bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological mechanisms and clinical implications of regulatory T cell deficiency in a systemic autoimmune disorder: Roles of IL‐2 versus IL‐15
Authors: Yang Cui‐Hong , Tian Lina , Ling Guang‐Sheng , Trendell‐Smith Nigel J. , Ma Liang , Lo Chi‐Kin , Stott David I. , Liew Foo Y. , Huang Fang‐Ping
Published: May 2008

Regulatory T cell deficiency is evident in patients with lupus, but the casual relationship and underlying mechanism leading to Treg deficiency are unclear. We analyzed the Treg profile, induction and functions of Treg in a lupus mouse model. A characteristic age‐dependent biphasic change of Treg frequency was observed in the MRL/lpr mice, which developed a spontaneous lupus‐like disease. After an early increase, Treg frequency in the peripheral lymphoid organs rapidly declined with age. Functionally, Treg from both young and old MRL/lpr mice were fully competent in suppressing the wild‐type MRL/+ T effector cell (Teff) responses. Adoptive transfer of MRL/+ Treg markedly suppressed clinical disease in the MRL/lpr mice. We demonstrated that the reduced Treg frequency was a result of insufficient peripheral Treg expansion due to defective MRL/lpr Teff in IL‐2 production, and the associated defects in dendritic cells, which could be fully restored by exogenous IL‐2. In the absence of IL‐2, MRL/lpr Teff but not MRL/lpr Treg were highly responsive to IL‐15 and could expand rapidly due to enhanced IL‐15R expression and IL‐15 synthesis. These findings thus provide a clear causal relationship and immunological mechanism underlying Treg deficiency and systemic autoimmunity.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/38190_s.pdf
Syntheses, Structures and Reactivities of [CpTc(CO)3X]+ and [CpRe(CO)3X]+
Authors: Zobi Fabio , Spingler Bernhard , Alberto Roger
Published: May 2008

We have synthesized the [Cp*MIII(CO)3Br]+ complexes (M = Re, 99Tc) and studied their basic chemistry in water and in organic solvents in order to understand if these complexes could be synthons for the preparation of new Re‐ and 99Tc‐based cyclopentadienyl cores for (radio)pharmaceutical applications. The [Cp*MIII(CO)3Br]Br [M = Re (1), 99Tc (1a)] complexes were obtained in nearly quantitative yield from the reaction of the corresponding [Cp*MI(CO)3] with Br2 in cold toluene. Compounds 1 and 1a are photo‐ and thermally unstable and undergo rapid, bromide concentration‐dependent redox reactions at room temperature generating the stable [Cp*MIII(CO)3Br][(CO)3MI(μ‐Br)3MI(CO)3] [M = Re (2), 99Tc (2a)] species as main products. Reaction of 1 with AgSbF6 gives rise to the redox‐stable complex [Cp*ReIII(CO)3Br]SbF6 (3). In water, 1 and 1a produces a mixture of cis/trans‐[Cp*MIIIBr2(CO)2] isomers [M = Re (cis/trans‐4), 99Tc (cis/trans‐4a)] via CO release. In methanol, 3 reacts with the solvent to generate the methoxycarbonyl complex trans‐[Cp*ReIII(CO)2Br(COOCH3)] (5). Compound 5 is stable under basic conditions. In acidic media it is converted into [Cp*ReI(CO)3] as the major product. Kinetic studies with 13C labelled formic acid indicate that formic acid, generated from rapid hydrolysis of methyl formate released from 5, is the reducing agent and the source of CO. Reaction of 1 with 3‐fluorobenzyl alcohol (3‐FBA), chosen as a simple model of fluorouracil, gives the corresponding alkoxycarbonyl complex [Cp*ReIII(CO)2Br(COOCH2–C6H4F)] (7). Under acidic conditions 7 rapidly releases 3‐FBA to give [Cp*ReI(CO)3]. Compounds 2, 2a, cis‐4, trans‐4a and 5 were structurally characterized.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis and Crystal Structure Investigations of Trivalent Rare Earth (Y3+, Nd3+, Er3+) Thienyl‐Substituted Methoxides (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 15/2008)
Authors: Veith Michael , Belot Céline , Guyard Laurent , Huch Volker , Knorr Michael , Zimmer Michael
Published: May 2008

The cover picture shows the X‐ray crystal structure of {Nd[OC(C4H3S)3]3(thf)3}·thf, a new neodymium thienylmethoxide. The structure determination of this compound reveals a monomer with an approximately octahedral geometry around the neodymium atom: this metal centre is surrounded by three tris(2‐thienyl)methoxido ligands and three tetrahydrofuran molecules in a facial arrangement. Details are discussed in the article by M. Veith et al. on p. 2397 ff.
Selective Reduction of Carbonyl Amides: Toward the First Unsymmetrical Bischelating N‐Substituted 1,2‐Diamino‐4,5‐di­amidobenzene
Authors: Seillan Claire , Braunstein Pierre , Siri Olivier
Published: May 2008

Selective reduction of carbonyl amides from key tetraamido intermediate 12 afforded an unprecedented N‐substituted 1,2‐diamino‐4,5‐diamidobenzene (13) and/or the firstmember (14) of a new family of unsymmetrical 12π‐electron quinonediimines. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Twin Triptycyl Spinning Tops: A Simple Case of Molecular Gearing with Dynamic C2 Symmetry
Authors: Nikitin Kirill , Müller‐Bunz Helge , Ortin Yannick , Risse Wilhelm , McGlinchey Michael J.
Published: May 2008

Lithiation and subsequent oxidation of the recently described prototype molecular paddlewheel 9‐(2‐indenyl)triptycene (1) leads to the racemic dimer 2,2′‐bis(9‐triptycyl)‐1,1′‐biindenyl (4). In the solid state this very congested molecule adopts a conformation in which the two triptycenyl paddlewheel fragments are attached to the C2‐symmetric biindenyl core. However, the orientation of the triptycene blades, dictated by their size and shape, is gear‐like and breaks the nascent C2‐symmetry of the whole molecule. Nevertheless, effective C2‐symmetry is restored in solution when the triptycene paddlewheels, although apparently tightly interlocked, undergo rapid contra‐rotation on the NMR time‐scale. The analogous reaction of (2‐phenylindenyl)lithium (6), likewise yields racemic (RR/SS) 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1,1′‐biindenyl(7). Interestingly, although the treatment of 6 with a CuII salt leads to both rac‐7 and its diastereomer meso‐7, the reaction of 6 and 2‐phenylindenyl bromide furnishes selectively rac‐7. Overall, these data suggest that the oxidative dimerisation to yield racemic products occurs through a nucleophilic substitution mechanism. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Evaluation of a dynamic multi‐class sediment transport model in a catchment under soil‐conservation agriculture
Authors: Fiener Peter , Govers Gerard , Oost Kristof Van
Published: May 2008

Soil erosion models are essential tools for the successful implementation of effective and adapted soil conservation measures on agricultural land. Therefore, models are needed that predict sediment delivery and quality, give a good spatial representation of erosion and deposition and allow us to account for various soil conservation measures.

Here, we evaluate how well a modified version of the spatially distributed multi‐class sediment transport model (MCST) simulates the effectiveness of control measures for different event sizes. We use 8 year runoff and sediment delivery data from two small agricultural watersheds (0·7 and 3·7 ha) under optimized soil conservation. The modified MCST model successfully simulates surface runoff and sediment delivery from both watersheds; one of which was dominated by sheet and the other was partly affected by rill erosion. Moreover, first results of modelling enrichment of clay in sediment delivery are promising, showing the potential of MCST to model sediment enrichment and nutrient transport.

In general, our results and those of an earlier modelling exercise in the Belgian Loess Belt indicate the potential of the MCST model to evaluate soil erosion and deposition under different agricultural land uses. As the model explicitly takes into account the dominant effects of soil‐conservation agriculture, it should be successfully applicable for soil‐conservation planning/evaluation in other environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bed morphology and generation of step–pool channels
Authors: Weichert Roman B. , Bezzola Gian Reto , Minor Hans‐Erwin
Published: May 2008

Flume experiments have been carried out to study the formation processes and the bed morphology of step–pool channels. From the experiments different step types and step configurations could be distinguished depending on the stream power. These step types can be seen as an image of the generation mechanisms of step–pool systems. These results suggest that the bed roughness geometry develops towards a condition that provides the maximum possible bed stability for a given grain size distribution. In contrast to a variety of other studies, antidunes did not contribute to the generation of the step structures. However, the data of the presented study fits well into the region of antidune formation proposed by Kennedy for sand‐bed rivers. This observation points out that step–pool field‐data located in the Kennedy region do not inevitably prove that antidunes played a role in step development. It is rather proposed that in Kennedy's region of antidune formation there exist hydraulic conditions where the flow resistance is maximized. It is suggested that such maximum flow resistance is associated with an optimal distance between the bedforms and their height, independently of whether these are antidunes in sand‐ and gravel‐bed rivers or step–pool units in boulder‐bed streams. The considerations of the Kennedy region of antidune formation and the analysis of planform step types depending on stream power both suggest that steep channels have a potential for self‐stabilization by modifying the step–pool structure towards a geometry that provides maximum flow resistance and maximum bed stability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlates of intrusion and avoidance as stress response symptoms in family carers of patients suffering from dementia
Authors: Ulstein Ingun , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , Engedal Knut
Published: May 2008

Aims

To explore intrusion and avoidance in family carers of dementia patients.

Method

We studied 196 family carers of 196 home‐dwelling dementia patients. Carers were assessed by the Impact of Events Scale (IES), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Distress scale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI‐D), and patients with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).

Results

Twenty carers (10%) scored above 19 on the intrusion and avoidance subscales of the IES, whereas 90 (47%) scored above 8 on both subscales. This moderate to high stress response was independently explained by being a spouse (OR 3.74 (95% CI 1.81–7.74)), high scores on GDS (OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.06–1.18) per unit increase) and high score on NPI‐D (OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.09) per unit increase).

Conclusions

Spouses and other family carers having daily contact with patients with dementia experience moderate to high levels of intrusion and avoidance. These symptoms are associated with symptoms of anxiety, distress and depression and should be taken into account when tailoring interventions for carers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significant effect of APOE epsilon 4 genotype on the risk of dementia in Alzheimer's disease and mortality in persons with Down Syndrome
Authors: Prasher V. P. , Sajith S. G. , Rees S. D. , Patel A. , Tewari S. , Schupf N. , Zigman W. B.
Published: May 2008

Objective

Virtually all adults with Down syndrome (DS) have neuropathological manifestations of Dementia in Alzheimer's disease (DAD) but not all develop clinical psychopathology. The effect of allelic variants of Apolipoprotein (APOE) gene in development and progression of DAD and mortality in persons with DS is examined.

Methods

Recruited participants with DS underwent two to 14 sequential assessments over a follow up period of 6 years on average and their APOE genotype determined. Dementia statuswas confirmed as recommended by the Working Group for the Establishment of Criteria forthe Diagnosis of Dementia in Individuals with Intellectual Disability.

Results

APOE genotype results were available for 252 individuals. Participants with APOE ε4 allele had significantly higher risk of developing DAD (HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.12–2.79), had an earlier onset of DAD (55.0 vs 57.0 years; p = 0.0027) and a more rapid progression to death compared with participants with ε3 allele (4.2 years vs. 5.4 years, respectively, p = 0.048). In non‐demented persons with DS, ε4 allele was associated with earlier death by 17 years (mean survival age, 55.7 vs. 72.7 years; HR = 5.9, 95% CI: 1.7–21.3).

Conclusions

This study highlights the relationship of APOE genotype to morbidity and mortality in persons with DS which has important clinical implications. We recommend screening for APOE genotype in persons with DS to identify those at risk of DAD and premature death. Further research is required to investigate the underlying reasons for the early mortality in non‐demented DS persons with an ε4 allele. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic fMRI‐guided MEG multidipole localization for visual responses
Authors: Auranen Toni , Nummenmaa Aapo , Vanni Simo , Vehtari Aki , Hämäläinen Matti S. , Lampinen Jouko , Jääskeläinen Iiro P.
Published: May 2008

Previously, we introduced the use of individual cortical location and orientation constraints in the spatiotemporal Bayesian dipole analysis setting proposed by Jun et al. ([2005]; Neuroimage 28:84–98). However, the model's performance was limited by slow convergence and multimodality of the numerically estimated posterior distribution. In this paper, we present an intuitive way to exploit functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data in the Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling ‐based inverse estimation of magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data. We used simulated MEG and fMRI data to show that the convergence and localization accuracy of the method is significantly improved with the help of fMRI‐guided proposal distributions. We further demonstrate, using an identical visual stimulation paradigm in both fMRI and MEG, the usefulness of this type of automated approach when investigating activation patterns with several spatially close and temporally overlapping sources. Theoretically, the MEG inverse estimates are not biased and should yield the same results even without fMRI information, however, in practice the multimodality of the posterior distribution causes problems due to the limited mixing properties of the sampler. On this account, the algorithm acts perhaps more as a stochastic optimizer than enables a full Bayesian posterior analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential cerebellar and cortical involvement according to various attentional load: Role of educational level
Authors: Bonnet Melissa C. , Dilharreguy Bixente , Allard Michele , Deloire Mathilde S.A. , Petry Klaus G. , Brochet Bruno
Published: May 2008

Recent imaging studies have evidenced various cerebral patterns dependent on educational level during cognitive tasks in neurodegenerative diseases. Determining relationships between educational status and cerebral activation during cognitive demands in physiological conditions may help to better understand the role of education on cognitive efficacy and functional reorganisation in pathological conditions. We proposed to analyse by functional MRI (fMRI) the relationship between educational status and cerebral activation during various attentional requests in healthy young adults. Twenty healthy young adults completed four successive conditions of a Go/No‐go test of increasing complexity under fMRI. An effect of education was observed on attentional performances. Both in‐scanner response times and cerebral activation increased during the Go/No‐go paradigm. Healthy subjects with higher education exhibited higher activity in cerebellum and lower activity in medial prefrontal and inferior parietal regions compared with the healthy subjects with lower educational levels while performing the conditions of Go/No‐go task. Our data evidence the influence of education on automatized strategies in healthy adults by modulating a functional balance of activation between cerebral cortex and cerebellar regions during attentional processes. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal correlates of spontaneous fluctuations in fMRI signals in monkey visual cortex: Implications for functional connectivity at rest
Authors: Shmuel Amir , Leopold David A.
Published: May 2008

Recent studies have demonstrated large amplitude spontaneous fluctuations in functional‐MRI (fMRI) signals in humans in the resting state. Importantly, these spontaneous fluctuations in blood‐oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal are often synchronized over distant parts of the brain, a phenomenon termed functional‐connectivity. Functional‐connectivity is widely assumed to reflect interregional coherence of fluctuations in activity of the underlying neuronal networks. Despite the large body of human imaging literature on spontaneous activity and functional‐connectivity in the resting state, the link to underlying neural activity remains tenuous. Through simultaneous fMRI and intracortical neurophysiological recording, we demonstrate correlation between slow fluctuations in BOLD signals and concurrent fluctuations in the underlying locally measured neuronal activity. This correlation varied with time‐lag of BOLD relative to neuronal activity, resembling a traditional hemodynamic response function with peaks at ∼6 s lag of BOLD signal. The correlations were reliably detected when the neuronal signal consisted of either the spiking rate of a small group of neurons, or relative power changes in the multi‐unit activity band, and particularly in the local field potential gamma band. Analysis of correlation between the voxel‐by‐voxel fMRI time‐series and the neuronal activity measured within one cortical site showed patterns of correlation that slowly traversed cortex. BOLD fluctuations in widespread areas in visual cortex of both hemispheres were significantly correlated with neuronal activity from a single recording site in V1. To the extent that our V1 findings can be generalized to other cortical areas, fMRI‐based functional‐connectivity between remote regions in the resting state can be linked to synchronization of slow fluctuations in the underlying neuronal signals. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The brain's orienting response: An event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation
Authors: Friedman David , Goldman Robin , Stern Yaakov , Brown Truman R.
Published: May 2008

An important function of the brain's orienting response is to enable the evaluation of novel, environmental events in order to prepare for potential behavioral action. Here, we assessed the event‐related hemodynamic (erfMRI) correlates of this phenomenon using unexpected (i.e., novel) environmental sounds presented within the context of an auditory novelty oddball paradigm. In ERP investigations of the novelty oddball, repetition of the identical novel sound leads to habituation of the novelty P3, an ERP sign of the orienting response. Repetition also leads to an enhancement of a subsequent positivity that appears to reflect semantic analysis of the environmental sounds. In this adaptation for erfMRI recording, frequent tones were intermixed randomly with infrequent target tones and equally infrequent novel, environmental sounds. Subjects responded via speeded button press to targets. To assess habituation, some of the environmental sounds were repeated two blocks after their initial presentation. As expected, novel sounds and target tones led to activation of widespread, but somewhat different, neural networks. Contrary to expectation, however, there were no significant areas in which activation was reduced in response to second compared to first presentations of the novel sounds. Conversely, novel sounds relative to target tones engendered activity in the inferior frontal gyrus (BA 45) consistent with semantic analysis of these events. We conclude that a key concomitant of the orienting response is the extraction of meaning, thereby enabling one to determine the significance of the environmental perturbation and take appropriate goal‐directed action. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytochrome c oxidase biogenesis: New levels of regulation
Authors: Fontanesi Flavia , Soto Ileana C. , Barrientos Antoni
Published: May 2008

Eukaryotic cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the last enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is a multimeric enzyme of dual genetic origin, whose assembly is a complicated and highly regulated process. COX displays a concerted accumulation of its constitutive subunits. Data obtained from studies performed with yeast mutants indicate that most catalytic core unassembled subunits are posttranslationally degraded. Recent data obtained in the yeast Saccharomyces
cerevisiae have revealed another contribution to the stoichiometric accumulation of subunits during COX biogenesis targeting subunit 1 or Cox1p. Cox1p is a mitochondrially encoded catalytic subunit of COX which acts as a seed around which the full complex is assembled. A regulatory mechanism exists by which Cox1p synthesis is controlled by the availability of its assembly partners. The unique properties of this regulatory mechanism offer a means to catalyze multiple‐subunit assembly. New levels of COX biogenesis regulation have been recently proposed. For example, COX assembly and stability of the fully assembled enzyme depend on the presence in the mitochondrial compartments of two partners of the oxidative phosphorylation system, the mobile electron carrier cytochrome c and the mitochondrial ATPase. The different mechanisms of regulation of COX assembly are reviewed and discussed. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(9): 557–568, 2008
Cross‐linking of extruded collagen fibers—A biomimetic three‐dimensional scaffold for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Zeugolis Dimitrios I. , Paul Gordon R. , Attenburrow Geoffrey
Published: May 2008

The repair of tissue defects remains a challenging clinical problem. Extruded collagen fibers comprise a promising scaffold for anterior cruciate ligament and tendon reconstruction; however the engineering of these fibers has still to be improved to bring this material to clinical practice. In this study, for the first time we investigated the influence of a wide range of cross‐linking approaches (chemical, physical, and biological) on the properties of these fibers. Ultrastructural evaluation revealed a closely packed interfiber structure independent of the cross‐linking method employed. The thermal properties were dependent on the cross‐linking method employed and closely matched native tissues. The stress–strain curves were found to depend on the water content of the fibers, which was influenced by the cross‐linking method. An inversely proportional relationship between both dry and wet fiber diameter and stress at break was found, which indicates that tailored‐made biomaterials can be produced. Overall, the chemical stabilizations were more potent than both physical and biological approaches. Bifunctional agents such as hexamethylene diisocyanate and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether or agents that promote matrix formation such as glutaraldehyde produced fibers with properties similar to those of native or synthetic fibers to suit a wide range of tissue engineering applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Spatial and temporal changes in the morphology of preosteoblastic cells seeded on microstructured tantalum surfaces
Authors: Justesen J. , Lorentzen M. , Andersen L. K. , Hansen O. , Chevallier J. , Modin C. , Füchtbauer A. , Foss M. , Besenbacher F. , Duch M. , Pedersen F. S.
Published: May 2008

It has been widely reported that surface morphology on the micrometer scale affects cell function as well as cell shape. In this study, we have systematically compared the influence of 13 topographically micropatterned tantalum surfaces on the temporal development of morphology, including spreading, and length of preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3‐E1). Cells were examined after 0.5, 1, 4, and 24 h on different Ta microstructures with vertical dimensions (heights) of 0.25 and 1.6 μm. Cell morphologies depended upon the underlying surface topography, and the length and spreading of cells varied as a function of time with regard to the two‐dimensional pattern and vertical dimension of the structure. Microstructures of parallel grooves/ridges caused elongated cell growth after 1 and 4 h in comparison to a flat, nonstructured, reference surface. For microstructures consisting of pillars, cell spreading was found to depend on the distance between the pillars with one specific pillar structure exhibiting a decreased spreading combined with a radical change in morphology of the cells. Interestingly, this morphology on the particular pillar structure was associated with a markedly different distribution of the actin cytoskeleton. Our results provide a basis for further work toward topographical guiding of cell function. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Tissue reaction to matrices of reconstituted keratin polymer implanted subcutaneously in sheep
Authors: Peplow Philip V. , Dias George J. , Teixeira Fernanda , Kelly Robert J.
Published: May 2008

Four different modifications of the keratin polymer were made as small rods and inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the hind limbs of adult female sheep. Material 1 was porous, whereas materials 2, 3, and 4 had little or no internal porosity. The tissue response to each material was determined with regard to the extent of the inflammatory reaction and formation of a fibrous capsule around the implant, and the integrity and morphological appearance of the implant was assessed. An inflammatory cell infiltrate and fibrous capsule formed at an early stage around implants of material 1. Subsequently the inflammation decreased, the fibrous capsule became more mature, and the implants became cavitated and invaded by mono‐ and multi‐nucleated macrophages, fibroblasts and blood vessels, with breakdown of the implant material occurring at its periphery. Similar changes were observed for implants made of materials 2 and 4. Implants of material 3 were remarkable in that, while surrounded by an inflammatory infiltrate and a fibrous capsule, they did not show any disturbance even at 24 weeks. The fibrous capsule around material 3 was thinner than that around material 1 at 6 to 24 weeks (both materials prepared using ammonium thioglycollate). No difference in capsule thickness was found for materials 2 and 4 (both materials prepared using thioglycollic acid). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Effects of packaging environments on free radicals in γ‐irradiated UHMWPE resin powder blend with vitamin E
Authors: Ridley M. D. , Jahan M. S.
Published: May 2008

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder (GUR 1020) was blended with high concentration (20%) of vitamin E (α‐Tocopherol (α‐T)) for direct detection of α‐T radicals in presence of PE radicals. Samples were γ‐irradiated in sealed packages filled with N2, or in open air. Free radicals were measured in open air environment for 71 days using electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. When irradiated in air, both α‐T and α‐T‐resin produced identical ESR signals characteristics of tochopheroxyl radicals (α‐T‐O•), suggesting that PE radicals are quenched by α‐T. There was no indication of growth of oxygen‐induced radicals (OIR) either. However, when α‐T‐resin was irradiated in N2, presence of both PE and α‐T radicals were evident in the ESR spectra. And, OIR were produced by the same samples when they were subsequently exposed to air (for 71 days). Oxidation data recorded 85 days after postirradiation aging in air using Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, however, did not show any measurable difference between samples irradiated in N2 and air. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Controlled release of glial‐derived neurotrophic factor from fibrin matrices containing an affinity‐based delivery system
Authors: Wood Matthew D. , Borschel Gregory H. , Sakiyama‐Elbert Shelly E.
Published: May 2008

This research evaluated the controlled release of glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) from an affinity‐based delivery system (ABDS) as potential treatment for peripheral nerve injury. The ABDS consisted of a bidomain peptide containing a transglutaminase substrate, allowing crosslinking into fibrin matrices, and a heparin‐binding domain based on the antithrombin‐III heparin‐binding domain, heparin, and GDNF, which was sequestered based on its heparin‐binding affinity. The objective of this research was to determine the release rate and biological activity of GDNF released from the ABDS in vitro. The ratio of peptide to heparin was found to modulate the rate of GDNF release. The biological activity of GDNF released from the ABDS was assayed using chick dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) neurite extension. Neurite extension was equivalent for fibrin matrices containing the ABDS for all concentrations of GDNF tested versus DRGs grown with GDNF in the media. Furthermore, neurite extension was enhanced in fibrin matrices containing 100 ng/mL of GDNF with the ABDS versus matrices with GDNF at a simliar dose but no ABDS. These results suggest that GDNF can be retained and released in a biologically activity form from the ABDS, and thus this approach may prove useful for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Adipose tissue engineering in vivo with adipose‐derived stem cells on naturally derived scaffolds
Authors: Flynn L. , Prestwich G. D. , Semple J. L. , Woodhouse K. A.
Published: May 2008

Placental decellular matrix (PDM) and PDM combined with cross‐linked hyaluronan (XLHA) scaffolds, seeded with primary human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC), were investigated in a subcutaneous athymic mouse model. The in vivo response at 3 and 8 weeks was characterized using histological and immunohistochemical staining. Fibrous capsule formation was assessed and the relative number of adipocytes in each scaffold was quantified. Undifferentiated ASC were localized using immunostaining for human vimentin. Unilocular and multilocular adipocytes were identified by intracellular lipid accumulation. Staining for murine CD31 assessed implant vascularization. Both scaffolds macroscopically maintained their three‐dimensional volume and supported mature adipocyte populations in vivo. There was evidence of implant integration and a host contribution to the adipogenic response. The results suggested that incorporating the XLHA had a positive effect in terms of angiogenesis and adipogenesis. Overall, the PDM and PDM with XLHA scaffolds showed great promise for adipose tissue regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
HDGF is dephosphorylated during the early steps of endothelial cell apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent way
Authors: Clermont Frederic , Gonzalez Nathalie Suarez , Communi David , Franken Sebastian , Dumont Jacques E. , Robaye Bernard
Published: May 2008

We were looking by a proteomic approach for new phospho‐proteins involved during the early steps of the TNF + cycloheximide (CHX)‐induced apoptosis—preceding mitochondrial membrane permeabilization—of endothelial cells (BAEC). In the present study, we observed on the autoradiography from 2D gel of 32P‐labeled samples a string of proteins undergoing a complete dephosphorylation after 1 h of stimulation with TNF + CHX—while mitochondrial membrane permeabilization was observed after 3 h—identified the different spots by mass spectrometry as one and only protein, HDGF, and confirmed the identity by western blot. The intensity of the 2D phosphorylation pattern of HDGF was correlated with the amount of apoptosis induced by TNF + CHX and TNF or CHX alone and this event was inhibited by the Caspase specific inhibitor zVADfmk. Moreover the TNF + CHX‐treatment did not affect the nuclear localization of GFP‐HDGF. Taken together, our data suggest an involvement of HDGF during the initiation phase of the apoptotic process downstream from an initiator Caspase and a regulation of this protein by phosphorylation in the nucleus. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1161–1171, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of Crk‐associated substrate lymphocyte type (Cas‐L) protein in human neutrophils
Authors: Nakamoto Tetsuya , Seo Sachiko , Sakai Ryuichi , Kato Takayuki , Kutsuna Haruo , Kurokawa Mineo , Noda Masaki , Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Kitagawa Seiichi
Published: May 2008

Crk‐associated substrate lymphocyte type (Cas‐L) protein, also known as human enhancer of filamentation 1 (Hef1) or neural precursor cell‐expressed, developmentally down‐regulated gene 9 (Nedd9), belongs to the Cas family of adapter proteins, which are involved in integrin signaling. Previous reports showed that Cas‐L is expressed preferentially in lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Cas‐L mediates signals from integrins, T‐cell receptors, B‐cells receptors, and transforming growth factor beta, leading to cell movement and cell division. Here, we report the expression of Cas‐L in neutrophils. Cas‐L was tyrosine‐phosphorylated when human neutrophils were stimulated by fMLP, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF), or lipopolysaccharide. The tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas‐L in fMLP‐ or TNF‐ stimulated neutrophils was further enhanced by adhesion of the cells to their substrates. Cas‐L was found to be localized at focal adhesions in stimulated neutrophils based on immunofluorescence microscopy. These findings suggest that Cas‐L is one of the targets of inflammatory cytokines and is also modulated by cell adhesion process in neutrophils. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 121–128, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zm401, a short‐open reading‐frame mRNA or noncoding RNA, is essential for tapetum and microspore development and can regulate the floret formation in maize
Authors: Ma Jinxia , Yan Bingxue , Qu Yanying , Qin Fangfang , Yang Yantao , Hao Xiujing , Yu Jingjuan , Zhao Qian , Zhu Dengyun , Ao Guangming
Published: May 2008

In flowering plants, pollen formation depends on the differentiation and interaction of two cell types in the anther: the reproductive cells, called microsporocytes, and somatic cells that form the tapetum. Previously, we cloned a pollen specific gene, zm401, from a cDNA library generated from the mature pollen of Zea mays. Expression of partial cDNA of zm401 in maize and ectopic expression of zm401 in tobacco suggested it may play a role in anther development. Here we present the expression and functional characterization of this pollen specific gene in maize. Zm401 is expressed primarily in the anthers (tapetal cells as well as microspores) in a developmentally regulated manner. That is, it is expressed from floret forming stage, increasing in concentration up to mature pollen. Knockdown of zm401 significantly affected the expression of ZmMADS2, MZm3‐3, and ZmC5, critical genes for pollen development; led to aberrant development of the microspore and tapetum, and finally male‐sterility. Zm401 possesses highly conserved sequences and evolutionary conserved stable RNA secondary structure in monocotyledon. These data show that zm401 could be one of the key growth regulators in anther development, and functions as a short‐open reading‐frame mRNA (sORF mRNA) and/or noncoding RNA (ncRNA). J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 136–146, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p21 activated kinase 5 activates Raf‐1 and targets it to mitochondria
Authors: Wu Xiaochong , Carr Heather S. , Dan Ippeita , Ruvolo Peter P. , Frost Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2008

Raf‐1 is an important effector of Ras mediated signaling and is a critical regulator of the ERK/MAPK pathway. Raf‐1 activation is controlled in part by phosphorylation on multiple residues, including an obligate phosphorylation site at serine 338. Previously PAK1 and casein kinase II have been implicated as serine 338 kinases. To identify novel kinases that phosphorylate this site, we tested the ability of group II PAKs (PAKs 4–6) to control serine 338 phosphorylation. We observed that all group II PAKs were efficient serine 338 kinases, although only PAK1 and PAK5 significantly stimulated Raf‐1 kinase activity. We also showed that PAK5 forms a tight complex with Raf‐1 in the cell, but not A‐Raf or B‐Raf. Importantly, we also demonstrated that the association of Raf‐1 with PAK5 targets a subpopulation of Raf‐1 to mitochondria. These data indicate that PAK5 is a potent regulator of Raf‐1 activity and may control Raf‐1 dependent signaling at mitochondria. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 167–175, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A proof of Lindner's conjecture on embeddings of partial Steiner triple systems
Authors: Bryant Darryn , Horsley Daniel
Published: May 2008

Lindner's conjecture that any partial Steiner triple system of orderucan be embedded in a Steiner triple system of ordervif$v\equiv 1,3 \; ({\rm mod}\; 6)$and$v\geq 2u+1$is proved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 63–89, 2009
Spontaneous unilateral dizygotic twin tubal pregnancy
Authors: Tam Teresa , Khazaei Ali
Published: May 2008

Spontaneous dizygotic unilateral twin tubal pregnancy is an extremely rare occurrence with a high risk for pregnancy‐related mortality, and a diagnostic challenge for obstetricians. We present a case of a 27‐year‐old woman with spontaneous twin tubal pregnancy. Transvaginal color Doppler sonography revealed 2 separate gestational sacs within the right adnexa, each containing an embryo. Cytogenetic examination of the trophoblastic tissues confirmed the diagnosis of dizygotic twin ectopic pregnancy. Clinical signs and symptoms together with imaging studies help in the diagnosis of this rare variant of ectopic pregnancies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Two cases of pregnant women with ovarian endometrioma mimicking a malignant ovarian tumor
Authors: Yoshida Shozo , Onogi Akira , Shigetomi Hiroshi , Tsuji Yoriko , Haruta Shoji , Naruse Katsuhiko , Kanayama Seiji , Noguchi Taketoshi , Sakata Mariko , Furukawa Naoto , Sado Toshiyuki , Yamada Yoshihiko , Kitanaka Takashi , Oi Hidekazu , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: May 2008

The detection of an ovarian mass during pregnancy is often a diagnostic challenge. We describe 2 cases of ovarian endometrioma during pregnancy with marked mural nodules on the cyst wall. The sonographic and MR imaging findings mimicked ovarian cancer. Surgical intervention may still be inevitable to exclude the possibility of malignancy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Simulation of 2006 monsoon using T170L42 AGCM: sensitivity to convective parameterization schemes
Authors: Ratnam J. Venkata , Sikka D. R. , Banerjee Sudipta
Published: May 2008

In this study we used the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) T170L42 Global Forecast System model for simulating the monsoon of 2006 using two different cumulus parameterization schemes viz. the Simple Arakawa–Schubert (SAS) scheme and the Relaxed Arakawa–Schubert (RAS) scheme. The NCEP Coupled Forecast System (CFS) monthly forecast sea surface temperatures (SST) were used for simulating the monsoon season. It is seen that both the schemes forecast the mean seasonal rainfall close to the observed. However, there were differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall. The spatial distribution of the precipitation simulated by the RAS scheme was comparable to the observed. The SAS scheme simulated realistic distribution of the rainfall in the months of June and July. In the months of August and September, the SAS scheme could not simulate the convective regions over the south and central Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian landmass. The SAS scheme simulated withdrawal‐like symptoms of the monsoon in the month of August itself. However, the same SAS scheme simulated more realistic rainfall distribution over the Bay of Bengal when the model was run with climatological SST and also when the model was run at a resolution of T62 and with CFS‐forecast SST. The onset of the monsoon over the Kerala coast of India simulated with both the schemes was within one pentad of the observed date of onset. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Association of KLOTHO gene polymorphisms with knee osteoarthritis in Greek population
Authors: Tsezou Aspasia , Furuichi Tatsuya , Satra Maria , Makrythanasis Periklis , Ikegawa Shiro , Malizos Konstantinos N.
Published: May 2008

Based on the fact that klotho‐deficient mice exhibit multiple aging phenotypes, including osteopenia and subchondral sclerosis of joints and on the recent observation that KLOTHO gene plays an important role in calcium/phosphate homeostasis, we explored the possibility whether human KLOTHO gene polymorphisms are associated with osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 752 individuals participated in the study. The knee OA group consisted of 369 patients; 298 women (mean age 65.9 ± 8.2; range 40–92 years) and 71 men (mean age 65.7 ± 9.1; range 30–82 years). The control population consisted of 383 subjects; 231 women (mean age 65.8 ± 8.4; range 35–90 years) and 152 men (mean age 61.5 ± 9.3; range 28–87 years). Four SNPs—G395A in the promoter region, G1110C in exon 2, C1818T and C2298T in exon 4—were genotyped. A significant genotypic and allelic association was observed in SNP C2998T and knee OA, while genotype GA of SNP G395A was significantly associated (p = 0.039) with knee OA in females only. For the first time, an association was observed between SNPs G395A and C2998T of the KLOTHO gene and knee osteoarthritis implicating KLOTHO in OA pathogenesis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1466–1470, 2008
The kinetics and thermodynamics of a novel efficient mixed water–1,4‐dioxan solvent for the effective complexation of a neutral ruthenium complex with carbon monoxide at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Shukla Ram S. , Srivastava Vivek K. , Khokhar Munir D. , Jasra Raksh V.
Published: May 2008

Kinetic and thermodynamic investigations were performed for a mixed aqueous‐organic, 1:1 (v/v) water–1,4‐dioxane medium, which was found to be an efficient solvent for the interaction of a neutral dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine) ruthenium(II), RuCl2(PPh3)3 complex with carbon monoxide at atmospheric pressure. During the interaction, RuCl2(PPh3)3 dissociates to a neutral complex dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine) ruthenium(II), RuCl2(PPh3)2, by losing a coordinated PPh3 ligand and RuCl2(PPh3)2 coordinates with CO to form an in situ carbonyl complex RuCl2(CO)(PPh3)2. The in situ formed carbonyl complex RuCl2(CO)(PPh3)2 was thoroughly characterized by equilibrium, spectrophotometric, IR, and electrochemical techniques. Under equilibrium conditions, the rate and dissociation constants for the dissociation of PPh3 from RuCl2(PPh3)3 were found to be favorable for the formation of the carbonyl complex RuCl2(CO)(PPh3)2. The rates of complexation for the formation of RuCl2(CO)(PPh3)2 were found to follow an overall second‐order kinetics being first order in terms of the concentrations of both carbon monoxide and RuCl2(PPh3)2. The determined activation parameters corresponding to the rate constant (ΔH# = 35.9 ± 2.5 kJ mol−1 and ΔS# = −122 ± 6 J K−1 mol−1) and thermodynamic parameters corresponding to the formation constant (ΔH° = −33.5 ± 4.5 kJ mol−1, ΔS° = −25 ± 8 J K−1 mol−1, and ΔG° = −25.7 ± 2.0 kJ mol−1) were found to be highly favorable for the formation of the complex RuCl2(CO)(PPh3)2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 359–369, 2008
Methanol oxidation in a flow reactor: Implications for the branching ratio of the CH3OH+OH reaction
Authors: Rasmussen Christian Lund , Wassard Karin Hedebo , Dam‐Johansen Kim , Glarborg Peter
Published: May 2008

The oxidation of methanol in a flow reactor has been studied experimentally under diluted, fuel‐lean conditions at 650–1350 K, over a wide range of O2 concentrations (1%–16%), and with and without the presence of nitric oxide. The reaction is initiated above 900 K, with the oxidation rate decreasing slightly with the increasing O2 concentration. Addition of NO results in a mutually promoted oxidation of CH3OH and NO in the 750–1100 K range. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of a revised chemical kinetic model. Owing to the high sensitivity of the mutual sensitization of CH3OH and NO oxidation to the partitioning of CH3O and CH2OH, the CH3OH + OH branching fraction could be estimated as α = 0.10 ± 0.05 at 990 K. Combined with low‐temperature measurements, this value implies a branching fraction that is largely independent of temperature. It is in good agreement with recent theoretical estimates, but considerably lower than values employed in previous modeling studies. Modeling predictions with the present chemical kinetic model is in quantitative agreement with experimental results below 1100 K, but at higher temperatures and high O2 concentration the model underpredicts the oxidation rate. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 423–441, 2008
Thermochemical properties from ab initio calculations: π‐ and σ‐Free radicals of importance in soot formation: •C3H3 (propargyl), •C4H3, •C13H9 (phenalenyl), •C6H5 (phenyl), •C10H7 (naphthyl), •C14H9 (anthryl), •C14H9 (phenanthryl), •C16H9 (pyrenyl), •C12H7 (acenaphthyl), and •C12H9 (biphenylyl)
Authors: Rossi Michel J.
Published: May 2008

The calculated difference in the standard heat of formation Δ ΔfH°(298.15) of n‐ and i‐C4H3• free radicals is 37.9 kJ mol−1 for G3MP2B3 and 45.0 kJ mol−1 for CCSD(T)‐CBS (W1U) calculations, which seems to preclude the direct even‐carbon radical pathway to benzene and higher PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) formation including soot in a hydrocarbon flame. For the phenyl‐type σ‐radicals listed in the title, absolute values of ΔfH°(298.15) have been calculated using G3MP2B3‐computed values of bond dissociation energies D°(298.15) and combined with experimental values of ΔfH° (298.15) for the parent hydrocarbon because of a slight systematic overprediction of the thermodynamic stability of large PAHs by the applied computational G3MP2B3 method. Standard enthalpies of formation ΔfH°(298.15) as well as absolute entropies S° and heat capacities C°p are given for a series of π‐ and σ‐free radicals important to combustion as a function of temperature. A spread of roughly 40 kJ mol−1 in the average CH bond strength of PAH leading to σ‐radicals has been calculated, the lowest leading to 4‐phenanthryl (463.6 kJ mol−1), the highest leading to 2‐biphenylyl radical (502.5 kJ mol−1). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 395–415, 2008
Social responsibility as a unique dimension of brand personality and consumers' willingness to reward
Authors: Madrigal Robert , Boush David M.
Published: May 2008

Consumers expect organizations to behave in a responsible fashion and want to be informed about those actions. The current research examines the extent to which consumers are willing to reward brands for their socially responsible behavior. Two studies are reported in which social responsibility (SR) was conceptualized as a unique dimension of brand personality. Participants in both studies were presented advertisements in which the personality dimensions of ruggedness, excitement, and SR for a fictitious brand were manipulated. The results indicate that SR is a distinct brand personality dimension and that willingness to reward moderates the effect of SR on attitudes toward the product, advertisement, and brand. Specifically, in all but one case across both studies, the positive effect of SR on attitude was greater for those most willing to reward. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.