bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐ and postnatal calorie restriction perturbs early hypothalamic neuropeptide and energy balance
Authors: Shin Bo‐Chul , Dai Yun , Thamotharan Manikkavasagar , Gibson L. Caroline , Devaskar Sherin U.
Published: March 2012

Energy balance is regulated by circulating leptin concentrations and hypothalamic leptin receptor (ObRb) signaling via STAT3 but is inhibited by SOCS3 and PTP1B. Leptin signaling enhances anorexigenic neuropeptides and receptor (POMC, MC3‐R, MC4‐R) activation while suppressing orexigenic neuropeptides (NPY, AgRP). We investigated in a sex‐specific manner the early (PN2) and late (PN21) postnatal hypothalamic mechanisms in response to intrauterine (IUGR), postnatal (PNGR), and combined (IPGR) calorie and growth restriction. At PN2, both male and female IUGR were hypoleptinemic, but hypothalamic leptin signaling in females was activated as seen by enhanced STAT3. In addition, increased SOCS3 and PTP1B supported early initiation of leptin resistance in females that led to elevated AgRP but diminished MC3‐R and MC4‐R. In contrast, males demonstrated leptin sensitivity seen as a reduction in PTP1B and MC3‐R and MC4‐R with no effect on neuropeptide expression. At PN21, with adequate postnatal caloric intake, a sex‐specific dichotomy in leptin concentrations was seen in IUGR, with euleptinemia in males indicative of persisting leptin sensitivity and hyperleptinemia in females consistent with leptin resistance, both with normal hypothalamic ObRb signaling, neuropeptides, and energy balance. In contrast, superimposition of PNGR upon IUGR (IPGR) led to diminished leptin concentrations with enhanced PTP1B and an imbalance in arcuate nuclear NPY/AgRP and POMC expression that favored exponential hyperphagia and diminished energy expenditure postweaning. We conclude that IUGR results in sex‐specific leptin resistance observed mainly in females, whereas PNGR and IPGR abolish this sex‐specificity, setting the stage for acquiring obesity after weaning. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disruption of exploratory and habituation behavior in mice with mutation of DISC1: an ethologically based analysis
Authors: Walsh J. , Desbonnet L. , Clarke N. , Waddington J.L. , O'Tuathaigh C.M.P.
Published: March 2012

Disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1 (DISC1) is a gene that has been functionally linked with neurodevelopmental processes and structural plasticity in the brain. Clinical genetic investigations have implicated DISC1 as a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia and related psychoses. Studies using mutant mouse models of DISC1 gene function have demonstrated schizophrenia‐related anatomical and behavioral endophenotypes. In the present study, ethologically based assessment of exploratory and habituation behavior in the open field was conducted in DISC1 (L100P), wild‐type (WT), heterozygous (HET), and homozygous (HOM) mutant mice of both sexes. Ethological assessment was conducted in an open‐field environment to explore specific topographies of murine exploratory behavior across the extended course of interaction from initial exploration through subsequent habituation (the ethogram). During initial exploration, HET and HOM DISC1 mutants evidenced increased levels of locomotion and rearing to wall compared with WT. A HOM‐specific increase in total rearing and a HET‐specific increase in sifting behavior and reduction in rearing seated were also observed. Over subsequent habituation, locomotion, sniffing, total rearing, rearing to wall, rearing free, and rearing seated were increased in HET and HOM mutants vs. WT. Overall, grooming was increased in HOM relative to other genotypes. HET mice displayed a selective decrease in habituation of sifting behavior. These data demonstrate impairment in both initial exploratory and habituation of exploration in a novel environment in mice with mutation of DISC1. This is discussed in the context of the functional role of the gene vis à vis a schizophrenia phenotype as well as the value of ethologically based approaches to behavioral phenotyping. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perinatal dexamethasone‐induced alterations in apoptosis within the hippocampus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus are influenced by age and sex
Authors: Zuloaga Damian G. , Carbone David L. , Quihuis Alicia , Hiroi Ryoko , Chong David L. , Handa Robert J.
Published: March 2012

Exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) during development leads to long‐term changes in hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, although little is known about the neural mechanisms that underlie these alterations. In this study, we investigated the effects of late gestational (days 18–22) or postnatal (days 4–6) administration of the GC receptor agonist dexamethasone (DEX) on an apoptosis marker in two brain regions critical to HPA axis regulation, the hippocampus and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). One day after the final DEX injection, male and female rats were sacrificed, and brains were processed for immunohistochemical detection of cleaved caspase‐3, an apoptotic cell death indicator. DEX increased cleaved caspase‐3 immunoreactivity in the CA1 hippocampal region of both sexes following prenatal but not postnatal treatment. Prenatal DEX also increased caspase‐3 immunoreactivity in the CA3 region, an elevation that tended to be greater in females. In contrast, postnatal DEX resulted in a much smaller, albeit significant, induction in CA3 caspase‐3 compared with prenatal treatment. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that prenatal but not postnatal DEX‐induced hippocampal cleaved caspase‐3 correlated with elevated mRNA of the proapoptotic gene Bad. Few caspase‐3‐ir cells were identified within the PVN regardless of treatment age, although postnatal but not prenatal DEX increased this number. However, the region immediately surrounding the PVN (peri‐PVN) showed significant increases in caspase‐3‐ir cells following pre‐ and postnatal DEX. Together these findings indicate that developmental GC exposure increases apoptosis in HPAaxis‐associated brain regions in an age‐ and sex‐dependent manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epileptiform activity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus becomes refractory to attenuation by cannabinoids in part because of endogenous γ‐aminobutyric acid type B receptor activity
Authors: Messer Ricka D. , Levine Eric S.
Published: March 2012

The anticonvulsant properties of marijuana have been known for centuries. The recently characterized endogenous cannabinoid system thus represents a promising target for novel anticonvulsant agents; however, administration of exogenous cannabinoids has shown mixed results in both human epilepsy and animal models. The ability of cannabinoids to attenuate release of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters may explain the variable effects of cannabinoids in different models of epilepsy, but this has not been well explored. Using acute mouse brain slices, we monitored field potentials in the CA1 region of the hippocampus to characterize systematically the effects of the cannabinoid agonist WIN55212‐2 (WIN) on evoked basal and epileptiform activity. WIN, acting presynaptically, significantly reduced the amplitude and slope of basal field excitatory postsynaptic potentials as well as stimulus‐evoked epileptiform responses induced by omission of magnesium from the extracellular solution. In contrast, the combination of omission of magnesium plus elevation of potassium induced an epileptiform response that was refractory to attenuation by WIN. The effect of WIN in this model was partially restored by blocking γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB), but not GABAA, receptors. Subtle differences in models of epileptiform activity can profoundly alter the efficacy of cannabinoids. Endogenous GABAB receptor activation played a role in the decreased cannabinoid sensitivity observed for epileptiform activity induced by omission of magnesium plus elevation of potassium. These results suggest that interplay between presynaptic G protein‐coupled receptors with overlapping downstream targets may underlie the variable efficacy of cannabinoids in different models of epilepsy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coherent patterns in long‐term sea‐level variability trends derived from long‐term tide gauge measurements
Authors: Vilibić Ivica , Šepić Jadranka , Gaxotte Zoran Adam
Published: March 2012

Global long‐term sea‐level variability trends and regional coherence patterns were mapped based on hourly sea‐level time series data from the 29 longest operating tide gauge stations distributed worldwide. We split sea‐level variability into three frequency bands: (1) small‐scale synoptic bands (1–3 d), (2) large‐scale synoptic bands (3–10 d) and (3) planetary‐scale bands (10–100 d). We then calculated seasonal and annual trends. The most coherent result obtained involved a significant decrease in sea‐level variability over the tropical and subtropical Pacific, particularly at the synoptic scale frequencies. Several other coherent regions were found and linked to changes in the global atmosphere. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Staging laparoscopy using ALA‐mediated photodynamic diagnosis improves the detection of peritoneal metastases in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Kishi Kentaro , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Yano Masahiko , Inoue Masahiro , Miyashiro Isao , Motoori Masaaki , Shingai Tatsushi , Gotoh Kunihito , Takahashi Hidenori , Noura Shingo , Yamada Terumasa , Ohue Masayuki , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: March 2012

Background

This study evaluated the usefulness of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) using oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for the detection of peritoneal metastases in advanced gastric cancer.

Method

First, the numbers of peritoneal metastatic nodules that were visible under conventional white light (WL) and ALA‐induced fluorescence (ALA‐F) were quantified in a mouse model of peritoneal metastasis to compare the tumor detection rate. Next, staging laparoscopy (SL) using ALA‐PDD was performed in 13 advanced gastric cancer patients with serosa‐invading tumors, and the detection sensitivity of ALA‐PDD was compared to the observations using WL.

Results

The tumor detection rate using ALA‐F was significantly higher than the detection rate using WL (72% vs. 39%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Peritoneal metastases were detected in five patients using SL with ALA‐PDD, and liver metastases were detected in one patient. These metastases were confirmed using histological examination. Three metastatic lesions that were invisible under WL were detected under ALA‐F.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that SL with ALA‐PDD improved the detection sensitivity for peritoneal metastases. ALA‐PDD may be an important technique for the preoperative staging of advanced gastric cancer, and ALA‐PDD will provide useful information for the selection of therapeutic modality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:294–298. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Derivatization followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for quantification of ethyl carbamate in alcoholic beverages
Authors: Xu Xuejiao , Gao Yihan , Cao Xiujun , Wang Xiang , Song Guoxin , Zhao Jianfeng , Hu Yaoming
Published: March 2012

A sensitive and rapid analytical methodology based on derivatization followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was developed for the quantitative determination of the toxic contaminant ethyl carbamate (EC, urethane, C2H5OCONH2) in alcoholic samples. EC was extracted using liquid–liquid extraction technique, and then silylated with bis‐(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide, analysed finally by GC‐MS. The isopropyl carbamate was used as the internal standard for quantitative analysis of EC in alcoholic samples. In this work, the sample extraction and derivatization reaction conditions were investigated, and the optimal extraction conditions obtained were: pH 9 and solvent of ethyl acetate, and the derivatization conditions were: derivatization reaction temperature of 80°C and time duration of 30 min. With the optimal conditions, the method validations were also studied. In the validation studies, EC exhibited good linearity with a regression coefficient of 0.9999. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.30 and 5.0 μg/kg, respectively. The precision was less than 8.4%. Finally, the proposed technique was successfully applied to the analysis of EC in 35 kinds of alcoholic samples. The experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed technique is a fast, reliable and low‐cost method for determination of EC in alcoholic samples.
Ageing resistance and corrosion resistance of silicone‐epoxy and polyurethane topcoats used in sea splash zone
Authors: Wang Z. Y. , Liu F. C. , Han E. H. , Ke W.
Published: March 2012

The silicone‐epoxy and polyurethane topcoats applied in a simulated sea splash environment were studied according to ISO20340 standard, and their properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). Glass transition temperature (Tg) of silicone‐epoxy polymer is 7.7 °C higher than that of polyurethane polymer. Measurement of gloss and color difference demonstrates that anti‐ageing property of silicone‐epoxy topcoat is better than that of polyurethane topcoat. It is known from SEM and XPS analysis that silicone‐epoxy topcoat can retain the good morphological structure and ageing resistance after accelerated cycle ageing test. The results from EIS analysis indicate that the silicone‐epoxy topcoat has good anti‐corrosion properties. Measurement of contact angles indicates that surface tension of silicone‐epoxy topcoat is smaller than that of polyurethane topcoat before and after corrosion test.
Performance of cold sprayed Ni‐20Cr and Ni‐50Cr coatings on SA 516 steel in actual industrial environment of a coal fired boiler
Authors: Bala N. , Singh H. , Karthikeyan J. , Prakash S.
Published: March 2012

Power plants are one of the major industries suffering from severe erosion–corrosion (E‐C) problems resulting in substantial losses. One way of tackling this problem is by the use of thermal spray coatings. In the current investigation a new emerging technique i.e. cold spray coating process was used to deposit Ni‐20Cr and Ni‐50Cr powder on SA 516 (grade 70) boiler steel. The bare as well as the coated steels were subjected to cyclic experimental studies, in the superheater zone of a coal fired boiler. Weight change, thickness loss, XRD, FE‐SEM/EDS and X‐ray mapping techniques were used to analyse the eroded‐corroded specimens. The uncoated steel showed weight gain after exposure in the actual boiler environment, whereas, for the coated steels there was initial weight loss followed by negligible weight change. Based upon thickness loss data the cold‐sprayed Ni‐50Cr coating was found to provide better E‐C resistance than the Ni‐20Cr coating.
Study of aging and electrochemical behaviour of AlLiCuMg alloys
Authors: Ghosh K. S. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Konar B. , Mishra B.
Published: March 2012

Aging study of 1441 and 8090 AlLiCuMg alloys exhibited characteristic precipitation hardening phenomena. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies carried out on various tempers of the 1441 and 8090 AlLiCuMg alloys in 3.5% NaCl, with a small amount of H2O2, and in 3.5% NaCl solution with pH 10 and 12 showed the shifting of open circuit potential (OCP) towards more negative potential and higher corrosion rate, with the increase of aging time. The OCP value has shifted anodically with addition of H2O2 in 3.5% NaCl solution. Further, passivity phenomenon has been observed for all the alloy tempers in 3.5% NaCl solution at pH 10 and 12. The observation of OCP shift towards more negative potential and the higher corrosion rate with the increase of aging time has been attributed to the presence of higher amounts of anodic δ (AlLi), S′ (Al2CuMg) and T1 (Al2CuLi) phases, studied by TEM, XRD and DSC methods.
Influences of the three‐phase boundary on the electrochemical corrosion characteristics of carbon steel under droplets
Authors: Wang Y. H. , Liu Y. Y. , Wang W. , Zhong L. , Wang J.
Published: March 2012

The potential/current distributions of carbon steel were investigated under 0.001 M sodium chloride droplets of various sizes using a wire beam electrode. During the corrosion process, carbon steel exhibited heterogeneous electrochemical characteristics with the major anodes located near the edge of the droplets. The three‐phase boundary (TPB) plays a vital role in determining the electrochemical distribution and the corrosion degree of carbon steel. With the increase of droplet size, the average anodic current density and the corrosion degree decreased, which is believed to be due to the decrease of the TPB length per unit area.
Effect of processing parameters on the microstructures and corrosion behaviour of high‐velocity oxy‐fuel (HVOF) sprayed Fe‐based amorphous metallic coatings
Authors: Wang Y. , Jiang S. L. , Zheng Y. G. , Ke W. , Sun W. H. , Chang X. C. , Hou W. L. , Wang J. Q.
Published: March 2012

A FeCrMoMnWBCSi amorphous metallic coating was prepared by using high‐velocity oxy‐fuel spray. The influence of processing parameters on microstructure, porosity level, amorphous phase fraction and corrosion behaviour of the coatings was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter and electrochemical methods. The results indicated that the microstructures of the coatings were sensitive to the spray parameters considerably. Porosity and unmelted particle proportion decreased with the oxygen/fuel (O/F) ratio and increased with the powder feed rate. The trend of oxides content was opposite to the porosity and unmelted particle proportion. The coatings obtained with higher O/F ratio and lower powder feed rate exhibited higher hardness. The low coating hardness was mainly due to the high porosity especially when the porosity was higher than 1.21%. The spraying parameters strongly affected the amorphous phase fraction. There was a critical passive current density for balancing the porosity and the amorphous phase fraction. Corrosion resistance is dominant by the amorphous phase fraction when the porosity is less than 1.21%, while by porosity when it is higher than that. Open‐circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed that the coatings obtained with the O/F ratio of 4.2 and the powder feed rate of 40 g/min exhibiting the best corrosion resistance in 1 wt% sodium chloride solution.
Corrosion resistance of different steel grades in the geothermal fluid of Molasse Basin
Authors: Klapper H. S. , Bäßler R. , Sobetzki J. , Weidauer K. , Stürzbecher D.
Published: March 2012

Long‐term corrosion resistance of carbon steels grade API L80 and API Q125 has been evaluated by means of electrochemical measurements and exposure tests in the Molasse Basin, one of the most important geothermal fluids in Europe. In addition, the localized corrosion resistance of the duplex stainless steel alloy 2205 and the austenitic stainless steel grade 316L was determined at 100 and 150 °C. In general, investigated materials showed a remarkable resistance to uniform and localized corrosion. Their corrosion behaviour at service conditions is discussed in this paper.
Corrosion inhibition of copper–phosphorus brazing alloys in tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide aerated aqueous solution by benzotriazole
Authors: Liu S. , Guan W. W. , Yan Y. H. , Jiang R. Y. , Feng Z. P. , Song W. J. , Qin K.
Published: March 2012

The corrosion inhibition behavior of benzotriazole (BTA) on a brazing alloy, CuP in the non‐welded and welded conditions in 17 wt% (0.534 mol/L) tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide (TBAB) aerated aqueous solution was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy techniques. The experimental results showed that BTA could protect effectively copper alloys in aqueous TBAB solution. The inhibition efficiency of BTA increased with increasing inhibitor concentration from 0.1 to 6 g/L, attaining efficiencies of up to 96% calculated according to different methodologies. Corrosion current densities were lower after the melting process. Galvanic studies showed that copper behaved as the anode when coupled to its alloys. The addition of BTA caused an increase in charge transfer resistance and a decrease in the capacitance of the double layer. Adsorption of BTA in 17 wt% TBAB solution on the copper alloys' surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on Mg alloy substrates via primary cell corrosion and fluoroalkylsilane modification
Authors: Song J. L. , Xu W. J. , Lu Y. , Liu X. , Sun J.
Published: March 2012

The present work reports a simple and safe two‐step process to render magnesium (Mg) alloy surfaces superhydrophobic via primary cell corrosion and subsequently cover it with a fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) film. The surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and optical contact angle measurements. The power generated via the primary cell corrosion of copper and Mg alloys was also measured using a digital multimeter. The results show that micro/nanometer‐scale binary rough structures and an FAS film with a low surface energy were present on the Mg alloy surfaces, both of which confer good superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 162.8° and a tilting angle of 2°. The micro/nanometer‐scale binary rough structures consisted of micrometer‐scale grains, cluster‐like structures composed of nanometer‐scale needles, and network‐like structures composed of nanometer‐scale sheets. Superhydrophobicity was analyzed by the Cassie–Baxter theory. Findings show that only about 6.3% of the water surface was in contact with the Mg alloy substrates, while the remaining 93.7% was in contact with the air cushion. The unique advantage of the proposed method is that power can be generated during the machining process of the superhydrophobic surfaces on the Mg alloy substrates.
Biodegradable pH‐Dependent Thermo‐Sensitive Hydrogels for Oral Insulin Delivery
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Gao Xiaoye , Zhang Aiping , Wu Xiaowei , Chen Li , He Chaoliang , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: March 2012

A series of pH‐dependent thermo‐sensitive hydrogels for oral insulin delivery is designed and synthesized. In contrast to normal pH‐ and thermo‐sensitive hydrogels, the release of oral insulin from them is mainly controlled by the adjustable swelling ratios in gastric and intestinal juice with their variable pH sensitivity. The release behavior of loaded insulin depends on the swelling/shrinking transition because of the changing LCST at different pH values. The hydrogels presented are composed of PNIPAAm chains and PMAA segments and are prepared with the biodegradable acryloyl‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐2‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate as a crosslinker. The biodegradation rates of the hydrogels are directly related to their PMAA content. In vitro release of insulin from the hydrogels is investigated and the release profiles indicate that the smart hydrogels are of great promise in pH–temperature oral insulin delivery systems.
Aqueous Emulsion Polymerization of Substituted Acetylenes: Effects of Organic Solvent and Analysis of Blue Shifts and Emulsion Polymerization Mechanism
Authors: Chen Bo , Liu Xuan , Xu Chuqi , Song Ci , Luo Xiaofeng , Yang Wantai , Deng Jianping
Published: March 2012

A series of optically active nanoparticles composed of helical substituted polyacetylene is prepared via emulsion polymerization. A specific organic solvent is required for solid substituted acetylene monomers to undergo emulsion polymerization. The effects of this organic solvent are investigated. Its amount is found to be decisive for obtaining stable polymer emulsions. The helical conformations of the substituted polyacetylenes in nanoparticle state are identified with the help of CD and UV‐vis spectra. A blue shift occurs in CD and UV‐vis spectra of some of the polyacetylene emulsions. The underlying driving force for the blue shift is discussed, and an emulsion polymerization mechanism is proposed.
Estimation of Self‐Diffusion Coefficients of Small Penetrants in Semicrystalline Polymers Using Single‐Sided NMR
Authors: Kwamen R. , Blümich B. , Adams A.
Published: March 2012

A simple and fast way to measure proton self‐diffusion coefficients of small penetrant molecules in semicrystalline polymers is introduced. The approach takes advantage of the strong static gradient of a mobile single‐sided NMR sensor and it is demonstrated on PE samples with varying degrees of crystallinity fully saturated in either toluene or n‐hexane. The self‐diffusion coefficients were measured using the gradient stimulated echo sequence appended with a CPMG. It is also shown for the first time, with demonstration on PE plates several millimeter thick with different aging histories, that one‐dimensional profiles of self‐diffusion coefficients as a function of depth can be easily obtained.
Dietary tocopherols inhibit cell proliferation, regulate expression of ERα, PPARγ, and Nrf2, and decrease serum inflammatory markers during the development of mammary hyperplasia
Authors: Smolarek Amanda K. , So Jae Young , Thomas Paul E. , Lee Hong Jin , Paul Shiby , Dombrowski Anne , Wang Chung‐Xiou , Saw Constance Lay‐Lay , Khor Tin Oo , Kong Ah‐Ng Tony , Reuhl Kenneth , Lee Mao‐Jung , Yang Chung S. , Suh Nanjoo
Published: March 2012

Previous clinical and epidemiological studies of vitamin E have used primarily α‐tocopherol for the prevention of cancer. However, γ‐tocopherol has demonstrated greater anti‐inflammatory and anti‐tumor activity than α‐tocopherol in several animal models of cancer. This study assessed the potential chemopreventive activities of a tocopherol mixture containing 58% γ‐tocopherol (γ‐TmT) in an established rodent model of mammary carcinogenesis. Female ACI rats were utilized due to their sensitivity to 17β‐estradiol (E2) to induce mammary hyperplasia and neoplasia. The rats were implanted subcutaneously with sustained release E2 pellets and given dietary 0.3% or 0.5% γ‐TmT for 2 or 10 wk. Serum E2 levels were significantly reduced by the treatment with 0.5% γ‐TmT. Serum levels of inflammatory markers, prostaglandin E2 and 8‐isoprostane, were suppressed by γ‐TmT treatment. Histology of mammary glands showed evidence of epithelial hyperplasia in E2‐treated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis of the mammary glands revealed a decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and estrogen receptor α (ERα), while there was an increase in cleaved‐caspase 3, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) in γ‐TmT‐treated rats. In addition, treatment with γ‐TmT resulted in a decrease in the expression of ERα mRNA, whereas mRNA levels of ERβ and PPARγ were increased. In conclusion, γ‐TmT was shown to suppress inflammatory markers, inhibit E2‐induced cell proliferation, and upregulate PPARγ and Nrf2 expression in mammary hyperplasia, suggesting that γ‐TmT may be a promising agent for human breast cancer prevention. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The HMGA1 protoncogene frequently deregulated in cancer is a transcriptional target of E2F1
Authors: Massimi Isabella , Guerrieri Francesca , Petroni Marialaura , Veschi Veronica , Truffa Silvia , Screpanti Isabella , Frati Luigi , Levrero Massimo , Gulino Alberto , Giannini Giuseppe
Published: March 2012

Reactivation of the HMGA1 protoncogene is very frequent in human cancer, but still very little is known on the molecular mechanisms leading to this event. Prompted by the finding of putative E2F binding sites in the human HMGA1 promoter and by the frequent deregulation of the RB/E2F1 pathway in human carcinogenesis, we investigated whether E2F1 might contribute to the regulation of HMGA1 gene expression. Here we report that E2F1 induces HMGA1 by interacting with a 193 bp region of the HMGA1 promoter containing an E2F binding site surrounded by three putative Sp1 binding sites. Both gain and loss of function experiments indicate that Sp1 functionally interacts with E2F1 to promote HMGA1 expression. However, while Sp1 constitutively binds HMGA1 promoter, it is the balance between different E2F family members that tunes the levels of HMGA1 expression between quiescence and proliferation. Finally, we found increased HMGA1 expression in pituitary and thyroid tumors developed in Rb+/− mice, supporting the hypothesis that E2F1 is a novel important regulator of HMGA1 expression and that deregulation of the RB/E2F1 path might significantly contribute to HMGA1 deregulation in cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor is not required for the proliferation, migration, invasion, or estrogen‐dependent tumorigenesis of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Spink Barbara C. , Bennett James A. , Lostritto Nicole , Cole Jacquelyn R. , Spink David C.
Published: March 2012

The AhR was initially identified as a ligand‐activated transcription factor mediating effects of chlorinated dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) expression. Recently, evidence supporting involvement of the AhR in cell‐cycle regulation and tumorigenesis has been presented. To further define the roles of the AhR in cancer, we investigated the effects of AhR expression on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells. In these studies, the properties of MCF‐7 cells were compared with those of two MCF‐7‐derived sublines: AHR100, which express minimal AhR, and AhRexp, which overexpress AhR. Quantitative PCR, Western immunoblots, 17β‐estradiol (E2) metabolism assays, and ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase assays showed the lack of AhR expression and AhR‐regulated CYP1 expression in AHR100 cells, and enhanced AhR and CYP1 expression in AhRexp cells. In the presence of 1 nM E2, rates of cell proliferation of the three cell lines showed an inverse correlation with the levels of AhR mRNA. In comparison with MCF‐7 and AhRexp cells, AHR100 cells produced more colonies in soft agar and showed enhanced migration and invasion in chamber assays with E2 as the chemoattractant. Despite the lack of significant AhR expression, AHR100 cells retained the ability to form tumors in severe combined immunodeficient mice when supplemented with E2, producing mean tumor volumes comparable to those observed with MCF‐7 cells. These studies indicate that, while CYP1 expression and inducibility are highly dependent on AhR expression, the proliferation, invasion, migration, anchorage‐independent growth, and estrogen‐stimulated tumor formation of MCF‐7 cells do not require the AhR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and structure elucidation of five new conjugates of oleanolic acid derivatives and chalcones using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Tang Chu , Zhu Linhui , Li Jun , Qin Rui , Liu Chang , Chen Yu , Yang Guangzhong
Published: March 2012

Five new conjugates of oleanolic acid derivatives and chalcones have been designed and synthesized. The structure elucidation of these conjugates was accomplished by using extensive 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies (COSY, HSQC and HMBC); and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity is reported for these conjugates. Compound 2b (IC50 = 47.5 µm) displayed much stronger activity than oleanolic acid and acarbose. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ESR study of the molecular orientation and dynamics of stable organic radicals included in the 1‐D organic nanochannels of 2,4,6‐tris‐4‐(chlorophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine
Authors: Kobayashi Hirokazu , Asaji Tetsuo , Tani Atsushi
Published: March 2012

The molecular orientation and dynamics of the organic stable radicals such as 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyl‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) or 4‐hydroxy‐TEMPO (TEMPOL) included in the one‐dimensional (1‐D) organic nanochannels of 2,4,6‐tris‐4‐(chlorophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine (CLPOT) were investigated by examining the inclusion compounds (ICs) diluted by the co‐inclusion of non‐radicals using ESR spectroscopy. Spectral simulation showed that the axial rotation of TEMPO or TEMPOL molecules is excited in the nanochannels with activation energies of 8 and 7 kJ mol−1, respectively. The rotation axis was estimated to be tilted towards the principal x direction in the axis system of the g‐tensor of the respective radicals. This is quite different from that for similar ICs in the nanochannels of tris(o‐phenylenedioxy)cyclotriphosphazene (TPP), in which the radicals are axially rotating around the principal axis y of the g‐tensor. The difference is attributed to the larger nanospace of the CLPOT nanochannels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood flow and anatomical MRI in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Muir Eric R. , De La Garza Bryan , Duong Timothy Q.
Published: March 2012

This study tested the sensitivity of an arterial spin labeling MRI method to image changes in retinal and choroidal blood flow (BF) and anatomical thickness of the retina in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. High‐resolution (42 × 42 μm) MRI was performed on rd10 mice and age‐matched controls at 25, 35, and 60 days of age (n = 6 each group) on a 7‐T scanner. Anatomical MRI was acquired, and quantitative BF was imaged using arterial spin labeling MRI with a separate cardiac labeling coil. Histology was obtained to confirm thickness changes in the retina. In control mice, the retinal and choroidal vascular layers were quantitatively resolved. In rd10 mice, retinal BF decreased progressively over time, while choroidal BF was unchanged. The rd10 retina became progressively thinner at later time points compared with age‐matched controls by anatomical MRI and histology (P < 0.01). BF and anatomical MRI were capable of detecting decreased BF and thickness in the rd10 mouse retina. Because BF is tightly coupled to metabolic function, BF MRI has the potential to noninvasively assess retinal diseases in which metabolism and function are perturbed and to evaluate novel treatments, complementing existing retinal imaging techniques. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mdx mouse as a model for carnitine deficiency in the pathogenesis of duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zolkipli Zarazuela , Mai Lydia , Lamhonwah Anne‐Marie , Tein Ingrid
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Muscle and cardiac metabolism are dependent on the oxidation of fats and glucose for adenosine triphosphate production, for which L‐carnitine is an essential cofactor. Methods: We measured muscle carnitine concentrations in skeletal muscles, diaphragm, and ventricles of C57BL/10ScSn‐DMDmdx/J mice (n = 10) and compared them with wild‐type C57BL/6J (n = 3), C57BL/10 (n = 10), and C3H (n = 12) mice. Citrate synthase (CS) activity was measured in quadriceps/gluteals and ventricles of mdx and wild‐type mice. Results: We found significantly lower tissue carnitine in quadriceps/gluteus (P < 0.05) and ventricle (P < 0.05), but not diaphragm of mdx mice, when compared with controls. CS activity was increased in mdx quadriceps/gluteus (P < 0.03) and ventricle (P < 0.02). This suggests compensatory mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions: Decreased tissue carnitine has implications for reduced fatty acid and glucose oxidation in mdx quadriceps/gluteus and ventricle. The mdx mouse may be a useful model for studying the role of muscle carnitine deficiency in DMD bioenergetic insufficiency and providing a targeted and timed rationale for L‐carnitine therapy. Muscle Nerve 46: 767–772, 2012
The assisted 6‐minute cycling test to assess endurance in children with a neuromuscular disorder
Authors: Jansen Merel , De Jong Moniek , Coes Hanna M. , Eggermont Florieke , Van Alfen Nens , De Groot Imelda J.M.
Published: March 2012

Introduction: For late‐ or non‐ambulant children with a neuromuscular disorder no suitable endurance tests are currently available. We developed the assisted 6‐minute cycling test (A6MCT) for the legs and arms and investigated its psychometric properties in healthy boys and boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Ninety‐nine healthy boys and 30 boys with DMD (12 wheelchair‐dependent) performed the A6MCT. Seventy healthy boys also performed the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), and 23 boys performed the A6MCT twice within 2 weeks. Boys with DMD also performed the Motor Function Measure (MFM). Results: The A6MCT was feasible for >90% of all boys. Boys with DMD achieved fewer cycling revolutions than controls. The A6MCT was positively correlated with the 6MWT and was reproducible in healthy boys, and it correlated with disease severity in boys with DMD. Conclusions: The A6MCT is a promising outcome measure for the follow‐up of non‐ambulant children with a neuromuscular disorder. Muscle Nerve 46: 520–530, 2012
Magnetic resonance imaging of muscle disease: A pattern‐based approach
Authors: Costa Andreu F. , Di Primio Gina A. , Schweitzer Mark E.
Published: March 2012

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool to assess the severity, distribution, and progression of muscle injury and disease. However, a muscle's response to a pathological insult is limited to only a few patterns on MRI, and findings can be nonspecific. A pattern‐based approach is therefore essential to correctly interpret MR studies of abnormal muscle. In this article we review the anatomy, function, and normal MRI appearance of skeletal muscle. We present a classification scheme that categorizes abnormal MR appearances of muscle into 4 main pattern descriptors: (1) distribution; (2) change in size and shape; (3) T1 signal; and (4) T2 signal. Each category is further subdivided into the various patterns seen on MRI. Such an approach allows one to systematically assess abnormal findings on muscle MRI studies and ascertain clues to the diagnosis or differential diagnosis, particularly when findings are correlated with the clinical context. Muscle Nerve 46: 520–481, 2012
Metabolic syndrome decreases tissue perfusion and induces glandular hyperplasia in the fructose‐fed rat prostate
Authors: Chen I‐Hung , Tong Yat‐Ching , Cheng Juei‐Tang
Published: March 2012

Aims

The effects of metabolic syndrome on the prostate blood perfusion and histological structure were studied using fructose‐fed rats (FR).

Methods

Age‐matched male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group I, normal control rats and group II, 9‐week FR. Animal body weight, blood pressure, and serum metabolic parameters were monitored. With the rats under anesthesia, prostatic blood flow volume and flow velocity were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. The prostate was then removed for histological examination and morphometric study.

Results

The 9‐week FR showed significant increases in body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels. The blood flow volume (345.8 ± 20.57 ml/min/100 g vs. 440.4 ± 35.57 ml/min/100 g of tissue, P < 0.05 for n = 8) and flow rate (29.4 ± 1.25 units vs. 40.9 ± 2.65 units, P < 0.05 for n = 8) in the FR ventral prostate were significantly decreased when compared to controls. Structurally, the FR prostate weight was significantly higher than that of the controls (612.4 ± 16.9 mg vs. 427.3 ± 6.5 mg, P < 0.05 for n = 8). Prostate histology showed glandular hyperplasia while morphometry showed increased stromal component in the FR.

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome in the FR decreases prostatic perfusion and induces prostatic glandular hyperplasia. The findings suggest that chronic ischemia may be a link between metabolic syndrome and prostatic enlargement. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:600–604, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing evidence‐based standards for diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract or pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Rosier Peter F.W.M. , de Ridder Dirk , Meijlink Jane , Webb Ralph , Whitmore Kristene , Drake Marcus J.
Published: March 2012

The International Continence Society (ICS) has a key role in standardizing terminology related to lower urinary tract and pelvic organ dysfunction. The ICS Standardization Steering Committee (SSC) presents the new structure and process by which future ICS Standards will be developed. The new processes aim to meet present‐day evidence‐based practice requirements, and to foster unbiased, inclusive, and transparent development. For each new ICS Standard, the SSC will oversee a dedicated ad hoc Working Group (WG). Applications to chair or contribute to a WG will be invited from the ICS membership. The SSC will select the Chairperson, and work with him or her to select the WG composition, balanced to represent key disciplines, stakeholders, and regions. Consultants can be invited to contribute to the WG where specific need arises. Every WG will review current knowledge, adhering to evidence‐based medicine requirements. Progress reports will be reviewed by the SSC, and amendments recommended, culminating in a first draft. The draft will be offered to the ICS membership and additional relevant experts for comment. Further revision, if needed, will result in a document, which the SSC will submit to the ICS Trustees, as arbiters of whether the document should be adopted as an ICS Standard. The SCC will then coordinate with the WG to ensure that the new ICS Standard is published and disseminated. Implementation strategies, such as education, audit, accreditation, and research initiatives will be linked to the Standards where appropriate. Revisions of ICS Standards will be undertaken to maintain contemporaneous relevance. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:621–624, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) as an Accumulator of Bones in Cave‐like Environments
Authors: Krajcarz Magdalena , Krajcarz Maciej Tomasz
Published: March 2012

Identifying the behavioural patterns of bone collecting animals is a crucial aspect of taphonomic studies. Although many studies have established criteria for identifying animal‐collected or animal‐modified bones, very few papers describe the distinguishing features of fox‐made bone assemblages. The bone assemblage collected in an inactive underground stone mine in Potok‐Senderki (Poland) is diagnostic of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) den. This site provides an ideal opportunity to develop an understanding of the bone collecting behaviour of red foxes in cave‐like environments. This study showed that bones collected by red foxes are concentrated in clusters. The bones represent a broad spectrum of local fox prey species, with most bones showing the marks of gnawing. Each cluster may contain from <10 to >100 bones. Furthermore, the long axes of the bones in clusters frequently show specific orientation. The analysis of bones at this site might make an important contribution towards the establishment of baseline criteria for the identification and evaluation of fox‐accumulated bone assemblages. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural evaluation and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) and different synthetic micas nanocomposites
Authors: Souza Diego H. S. , Borges Soraia V. , Dias Marcos L. , Andrade Cristina T.
Published: March 2012

Two types of organophilic synthetic micas were used to prepare poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites. The effect of both micas at different concentrations were evaluated and correlated to the nanocomposite structure and thermal properties. Nanocomposites containing 3, 5, and 7 wt% of mica were obtained by mixing the components in the melt state at different conditions of temperature, rotor speed, and contacting time. The mica Somasif MAE showed the higher affinity with PLA and caused a slight variation in the thermal properties. Nevertheless, the nanocomposite presented a lower‐degradation temperature than the Somasif MPE alone. Despite no evidence of complete exfoliation, intercalation was noted in the composites obtained from the mica MAE. The organophilic mica Somasif MPE, which contains a high amount of intercalant, had a more significant influence on the composite properties, decreasing the Tg, and the crystallization temperature on heating, due to the plasticizing effect of the intercalant. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide‐calcium carbonate and polyacrylamide‐calcium sulfate nanocomposites
Authors: Pal Manoj Kumar , Gautam Jaiswar
Published: March 2012

Polyacrylamide‐calcium carbonate (PAM/CaCO3) and polyacrylamide‐calcium sulfate (PAM/CaSO4) nanocomposites were prepared via solution‐mixing technique. The resulting PAM‐based nanocomposites with various CaCO3 and CaSO4 nanoparticles contents (0–4% w/w) were investigated. Nanoparticles of CaCO3 and CaSO4 were synthesized by in situ deposition technique. In this technique, the surface modification of nanoparticles was performed by nonionic polymeric surfactant. The particle size of nanoparticles was recognized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis which confirms that the particle has diameter of 25–33 nm. As prepared, nanocomposites films (thickness, 40‐μm) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), SEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). FT‐IR shows the chemical structure of nanocomposites where as SEM analysis suggested that the nanofillers dispersed well in polymer matrix and EDS shows the elemental composition of the nanocomposite samples. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites were studied by using differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The PAM/CaCO3 and PAM/CaSO4 nanocomposites showed a higher glass transition temperature and a better thermal stability compared to the pure PAM. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of nanocomposites increases with increase in content of nanoparticles. It may be owing to the interaction between inorganic and organic components. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fatigue behavior of polyamide 66/glass fiber under various kinds of applied load
Authors: Esmaeillou B. , Ferreira P. , Bellenger V. , Tcharkhtchi A.
Published: March 2012

In this study, the fatigue behavior of polyamide 66 reinforced with short glass fibers and especially the role of glass fibers has been investigated under two kinds of cyclic loading. tension–tension fatigue tests with stress controlled and alternative flexural fatigue test with strain controlled were carried out. The main topics include microscope damage observation, described by fiber/matrix debonding and interfacial failure, endurance limit with Wohler curves, effect of self‐heating temperature. For both tests, the surface temperature increases with an increasing applied load. The results show that the self‐heating has an important effect in the failure point where the Wohler curves join each other. The fracture surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscope for both applied loads. The stress ratio is −1 for alternative flexural fatigue test and 0.1 and 0.3 for tension–tension fatigue test ones at frequencies ranging 2–60 Hz. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of organoclay on the gas barrier properties of natural rubber nanocomposites
Authors: A.P Meera , Thomas P. Selvin , Thomas Sabu
Published: March 2012

Natural rubber nanocomposites have been prepared with organically modified montmorillonite clay. The nanocomposites have been characterized by X‐ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The gas‐barrier properties of the nanocomposites have been studied for three different gases viz., oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2 gases. The natural rubber–organoclay composites exhibit outstanding gas‐barrier properties compared to the neat rubber. Various models have been applied to predict the decrease in permeability in nanocomposites. All other models except Bharadwaj model give low values of calculated aspect ratio. Dynamic mechanical analysis has been carried out to investigate the role of the constrained region on the permeability of the nanocomposites. The permeability decrease of the organoclay nanocomposites is found to have good qualitative correlation with the volume of the constrained region. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers