bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical distribution of sex steroid hormone receptors in the brain of female medaka
Authors: Zempo Buntaro , Kanda Shinji , Okubo Kataaki , Akazome Yasuhisa , Oka Yoshitaka
Published: November 2012

Estrogen and androgen play crucial roles in coordinating reproductive functions through estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptors (ARs), respectively. These receptors are considered important for regulation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis. Despite their biological importance, the distribution of sex steroid receptors has not been fully analyzed anatomically in the teleost brain. The teleosts have many characteristic features, which allow unique approaches toward an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of reproductive functions. Medaka serves as a good model system for studying the mechanisms by which steroid receptor‐mediated systems are regulated, because 1) their breeding conditions can be easily manipulated; 2) we can take advantage of the genome database; and 3) molecular genetic tools, such as transgenic techniques, are applicable. We analyzed the distribution of ERα, ERβ1, ERβ2, ARα, and ARβ mRNA by in situ hybridization in the brain of female medaka. We found that all subtypes of ERs and ARs were expressed in the following nuclei: the dorsal part of the ventral telencephalic area (Vd), supracommissural part of the ventral telencephalic area (Vs), postcommissural part of the ventral telencephalic area (Vp), preoptic area (POA), and nucleus ventralis tuberis (NVT). These regions are known to be involved in the regulation of sexual behavior (Vd, Vs, Vp, POA) or the HPG axis (NVT). These ER‐ and/or AR‐expressing neurons may regulate sexual behavior or the HPG axis according to their axonal projections. Future analysis should be targeted to the neurons described in the present study to extend our understanding of the central regulatory mechanisms of reproduction. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1760–1780, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The significance of leaf water repellency in ecohydrological research: a review
Authors: Rosado Bruno H. P. , Holder Curtis D.
Published: November 2012

Numerous studies in materials science and chemistry have expanded our understanding of the repellency of water droplets from surfaces. Much of the inspiration for the development of synthetic water‐repellent materials came from the examination of water‐repellent properties of animals and plants in the natural environment. The hydrological significance of water repellency in the natural environment remains an underexplored research topic. Although the hydrological significance of soil water repellency has become well established in the ecohydrology and water resources literature, fewer studies have examined the significance of leaf water repellency. This review examines the properties of leaf water repellency, the methodologies used to calculate leaf water repellency, the leaf surface properties that promote leaf water repellency, and the significance of leaf water repellency in ecohydrological research. The repellency of a water droplet by a leaf surface is functionally important among plant species and may reflect selective strategies that either favour leaf water uptake in drought‐prone environments or promote higher photosynthetic efficiency during prolonged periods of precipitation through higher repellency. Information on the functional significance of leaf water repellency in hydrologic models could enhance our understanding of the delivery of water resources to municipal reservoirs and fill in a missing gap in our understanding of leaf water repellency as a process that influences discharge, and by extension, water resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of fatty acid chlorides in the iron‐catalyzed depolymerization of polyethers
Authors: Enthaler Stephan
Published: November 2012

In the present study we have set up a straightforward methodology for the depolymerization of polyethers with fatty acid chlorides in the presence of catalytic amounts of abundant and cheap FeCl2 · 4H2O to yield well‐defined products. The produced chloroesters can be useful building blocks in polymerization chemistry to prepare new high quality polymers. Thus, recycling of polymers is feasible using this protocol.
Graphenes Prepared by Hummers, Staudenmaier and Hofmann Methods for Analysis of TNT‐Based Nitroaromatic Explosives in Seawater
Authors: Ong Beng Khong , Poh Hwee Ling , Chua Chun Kiang , Pumera Martin
Published: November 2012

The detection of TNT and related nitroaromatic compounds in seawater is of great interest. Electrochemical techniques can be applied for detection purposes since nitroaromatic compounds contain easily reducible nitro groups. In this study, we investigate the performance of thermally reduced graphenes prepared by three different oxidative methods: Hummers, Staudenmaier and Hofmann methods with consequent thermal exfoliation. The Hofmann method‐based graphene was found to exhibit the highest sensitivity in detecting TNT electrochemically. Extended study on the detection of TNT in seawater using the graphene material provided significant improvements in the detection sensitivity. These findings will have profound impacts on the detection of nitroaromatic explosives in seawater.
Disruption of functional organization within the primary motor cortex in children with autism
Authors: Nebel Mary Beth , Joel Suresh E. , Muschelli John , Barber Anita D. , Caffo Brian S. , Pekar James J. , Mostofsky Stewart H.
Published: November 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that motor impairments are prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), relate to the social and communicative deficits at the core of the diagnosis and may reflect abnormal connectivity within brain networks underlying motor control and learning. Parcellation of resting‐state functional connectivity data using spectral clustering approaches has been shown to be an effective means of visualizing functional organization within the brain but has most commonly been applied to explorations of normal brain function. This article presents a parcellation of a key area of the motor network, the primary motor cortex (M1), a key area of the motor control network, in adults, typically developing (TD) children and children with ASD and introduces methods for selecting the number of parcels, matching parcels across groups and testing group differences. The parcellation is based solely on patterns of connectivity between individual M1 voxels and all voxels outside of M1, and within all groups, a gross dorsomedial to ventrolateral organization emerged within M1 which was left–right symmetric. Although this gross organizational scheme was present in both groups of children, statistically significant group differences in the size and segregation of M1 parcels within regions of the motor homunculus corresponding to the upper and lower limbs were observed. Qualitative comparison of the M1 parcellation for children with ASD with that of younger and older TD children suggests that these organizational differences, with a lack of differentiation between lower limb/trunk regions and upper limb/hand regions, may be due, at least in part, to a delay in functional specialization within the motor cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 35:567–580, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactions between visual and motor areas during the recognition of plausible actions as revealed by magnetoencephalography
Authors: Pavlidou Anastasia , Schnitzler Alfons , Lange Joachim
Published: November 2012

Several studies have shown activation of the mirror neuron system (MNS), comprising the temporal, posterior parietal, and sensorimotor areas when observing plausible actions, but far less is known on how these cortical areas interact during the recognition of a plausible action. Here, we recorded neural activity with magnetoencephalography while subjects viewed point‐light displays of biologically plausible and scrambled versions of actions. We were interested in modulations of oscillatory activity and, specifically, in coupling of oscillatory activity between visual and motor areas. Both plausible and scrambled actions elicited modulations of θ (5–7 Hz), α (7–13 Hz), β (13–35 Hz), and γ (55–100 Hz) power within visual and motor areas. When comparing between the two actions, we observed sequential and spatially distinct increases of γ (∼65 Hz), β (∼25 Hz), and α (∼11 Hz) power between 0.5 and 1.3 s in parieto‐occipital, sensorimotor, and left temporal areas. In addition, significant clusters of γ (∼65 Hz) and α/β (∼15 Hz) power decrease were observed in right temporal and parieto‐occipital areas between 1.3 and 2.0 s. We found β‐power in sensorimotor areas to be positively correlated on a trial‐by‐trial basis with parieto‐occipital γ and left temporal α‐power for the plausible but not for the scrambled condition. These results provide new insights in the neuronal oscillatory activity of the areas involved in the recognition of plausible action movements and their interaction. The power correlations between specific areas underscore the importance of interactions between visual and motor areas of the MNS during the recognition of a plausible action. Hum Brain Mapp 35:581–592, 2014. © 2012 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Resting state functional connectivity of the hippocampus associated with neurocognitive function in left temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Holmes Martha , Folley Bradley S. , Sonmezturk Hasan H. , Gore John C. , Kang Hakmook , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Morgan Victoria L.
Published: November 2012

The majority of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) experience disturbances of episodic memory from structural damage or dysfunction of the hippocampus. The objective of this study was to use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to identify regions where resting state connectivity to the left hippocampus (LH) is correlated with neuropsychological measures of verbal memory retention in TLE patients. Eleven left TLE (LTLE) patients and 15 control subjects participated in resting state fMRI scans. All LTLE patients underwent neuropsychological testing. Resting state functional connectivity maps to the LH were calculated for each patient, and subsequently used in a multiple regression analysis with verbal memory retention scores as a covariate. The analysis identified brain regions whose connectivity to the LH was linearly related to memory retention scores across the group of patients. In LTLE patients, right sided (contralateral) clusters in the precuneus and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) exhibited increased connectivity to the LH with increased memory retention score; left sided (ipsilateral) regions in the precuneus and IPL showed increased connectivity to the LH with decreased retention score. Patients with high memory retention scores had greater connectivity between the LH–right parietal clusters than between the LH–left parietal clusters; in contrast, control subjects had significantly and consistently greater LH–left hemisphere than LH–right hemisphere connectivity. Our results suggest that increased connectivity in contralateral hippocampal functional pathways within the episodic verbal memory network represents a strengthening of alternative pathways in LTLE patients with strong verbal memory retention abilities. Hum Brain Mapp 35:735–744, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cholesterol and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Renewed focus on an old villain
Authors: Kerr Thomas A. , Davidson Nicholas O. , Groszmann Roberto J. , Iwakiri Yasuko , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: November 2012

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased cardiovascular and liver-related mortality. NAFLD is characterized by both triglyceride and free cholesterol (FC) accumulation without a corresponding increment in cholesterol esters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of cholesterol metabolic genes in NAFLD and relate these to disease phenotype. NAFLD was associated with increased SREBP-2 maturation, HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR) expression and decreased phosphorylation of HMGCR. Cholesterol synthesis was increased as measured by the circulating desmosterol:cholesterol ratio. miR-34a, a microRNA increased in NAFLD, inhibited sirtuin-1 with downstream dephosphorylation of AMP kinase and HMGCR. Cholesterol ester hydrolase was increased while ACAT-2 remained unchanged. LDL receptor expression was significantly decreased and similar in NAFLD subjects on or off statins. HMGCR expression was correlated with FC, histologic severity of NAFLD and LDL-cholesterol. These data demonstrate dysregulated cholesterol metabolism in NAFLD which may contribute to disease severity and cardiovascular risks.
Heat transfer on peristaltically induced Walter's B fluid flow
Authors: Mehmood Obaid Ullah , Mustapha Norzieha , Shafie Sharidan
Published: November 2012

This paper look at the effects of heat transfer on peristaltic flow of Walter's B fluid in an asymmetric channel. The regular perturbation method is used to solve the governing equations by taking the wave number as the small parameter. Expressions for stream function, temperature distribution, and heat transfer coefficient are presented in explicit form. Solutions are analyzed graphically for different values of arising parameters. It has been found that these parameters affect considerably the considered flow characteristics. Results show that with an increase in the Eckert and Prandtl numbers, the temperature and heat transfer coefficient increase. Further, the absolute value of the heat transfer coefficient increases with an increasing viscoelastic parameter. Comparison with published results for viscous fluid is also presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21021
Nonsimilar solutions for mixed convection of water at 4°C over a vertical surface with a convection boundary condition in a porous medium
Authors: Khan Waqar A. , Gorla Rama Subba Reddy
Published: November 2012

A boundary layer analysis has been presented for the mixed convection of water at 4°C over a vertical plate embedded in a porous medium. The Robin or convective boundary condition at the surface has been considered where the heat lost from the surface is the product of a heat transfer coefficient and the temperature difference between the surface and the free stream. The governing non‐similar boundary layer equations for both the forced and free convection dominated regimes were solved numerically by means of an implicit finite difference method. The friction factor and dimensionless heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) are presented for several values of the dimensionless heat transfer coefficient and buoyancy parameter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21022
Effect of the opening aspect ratio on a buoyant pulsating exchange flow through a circular ceiling opening in a horizontal partition
Authors: Gera B. , Sharma P.K. , Singh R.K.
Published: November 2012

An interesting transport phenomenon is observed through openings between two compartments separated by a thin, vented, horizontal partition such as those between containment areas in nuclear power systems, in other installations in the event of fire, passive cooling of heated structures, and in natural building ventilation. A heavier fluid located on the top of a lighter fluid and separated by a horizontal vent constitutes a gravitationally unstable system. Horizontal vents produce flow, which are unstable with irregular oscillatory behavior. The objective of the present work was to simulate such type of flow across a circular opening in a horizontal partition in the presence of a buoyancy force. Unsteady, axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations were solved using the in‐house CFD code based upon the well‐established finite volume methodology. In terms of temporal differencing a second‐order accurate Crank–Nicolson scheme was used. Interpolation to cell faces for the convective terms was performed using a third‐order QUICK scheme and a second‐order central differencing was used for the viscous terms. Pressure‐velocity coupling was based on the SIMPLE procedure. The upper chamber was filled with salt water and the lower chamber with fresh water, creating a density differential between the two chambers. Opposing forces at the interface created a gravitationally unstable system, and an oscillating exchange of fluid developed. Several cases were numerically simulated and classified with respect to an aspect ratio L/D, where L represents the thickness of the partition and D represents the diameter of the opening in the partition. The flow coefficients and pulsation frequency have been determined. The effect of opening aspect ratio on frequency and flow coefficient was observed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21023
Ovarian cancer cells, not normal cells, are damaged by Mirk/Dyrk1B kinase inhibition
Authors: Hu Jing , Deng Holly , Friedman Eileen A.
Published: November 2012

Prior studies had shown that the Mirk/dyrk1B gene is amplified/upregulated in about 75% of ovarian cancers, that protein levels of this kinase are elevated in quiescent G0 cells and that Mirk maintains tumor cells in quiescence by initiating rapid degradation of cyclin D isoforms and by phosphorylation of a member of the DREAM complex. Depletion of Mirk/dyrk1B led to increased cyclin D levels, an elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and loss of viability. However, many normal cells in vivo are quiescent, and therefore, targeting a kinase found in quiescent cells might be problematic. In our study, Mirk kinase activity was found to be higher in ovarian cancer cells than in normal cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Mirk/dyrk1B kinase increased cyclin D levels both in quiescent normal diploid cells and in quiescent CDKN2A‐negative ovarian cancer cells, but led to more active CDK4/cyclin D complexes in quiescent ovarian cancer cells, allowing them to escape G0/G1 quiescence, enter cycle with high ROS levels and undergo apoptosis. The ROS scavenger N‐acetyl cysteine reduced both the amount of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and the extent of cancer cell loss. In contrast, normal cells were spared because of their expression of cyclin directed kinase (CDK) inhibitors that blocked unregulated cycling. Quiescent early passage normal ovarian epithelial cells and two strains of quiescent normal diploid fibroblasts remained viable after the inhibition of Mirk/dyrk1B kinase, and the few cells that left G0/G1 quiescence were accumulated in G2+M. Thus, inhibition of Mirk kinase targeted quiescent ovarian cancer cells.
Cytotoxic and immune‐mediated killing of human colorectal cancer by reovirus‐loaded blood and liver mononuclear cells
Authors: Adair Robert A. , Scott Karen J. , Fraser Sheila , Errington‐Mais Fiona , Pandha Hardev , Coffey Matt , Selby Peter , Cook Graham P. , Vile Richard , Harrington Kevin J. , Toogood Giles , Melcher Alan A.
Published: November 2012

Reovirus is a promising oncolytic virus, acting by both direct and immune‐mediated mechanisms, although its potential may be limited by inactivation after systemic delivery. Our study addressed whether systemically delivered reovirus might be shielded from neutralising antibodies by cell carriage and whether virus‐loaded blood or hepatic innate immune effector cells become activated to kill colorectal cancer cells metastatic to the liver in human systems. We found that reovirus was directly cytotoxic against tumour cells but not against fresh hepatocytes. Although direct tumour cell killing by neat virus was significantly reduced in the presence of neutralising serum, reovirus was protected when loaded onto peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which may carry virus after intravenous administration in patients. As well as handing off virus for direct oncolytic killing, natural killer (NK) cells within reovirus‐treated blood mononuclear cells were stimulated to kill tumour targets, but not normal hepatocytes, in a Type I interferon‐dependent manner. Similarly, NK cells within liver mononuclear cells became selectively cytotoxic towards tumour cells when activated by reovirus. Hence, intravenous reovirus may evade neutralisation by serum via binding to circulating mononuclear cells, and this blood cell carriage has the potential to investigate both direct and innate immune‐mediated therapy against human colorectal or other cancers metastatic to the liver.
Non‐CpG island promoter hypomethylation and miR‐149 regulate the expression of SRPX2 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Øster Bodil , Linnet Lene , Christensen Lise Lotte , Thorsen Kasper , Ongen Halit , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T , Sandoval Juan , Moran Sebastian , Esteller Manel , Hansen Torben F. , Lamy Philippe ,   On behalf of the COLOFOL steering group, Laurberg Søren , Ørntoft Torben F. , Andersen Claus L.
Published: November 2012

Gene silencing by DNA hypermethylation of CpG islands is a well‐characterized phenomenon in cancer. The effect of hypomethylation in particular of non‐CpG island genes is much less well described. By genome‐wide screening, we identified 105 genes in microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal adenocarcinomas with an inverse correlation (Spearman's ρ ≤ −0.40) between methylation and expression. Of these, 35 (33%) were hypomethylated non‐CpG island genes and two of them, APOLD1 (Spearman's ρ = −0.82) and SRPX2 (Spearman's ρ = −0.80) were selected for further analyses. Hypomethylation of both genes were localized events not shared by adjacent genes. A set of 662 FFPE DNA samples not only confirmed that APOLD1 and SRPX2 are hypomethylated in CRC but also revealed hypomethylation to be significantly (p < 0.01) associated with tumors being localized in the left side, CpG island methylator phenotype negative, MSS, BRAF wt, undifferentiated and of adenocarcinoma histosubtype. Demethylation experiments supported SRPX2 being epigenetically regulated via DNA methylation, whereas other mechanisms in addition to DNA methylation seem to be involved in the regulation of APOLD1. We further identified miR‐149 as a potential novel post‐transcriptional regulator of SRPX2. In carcinoma tissue, miR‐149 was downregulated and inversely correlated to SRPX2 (ρ = −0.77). Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR‐149 significantly reduced SRPX2 transcript levels. Our study highlights that in colorectal tumors, hypomethylation of non‐CpG island‐associated promoters deregulate gene expression nearly as frequent as do CpG‐island hypermethylation. The hypomethylation of SRPX2 is focal and not part of a large block. Furthermore, it often translates to an increased expression level, which may be modulated by miR‐149.
Tunneling nanotube formation is essential for the regulation of osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Kukita Akiko , Li Yin‐ji , Zhang Jing‐qi , Nomiyama Hisayuki , Yamaza Takayoshi , Ayukawa Yasunori , Koyano Kiyoshi , Kukita Toshio
Published: November 2012

Osteoclasts are the multinucleated giant cells formed by cell fusion of mononuclear osteoclast precursors. Despite the finding of several membrane proteins involving DC‐STAMP as regulatory proteins required for fusion among osteoclast precursors, cellular and molecular events concerning this process are still ambiguous. Here we identified Tunneling Nanotubes (TNTs), long intercellular bridges with small diameters, as the essential cellular structure for intercellular communication among osteoclast precursors in prior to cell fusion. Formation of TNTs was highly associated with osteoclastogenesis and it was accompanied with the significant induction of the M‐Sec gene, an essential gene for TNT formation. M‐Sec gene expression was significantly upregulated by RANKL‐treatment in osteoclast precursor cell line. Blockage of TNT formation by Latrunclin B or by M‐Sec siRNA significantly suppressed osteoclastogenesis. We have detected the rapid intercellular transport of not only the membrane phospholipids labeled with DiI but also the DC‐STAMP‐GFP fusion protein through TNTs formed among osteoclast precursors during osteoclastogenesis. Transportation of such regulatory molecules through TNTs would be essential for the process of the specific cell fusion among osteoclast precursors. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1238–1247, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical study on the mechanism and kinetics of addition of hydroxyl radicals to fluorobenzene
Authors: Kovacevic Goran , Sabljic Aleksandar
Published: November 2012

Geometries, frequencies, reaction barriers, and reaction rates were calculated for the addition of OH radical to fluorobenzene using Möller–Plesset second‐order perturbation (MP2) and G3 methods. Four stationary points were found along each reaction path: reactants, prereaction complex, transition state, and product. A potential for association of OH radical and fluorobenzene into prereaction complex was calculated, and the associated transition state was determined for the first time. G3 calculations give higher reaction barriers than MP2, but also a significantly deeper prereaction complex minimum. The rate constants, calculated with Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory using G3 energies, are much faster and in much better agreement with the experiment than those calculated with MP2 method, as the deeper well favors the formation of prereaction complex and also increases the final relative populations of adducts. The discrepancies between the experimental and calculated rate constants are attributed to the errors in calculated frequencies as well as to the overestimated G3 reaction barriers and underestimated prereaction complex well depth. It was possible to rectify those errors and to reproduce the experimental reaction rates in the temperature range 230–310 K by treating the relative translation of OH radical and fluorobenzene as a two‐dimensional particle‐in‐the‐box approximation and by downshifting the prereaction complex well and reaction barriers by 0.7 kcal mol−1. The isomeric distribution of fluorohydroxycyclohexadienyl radicals is calculated from the reaction rates to be 30.9%ortho, 22.6%meta, 38.4%para, and 8.3%ipso. These results are in agreement with experiment that also shows dominance oforthoandparachannels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
src family kinases regulate renal epithelial paracellular permeability barrier through an occludin‐independent mechanism
Authors: Caswell Devin , Jaggi Shuchie , Axis Josephine , Amsler Kurt
Published: November 2012

Paracellular permeability is mediated by the epithelial cell tight junction. Studies in intestinal and other epithelia have suggested that the activity of src family kinases (SFKs) increases epithelial paracellular permeability through its action on the tight junction protein, occludin, but the involvement of SFKs and occludin in regulation of renal epithelial paracellular permeability is unclear. In this study, the role of SFKs in regulation of renal epithelial paracellular permeability and the involvement of occludin protein in this regulatory event was examined in two renal epithelial cell lines, LLC‐PK1 (proximal tubule‐like) and MDCK (distal tubule‐like). The effect of broad spectrum SFK inhibitors on paracellular permeability of calcein and fluorescein‐dextran3000 were examined. SFK inhibitor treatment increased paracellular movement of both compounds in both renal epithelial cell lines. The SFK inhibitor effect was concentration‐dependent and, at low concentrations, was not associated with cell damage/death. Response to SFK inhibitors was acquired progressively after cell populations attained confluence suggesting maturation of the regulatory mechanism. Increased paracellular permeability was not associated with dramatic changes in total cell content of occludin protein, its partitioning between detergent‐soluble and ‐insoluble fractions, or its subcellular localization. Further, the SFK‐induced increase in paracellular permeability was unaffected by either occludin protein overexpression or occludin protein knockdown. These results demonstrate that SFK activity decreases paracellular permeability of renal epithelial cells, as opposed to its effect in intestinal epithelial cells, and that this regulation is not mediated by occludin protein. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1210–1220, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of initial biomass concentration on bioregeneration of 4‐chlorophenol‐loaded granular activated carbon: kinetic and efficiency studies
Authors: Oh Wen‐Da , Lim Poh‐Eng , Seng Chye‐Eng , Mohamed Norita , Adnan Rohana , Leong Kwok‐Yii , Voon Sui‐Yien
Published: November 2012

Background

Information on the effects of initial biomass concentration on bioregeneration rate and efficiency is lacking as many of the bioregeneration studies were conducted at constant initial biomass concentration. The objectives of this study are: (i) to develop kinetic models incorporating adsorption, desorption, biodegradation and the irreversibility of adsorption in describing the bioregeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC) loaded with 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP); and (ii) to investigate the effect of initial biomass concentration on the rate and efficiency of bioregeneration of 4‐CP‐loaded GAC in simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes.

Results

The bioregeneration model with Haldane biodegradation kinetics gave a better fit (R2 > 0.956) than the model with first‐order biodegradation kinetics (R2 > 0.805) to the experimental data. Values of the rate constant of desorption generated from the models showed that there was no observed effect of varying biomass concentration on the bioregeneration rate. The efficiency study revealed no observed effect of varying biomass concentration on the bioregeneration efficiency provided there was no inhibition effect due to 4‐CP.

Conclusions

Change in the initial biomass concentration had no observed effect on the bioregeneration rate and efficiency, if there was no inhibitory effect due to the substrate in the latter case. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.
Monosodium iodoacetate induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway involving ROS production and caspase activation in rat chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Jiang Liping , Li Longjie , Geng Chengyan , Gong Dezheng , Jiang Lijie , Ishikawa Nobuyuki , Kajima Koji , Zhong Laifu
Published: November 2012

Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) is an inhibitor of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and causes dose‐dependent cartilage degradation resembling the pathological changes of human osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we assessed the apoptosis induced by MIA and clarified the underlying mechanisms using the primary rat chondrocytes. The apoptosis of primary rat chondrocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were evaluated using fluorescence spectrophotometer. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometer. Apoptosis‐related protein cytochrome c and procaspase‐3 expressions were examined by Western blotting. We found that MIA treatment induces apoptosis in chondrocytes, as confirmed by increases in the percent of apoptotic cells, up‐regulation of cytochrome c and caspase‐3 protein levels. Treatment with MIA increases ROS production and decreases the levels of ΔΨm. The antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), significantly prevented the production of ROS, the reduction of ΔΨm, the release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase‐3. Further, NAC completely protected the cells from MIA‐induced apoptosis. Together these observations suggest that the mechanisms of MIA‐induced apoptosis are primarily via ROS production and mitochondria‐mediated caspase‐3 activation in primary rat chondrocytes. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 364–369, 2013
Adsorption chromatography separation of the flavonols kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin using cross‐linked collagen fibre as the stationary phase
Authors: Ding Pingping , Liao Xuepin , Shi Bi
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin are typical flavonols that are most concentrated in many medicinal herbs. However, the separation of these flavonols is very challenging due to their similar molecular structures. In the present investigation, the chromatographic separation of the flavonols kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin was performed using glutaraldehyde cross‐linked collagen fibre (GCF) as the stationary phase.

RESULTS

Kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin could be completely separated from each other by the GCF column by using gradient elution with different solutions of aqueous ethanol (100% to 70%) and 50% acetone. When the chromatographic separation was carried out at a flow rate of 0.75 bed volume h−1 with a sample loading of 30 mg 7 g−1 GCF, the purity of kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin was 98.17%, 93.81% and 81.76%, respectively. The separation resolution was influenced by column length, flow rate and sample loading amount. The separation efficiency of GCF was not obviously reduced after applications had been repeated five times. In the fifth repeated application, the purity of the recovered kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin was still higher than 97%, 94% and 78%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GCF is a promising adsorbent for use as a stationary phase in the chromatographic separation of flavonols from their mixtures. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
PGI chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) traceability by means of HRMAS‐NMR spectroscopy: a preliminary study
Authors: Ritota Mena , Casciani Lorena , Valentini Massimiliano
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Analytical traceability of PGI and PDO foods (Protected Geographical Indication and Protected Denomination Origin respectively) is one of the most challenging tasks of current applied research.

RESULTS

Here we proposed a metabolomic approach based on the combination of 1H high‐resolution magic angle spinning–nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS‐NMR) spectroscopy with multivariate analysis, i.e. PLS‐DA, as a reliable tool for the traceability of Italian PGI chicories (Cichorium intybus L.), i.e. Radicchio Rosso di Treviso and Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco, also known as red and red‐spotted, respectively. The metabolic profile was gained by means of HRMAS‐NMR, and multivariate data analysis allowed us to build statistical models capable of providing clear discrimination among the two varieties and classification according to the geographical origin.

CONCLUSION

Based on Variable Importance in Projection values, the molecular markers for classifying the different types of red chicories analysed were found accounting for both the cultivar and the place of origin. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Volatile compounds and lipolysis levels of Kopanisti, a traditional Greek raw milk cheese
Authors: Karali Fotini , Georgala Aikaterini , Massouras Theophilos , Kaminarides Stelios
Published: November 2012

Background

Kopanisti is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) traditional soft Greek cheese manufactured exclusively in the Cycladic island complex. It is made from raw bovine, ovine or caprine milk or a mixture of them without the addition of any lactic acid cultures. It has a spreadable texture, an intense salty and peppery taste and a strong flavour. Although Kopanisti cheese has properties similar to those of mould‐ripened cheeses, its volatile compound content has never been reported. In this study the volatile compound content and lipolysis level of ten commercial Kopanisti samples were investigated.

Results

The main aromatic groups found in Kopanisti cheese were alcohols, esters and volatile free fatty acids. Ethanol and several ethyl esters were the main volatile compounds. Intense lipolysis was present, with an average total free fatty acid content of 48 979 mg kg−1. Acetic, butyric and capric acids were the main volatile acids determined.

Conclusion

The intense lipolysis contributes greatly to the strong flavour and peppery taste of Kopanisti cheese. The flavour of Kopanisti is attributable mainly to the volatile fatty acids and various other volatile compounds as well as to the interactions occurring between them.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of marine algae Undaria pinnatifida and Porphyra purpurea as a food supplement: composition, nutritional value and effect of intake on intestinal, hepatic and renal enzyme activities in rats
Authors: Taboada Cristina , Millan Rosendo , Miguez Isabel
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

There is a long tradition in Eastern countries of consuming seaweeds, although demand for these organisms has also increased in Western countries. However, knowledge of the effects of consumption of algae is limited. In this study the proximate composition and amino acid profile of Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar (wakame) and Porphyra purpurea (Olivi) De Toni (nori) were determined. The effects of feeding diets containing 100 g kg−1 of wakami or nori for 4 weeks on food intake, growth, protein efficiency ratio, diet conversion ratio and some organ weights in growing rats were evaluated. The effects on intestinal, hepatic and renal enzyme activities were also studied.

RESULTS

Both algae are a good source of protein, particularly nori, and contain essential amino acids. There was no effect of alga consumption on trophic balance. Intestinal disaccharidase and hepatic and renal γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activities were lower in alga‐fed rats than in the control group, while intestinal leucine aminopeptidase activity was higher in rats fed algae.

CONCLUSION

Both seaweeds are a good source of protein and carbohydrates and contain all essential amino acids. The effects of the two algae on enzyme activities were similar. The inhibition of intestinal disaccharidase activity by seaweed ingestion could be interesting in patients with altered glucose homeostasis. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Copolymerization of Bacterial Cell Wall Materials to Enhance Stability of Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Chen Ning , Xiang Xu , Saha Ratul , Bagley Susan T. , Heiden Patricia A.
Published: November 2012

This brief investigation reports copolymerizing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with a durable bacterial cell wall component, peptidoglycan (PTG). PHAs are biodegradable polymers produced by some bacteria, but the environmental advantage is offset by the time, energy, and solvent use to separation PHAs from cell residues, including PTG. Here, a PHA was copolymerized with PTG (10, 25 wt%). Thermal stability and moisture uptake of the resulting polyesteramide showed copolymers absorbed up to 60% more moisture than the PHA but at 25 wt% peptidoglycan the onset of decomposition increased by nearly 125 °C. Less PTG in PHA gave lesser increases. The results suggest that useful materials might be produced with less rigorous purification strategies for bacterially produced PHAs.
Silibinin inhibits prostate cancer cells‐ and RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by targeting NFATc1, NF‐κB, and AP‐1 activation in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Kavitha Chandagirikoppal V. , Deep Gagan , Gangar Subhash C. , Jain Anil K. , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: November 2012

Currently, there are limited therapeutic options against bone metastatic prostate cancer (PCA), which is primarily responsible for high mortality and morbidity in PCA patients. Enhanced osteoclastogenesis is an essential feature associated with metastatic PCA in the bone microenvironment. Silibinin, an effective chemopreventive agent, is in phase II clinical trials in PCA patients but its efficacy against PCA cells‐induced osteoclastogenesis is largely unknown. Accordingly, here we examined silibinin effect on PCA cells‐induced osteoclastogenesis employing human PCA (PC3MM2, PC3, and C4‐2B) and murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. We also assessed silibinin effect on receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced signaling associated with osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells. Further, we analyzed silibinin effect on osteomimicry biomarkers in PCA cells. Results revealed that silibinin (30–90 μM) inhibits PCA cells‐induced osteoclast activity and differentiation in RAW264.7 cells via modulating expression of several cytokines (IGF‐1, TGF‐β, TNF‐α, I‐TAC, M‐CSF, G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, etc.) that are important in osteoclastogenesis. Additionally, in RAW264.7 cells, silibinin decreased the RANKL‐induced expression and nuclear localization of NFATc1, which is considered the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, silibinin decreased the RANKL‐induced DNA binding activity of NFATc1 and its regulators NF‐κB and AP1, and the protein expression of osteoclast specific markers (TRAP, OSCAR, and cathepsin K). Importantly, silibinin also decreased the expression of osteomimicry biomarkers (RANKL, Runx2, osteocalcin, and PTHrP) in cell culture (PC3 and C4‐2B cells) and/or in PC3 tumors. Together, our findings showing that silibinin inhibits PCA cells‐induced osteoclastogenesis, suggest that silibinin could be useful clinically against bone metastatic PCA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sleep and Parkinson's disease: A review of case‐control polysomnography studies
Authors: Peeraully Tasneem , Yong Ming‐Hui , Chokroverty Sudhansu , Tan Eng‐King
Published: November 2012

The link between Parkinson's disease (PD) and certain primary sleep disorders has yet to be clarified. We performed a systematic review of case‐control polysomnography studies to evaluate the relationship between PD and sleep disorders. A PubMed literature search and bibliography review yielded 15 case‐control polysomnography studies in patients with PD. Studies differed by recruitment methods, duration of polysomnography monitoring, and sleep parameters measured. Subjective sleepiness was greater in patients than controls (50%–66% vs 2.9%–12%) despite lack of objective increase in daytime sleepiness by mean sleep latency testing. The 4 case‐control polysomnography studies investigating rapid eye movement behavior disorder support a higher prevalence in PD (0%–47% vs 0%–1.8% in controls), although differences in diagnostic criteria hamper interpretation. The preponderance of evidence did not support an increased incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (27%–60% vs 13%–65%) or periodic leg movements of sleep in patients compared to controls. Adequately powered, prospective studies with uniform methodology and healthy controls are needed to further address the association and pathophysiological significance between PD and sleep problems. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Topography of dyskinesias and torticollis evoked by inhibition of substantia nigra pars reticulata
Authors: Dybdal David , Forcelli Patrick A. , Dubach Mark , Oppedisano Michael , Holmes Angela , Malkova Ludise , Gale Karen
Published: November 2012

GABAergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) and globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) constitute the output pathways of the basal ganglia. In monkeys, choreiform limb dyskinesias have been described after inhibition of the GPi, but not the SNpr. Given the anatomical and functional similarities between these structures, we hypothesized that choreiform dyskinesias could be evoked by inhibition of an appropriate region within the SNpr. The GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, was infused into various sites within the SNpr and the adjacent STN of freely moving macaques. The effect of the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline (BIC), was also examined. Muscimol (MUS) in SNpr evoked the following: (1) choreiform dyskinesias of the contralateral arm and/or leg from central and lateral sites; (2) contralaterally directed torticollis from central and posterior sites; and (3) contraversive quadrupedal rotation from anterior and lateral sites. MUS infusions into the adjacent SN pars compacta or STN were without effect, ruling out a contribution of drug spread to adjacent structures. BIC in SNpr induced ipsiversive postures without choreiform dyskinesia or torticollis, whereas in the STN, it evoked ballistic movements. This is the first report of choreiform dyskinesia evoked by inhibition of the SNpr. This highly site‐specific effect was obtained from a restricted region within the SNpr distinct from that responsible for inducing torticollis. These results suggest that overactivity of different SNpr outputs mediates choreiform dyskinesia and torticollis. These abnormalities are symptoms of dystonia, Huntington's disease, and iatrogenic dyskinesias, suggesting that these conditions may result, in part, from a loss of function in SNpr efferent projections. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Clinicopathological review of pallidonigroluysian atrophy
Authors: Wong Janice C. , Armstrong Melissa J. , Lang Anthony E. , Hazrati Lili‐Naz
Published: November 2012

Pallidonigroluysian atrophy is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of the globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus. Few studies have comprehensively documented the clinical and pathological features of pallidonigroluysian atrophy. A systematic review of all published cases of pallidonigroluysian atrophy in English since 1970 was performed. We also report a new case of pallidonigroluysian atrophy. Twenty‐five cases of pathologically proven pallidonigroluysian atrophy were reviewed, 24 from the literature and 1 of our own. Average age of onset was 54.3 ± 14.3 years, and average duration of disease was 7.9 ± 5.8 years. The most common first symptom was gait or balance disturbance. Patients had a diversity of movement disorders, including chorea in 5 cases (20%). Nine cases (36%) had coexistent motor neuron disease. Almost all cases had gliosis, and many cases had iron‐positive pigments in the pallidonigroluysian system. Tauopathy was absent to rare in this region. Widespread tau‐negative, p62‐positive glial inclusions, described in 1 previous case, were also present in our patient. As pallidonigroluysian atrophy has a diversity of clinical presentations, it is best defined neuropathologically. The relative lack of tauopathy and the presence of p62‐positive glial inclusions or iron‐positive pigments in the pallidonigroluysian region may help to distinguish pallidonigroluysian atrophy from similar disease entities. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Axisymmetric peel test for adhesion measurement of polymer coatings
Authors: DeNolf Garret C. , Haack Larry , Holubka Joe , Straccia Ann , Blohowiak Kay , Broadbent Chris , Shull Kenneth R.
Published: November 2012

A novel axisymmetric peel test for measuring the adherence of coatings has been developed. The method utilizes a thin elastomeric membrane as a support for an uncured coating. Application of a pressure differential across this membrane brings the coating into contact with the substrate of interest, allowing it to cure while in contact with the substrate. The peel energy of the fully cured coating is determined by the measured peel force and by the geometry at the peeling front. Use of the test is illustrated with a model glassy polyurethane coating on an aluminum substrate. We show that the test is ideally suited for testing the effects of substrate preparation and cure conditions on the resultant coating adhesion. The upper limit on the adhesion strength that we were able to measure was about 50 J/m2, a limit that is determined by the tensile strength of the coating. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012