bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History, Policy, and Practices of Media Education in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Hyeon-Seon
Published: May 2009

The authors begin by providing the historical and social background of Korean media education, which has its roots in civil participation activities in the 1980s. Then, they discuss the legal and governmental policies on media education, focusing on the Broadcasting Act and the diverse programs provided by governmental organizations, particularly those under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. They also provide good examples of media education practices by groups of teachers, civil society associations and the media industry, in addition to introducing the recent changes in the newly reformed National Curriculum, which includes some elements of media literacy. They conclude by pointing out the need for a more consistent policy on media literacy and a forum to activate discussion on the topic.

Los autores parten de los antecedentes históricos y sociales de la educación en medios coreana, la cual tiene sus raíces en actividades de participación civil en los ochenta. Luego, discuten las políticas legales y gubernamentales en educación en medios, fijando su atención en el Acta de Difusión y los diversos programas elaborados por organizaciones gubernamentales, particularmente aquéllas bajo el Ministerio de Cultura. También brindan buenos ejemplos de prácticas de educación en medios por grupos de educadores, asociaciones de la sociedad civil y la industria mediática, además de presentar los últimos cambios en el recién reformado Plan de Estudios Nacional, el cual incluye algunos elementos de alfabetización mediática. Concluyen señalando la necesidad de una política más consistente en alfabetización mediática y un foro para activar la discusión sobre el tema.
Media Literacy in MENA: Moving Beyond the Vicious Cycle of Oxymora
Authors: Saleh Ibrahim
Published: May 2009

At a time when the region of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is full of potential for capacitybuilding, social unrest, political agitation and poor civil liberties are still plaguing the population. The status of media education is low in MENA countries, preoccupied by many other vital issues, and yet the lack of it is detrimental to civic engagement… Current literacy practices in MENA countries have poor standards for critically assessing the media and research findings show a widening gap between the general public and the journalists, which further impairs media literacy. The analysis deals first with MENA countries and their «mal-media situation», using the metaphor of the cycle of oxymora to explain the various tensions and contradictions that characterize media literacy in the region. It then attempts to provide a political and media-related context to explain the current situation. It also uses research data to explore the challenges and opportunities to change the current dim picture in MENA, and concludes with several crucial implications for policy-making about media literacy in MENA.

En un momento en que la región del Medio Oriente y el Norte de África (MONA) está llena de potencial para el desarrollo de aptitudes, la inestabilidad social, la agitación política y las limitadas libertades civiles aún generan malestar entre la población. El desarrollo de la educación mediática en los países de la región, preocupada por muchos otros temas vitales, es bajo, en detrimento de su compromiso cívico… Las prácticas de alfabetización actual en los países de MONA tienen normas insuficientes para valorar críticamente a los medios, y los resultados de las investigaciones muestran una gran brecha entre el público en general y los periodistas, quienes desvirtúan aún más la alfabetización mediática. Este análisis trata primero de los países de MONA y su «mala situación mediática», usando la figura retórica del oxímoron para explicar las diferentes tensiones y contradicciones que caracterizan a la alfabetización mediática en la región. Intenta proveer el contexto político y su relación con los medios para explicar la situación actual. Utiliza también datos de investigaciones para explorar los retos y oportunidades para cambiar la débil imagen actual de la alfabetización mediática en MONA, y concluye con varias implicaciones cruciales para el diseño de políticas de alfabetización mediática en la región.
When Media Education is State Policy
Authors: Morduchowicz Roxana
Published: May 2009

One of the specific challenges faced by media education in Latin America is to narrow the divide and promote more equitable, fairer access to cultural and technological commodities among youth from the poorest families. Although the obstacles are more than a few and the challenges are by no means negligible, the first step toward facing them is to insert Media Education as a public policy, as State policy. Fortunately, we have always had teachers who have used the media and taught others to analyze, interpret and use them creatively. The idea, when Media Education becomes part of public policy, is to move beyond individual initiative and turn these private efforts into a State commitment. This is the only way to overcome the huge obstacles and materialize the major challenges posed by media education in the 21st century.

Uno de los desafíos específicos que tiene la educación para los medios en América Latina es disminuir las brechas y promover un acceso más equitativo y justo a los bienes culturales y tecnológicos entre los jóvenes que provienen de familias más pobres. Aun cuando los obstáculos no son pocos y los desafíos no son menores, el primer paso para lograrlos es insertar la educación para los medios como una política pública, una política de Estado. Docentes que han utilizado los medios de comunicación y que han enseñado a analizarlos, interpretarlos y utilizarlos crea tivamente, ha habido –afortunadamente– siempre. La idea cuando la educación para los me dios forma parte de una política pública– es superar los voluntarismos individuales y convertir estos esfuerzos particulares en un compromiso de Estado. Éste es el único camino que puede conducir a superar los enormes obstáculos y a concretar los grandes desafíos que propone una educación para los medios en el siglo XXI.
The Role of Broadcasting Regulation in Media Literacy
Authors: Salomon Eve
Published: May 2009

The author presents a global perspective on the reasons why television is regulated, the mechanisms used for regulation, and what regulation covers, particularly its cultural purposes. The author concludes with suggestions about how this might change as nations move to wards a converged, digital future, including an increased role for the regulator in the promotion of media literacy. The UK’s regulator, OFCOM, is used as an example of how a regulatory authority can take a leading role in media and information literacy, adding to its existing missions of allocating and regulating spectrum, in preparation for the digital switchover. Regulation and self-regulation, to be truly effective, will need to rely on extensive media literacy.

La autora presenta una perspectiva global sobre las razones por las que la televisión está regulada, los mecanismos utilizados para la regulación, y qué es lo que abarca esa regulación, particularmente en sus propósitos culturales. La autora concluye con sugerencias acerca de cómo se podría tender en las naciones hacia un futuro digital convergente, incluyendo un papel más preponderante de los consejos reguladores en la promoción de la alfabetización mediática. OFCOM, el regulador del Reino Unido es un ejemplo de cómo una autoridad reguladora puede tener un papel destacado en la alfabetización mediática y la información, agregando éstas a sus actuales objetivos de adjudicación y regulación del espectro, en preparación de la convergencia digital. La regulación y auto-regulación, para ser efectivas, tendrán que apoyarse sobre una integral educación en medios.
Promoting Youth Civic Participation with Media Production: The Case of Youth Voice Editorial Board
Authors: Kotilainen Sirkku
Published: May 2009

Public space, especially online, is now offered more than ever before. Still, the role of public media production in youth cultures has not been very much noticed in civic pedagogic settings. This contribution provides insights to the relations between youth, civic participation and media pu blicity in the context of youth work. It is based on three years follow up study of the «Youth Voice Editorial Board» in Finland, among youngsters aged 13-17 years. The results of the study show that youth citizenship can be strengthened with media literacy education which consists on three elements related with each other: youth civic participation including media production, media publicity and pedagogy understood as learning community.

Hoy más que nunca se promueve el espacio público, especialmente on-line. A pesar de ello, el papel de la producción mediática pública en la cultura juvenil no ha sido muy relevante en el ámbito de lo educativo. Este texto facilita la comprensión de las relaciones entre la participación cívica y la difusión mediática de la juventud en el contexto de sus intervenciones e interacciones. Está basado en el seguimiento durante tres años de la «Voz de la Juventud», de Finlandia, dirigido a jóvenes de entre 13 y 17 años de edad. Los resultados del estudio muestran que el fomento de la ciudadanía en los jóvenes puede potenciarse con la educación en medios, resultado de tres elementos relacionados entre sí: la participación ciudadana de la juventud, incluyendo la producción mediática, la difusión mediática, y la pedagogía entendida como aprendizaje colaborativo.
The Internet as a framework for communication and social interaction
Authors: Moral-Toranzo Félix
Published: May 2009

This article addresses social interaction on the Internet using an online questionnaire. The sociodemographic characteristics are analysed as well as the web users habits and relationships. The Internet is a social interactive place where personal relationships among users develop into important aspects of their lives. These relationships develop in different ways to relationships where people meet face to face. Also, motivation and the consequences of maintaining a personal relationships reflect, different results when comparing the web users gender and marital status.

En este trabajo se estudian las interacciones sociales en Internet, a partir de las respuestas de un cuestionario on-line. Se analizan las características sociodemográficas, los hábitos y las relaciones de estos usuarios en la Red. Internet se manifiesta como un espacio de interacción social, en el que las relaciones personales han tenido lugar en una gran mayoría de usuarios. Estas relaciones se muestran, en algunos aspectos, de forma diferente a las que tienen lugar cara a cara. Asimismo, las motivaciones y las consecuencias de mantener relaciones personales reflejan resultados diferentes con relación al sexo y al estado civil de los internautas.
Does Trial presentation medium matter in jury simulation research? Evaluating the effectiveness of eyewitness expert testimony
Authors: Pezdek Kathy , Avila‐Mora Elizabeth , Sperry Kathryn
Published: May 2009

This study assesses whether mock jurors' perceptions of eyewitness expert testimony vary based on the level of ecological validity—video or transcript trial presentation medium. In Experiment 1, 496 jury‐eligible mock jurors were presented a simulated trial. Each served in one condition in a 3 (no expert or eyewitness expert either with or without prosecution rebuttal witness) × 2 (trial presentation medium: Video or transcript) design. Participants were generally less certain of the defendant's guilt after the eyewitness expert testimony, and affective and cognitive ratings of the expert testimony were higher in the transcript than video condition. However, there were no significant interactions of modality with expert conditions, thus reducing concerns that jury simulation research must be conducted with live or video trials to be externally valid. Findings were replicated in Experiment 2 using the testimony of a different eyewitness expert rated to have a more dynamic communication style. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kontrollierte Oligomerisierung von Lewis‐Säure/Base‐stabilisierten Phosphanylalanen
Authors: Bodensteiner Michael , Vogel Ulf , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2009

Durch Feinabstimmung der Temperatur‐ und Lösungsmittelbedingungen gelingt die kontrollierte H2‐Eliminierung aus dem Lewis‐Säure/Base‐stabilisierten Phosphanylalan 1 (siehe Schema). Das entstehende cyclo‐Trimer 2 bildet durch weitere H2‐Eliminierung die Leiterverbindung 3. 2 und 3 sind die ersten Vertreter einer neuen Substanzklasse von 13/15‐Verbindungen ohne zusätzliche Donor‐Akzeptor‐Bindungen innerhalb des Gerüsts.

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A Unified Strategy for Exceptionally High Diastereoselectivity in the Photochemical Ring Closure of Chiral Diarylethenes
Authors: Yokoyama Yasushi , Shiozawa Tatsuya , Tani Yutaka , Ubukata Takashi
Published: May 2009

Hilfreiche Umarmung: Die photochemische Cyclisierung von Diarylethenen mit zwei chiralen Seitenarmen verlief unter UV‐Bestrahlung mit bis zu 100 % de (siehe Schema). Die Einführung chiraler Seitenarme an den zu verknüpfenden Kohlenstoffzentren ist eine allgemeine Strategie für hoch diastereoselektive Diarylethen‐Cyclisierungen.

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Facile Dissociation of [(LNiII)2E2] Dichalcogenides: Evidence for [LNiIIE2] Superselenides and Supertellurides in Solution
Authors: Yao Shenglai , Xiong Yun , Zhang Xinhao , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut , Milsmann Carsten , Driess Matthias
Published: May 2009

Easy breakage to open‐shells: The diamagnetic butterfly‐like dichalcogen complexes 1 (E=Se) and 2 (E=Te) with a {NiII2E2} core, undergo facile dissociation in solution via spin crossover to give the unprecedented mononuclear paramagnetic superselenide and supertelluride species 1′ and 2′, respectively, along with the nickel(I) fragment [LNiI]; R=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl.

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CH Hydroxylation Using a Heterocyclic Catalyst and Aqueous H2O2
Authors: Litvinas Nichole D. , Brodsky Benjamin H. , Du Bois J.
Published: May 2009

Substituted benzoxathiazines function as catalysts for the selective hydroxylation of tertiary CH bonds. Mechanistic studies have revealed an unanticipated disparity between oxaziridine reactivity and catalyst performance and have given way to a new catalyst and an aqueous H2O2 reaction protocol that greatly facilitate such transformations (see scheme).

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Organic Nanomaterials: Morphological Control for Charge Stabilization and Charge Transport
Authors: Pramod P. , Thomas K. George , George Manapurathu V.
Published: May 2009

How grows it? Organic nanostructured materials have been projected as active components in optoelectronic devices. Recent efforts in manipulating the morphology of organic nanomaterials, particularly on their size and shape, are summarized in this Focus Review. Potential application of organic nanostructured materials in charge stabilization and transporting are also discussed.

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Chromophoric systems with proper recognition motifs can organize into well‐defined arrays forming supramolecular assemblies and further into nanoscopic materials. The optical and electrical properties of organic nanomaterials depend upon the stacking modes of organic molecules and also on the kind of interaction between different chromophore units (such as H‐ and J‐type aggregates). These types of aggregates can dramatically alter the opto‐electronic properties of organic nanostructures. Hence efforts are currently directed towards manipulating the morphology of organic nanomaterials, particularly on their size and shape by adopting different techniques and these aspects are discussed. Recent studies have shown that such nanostructures are extremely important in the development of optoelectronic systems such as photovoltaic devices. This Focus Review also discusses the potential application of organic nanomaterials in charge stabilization and transport.
A Facile Method for Reversibly Linking a Recombinant Protein to DNA
Authors: Goodman Russell P. , Erben Christoph M. , Malo Jonathan , Ho Wei M. , McKee Mireya L. , Kapanidis Achillefs N. , Turberfield Andrew J.
Published: May 2009

A simple modification allows DNA to be linked to recombinant proteins. DNA functionalized with three nitrilotriacetic acid groups forms coordination complexes with nickel ions and the His6‐tag of the recombinant protein (here, GFP). This noncovalent linkage is reversible, site‐specific and has a high (nanomolar) affinity.

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We present a facile method for linking recombinant proteins to DNA. It is based on the nickel‐mediated interaction between a hexahistidine tag (His6‐tag) and DNA functionalized with three nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) groups. The resulting DNA–protein linkage is site‐specific. It can be broken quickly and controllably by the addition of a chelating agent that binds nickel. We have used this new linker to bind proteins to a variety of DNA motifs commonly used in the fabrication of nanostructures by DNA self‐assembly.
A first‐in‐man study of percutaneous myocardial cryotreatment in nonrevascularizable patients with refractory angina
Authors: Gallo Richard , Fefer Paul , Freeman Michael , Andrew Peter , Stewart Duncan J. , Theroux Pierre , Strauss Bradley H.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of myocardial cryotreatment for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe angina refractory to standard treatment. Background: Innovative myocardial revascularization strategies are needed for patients with CAD and severe angina uncontrolled by conventional methods. Preclinical data have demonstrated that cryotherapy can induce myocardial neovascularization through arteriogenesis. Methods: This was a two center, nonrandomized, study that enrolled 20 patients. All patients had CAD and severe angina (CCS Angina Class III or IV). Safety was the primary endpoint. Treatment involved 8–10 intramyocardial cryoapplications (at ≤−50°C), for 2 min by a specially designed percutaneous catheter at an identified ischemic area of the myocardium. Primary endpoint was safety, with secondary endpoints of angina severity, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and myocardial perfusion assessed by radionuclide scintigraphy. Results: The procedure was successful in 19 patients. There were three device‐related events, a pericardial tamponade requiring pericardiocenetesis, a clinically nonsignificant pericardial effusion, and an episode of ventricular tachycardia requiring cardioversion in one patient. Complete 12‐month follow‐up was obtained in 16 patients. Significant reduction in CCS angina scores and significant improvements in both exercise tolerance and quality of life (P < 0.05) were seen at 6 and 12‐month follow‐up. Although no significant differences were observed in myocardial perfusion in the overall group, marked improvement was detected in 8 (42%) patients. Conclusion: Cryotreatment is feasible and safe in patients with severe angina refractory to standard management. Early efficacy results are encouraging and further clinical study is warranted. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of a traumatic VSD in an adult requiring an ASD occluder device
Authors: Suh William M. , Kern Morton J.
Published: May 2009

Traumatic ventricular septal defects (VSD) can occur after blunt or penetrating chest trauma or cardiac procedures. There are few publications reporting the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of traumatic VSDs. We report a case of a large VSD resulting from penetrating chest trauma that was not repaired at the initial surgical procedure on the disrupted right ventricle. Because of the late identification of the VSD postoperatively, transcatheter closure after the original surgical procedure was recommended and performed requiring an Amplatzer atrial septal defect occluder device because of defect size and configuration. This case describes the technique and postprocedure imaging leading to a cautionary note regarding VSD closure device techniques. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of Channel Size for Selective Guest Inclusion with Inlaid Anionic Building Blocks in a Porous Cationic Metal–Organic Host Framework
Authors: Chen Xu‐Dong , Wan Chong‐Qing , H.‐Y. Sung Herman , Williams Ian D. , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: May 2009

Step by step: By attaching anionic building blocks of variable bulk to a cationic metal–organic framework, stepwise channel‐size adjustment of the resulting porous three‐dimensional host framework is achieved (see picture). This method is a new and viable approach for materials with predesigned nanopores for application in molecular recognition and selective guest inclusion.

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Through the introduction of perfluorocarboxylates as counteranions that line the inner surface of each channel in a host cationic metal–organic open framework, stepwise channel‐size control has been realized, resulting in wide guest compatibility for [{Ag(L)(CF3CO2)}6⋅6 G]∞ (1⊃G; G=guest, L=ligand), selective guest recognition for [{Ag(L)(C2F5CO2)}6⋅4 G′]∞ (2⊃G′), and a lack of inclusion behavior for [{Ag(L)(C3F7CO2)}6]∞ (3; G and G′ represent the same or different guest molecules). The cationic frameworks in 1–3 are constructed from the linkage of hexameric inorganic–organic hybrid macrocycles through multiple argentophilic interaction plus π–π interactions between pyridyl rings and carbonyl–carbonyl interactions, to which corresponding counteranions are attached. With different anions as intrachannel arms, similar frameworks in complexes 1⊃G, 2⊃G′, and 3 exhibit percentages of guest‐accessible voids of approximately 30–35, 25, and 18 % for 1–3, respectively. The highly flexible framework 1 in 1⊃G contains stretchable channels with up to 21.7 % effective‐volume change of the solvent‐accessible void for inclusion of various guest species in the series of solvates 1 a–m. The pair of complexes 1⊃G and [Ag(L)(CF3CO2)]∞ (4), and likewise the pair 2⊃G′ and [Ag(L)(C2F5CO2)]∞ (5), are interconvertible through distinct controllable processes.
Oxidative Addition of Halogens to Homoleptic Perfluoromethyl or Perfluorophenyl Derivatives of Platinum(II): A Comparative Study
Authors: Menjón Babil , Martínez‐Salvador Sonia , Gómez‐Saso Miguel A. , Forniés Juan , Falvello Larry R. , Martín Antonio , Tsipis Athanassios
Published: May 2009

Chlorocarbon solvents (solv=CH2Cl2, CHCl3) are suggested to play an active role in the oxidative addition of halogens, X2 (X=Cl, Br, I), to homoleptic d8 perfluoromethyl and ‐phenyl platinum(II) species [Pt(RF)4]2− (RF=CF3, C6F5). The perfluoromethyl group, CF3, has been found to be considerably less prone to undergo reductive elimination processes, and is, therefore, more suitable for stabilizing organoplatinum(IV) derivatives (see scheme).

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The equilibrium geometries of the homoleptic perfluorinated organoplatinate(II) anions [Pt(CF3)4]2− and [Pt(C6F5)4]2− have been computed at the B3P86/LANL2DZ level of theory. Remarkably good agreement with the experimentally determined structures has been obtained by X‐ray diffraction methods. The reactivity of [NBu4]2[Pt(CF3)4] (1) towards halogens (Cl2, Br2, and I2) has been investigated by using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. The perfluoromethyl derivative 1 has been found to undergo clean oxidative addition of the three halogens under investigation, giving rise to [NBu4]2[trans‐Pt(CF3)4X2] (X=Cl (7), Br (10), I (13)) in a quantitative and stereoselective way. In the low‐temperature reaction of the perfluorophenyl derivative [NBu4]2[Pt(C6F5)4] (3) with Cl2 or Br2, the corresponding oxidative‐addition products [NBu4]2[trans‐Pt(C6F5)4X2] (X=Cl (14), Br (15)) can also be obtained. In the case in which X=Br and working in CHCl3 at −55 °C, it has been possible to detect the formation of an intermediate species to which we assign the formula [trans‐Pt(C6F5)4Br(ClCHCl2)]− (16). The solvento complex 16 is thermally unstable and prone to undergo reductive elimination of C6F5C6F5. In the presence of PhCN, complex [NBu4][trans‐Pt(C6F5)4Br(NCPh)] (17) was isolated and structurally characterized. The reaction of 3 with I2 gave no organoplatinum(IV) compound. Our comparative study reveals that the CF3 group is especially suited to stabilize organometallic compounds in high oxidation states. This ability can be attributed to a combination of factors: its hardness, its high group electronegativity, its small size, and its reluctance to undergo reductive elimination processes.
First Isolation and Spectroscopic Observation of Thiofulminic acid (HCNS)
Authors: Pasinszki Tibor , Krebsz Melinda , Bazsó Gábor , Tarczay György
Published: May 2009

For the first time: Thiofulminic acid (HCNS), the parent member of the nitrile sulfide family of reactive intermediates and potential interstellar species, was produced and characterized by IR spectroscopy for the first time. HCNS was generated in cryogenic matrices by 254 nm UV irradiation of 1,2,5‐thiadiazole (see figure).

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p75 Neurotrophin receptor is implicated in the ability of neurotrophin‐3 to negatively modulate activated ERK1/2 signaling in TrkA‐expressing adult sensory neurons
Authors: Wilson‐Gerwing Tracy D. , Johnston Jayne M. , Verge Valerie M.K.
Published: May 2009

Neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) can negatively modulate trkA and associated phenotype in intact sensory neurons, while positively regulating trkC and associated phenotype. How NT‐3 effects this response is not clear. Whether NT‐3 exerts a differential influence on levels of activated ERK1/2 signaling in trkA‐ versus trkC‐mRNA‐positive subpopulations of neurons and the role that the common neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, plays in this response was assessed by examining alterations in the levels of phospho‐ERK1/2 immunofluorescence signal over nuclei of sensory neurons expressing trkA alone, trkC alone, or both trkA and trkC mRNA. NT‐3 intrathecal infusion differentially modulated nuclear phospho‐ERK1/2 levels detected over neurons expressing trkA alone or trkC alone. Levels were significantly decreased over nuclei of neurons expressing trkA alone and significantly increased over the nuclei of neurons expressing trkC alone. Neurons expressing both trkA and trkC or neurons expressing neither trkA nor trkC had no significant alteration in phospho‐ERK1/2. Antisense oligonucleotides directed against p75NTR were infused intrathecally with or without NT‐3 infusion to examine the impact of suppressing p75NTR expression on the ability of NT‐3 to diminish phospho‐ERK1/2 signaling in neurons expressing only trkA. NT‐3 did not significantly attenuate levels of phospho‐ERK1/2 when p75NTR expression was suppressed by antisense infusion, despite being able to do so when NT‐3 was infused alone. In conclusion, NT‐3's ability to negatively modulate ERK1/2 signaling in a p75‐dependent manner in sensory neurons that express trkA to the exclusion of trkC provides a feasible mechanism by which it negatively modulates other aspects of nociceptive phenotype in these neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:49–58, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendritic synthesis and release of the neuropeptide galanin: Morphological evidence from studies on rat locus coeruleus neurons
Authors: Vila‐Porcile Évelyne , Xu Zhi‐Qinq David , Mailly Philippe , Nagy Frédéric , Calas André , Hökfelt Tomas , Landry Marc
Published: May 2009

Dendritic synthesis and release of neuropeptides have been demonstrated in hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons. Here we tested whether this mechanism may be applicable to galanin in rat locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry demonstrated the occurrence of galanin peptide in secretory granules within dendritic processes. In situ hybridization at the light and electron microscopic level showed galanin mRNA in these LC processes. Moreover, the levels of the transcript and its extension into the dendrites were significantly increased by reserpine treatment. Finally, evidence for exocytotic release from large dense‐core vesicles in LC dendrites was obtained by using tannic acid‐treated slices. Taken together, these results indicate that galanin can be synthesized in, and possibly released from, LC. These data support a key function of the neuropeptide galanin as an auto‐paracrine local modulator in a major, strongly divergent monoaminergic regulatory system. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:199–212, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ankyrin Repeat‐rich Membrane Spanning/Kidins220 protein regulates dendritic branching and spine stability in vivo
Authors: Wu Synphen H. , Arévalo Juan Carlos , Sarti Federica , Tessarollo Lino , Gan Wen‐Biao , Chao Moses V.
Published: May 2009

The development of nervous system connectivity depends upon the arborization of dendritic fields and the stabilization of dendritic spine synapses. It is well established that neuronal activity and the neurotrophin BDNF modulate these correlated processes. However, the downstream mechanisms by which these extrinsic signals regulate dendritic development and spine stabilization are less well known. Here we report that a substrate of BDNF signaling, the Ankyrin Repeat‐rich Membrane Spanning (ARMS) protein or Kidins220, plays a critical role in the branching of cortical and hippocampal dendrites and in the turnover of cortical spines. In the barrel somatosensory cortex and the dentate gyrus, regions where ARMS/Kidins220 is highly expressed, no difference in the complexity of dendritic arbors was observed in 1‐month‐old adolescent ARMS/Kidins220+/− mice compared to wild‐type littermates. However, at 3 months of age, young adult ARMS/Kidins220+/− mice exhibited decreased dendritic complexity. This suggests that ARMS/Kidins220 does not play a significant role in the initial formation of dendrites but, rather, is involved in the refinement or stabilization of the arbors later in development. In addition, at 1 month of age, the rate of spine elimination was higher in ARMS/Kidins220+/− mice than in wild‐type mice, suggesting that ARMS/Kidins220+/− levels regulate spine stability. Taken together, these data suggest that ARMS/Kidins220 is important for the growth of dendritic arbors and spine stability during an activity‐ and BDNF‐dependent period of development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
Spontaneous activity in the developing mouse midbrain driven by an external pacemaker
Authors: Rockhill Wendy , Kirkman Jennifer L. , Bosma Martha M.
Published: May 2009

Central nervous system (CNS) development depends upon spontaneous activity (SA) to establish networks. We have discovered that the mouse midbrain has SA expressed most robustly at embryonic day (E) 12.5. SA propagation in the midbrain originates in midline serotonergic cell bodies contained within the adjacent hindbrain and then passes through the isthmus along ventral midline serotonergic axons. Once within the midbrain, the wave bifurcates laterally along the isthmic border and then propagates rostrally. Along this trajectory, it is carried by a combination of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons. Removing the hindbrain eliminates SA in the midbrain. Thus, SA in the embryonic midbrain arises from a single identified pacemaker in a separate brain structure, which drives SA waves across both regions of the developing CNS. The midbrain can self‐initiate activity upon removal of the hindbrain, but only with pharmacological manipulations that increase excitability. Under these conditions, new initiation foci within the midbrain become active. Anatomical analysis of the development of the serotonergic axons that carry SA from the hindbrain to the midbrain indicates that their increasing elongation during development may control the onset of SA in the midbrain. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
A new function for LAT and CD8 during CD8‐mediated apoptosis that is independent of TCR signal transduction
Authors: Clarke Raedun L. , Thiemann Sandra , Refaeli Yosef , Werlen Guy , Potter Terry A.
Published: May 2009

The majority (>95%) of thymocytes undergo apoptosis during selection in the thymus. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how apoptosis of thymocytes that are not positively selected occurs; however, it is unknown whether thymocytes die purely by “neglect” or whether signaling through a cell‐surface receptor initiates an apoptotic pathway. We have previously demonstrated that on double positive thymocytes the ligation of CD8 in the absence of TCR engagement results in apoptosis and have postulated this is a mechanism to remove thymocytes that have failed positive selection. On mature single positive T cells CD8 acts as a co‐receptor to augment signaling through the TCR that is dependent on the phosphorylation of the adaptor protein, linker for activation of T cells (LAT). Here, we show that during CD8‐mediated apoptosis of double positive thymocytes there is an increase in the association of CD8 with LAT and an increase in LAT tyrosine phosphorylation. Decreasing LAT expression and mutation of tyrosine residues of LAT reduced apoptosis upon crosslinking of CD8. Our results identify novel functions for both CD8 and LAT that are independent of TCR signal transduction and suggest a mechanism for signal transduction leading to apoptosis upon CD8 crosslinking.
An Efficacious Protocol for 4‐Substituted 3,4‐Dihydropyrimidinones: Synthesis and Calcium Channel Binding Studies
Authors: Singh Kamaljit , Arora Divya , Falkowski Danielle , Liu Qingxin , Moreland Robert S.
Published: May 2009

Ethyl 1,2‐dihydro‐1,6‐dimethyl/6‐methyl‐2‐oxopyrimidine‐5‐carboxylates react with C‐nucleophiles as well as the anion of the enantiopure chiral auxiliary (1R,2S,5R)‐(–)‐methyl (S)‐p‐toluenesulfinate to afford 4‐substituted and enantiopure congeners of medicinally potent Biginelli dihydropyrimidinones. The calcium channel blocking activity of some of the compounds was evaluated and compared with nifedipine for their ability to relax a membrane depolarization‐induced contraction.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The effects of the glutamate antagonist memantine on brain activation to an auditory perception task
Authors: van Wageningen Heidi , Jørgensen Hugo A. , Specht Karsten , Eichele Tom , Hugdahl Kenneth
Published: May 2009

Glutamate is critically involved in the regulation of cognitive functions in humans. There is, however, sparse evidence regarding how blocking glutamate action at the receptor site during a cognitive task affects brain activation. In the current study, the effects of the glutamate antagonist memantine were examined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thirty‐one healthy adults were scanned twice in a counter‐balanced design, either in a no‐drug session or after administration of memantine for 21 days. The subjects performed a simple auditory perception task with consonant‐vowel stimuli. Group‐level spatial independent component analysis (ICA) was used to decompose the data and to extract task‐related activations. The focus was on four task‐related ICA components with frontotemporal localization. The results showed that glutamate‐blockage resulted in a significant enhancement in one component, with no significant effect in the other three components. The enhanced effect of memantine was in the middle temporal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus. It is suggested that the results reflect effects of glutamatergic processes primarily through non‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor pathways. Moreover, the results demonstrate that memantine can be used as a probe which allows for studying the effect of excitatory neurotransmission on neuronal activation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiperturbation analysis of distributed neural networks: The case of spatial neglect
Authors: Kaufman Alon , Serfaty Corinne , Deouell Leon Y. , Ruppin Eytan , Soroker Nachum
Published: May 2009

This study assesses the feasibility of using a multiperturbation analysis (MPA) approach for lesion‐symptom mapping. We analyze the relative contribution of damage in different brain regions to the expression of spatial neglect, as revealed in line‐bisection performance. The data set comprised of normalized lesion information and bisection test results from 23 first‐event right‐hemisphere stroke patients. Obtaining quantitative measures of task relevance for different regions of interest (ROIs), the following ROIs were found to be the most contributing: the supramarginal and angular gyri of the inferior parietal lobule, the superior parietal lobule, the anterior part of the temporo‐parietal junction connecting the superior temporal and supramarginal gyri, and the thalamus. MPA is likely to play an important role in elucidating the anatomical substrate of complex functions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variation in neuregulin1 is associated with differences in prefrontal engagement in children
Authors: Mechelli Andrea , Viding Essi , Pettersson‐Yeo William , Tognin Stefania , McGuire Philip K.
Published: May 2009

The majority of psychopathology is rooted early in life and first emerges during childhood and adolescence. However, little is known about how risk genes affect brain function to increase biological vulnerability to psychopathology in childhood, because most imaging genetic studies published so far have been conducted on adult participants. We examined the impact of neuregulin1 (NRG1), a probable susceptibility gene for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, on brain function in a sample of 102 ten‐ to twelve‐year‐old children. Each participant performed a Go/Nogo task, whereas brain responses were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Statistical parametric mapping was used to estimate the impact of genetic variation in NRG1 on brain activation. Response accuracy and reaction times did not differ as a function of NRG1 genotype. However, individuals with the high‐risk variant expressed greater brain activation for both Go and Nogo stimuli in the right posterior orbital gyrus, where NRG1 genotype accounted for 11% of interindividual variance. There were no regions showing a significant interaction between NRG1 genotype and stimulus type even at trend level, suggesting that the impact of NRG1 on brain activation was not specific to either response inhibition or motor execution. These results suggest that that genetic variation in NRG1 is associated with different levels of prefrontal engagement in children as young as 10–12 years of age. Our investigation provides support to the idea that genetic factors may affect brain function to moderate vulnerability to psychopathology from childhood. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional integrity of thalamocortical circuits differentiates normal aging from mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Cantero Jose L. , Atienza Mercedes , Gomez‐Herrero German , Cruz‐Vadell Abel , Gil‐Neciga Eulogio , Rodriguez‐Romero Rafael , Garcia‐Solis David
Published: May 2009

Resonance in thalamocortical networks is critically involved in sculpting oscillatory behavior in large ensembles of neocortical cells. Neocortical oscillations provide critical information about the integrity of thalamocortical circuits and functional connectivity of cortical networks, which seem to be significantly disrupted by the neuronal death and synapse loss characterizing Alzheimer's disease (AD). By applying a novel analysis methodology to overcome volume conduction effects between scalp electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements, we were able to estimate the temporal activation of EEG‐alpha sources in the thalamus and parieto‐occipital regions of the cortex. We found that synaptic flow underlying the lower alpha band (7.5–10 Hz) was abnormally facilitated in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as compared to healthy elderly individuals, particularly from thalamus to cortex (∼38% higher). In addition, the thalamic generator of lower alpha oscillations was also abnormally activated in patients with MCI. Regarding the upper alpha subdivision (10.1–12.5 Hz), both controls and patients with MCI showed a bidirectional decrease of thalamocortical synaptic transmission, which was age‐dependent only in the control group. Altogether, our results suggest that functional dynamics of thalamocortical networks differentiate individuals at high risk of developing AD from healthy elderly subjects, supporting the hypothesis that neurodegeneration mechanisms are active years before the patient is clinically diagnosed with dementia. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lean job design and musculoskeletal disorder risk: A two plant comparison
Authors: Womack Sarah K. , Armstrong Thomas J. , Liker Jeffrey K.
Published: May 2009

This study examined the relationship between lean job design and work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. Repetition, force, and posture were assessed for a sample of 56 production jobs across departments at a lean automobile‐manufacturing plant and compared to 56 similar jobs at a traditional automobile‐manufacturing plant. The results showed greater productivity in the lean plant: less waiting (p = .006) and walking (p < .001); and greater repetition exposure (p = .001). The mean rating for repetition was 5.5 in the lean plant, compared to 5.0 in the traditional plant based on the Latko (1997) hand activity level scale. However, the lean plant had significantly lower peak hand force ratings (p = .01). When examining force and repetition combined, the lean plant had a lower percentage of jobs above the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)‐recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV®). The findings suggest that lean manufacturing does not necessarily increase workers' risk for WMSD injuries. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism and risk of second primary malignancy after index squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck
Authors: Li Fanglin , Sturgis Erich M. , Zafereo Mark E. , Liu Zhensheng , Wang Li.‐E. , Wei Qingyi , Li Guojun
Published: May 2009

P73 plays an important role in modulating cell‐cycle control, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting cell growth. A novel noncoding p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 exon 2 polymorphism was associated with risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We hypothesized that p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism modulates risk of second primary malignancies (SPM) in patients after index SCCHN. We followed a cohort of 1,384 patients diagnosed with incident SCCHN between May 1995 and January 2007 for SPM development. Log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare SPM‐free survival and SPM risk between the different genotype groups. Our results showed that patients carrying the p73 variant AT allele were less likely to develop SPM compared with the patients with p73 GC/GC genotype (Log‐rank test, p = 0.013). Compared with the p73 GC/GC genotype, there was a significantly reduced risk of SPM associated with the p73 GC/AT genotype (HR, 0.61, 95% CI, 0.40–0.93) and the combined p73 GC/AT+AT/AT genotypes (HR, 0.59, 95% CI, 0.39–0.89), but a nonsignificantly reduced risk for p73 AT/AT genotype (HR, 0.44, 95% CI, 0.14–1.41). The p73 AT allele was significantly associated with risk of SPM in an allele dose‐response manner (p = 0.011 for trend). The risk of SPM associated with p73 variant genotypes (GC/AT+AT/AT) was more pronounced in several subgroups (e.g., older patients, men, minorities, ever smokers, and ever drinkers). Our results support that this p73 polymorphism may be a marker for risk of SPM among patients with an incident SCCHN. © 2009 UICC
The potential impact of human papillomavirus vaccination in contemporary cytologically screened populations may be underestimated: An observational retrospective analysis of invasive cervical cancers
Authors: Powell Ned , Boyde Adam , Tristram Amanda , Hibbitts Sam , Fiander Alison
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of invasive cervical cancers attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 in a contemporary, cytologically well‐screened UK population. This was achieved in a retrospective observational analysis by HPV typing 453 archival invasive cervical cancers diagnosed between January 1, 2000 and September 1, 2006. Pathological material was collected from 9 hospitals across Wales (UK), and HPV typing and pathology review was conducted at a central laboratory. Genotyping for high‐risk HPV DNA was performed by PCR‐enzyme immunoassay using the GP5+/6+ primer set. DNA was successfully extracted from 297 cases. Two hundred and eighty cases were included in the final analysis. The proportion of cases which had only HPV 16 and/or 18 was 219 of 280 (78.2%, 95% CI = 73.0–82.7); the proportion of cases which had HPV 16 or 18 and another HPV type was 230 of 280 (82.1%, 95% CI = 77.2–86.2). The proportion of cervical cancers associated with infection with HPV types 16 and 18 has previously been estimated at around 70%. The appropriate figure for a cytologically well‐screened UK population appears to be approximately 80%. Hence, the potential impact of the current vaccination programme may be underestimated. © 2009 UICC
Retracted: Heat‐shock pretreatment inhibits sorbitol‐induced apoptosis in K562, U937 and HeLa cells
Authors: Marfe Gabriella , Pucci Bruna , De Martino Luisa , Fiorito Filomena , Di Stefano Carla , Indelicato Manuela , Aventaggiato Michele , Russo Matteo A. , Tafani Marco
Published: May 2009

Marfe, G., Pucci, B., De Martino, L., Fiorito, F., Di Stefano, C., Indelicato, M., Aventaggiato, M., Russo, M. A. and Tafani, M. (2009), Heat‐shock pretreatment inhibits sorbitol‐induced apoptosis in K562, U937 and HeLa cells. Int. J. Cancer, 125: 2077–2085. doi: 10.1002/ijc.24572

The above article, published online on 15 May 2009 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Professor Christoph Plass, the Union for International Cancer Control and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to the manipulation of images within the article. The Editorial Office was contacted by a reader who expressed some concerns regarding the reuse of several bands in Figures 2a and 5a, which purportedly represent different experimental conditions. After requesting the original data files from the corresponding author, the editorial team confirmed that the western blots provided contained manipulated bands.
CD44‐positive cells are responsible for gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Hong Sung Pil , Wen Jing , Bang Seungmin , Park Seungwoo , Song Si Young
Published: May 2009

Accumulating evidence suggests that tumors are composed of a heterogeneous cell population with a small subset of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that sustain tumor formation and growth. Recently, there have been efforts to explain drug resistance of cancer cells based on the concept of CSCs having an intrinsic detoxifying mechanism. In the present study, to investigate the role of CSCs in acquiring chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine‐resistant cells were established by exposure to serially escalated doses of gemcitabine in HPAC and CFPAC‐1 cells. Gemcitabine‐resistant cells were more tumorigenic in vitro and in vivo, and had greater sphere‐forming activity than parental cells. After high‐dose gemcitabine treatment to eliminate most of the cells, CD44+ cells proliferated and reconstituted the population of resistant cells. CD44+CD24+ESA+ cells remained as a small subset in the resistant cell population. Among ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are known as the mechanism of drug resistance in CSCs, ABCB1 (MDR1) was significantly augmented during the acquisition of drug resistance. ABC transporter inhibitor verapamil resensitized the resistant cells to gemcitabine in a dose‐dependent manner and RNA interference of CD44 inhibited the clonogenic activity of resistant cells. In human pancreatic cancer samples, CD44 expression was correlated with histologic grade and the patients with CD44‐positive tumors showed poor prognosis. These data indicate that cancer stem‐like cells were expanded during the acquisition of gemcitabine resistance and in therapeutic application, targeted therapy against the CD44 or ABC transporter inhibitors could be applied to overcome drug resistance in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. © 2009 UICC