) alloys as electrodes in lithium cells requires formulations capable of maintaining their integrity upon cycling. A very effective one is based on the dispersion of nanosized metal particles within a carbon matrix in order to form M‐C composites. The validity of this strategy has been demonstrated in the cases where M is Sn and Sb, respectively. Tests in lithium cells demonstrate that the Sn‐C composite electrodes have a specific capacity much higher than that of commercial graphite, i.e. 500 mAhg–1 versus 370 mAhg–1, and that this high value is kept unchanged for several hundreds of cycles. The Sb‐C composite electrode has an intrinsic capacity lower than that of the Sn‐C one; however, also in this case, the capacity delivery remains stable for many cycles, thus confirming the unique role of the carbon matrix in stabilising the electrode structure. The investigation of the Li‐M alloy electrodes has been extended to Sn‐Co‐C ternary systems which supposedly are similar to that used as anode in a recently released commercial battery. Also, these electrodes show favourable cycling characteristics, although some questions still remain on the capacity retention upon prolonged cycling.
Distributed representation of single touches in somatosensory and visual cortex
Authors: Beauchamp Michael S. , LaConte Stephen , Yasar Nafi
Published: February 2009

Multi‐voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) was used to analyze blood–oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) data, which were acquired as human subjects received brief vibrotactile stimulation of their hands and feet. Support vector machines trained and tested on the whole brain fMRI data were able to accurately decode the body site of single touches, with mean performance of 92% in a two‐way discrimination task (chance performance 50%) and 70% in a four‐way discrimination task (chance performance 25%). Primary and secondary somatosensory areas (S1 and S2) alone decoded the touched body site with high accuracy. S1 was more accurate at decoding touches closely spaced on the body surface (different fingers of the same hand) whereas S2 and S1 were equally accurate at decoding widely spaced touches (hand vs. foot). The hand and foot regions of S1 (S1hand and S1foot) were separately examined in a two‐way classification task. S1hand was better able to decode the hand of stimulation (left vs. right), and S1foot was better able to decode the foot of stimulation. In addition to S1 and S2, vibrotactile responses were observed in a region of visual cortex, areas MST and STP (MST/STP) in lateral occipito‐temporal lobe. MST/STP was able to accurately decode the hand but not the foot of stimulation, supporting the idea of a role for MST/STP in eye‐hand coordination. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A double dissociation between striate and extrastriate visual cortex for pattern motion perception revealed using rTMS
Authors: Thompson Benjamin , Aaen‐Stockdale Craig , Koski Lisa , Hess Robert F.
Published: February 2009

The neural mechanisms underlying the integration and segregation of motion signals are often studied using plaid stimuli. These stimuli consist of two spatially coincident dynamic gratings of differing orientations, which are either perceived to move in two unique directions or are integrated by the visual system to elicit the percept of a checkerboard moving in a single direction. Computations pertaining to the motion of the individual component gratings are thought to take place in striate cortex (V1) whereas motion integration is thought to involve neurons in dorsal stream extrastriate visual areas, particularly V5/MT. By combining a psychophysical task that employed plaid stimuli with 1 Hz offline repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), we demonstrated a double dissociation between striate and extrastriate visual cortex in terms of their contributions to motion integration. rTMS over striate cortex increased coherent motion percepts whereas rTMS over extrastriate cortex had the opposite effect. These effects were robust directly after the stimulation administration and gradually returned to baseline within 15 minutes. This double dissociation is consistent with previous patient data and the recent hypothesis that both coherent and transparent motion percepts are supported by the visual system simultaneously and compete for perceptual dominance. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An integrated humoral and cellular response is elicited in pancreatic cancer by α‐enolase, a novel pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma‐associated antigen
Authors: Cappello Paola , Tomaino Barbara , Chiarle Roberto , Ceruti Patrizia , Novarino Anna , Castagnoli Carlotta , Migliorini Paola , Perconti Giovanni , Giallongo Agata , Milella Michele , Monsurrò Vladia , Barbi Stefano , Scarpa Aldo , Nisticò Paola , Giovarelli Mirella , Novelli Francesco
Published: February 2009

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease with a very poor 5‐year survival rate. α‐Enolase is a glycolytic enzyme that also acts as a surface plasminogen receptor. We find that it is overexpressed in PDAC and present on the cell surface of PDAC cell lines. The clinical correlation of its expression with tumor status has been reported for lung and hepatocellular carcinoma. We have previously demonstrated that sera from PDAC patients contain IgG autoantibodies to α‐enolase. The present work was intended to assess the ability of α‐enolase to induce antigen‐specific T cell responses. We show that α‐enolase‐pulsed dendritic cells (DC) specifically stimulate healthy autologous T cells to proliferate, secrete IFN‐γ and lyse PDAC cells but not normal cells. In vivo, α‐enolase‐specific T cells inhibited the growth of PDAC cells in immunodeficient mice. In 8 out of 12 PDAC patients with circulating IgG to α‐enolase, the existence of α‐enolase‐specific T cells was also demonstrated. Taken as a whole, these results indicate that α‐enolase elicits a PDAC‐specific, integrated humoral and cellular response. It is thus a promising and clinically relevant molecular target candidate for immunotherapeutic approaches as new adjuvants to conventional treatments in pancreatic cancer. © 2009 UICC
Genetic modulation of ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms with regard to alcohol and tobacco consumption for younger aged esophageal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Lee Chien‐Hung , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Wu I‐Chen , Goan Yih‐Gang , Lee Jang‐Ming , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Chan Te‐Fu , Huang Hsiao‐Ling , Hung Yu‐Hsiu , Huang Meng‐Chuan , Lai Tai‐Cheng , Wang Tsu‐Nai , Lan Cheng‐Che E. , Tsai Sharon , Lin Wen‐Yi , Wu Ming‐Tsang
Published: February 2009

Genetic variants in alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) genes modulate acetaldehyde removal upon alcohol ingestion. Although these genetic vulnerabilities have been linked to higher esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risks, it is unclear whether they also determine the time of malignancy presentation. The purpose of this investigation was to unravel genotoxic effects of the two alcohol‐metabolizing genes with regard to alcohol and tobacco consumption on the age at ESCC diagnosis and tumor dissemination. ADH1B/ALDH2 genotyping was performed on lymphocyte DNA specimens taken from 406 consecutively registered incident patients with pathology‐proven ESCC. To fully utilize individual genetic and survival information, survival analyses and gene‐longevity applied approaches were introduced. Among heavy drinkers, the ADH1B Arg/Arg (55 years) and ALDH2 Glu/Lys genotypes (54 years) were found to confer a 15 and 16 years earlier carcinoma diagnosed age than His/His and Glu/Glu nondrinkers (both 70 years), respectively. For drinkers, 1‐year age advancement was, separately, associated with a 0.977 and 0.953‐fold stepwise reduced likelihood of being ADH1B Arg homozygote and ALDH2 Lys variant. Noticeably elevated hazard‐ratio (HR) for drinkers of ADH1B slow‐form genotype and ALDH2 inactive‐form allele were identified in smokers (HR = 2.3–2.6), but no in nonsmokers. In smokers, appreciably higher cumulative cancer onset risks were correspondingly recognized from the age of 45 and 49 upward among any + Lys allele and Arg/Arg + Glu/Glu combined‐ADH1B/ALDH2‐genotype drinkers than nondrinkers. In conclusion, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, coupled with genetic susceptibilities associated with acetaldehyde elimination, as modulated by ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes, determines a substantial magnitude of tumorigenetic effect on earlier age ESCC diagnosis. © 2009 UICC
Targeted therapy of renal cell carcinoma: Synergistic activity of cG250‐TNF and IFNg
Authors: Bauer Stefan , Oosterwijk‐Wakka Jeannette C. , Adrian Nicole , Oosterwijk Egbert , Fischer Eliane , Wüest Thomas , Stenner Frank , Perani Angelo , Cohen Leonard , Knuth Alexander , Divgi Chaitanya , Jäger Dirk , Scott Andrew M. , Ritter Gerd , Old Lloyd J. , Renner Christoph
Published: February 2009

Immunotherapeutic targeting of G250/Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA‐IX) represents a promising strategy for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The well characterized human‐mouse chimeric G250 (cG250) antibody has been shown in human studies to specifically enrich in CA‐IX positive tumors and was chosen as a carrier for site specific delivery of TNF in form of our IgG‐TNF‐fusion protein (cG250‐TNF) to RCC xenografts. Genetically engineered TNF constructs were designed as CH2/CH3 truncated cG250‐TNF fusion proteins and eucariotic expression was optimized under serum‐free conditions. In‐vitro characterization of cG250‐TNF comprised biochemical analysis and bioactivity assays, alone and in combination with Interferon‐γ (IFNγ). Biodistribution data on radiolabeled [125J] cG250‐TNF and antitumor activity of cG250‐TNF, alone and in combination with IFNγ, were measured on RCC xenografts in BALB/c nu/nu mice. Combined administration of cG250‐TNF and IFNγ caused synergistic biological effects that represent key mechanisms displaying antitumor responses. Biodistribution studies demonstrated specific accumulation and retention of cG250‐TNF at CA‐IX‐positive RCC resulting in growth inhibition of RCC and improved progression free survival and overall survival. Antitumor activity induced by targeted TNF‐based constructs could be enhanced by coadministration of low doses of nontargeted IFNγ without significant increase in side effects. Administration of cG250‐TNF and IFNγ resulted in significant synergistic tumoricidal activity. Considering the poor outcome of renal cancer patients with advanced disease, cG250‐TNF‐based immunotherapeutic approaches warrant clinical evaluation. © 2009 UICC
RNAi targeting urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor inhibits metastasis and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vivo
Authors: Zhou Hao , Tang Yaling , Liang Xinhua , Yang Xiaoqin , Yang Jing , Zhu Guiquan , Zheng Min , Zhang Chunxu
Published: February 2009

It has been admitted that urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (u‐PAR) is overexpressed in many human malignant tumors including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and plays an important role in a variety of cancer key cellular events as a versatile signaling orchestrator. In our study, a retroviral vector expressing u‐PAR‐specific siRNA was injected into OSCC xenografts of nude mice to observe its inhibitory effects on OSCC. Our data demonstrate that siRNA targeting u‐PAR markedly suppressed tumor growth, reduced the expression of proliferation‐related gene, Ki‐67 and increased cell apoptosis, accompanying with the efficient and specific inhibition of endogenous u‐PAR expression in OSCC. More importantly, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D and VEGFR‐3 that are intimately involved in oral cancer invasion and metastasis, was simultaneously downregulated significantly as determined by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry; and Gelatin and fibrin zymography showed that MMP‐9, MMP‐2 and u‐PA enzymatic activities were significantly reduced in u‐PAR‐specific siRNA group, compared to those in control groups. In addition, the expression of MDR‐1 gene related to drug resistance was obviously inhibited by silencing of u‐PAR. These findings suggest that RNAi targeting u‐PAR could effectively inhibit the metastasis and progression of OSCC in vivo. Thus, it may be used as a potent and specific therapy for oral cancer, especially in inhibiting and preventing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. © 2009 UICC
Vaccination with xenogeneic tumor endothelial proteins isolated in situ inhibits tumor angiogenesis and spontaneous metastasis
Authors: Zhang Wang , Liu Jian‐Ning , Tan Xiang‐Yang
Published: February 2009

Angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor tissues induce the expression of angiogenesis‐associated proteins on endothelial surface that can be targeted for tumor immunotherapy. In our study, the rat tumor endothelial proteins (EP) were isolated in situ via biotinylation of tumor vascular endothelial luminal surface followed by streptavidin affinity chromatography. The isolated tumor EP contained numerous up‐regulated angiogenesis‐associated endothelial proteins. The administration of these tumor EP as a vaccine to mice reduced the microvessel density in subcutaneous primary LLC tumors, delayed spontaneous LLC tumor metastasis and prolonged post‐surgery life span. T lymphocytes from tumor EP‐vaccinated mice lysed human umbilical vascular endothelial cells, but not tumor cells in vitro, in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of antitumor EP antibodies in vivo targeted to tumor endothelium and inhibited spontaneous LLC tumor metastasis. This study provides a successful preclinical exploration of the active immunotherapy for tumor by targeting tumor angiogenesis. © 2009 UICC
Increased production and secretion of HGF α‐chain and an antagonistic HGF fragment in a human breast cancer progression model
Authors: Wright Theodore G. , Singh Vinay K. , Li John J. , Foley Jonathan H. , Miller Fred , Jia Zongchao , Elliott Bruce E.
Published: February 2009

Invasive human breast carcinomas frequently coexpress increased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor Met, suggesting that establishment of an autocrine HGF loop is important in malignant disease. This study examines the expression patterns of HGF and Met activation during tumorigenesis and metastasis using a MCF10A‐based model of Ha‐Ras‐induced human breast cancer progression. Deregulation of cadherin‐based cell‐cell adhesions, decreased expression of cytokeratins 8/18 and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP‐2 occurs in premalignant and malignant (metastatic) cell lines compared to the parental nonmalignant cell line. Compared to the benign parent cell line, premalignant and malignant cell lines exhibit increased secretion of full length HGF α‐chain and elevated Met tyrosine phosphorylation in complete medium. Interestingly, the premalignant and malignant cells also secrete a ∼55 kDa HGF fragment. Epitope mapping of the ∼55 kDa HGF fragment supports the presence of the N‐terminal domain of the HGF α‐chain with a truncation in the C‐terminal domain. The ∼55 kDa HGF fragment shows mobility in SDS‐PAGE faster than HGF α‐chain, but slightly slower than NK4, a previously established full antagonist of HGF. The separated ∼55 kDa HGF fragment binds to animmobilized Met‐IgG fusion protein, and inhibits both HGF/Met‐IgG binding and HGF‐induced Met‐tyrosine phosphorylation. These results are the first demonstration of an antagonistic ∼55 kDa HGF fragment secreted during breast carcinoma progression, which may have a negative regulatory effect on HGF signaling in premalignant breast epithelial cells. © 2009 UICC
Proteomic analysis reveals upregulation of RKIP in S‐180 implanted BALB/C mouse after treatment with ascorbic acid
Authors: Park Seyeon , Ahn Eun Sook , Lee Sukchan , Jung Manyong , Park Jin Hee , Yi Sang Yeop , Yeom Chang‐Hwan
Published: February 2009

Tumor cells have an invasive and metastatic phenotype that is the main cause of death for cancer patients. Tumor establishment and penetration consists of a series of complex processes involving multiple changes in gene expression. In this study, intraperitoneal administration of a high concentration of ascorbic acid inhibited tumor establishment and increased survival of BALB/C mice implanted with S‐180 sarcoma cancer cells. To identify proteins involved in the ascorbic acid‐mediated inhibition of tumor progression, changes in the liver proteome associated with ascorbic acid treatment of BALB/C mice implanted with S‐180 were investigated using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Eleven protein spots were identified whose expression was different between control and ascorbic acid treatment groups. In particular, Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) and annexin A5 expression were quantitatively up‐regulated. The increase in RKIP protein level was detected in the tumor tissue and accompanied by an increase in mRNA level. Our results suggest a possibility that these proteins are related to the ascorbic acid‐mediated suppression of tumor formation. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1136–1145, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERK2 and CREB activation in the amygdala when an event is remembered as “Fearful” and not when it is remembered as “Instructive”
Authors: Ilin Yana , Richter‐Levin Gal
Published: February 2009

A training protocol was developed based on durable exposure to the two‐way shuttle avoidance task, in which the conditioned stimulus (CS), which was fear evoking for both training conditions on the first day of training, becomes instructive at the end of training under controllable conditions but remains fear evoking under the uncontrollable conditions. The protocol was utilized to examine whether, depending on the training regime, the memory formed will result in a different level of involvement of the amygdala. Three groups of rats were tested: controllable, subjected to durable avoidance learning; uncontrollable, subjected to the same training schedule but with no control over the stressor; and naïve. Two weeks later, after the introduction of a reminder cue, freezing response, defecation, and blood corticosterone (CORT) of the uncontrollable group were higher than in the controllable and naïve groups, indicating that indeed, for this group, the CS remained fear evoking. Significantly higher than chance shuttling responses of the controllable group indicated that, for them, the CS became ”instructive.” Activation of ERK2 and CREB in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) was highest in the uncontrollable group compared with the controllable and naïve groups. Overall, the results indicate that the training procedure succeeded in dissociating between the physical (electric shock) and the psychological (control) attributes of the experience. Also, our findings support the view that an emotionally charged reminder cue activates the amygdala but that, as a previously fear‐evoking memory cue becomes instructive, the involvement of the amygdale lessens. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Sie L. , Loong S. , Tan E. K.
Published: February 2009

Transformation of peripheral B lymphocytes by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is the method of choice for generating lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). This method has been in use for the last two decades with a high success rate. With a somatic mutation rate of 0.3% and ease of cell maintenance, lymphoblastoid cells are still the preferred choice of storage for patients' genetic material. Studies have demonstrated a good correlation between using DNA from patient‐derived LCLs and conventional sources for the purpose of genetic screening. RNAs from LCLs have also been utilized for detecting splice mutations in various diseases. There is increasing evidence that gene expression in LCLs encompasses a wide range of metabolic pathways that are specific to individuals where the cells originated, making LCLs suitable for molecular and functional studies. There have been efforts to produce a proteome map and database of lymphoblastoid cells by characterizing protein spots on a two‐dimensional electrophoresis map. Proteomes from LCLs have been used in the elucidation of protein expression profile analysis of cellular response to DNA double‐strand break, an approach now recognized as differential proteome analysis. Despite some inherent limitations, the utility of LCLs is increasingly recognized and with appropriate infrastructure and financial support, LCLs will be an important resource for genetic and functional research of neurological disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult CST‐null mice maintain an increased number of oligodendrocytes
Authors: Shroff S.M. , Pomicter A.D. , Chow W.N. , Fox M.A. , Colello R.J. , Henderson S.C. , Dupree J.L.
Published: February 2009

The galactolipids galactocerebroside and sulfatide have been implicated in oligodendrocyte (OL) development and myelin formation. Much of the early evidence for myelin galactolipid function has been derived from antibody and chemical perturbation of OLs in vitro. To determine the role of these lipids in vivo, we previously characterized mice lacking galactocerebroside and sulfatide and observed abundant, unstable myelin and an increased number of OLs. We have also reported that mice incapable of synthesizing sulfatide (CST‐null) while maintaining normal levels of galactocerebroside generate relatively stable myelin with unstable paranodes. Additionally, Hirahara et al. (2004; Glia 45:269–277) reported that these CST‐null mice also contain an increased number of OLs in the forebrain, medulla, and cerebellum at 7 days of age. Here, we further the findings of Hirahara et al. by demonstrating that the number of OLs in the CST‐null mice is also increased in the spinal cord and that this elevated OL population is maintained through, at least, 7 months of age. Moreover, we show that the enhanced OL population is accompanied by increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of oligodendrocytic‐lineage cells. Finally, through ultrastructural analysis, we show that the CST‐null OLs exhibit decreased morphological complexity, a feature that may result in decreased OL competition and increased OL survival. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrastriatal lipopolysaccharide injection induces parkinsonism in C57/B6 mice
Authors: Hunter Randy L. , Cheng Baohua , Choi Dong‐Young , Liu Mei , Liu Shuwei , Cass Wayne A. , Bing Guoying
Published: February 2009

A role for inflammation has been hypothesized in the etiology and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we generated, characterized, and validated the first progressive PD‐related mouse model (C57/B6) with intrastriatal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We showed progressive and specific dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra, which is accompanied by striatal dopamine depletion and progressive behavioral impairment, which was alleviated by the use of the PD drug L‐Dopa. We focused on the role of nitric oxide (NO) in inflammation‐promoted cell death and suggest that the expression of the inducible NO synthase plays a role in the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons but not the initial loss induced by LPS. With this model, future research can be performed in gene knockout mice to study other potential mechanisms of inflammation‐induced neurodegeneration. In addition, this model can be used to screen therapeutics for PD at a more clinically relevant time (i.e., after LPS injection but before manifestation of PD‐related behavioral impairment), because most PD drugs are screened in animal models in which inhibitors are given predisease induction. Thus, this novel PD‐related model should be further characterized and strongly considered as a tool for future drug studies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple functions of the paranodal junction of myelinated nerve fibers
Authors: Rosenbluth Jack
Published: February 2009

Myelin sheaths include an extraordinary structure, the “paranodal axoglial junction” (PNJ), which attaches the sheath to the axon at each end of each myelin segment. Its size is enormous and its structure unique. Here we review past and current studies showing that this junction can serve multiple functions in maintaining reliable saltatory conduction. The present evidence points to three functions in particular. 1) It seals the myelin sheath to the axon to prevent major shunting of nodal action currents beneath the myelin sheath while still leaving a narrow channel interconnecting the internodal periaxonal space with the perinodal space. This pathway represents a potential route through which juxtaparanodal and internodal channels can influence nodal activity and through which nutrients, such as glucose, and other metabolites can diffuse to and from the internodal periaxonal space. 2) It serves as a mechanism for maintaining discrete, differentiated axolemmal domains at and around the node of Ranvier by acting as a barrier to the lateral movement of ion channel complexes within the axolemma, thus concentrating voltage‐gated sodium channels at the node and segregating fast voltage‐gated potassium channels to the juxtaparanode under the myelin sheath. 3) It attaches the myelin sheath to the axon on either side of the node and can thus maintain nodal dimensions in the face of mechanical stresses associated with stretch or other local factors that might cause disjunction. It is therefore the likely means for maintaining constancy of nodal surface area and electrical parameters essential for consistency in conduction. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mevastatin‐induced neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells via activation of EGFR
Authors: Evangelopoulos M. E. , Weis J. , Krüttgen A.
Published: February 2009

Neuroblastoma cell lines are commonly used as models to study neuronal differentiation, as they retain the capacity to differentiate into a neuronal‐like phenotype. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling is essential for neuronal differentiation during development, and cholesterol‐containing lipid‐rafts are important for RTK signaling. Hydroxymethylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase inhibitors of the statin family impair cholesterol biosynthesis and are in widespread clinical use for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is of great clinical interest that statin treatment also correlates with a lower incidence of malignancies. We found that mevastatin triggered neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells and examined the responsible signaling pathways. Treatment of Neuro2a cells with mevastatin for 24 hr induced neurite outgrowth associated with up‐regulation of the neuronal marker protein NeuN. Interestingly, we found that mevastatin triggered phosphorylation of the key kinases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ERK1/2, and Akt/protein kinase B. Inhibition of EGFR, PI3K, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade blocked mevastatin‐induced neurite outgrowth. Moreover, add‐back experiments of cell‐permeable cholesterol precursors indicated that farnesylated and geranylgeranylated proteins play a major role in statin‐induced neurite outgrowth. Taken together, our results provide the first mechanistic insight into statin‐triggered signaling pathways that lead to neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma cells. Surprisingly, we revealed that mevastatin triggered the phosphorylation of the EGFR and that this was because of the inhibition of farnesylated and geranylgeranylated proteins. We propose that members of the large family of farnesylated or geranylgeranylated small GTPases (such as Rabs or Rap1) regulating the trafficking and signaling of EGFR might be responsible for the statin‐induced effects on EGFR signaling. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro inhibition of foodborne pathogens by volatile oil and organic extracts of Poncirus trifoliata Rafin. seeds
Authors: Rahman Atiqur , Al‐Reza Sharif M , Yoon Jung In , Kang Sun Chul
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:Poncirus trifoliata Rafin. is widely used in oriental medicine because of its beneficiary effects on health. In this study, we examined the chemical compositions of the volatile oil isolated from the seeds of P. trifoliata by hydrodistillation, and tested the efficacy of the oil and various organic extracts as an antibacterial potential against a panel of foodborne pathogens.

RESULTS: The hydrodistilled volatile oil was analysed by GC–MS. Thirty‐six compounds representing 90.67% of the total oil were identified, of which veridiflorol, spathulenol, α‐humulene, α‐cadinol, δ‐cadinene, T‐muurolol, hexadecanoic acid, germacrene D, bergaptene and aromadendrene were the major volatile compounds. The oil and the organic extracts of chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol revealed a remarkable antibacterial effect against the tested pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, S. enteritidis and Escherichia coli. Also, the oil had strong detrimental effect on the viable count of the tested bacteria.

CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the oil and organic extracts derived from P. trifoliata seeds might be a potential source of a preservative for the food or pharmaceutical industries. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Direct RP‐HPLC determination of underivatized amino acids with online dual UV absorbance, fluorescence, and multiple electrochemical detection
Authors: Agrafiotou Panagiota , Sotiropoulos Sotiris , Pappa‐Louisi Adriani
Published: February 2009

The combined use of a dual‐UV detector, a fluorimetric one and of a multiple electrochemical (EC) detector equipped with a dual electrode, consisting of a conventional size 3 mm diameter glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and of a pair of 30 μm thick carbon microfibers, is proposed for the determination of 15 amino acids, two dipeptides and creatinine. This online coupling of the above detection modes could partially replace amino acid analysis by derivatization methods, since it solves problems concerning the direct detection of selected underivatized amino acids. Additionally, it was proved that the use of multiple‐detection allows positive peak identification in a single chromatographic run, yields more information for free amino acids and solves in some cases the problem of chromatographic resolution. In order to optimize the detection conditions of the underivatized amino acids and related compounds by different detectors, their detection characteristics were determined by adequate preliminary experiments. The electro‐oxidation characteristics of the underivatized compounds of interest were determined by hydrodynamic voltammetry using a flow cell with a macrodisc GCE and by ex‐situ voltammetry using both a GCE of conventional size and a carbon fiber disk microelectrode. Important practical advantages of microfiber and microdisk electrodes with respect to macroelectrodes were demonstrated.
Ultra‐fast nano‐optics
Authors: Vasa P. , Ropers C. , Pomraenke R. , Lienau C.
Published: February 2009

Ultra‐fast nano‐optics is a comparatively young and rapidly growing field of research aiming at probing, manipulating and controlling ultrafast optical excitations on nanometer length scales. This ability to control light on nanometric length and femtosecond time scales opens up exciting possibilities for probing dynamic processes in nanostructures in real time and space. This article gives a brief introduction into the emerging research field of ultrafast nano‐optics and discusses recent progress made in it. A particular emphasis is laid on the recent experimental work performed in the authors' laboratories. We specifically discuss how ultrafast nano‐optical techniques can be used to probe and manipulate coherent optical excitations in individual and dipole‐coupled pairs of quantum dots, probe the dynamics of surface plasmon polariton excitations in metallic nanostructures, generate novel nanometer‐sized ultrafast light and electron sources and reveal the dipole interaction between excitons and surface plasmon polaritons in hybrid metal‐semiconductor nanostructures. Our results indicate that such hybrid nanostructures carry significant potential for realizing novel nano‐optical devices such as ultrafast nano‐optical switches as well as surface plasmon polariton amplifiers and lasers.
Macromol. Mater. Eng. 2/2009
Authors: Xiang Zhi‐Dong , Chen Tao , Li Zhong‐Ming , Bian Xiang‐Cheng
Published: February 2009

Cover: The cover picture summarizes the study of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) of resistivity in lightweight conductive carbon nanotube–polymer composites. The SEM images show the typical microstructure consisting of walls and struts. The bottom images show the gas fraction‐dependence of the NTC effect (right), and the gas expansion‐induced NTC schematic (left). Further details can be found in the article by Z.‐D. Xiang, T. Chen, Z.‐M. Li,* and X.‐C. Bian on page 91.
The existence and regularity of multiple solutions for a class of infinitely degenerate elliptic equations
Authors: Chen Hua , Li Ke
Published: February 2009

Let X = (X1, …, Xm) be an infinitely degenerate system of vector fields. We study the existence and regularity of multiple solutions of the Dirichlet problem for a class of semi‐linear infinitely degenerate elliptic operators associated with the sum of square operator δX = ∑j = 1m Xj* Xj (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)