bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cigarette Smoking,STAT4andTNFRSF1BPolymorphisms, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Japanese Population
Authors: KIYOHARA CHIKAKO , WASHIO MASAKAZU , HORIUCHI TAKAHIKO , TADA YOSHIFUMI , ASAMI TOYOKO , IDE SABURO , ATSUMI TATSUYA , KOBASHI GEN , TAKAHASHI HIROKI
Published: August 2009

Objective.

Recent studies have identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) as a susceptibility gene for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in different populations. Similarly, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1B (TNFRSF1B) has been reported to be associated with SLE risk in Japanese populations. Along with environmental factors such as smoking, both polymorphisms may modulate an individual’s susceptibility to SLE. We investigated these relationships in a case-control study to evaluate risk factors for SLE among Japanese women.

Methods.

We investigated the relationship of theSTAT4rs7574865 andTNFRSF1Brs1061622 polymorphisms to SLE risk with special reference to their combination and interaction with cigarette smoking among 152 SLE cases and 427 controls.

Results.

The TT genotype ofSTAT4rs7574865 was significantly associated with increased risk of SLE (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.10–4.68). Subjects with at least one G allele ofTNFRSF1Brs1061622 had an increased risk of SLE (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.99–2.47). The attributable proportion due to the interaction between theTNFRSF1Brs1061622 genotypes and smoking was estimated to be 0.49 (95% CI 0.07–0.92), indicating that 49% of the excess risk for SLE in smokers with at least one G allele was due to an additive interaction. A lack of significant associations ofSTAT4with smoking was observed. No significant gene-gene interactions were found among polymorphisms ofSTAT4andTNFRSF1B.

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that the association between cigarette smoking and SLE could be differentiated by theTNFRSF1Brs1061622 T allele among female Japanese subjects. This preliminary exploratory result should be confirmed in a larger study.
Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging Is Useful in the Study of Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Improves the Capillaroscopic Diagnosis
Authors: ROSATO EDOARDO , BORGHESE FEDERICA , PISARRI SIMONETTA , SALSANO FELICE
Published: August 2009

Objective.

To investigate capillary morphology and skin blood flow of dorsal hands by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) and laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI), respectively, in patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon (PRP) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to compare the results with those obtained in healthy controls.

Methods.

The study group consisted of 142 patients with SSc, 88 patients with PRP, and 147 healthy controls. NVC was performed in all the groups examined. In patients with SSc the capillaroscopic pattern was classified as early, active, or late group pattern. A baseline skin blood flow determination of the dorsum of the subject’s hands was acquired through a low-energy 670 nm Lisca Laser Doppler Perfusion Imager.

Results.

In the healthy controls the perfusion distribution pattern was homogeneous, with a proximal-distal perfusion gradient. In patients with PRP, the perfusion distribution pattern was homogeneous, but the proximal-distal perfusion gradient was absent. Finally, in patients with SSc the perfusion distribution pattern was dyshomogeneous and a proximal-distal gradient was absent. The minimum perfusion, mean perfusion, maximum perfusion, and standard deviation, calculated as variation by means of each measurement site, were significantly different in all the groups examinated.

Conclusion.

NVC represents the best method to analyze microvascular damage in rheumatic diseases. LDPI improves the evaluation of vascular damage in patients with SSc. The LDPI and the capillaroscopic images fully matched the definition of the various stages of vascular digital damage in SSc.
Developing a Standardized Definition for Disease “Flare” in Rheumatoid Arthritis (OMERACT 9 Special Interest Group): Table 1.
Authors: BINGHAM CLIFTON O. , POHL CHRISTOPH , WOODWORTH THASIA G. , HEWLETT SARAH E. , MAY JAMES E. , RAHMAN MAHBOOB U. , WITTER JAMES P. , FURST DANIEL E. , STRAND C. VIBEKE , BOERS MAARTEN , ALTEN RIEKE E.
Published: August 2009

Objective.

Traditional outcome measures in randomized controlled trials (RCT) include well-established response criteria as well as ACR EULAR responses using Disease Activity Score 44 (DAS44)/DAS28 to assess improvement; however, a measure to assess worsening of disease has yet to be developed. This special interest group (SIG) was established to develop an evidence-based, consensus-driven standard definition of “flare” in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

At OMERACT 8, the need for a standardized definition of RA flare was recognized; interested individuals developed a proposal to form a SIG. A literature review was performed to identify publications and abstracts with flare definitions applied in RA, JIA, and lupus RCT as well as concerning patient perspectives on disease worsening. A SIG was held at OMERACT 9 with breakout sessions for patients and investigators.

Results.

The RA flare SIG was attended by about 120 participants, including 11 patients. Patients and investigators held separate breakout sessions to discuss various aspects of disease worsening. The following consensus was obtained at OMERACT 9: a working definition of flare should indicate worsening of disease activity (88%), persistence, and duration as critical elements (77%), and consideration of change or increase in therapy (74%).

Conclusion.

A working definition of RA flare was developed based on these votes: flare is any worsening of disease activity that would, if persistent, in most cases lead to initiation or change of therapy; and a flare represents a cluster of symptoms of sufficient duration and intensity to require initiation, change, or increase in therapy. Using this working definition, evaluation of candidate domains will be conducted via Delphi exercise and further informed by patient focus groups. Validation of candidate definitions in appropriate RCT will be required.
Electrical conductivity mapping for precision farming
Authors: Lück E. , Gebbers R. , Ruehlmann J. , Spangenberg U.
Published: August 2009

Precision farming overcomes the paradigm of uniform field treatment by site‐specific data acquisition and treatment to cope with within‐field variability. Precision farming heavily relies on spatially dense information about soil and crop status. While it is often difficult and expensive to obtain precise soil information by traditional soil sampling and laboratory analysis some geophysical methods offer means to obtain subsidiary data in an efficient way. In particular, geoelectrical soil mapping has become widely accepted in precision farming. At present it is the most successful geophysical method providing the spatial distribution of relevant agronomic information that enables us to determine management zones for precision farming.

Much work has been done to test the applicability of existing geoelectrical methods and to develop measurement systems applicable in the context of precision farming. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to introduce the basic ideas of precision farming, to discuss current precision farming applied geoelectrical methods and instruments and to give an overview about our corresponding activities during recent years. Different experiments were performed both in the laboratory and in the field to estimate first, electrical conductivity affecting factors, second, relationships between direct push and surface measurements, third, the seasonal stability of electrical conductivity patterns and fourth, the relationship between plant yield and electrical conductivity. From the results of these experiments, we concluded that soil texture is a very dominant factor in electrical conductivity mapping. Soil moisture affects both the level and the dynamic range of electrical conductivity readings.

Nevertheless, electrical conductivity measurements can be principally performed independent of season. However, electrical conductivity field mapping does not produce reliable maps of spatial particle size distribution of soils, e.g., necessary to generate input parameters for water and nutrient transport models. The missing step to achieve this aim may be to develop multi‐sensor systems that allow adjusting the electrical conductivity measurement from the influence of different soil water contents.
A least‐squares standard deviation method to interpret magnetic anomalies due to thin dikes
Authors: Abdelrahman E.M. , Soliman K.S. , Abo‐Ezz E.R. , El‐Araby T.M. , Essa K.S.
Published: August 2009

We have developed a least‐squares method to determine simultaneously the depth and the horizontal position (origin) of a buried thin dike that extends in both strike direction and down dip (2D) and in which the depth is much greater than the thickness from horizontal gradients obtained numerically from magnetic data using filters of successive window lengths. The method involves using a relationship between the depth and the horizontal position of the source and a combination of windowed observations. The method is based on computing the standard deviation of the depths determined from all horizontal gradient anomalies for each horizontal position. The standard deviation may generally be considered as a criterion for determining the correct depth and the horizontal position of the buried dike. When the correct horizontal position value is used, the standard deviation of the depths is less than the standard deviation using incorrect horizontal position values. This method can be applied to residuals as well as to the observed magnetic data. The method is applied to synthetic examples with and without random errors. The present method was able to provide both the depth and horizontal position of the source accurately. The practical utility of the method is tested on an outcropping dike in Canada.
The use of 2D electrical tomography to assess pollution in slurry ponds of the Murcia region, SE Spain
Authors: Martínez‐Pagín P. , Faz A. , Aracil E.
Published: August 2009

A large quantity of pig slurry is produced in the Murcia Province, raising serious environmental concern. Monitoring the evolution of the slurry ponds with time in the subsoil is a prime requirement for environmental safety. Our aim was to determine the temporary effects of pig slurry ponds on the subsoil in the Murcia Province to establish the degree of slurry pond infiltration in semi‐arid climates. A non‐destructive, geophysical, 2D electrical tomography technique was used to: 1) monitor the vertical movement of pig slurry into the subsoil and 2) determine the possible depth of this movement. The results of our studies showed that the method works well. Areas affected by pig slurries have, indeed, developed environmental problems over time. The method identified the lithological layers with sufficient resolution in order to study the possible pollution of the soils by the slurry, including salts. The method is also capable of monitoring seasonal changes and the time‐dependent behaviour of the polluting plume within different subsoils in the ponds.
Imaging near‐surface inhomogeneities using weighted multipath summation
Authors: Shtivelman Vladimir , Keydar Shemer , Mikenberg Michael
Published: August 2009

Imaging of shallow subsurface objects in 3D space can be performed by a spatial summation of seismic waves diffracted by these objects. The summation can be implemented using either a fixed velocity or, alternatively, a recently introduced multipath summation approach. The multipath summation does not require any explicit information on velocities since it is performed for all possible velocity values within a wide specified range. However, the spatial resolution of the images obtained by the multipath summation is usually inferior to those obtained using the fixed velocity approach.

In order to improve the image quality, we propose a new approach to the multipath summation performing the summation with image dependent weights. The ‘optimal’ weights can be obtained from asymptotics of the corresponding path integral (which is a continuous analogue of the multi‐path summation). Application of the weighted multipath summation to synthetic and real data demonstrates that the quality of the imaging can be greatly improved as compared to the unweighted summation and sometimes even to the fixed velocity approach. Moreover, the weighted multipath summation can produce reliable estimates of the summation parameter (velocity above the target object), which in some cases can be used to further improve the image quality.
Uncertainty propagation using some common mixing rules for the modelling and interpretation of electromagnetic data
Authors: Sambuelli Luigi
Published: August 2009

This study deals with the calculation of the uncertainty that occurs when one wants to estimate the porosity of a mixture from its electric and electromagnetic response. The uncertainty when estimating the electric and/or electromagnetic response (conductivity, permittivity or magnetic permeability) of a saturated granular medium, from the responses of its components has also been calculated.

Some of the most common mixing rules used in geophysics have been analysed. Particular attention has been paid to the uncertainties that can be encountered in field surveys in order to make the user aware of the range of variability of the results. A comparative analysis shows that in the porosity range , some commonly used mixing rules can lead to results that differ by even 100%. In the same porosity range, when uncertainty bars are considered, some mixing rules show such overlapped uncertainty bands that the choice among different mixing rules seems to depend more on the achievable uncertainty than the physical hypotheses on which they are built. In fully saturated materials, such as in river bed sediments or in the saturated zone of aquifers, the estimation of the water content can easily be affected by an uncertainty of 10%. Particular attention should therefore be paid when dealing with multi‐phase materials: the Archie mixing rule, for example, when applied to low saturated, loose material, may give rise to high uncertainties.
Comparison of instruments for geoelectrical soil mapping at the field scale
Authors: Gebbers Robin , Lück Erika , Dabas Michel , Domsch Horst
Published: August 2009

In precision agriculture geoelectrical methods have shown their capability to detect spatial variation of important physico‐chemical soil parameters in an efficient way. Nevertheless, relationships between the electrical parameters (electrical conductivity or resistivity) and other soil properties are not always consistent over different fields. This can, to some extent, be due to the characteristics of instruments used for soil mapping. However, a limited amount of research has addressed this issue. In this study, seven instruments for mobile mapping (continuous geoelectrical measurements) available on the market were tested (ARP 03, CM‐138, EM38, EM38‐DD, EM38‐MK2, OhmMapper and Veris 3100). Instruments were employed on a sandy site in north‐east Germany. Measurements were compared to a profile, which has been investigated with a high accuracy reference. Additional investigations were conducted concerning the influences of temperature drift, seasonal variations and soil properties on soil EC. Marked differences between the instruments were found with respect to depth of investigation, accuracy and handling that have to be taken into account when geoelectrical surveys are planned or interpreted. Regarding depth of investigation and robustness of the measurements, ARP 03 and Veris 3100 seem to be the most suitable instruments for precision agriculture.
Imaging and monitoring tree‐induced subsidence using electrical resistivity imaging
Authors: Jones G.M. , Cassidy N.J. , Thomas P.A. , Plante S. , Pringle J.K.
Published: August 2009

Tree‐induced subsidence is a natural ground movement phenomenon that arises when tree roots absorb water from clay‐rich soils, causing them to shrink. Tree‐induced subsidence is particularly problematic for buildings and structures in close proximity to deciduous trees where changes in seasonal climate can have a significant effect on the degree of relative surface movement. Unfortunately, there is a lack of in‐depth understanding of tree‐induced subsidence dynamics and limited access to affordable/reliable assessment technologies for the victims of such phenomena. This paper presents and discusses the use of 2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) as a tool for recognizing tree‐related subsurface desiccation and its associated subsidence. The findings of a two year ERI study in a high‐risk tree‐induced subsidence environment are presented (mature Oak and Willow trees growing in expansive London Clays) where repeat (time‐lapse) resistivity profiles are compared to conventional ground levelling and soil moisture content data. This study confirms that ERI is a valuable tool for the characterization of seasonally varying subsurface moisture distributions and that the technique is capable of defining the architecture and temporal‐spatial variance of an active tree root system. Moreover, the method provides a critical insight into the visualization of tree‐induced subsidence phenomena and reveals promising practical potential for use as a modern, affordable, non‐invasive tree‐induced subsidence assessment tool.
High‐resolution magnetic gradient and electrical resistivity tomography survey at the Plaka Petrified Forest Park in Lesvos Island, Greece
Authors: Vargemezis G. , Zouros N. , Tsourlos P. , Fikos I.
Published: August 2009

Lesvos Island, in the North Aegean area of Greece, exposes large accumulations of fossilized tree trunks. They are collectively known as the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, a designated protected natural monument. The paper describes the results of a geophysical study that has been carried out in the area of Plaka on the western part of Lesvos in order to investigate the near‐surface geology and detect buried fossilized tree trunks.

In situ and laboratory measurements of magnetic and electrical properties of the trunks have been conducted. Considering the magnetic susceptibility distribution and the contrast between the trunks and the surrounding material, magnetic gradient anomalies of negative signature were expected to reflect the existence of trunks. Electrical resistivity tomography has also been conducted in order to detect buried trunks, based on their resistivity contrast with the pyroclastic surrounding material.

Flow paths of the pyroclastic material that can be related to the tectonic features at the time have been detected. In general, petrified trunks have been detected as high resistive bodies. In one case, where the trunk was buried very close to the surface, the resistivity was lower than the surrounding material.

2D and 3D subsurface resistivity models of the surveyed area have been constructed, pointing out probable locations of buried petrified trunks. Excavations that followed the geophysical survey revealed petrified trunks in most of the cases although some of the excavated resistive targets proved to be surface fracture systems filled with resistive oxides.
Gravity anomalies of pull‐apart basins having finite strike length with depth dependent density: a ridge regression inversion
Authors: Chakravarthi V.
Published: August 2009

An inversion using ridge regression to estimate simultaneously the parameters of pull‐apart basins having finite strike length (2.5D) and regional gravity background from observed gravity anomalies is presented. A parabolic function is used to describe the density contrast variation with depth within the structure. The algorithm begins with initializing both the regional background and parameters of the basin and subsequently improves them iteratively until the modelled gravity anomalies mimic the observed ones. The applicability and efficacy of the inversion is demonstrated with a set of synthetic gravity anomalies 1) attributable entirely due to a theoretical model, 2) in the presence of pseudorandom noise and 3) in the presence of both pseudorandom noise and regional gravity background. It was found from the analysis of synthetic gravity anomalies that the modelled parameters of the structure closely mimic the true ones even when the gravity anomalies are corrupted with pseudorandom noise. In the presence of both random noise and regional background the estimated parameters deviate only modestly from the assumed ones. Furthermore, the applicability of the algorithm is exemplified with a derived density‐depth model to analyse the Bouguer gravity anomalies observed over the Ranigunj basin, India. The estimated depth of the basin is consistent with the available borehole information. The interpretation of the basin supports the hypothesis that this basin might have been formed as a result of both E‐W kinematics and orthogonal extension rather than simple local extensional tectonics.
Hydrocarbon contaminated soil: geophysical‐chemical methods for designing remediation strategies
Authors: Coria Daniel , Bongiovanni Victoria , Bonomo Néstor , Vega Matías de la , Teresa Garea María
Published: August 2009

Rapid and correct characterizations of contaminant plumes are necessary to plan efficient and economically viable remediations of affected zones. In this context, we have carried out a joint implementation of two geophysical non‐invasive methods and chemical monitoring from wells to characterize an area affected by a hydrocarbon spill caused by a traffic accident involving a transport truck and its trailer. The studied area is situated in Alejo Ledesma, Argentina and has an area of 4350 m2. The geophysical prospecting was carried out through the resistivity and the electromagnetic induction methods. The first method provided precise vertical resistivity sections, which were acquired at representative contaminated/uncontaminated sectors, whereas the second allowed a quick prospecting of the entire area. The chemical procedure consisted of samples obtained from a small number of monitoring wells, which were located at selected positions. We correlated the geophysical interpretations with the chemical data to delimit the zone affected by the spill. The detection and characterization of the contaminated plume by the geophysical methods showed positive results even though a liquid phase was not present at the site. A remediation methodology could be determined from these results. The efficiency of the applied methodology (stabilization/solidification) was also confirmed through these methods.
IL-33 Activates Unprimed Murine Basophils Directly In Vitro and Induces Their In Vivo Expansion Indirectly by Promoting Hematopoietic Growth Factor Production
Authors: Schneider Elke , Petit-Bertron Anne-France , Bricard Rachel , Levasseur Mélanie , Ramadan Abdelrauf , Girard Jean-Philippe , Herbelin André , Dy Michel
Published: August 2009

IL-33, a new member of the IL-1 family, has been described as an important inducer of Th2 cytokines and mediator of inflammatory responses. In this study, we demonstrate that murine basophils sorted directly from the bone marrow, without prior exposure to IL-3 or FcεR cross-linking, respond to IL-33 alone by producing substantial amounts of histamine, IL-4, and IL-6. These cells express ST2 constitutively and generate a cytokine profile that differs from their IL-3-induced counterpart by a preferential production of IL-6. In vivo, IL-33 promotes basophil expansion in the bone marrow (BM) through an indirect mechanism of action depending on signaling through the βc chain shared by receptors for IL-3, GM-CSF, and IL-5. IL-3 can still signal through its specific βIL-3 chain in these mutant mice, which implies that it is not the unique growth-promoting mediator in this setup, but requires IL-5 and/or GMCSF. Our results support a major role of the latter growth factor, which is readily generated by total BM cells as well as sorted basophils in response to IL-33 along with low amounts of IL-3. Furthermore, GM-CSF amplifies IL-3-induced differentiation of basophils from BM cells, whereas IL-5 that is also generated in vivo, affects neither their functions nor their growth in vitro or in vivo. In conclusion, our data provide the first evidence that IL-33 not only activates unprimed basophils directly, but also promotes their expansion in vivo through induction of GM-CSF and IL-3.
Direct Expansion of Human Allospecific FoxP3+CD4+ Regulatory T Cells with Allogeneic B Cells for Therapeutic Application
Authors: Chen Leo C. , Delgado Julio C. , Jensen Peter E. , Chen Xinjian
Published: August 2009

Compelling evidence from animal studies has demonstrated that allospecific FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells expanded ex vivo can be used as effective therapeutic tools in the treatment of allograft rejection and graft-vs-host disease. Despite the promising results from animal studies, there remain major barriers to developing Treg cell-based immunotherapy in humans. Currently, no effective approach has been established for selective expansion of human allospecific Treg cells ex vivo. Additionally, the very low frequency of Treg cells present in human peripheral blood could pose a formidable challenge to obtaining a sufficient number of Treg cells from a single donor for ex vivo expansion for therapeutic utilization. Extending our recent finding that mouse B cells preferentially induce expansion of alloreactive Treg cells, we report herein that human Treg cells can be expanded ex vivo with allogeneic B cells. The expanded Treg cells express very high levels of FoxP3, maintain anergic phenotype, and are potent suppressors capable of inhibiting the alloproliferation of third-party responder T cells at very low Treg-to-T effector cell ratio in an alloantigen-specific manner. The alloantigen specificity demonstrated by B cell-expanded Treg cells is not determined by the HLA haplotypes of the Treg cells, but it is induced and determined by the haplotype of the B cells used to expand them. Our findings represent a significant advance in the development of Treg cell-based immunotherapy in humans and raise the possibility of using third-party Treg cells for therapeutic applications.
Efficient Induction and Expansion of Human Alloantigen-Specific CD8 Regulatory T Cells from Naive Precursors by CD40-Activated B Cells
Authors: Zheng Jian , Liu Yinping , Qin Gang , Chan Ping-Lung , Mao Huawei , Lam Kwok-Tai , Lewis David B. , Lau Yu-Lung , Tu Wenwei
Published: August 2009

Although recent studies have focused on CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg), CD8+ Treg have also been reported to play important roles in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance. Adoptive transfer of CD8+ Treg in rodents or induction of CD8+ Treg in humans can prevent or treat allograft rejection and autoimmune diseases. However, no approaches have been reported for the generation of human Ag-specific CD8+ Treg at a practical scale for clinical use. Here, we found that two novel CD8+ T cell subsets with different levels of CD8 surface expression, CD8high and CD8low, could be induced from naive CD8+ precursors in vitro by allogeneic CD40-activated B cells, whereas only CD8high T cells were alloantigen-specific Treg with relatively poor alloantigen-specific cytotoxicity. Importantly, alloantigen-specific CD8high Treg could be induced and expanded from naive CD8+CD25− T cells at a large scale after 3 wk of culture without exogenous cytokines. These induced alloantigen-specific Treg were CD45RO+ and CCR7− memory cells, and they expressed Foxp3, CD25, CD27, CD28, and CD62L. The induction and expansion of CD8high Treg by CD40-activated B cells were dependent on endogenously expressed IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and CTLA-4. This approach may facilitate the clinical application of CD8+ Treg-based immunotherapy in transplantation and autoimmune diseases.
Multiple Functionalities of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films: New Biomedical Applications
Authors: Boudou Thomas , Crouzier Thomas , Ren Kefeng , Blin Guillaume , Picart Catherine
Published: August 2009

The design of advanced functional materials with nanometer‐ and micrometer‐scale control over their properties is of considerable interest for both fundamental and applied studies because of the many potential applications for these materials in the fields of biomedical materials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. The layer‐by‐layer deposition technique introduced in the early 1990s by Decher, Moehwald, and Lvov is a versatile technique, which has attracted an increasing number of researchers in recent years due to its wide range of advantages for biomedical applications: ease of preparation under “mild” conditions compatible with physiological media, capability of incorporating bioactive molecules, extra‐cellular matrix components and biopolymers in the films, tunable mechanical properties, and spatio‐temporal control over film organization. The last few years have seen a significant increase in reports exploring the possibilities offered by diffusing molecules into films to control their internal structures or design “reservoirs,” as well as control their mechanical properties. Such properties, associated with the chemical properties of films, are particularly important for designing biomedical devices that contain bioactive molecules. In this review, we highlight recent work on designing and controlling film properties at the nanometer and micrometer scales with a view to developing new biomaterial coatings, tissue engineered constructs that could mimic in vivo cellular microenvironments, and stem cell “niches.”
Varying patterns of coexistence of two mouse lemur species (Microcebus ravelobensis and M. murinus) in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Rakotondravony Romule , Radespiel Ute
Published: August 2009

The coexistence of closely related species is not easily understood on the basis of ecological theories. This study investigates the extent of coexistence of two congeneric species of Microcebus murinus (MUR) and M. ravelobensis (RAV) in northwestern Madagascar. Their presence and local relative population densities were determined by capturing and nocturnal transect counts and compared at 22 study sites in the Ankarafantsika National Park. All sites were characterized with regard to their altitude, access to surface water, and 19 structural vegetation characteristics. RAV and MUR were not equally distributed over this regional scale. RAV occurred in more sites and at higher maximum densities than MUR. The relative population densities of both species were significantly and negatively correlated with each other. Whereas the relative population densities of MUR increased with altitude and were highest in dry habitats far from surface water, the relative population densities of RAV generally decreased with altitude and were highest in low altitude habitats close to surface water. The results of the vegetation characteristics also reflect these general trends. The divergent pattern of local and regional coexistence of these two species is discussed and can be best explained either by the existence of a spatially heterogeneous competitive environment or by independent evolutionary pathways in different historic environments. Am. J. Primatol. 71:928–938, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The SiSn Chemical Bond: An Integrated Thermochemical and Quantum Mechanical Study of the SiSn Diatomic Molecule and Small Si–Sn Clusters
Authors: Ciccioli Andrea , Gigli Guido , Meloni Giovanni
Published: August 2009

The silicon–tin chemical bond has been investigated by a study of the SiSn diatomic molecule and a number of new polyatomic SixSny molecules. These species, formed in the vapor produced from silicon–tin mixtures at high temperature, were experimentally studied by using a Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric technique. The heteronuclear diatomic SiSn, together with the triatomic Si2Sn and SiSn2 and tetratomic Si3Sn, Si2Sn2, and SiSn3 species, were identified in the vapor and studied in the overall temperature range 1474–1944 K. The atomization energy of all the above molecules was determined for the first time (values in kJ mol−1): 233.0±7.8 (SiSn), 625.6±11.6 (Si2Sn), 550.2±10.7 (SiSn2), 1046.1±19.9 (Si3Sn), 955.2±26.8 (Si2Sn2), and 860.2±19.0 (SiSn3). In addition, a computational study of the ground and low‐lying excited electronic states of the newly identified molecules has been made. These electronic‐structure calculations were performed at the DFT‐B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ and CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ levels, and allowed the estimation of reliable molecular parameters and hence the thermal functions of the species under study. Computed atomization energies were also derived by taking into account spin–orbit corrections and extrapolation to the complete basis‐set limit. A comparison between experimental and theoretical results is presented. Revised values of (716.5±16) kJ mol−1 (Si3) and (440±20) kJ mol−1 (Sn3) are also proposed for the atomization energies of the Si3 and Sn3 molecules.
Metallotherapeutics: Novel Strategies in Drug Design
Authors: Hocharoen Lalintip , Cowan James A.
Published: August 2009

A new paradigm for drug activity is presented, which includes both recognition and subsequent irreversible inactivation of therapeutic targets. Application to both RNA and protein biomolecules has been demonstrated. In contrast to RNA targets that are subject to strand scission chemistry mediated by ribose H‐atom abstraction, proteins appear to be inactivated either through oxidative damage to amino acid side chains around the enzyme active site, or by backbone hydrolysis.
Development of a Continuous‐Flow System for Asymmetric Hydrogenation Using Self‐Supported Chiral Catalysts
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Xingwang , Sandoval Christian A. , Wang Zheng , Li Hongji , Wu Jiang , Yu Liting , Ding Kuiling
Published: August 2009

Well‐designed, self‐assembled, metal–organic frameworks were constructed by simple mixing of multitopic MonoPhos‐based ligands (3; MonoPhos=chiral, monodentate phosphoramidites based on the 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol platform) and [Rh(cod)2]BF4 (cod=cycloocta‐1,5‐diene). This self‐supporting strategy allowed for simple and efficient catalyst immobilization without the use of extra added support, giving well‐characterized, insoluble (in toluene) polymeric materials (4). The resulting self‐supported catalysts (4) showed outstanding catalytic performance for the asymmetric hydrogenation of a number of α‐dehydroamino acids (5) and 2‐aryl enamides (7) with enantiomeric excess (ee) ranges of 94–98 % and 90–98 %, respectively. The linker moiety in 4 influenced the reactivity significantly, albeit with slight impact on the enantioselectivity. Acquisition of reaction profiles under steady‐state conditions showed 4 h and 4 i to have the highest reactivity (turnover frequency (TOF)=95 and 97 h−1 at 2 atm, respectively), whereas appropriate substrate/catalyst matching was needed for optimum chiral induction. The former was recycled 10 times without loss in ee (95–96 %), although a drop in TOF of approximately 20 % per cycle was observed. The estimation of effective catalytic sites in self‐supported catalyst 4 e was also carried out by isolation and hydrogenation of catalyst–substrate complex, showing about 37 % of the RhI centers in the self‐supported catalyst 4 e are accessible to substrate 5 c in the catalysis. A continuous flow reaction system using an activated C/4 h mixture as stationary‐phase catalyst for the asymmetric hydrogenation of 5 b was developed and run continuously for a total of 144 h with >99 % conversion and 96–97 % enantioselectivity. The total Rh leaching in the product solution is 1.7 % of that in original catalyst 4 h.
Synergistically Enhanced Dispersion of Native Protein–Carbon Nanotube Conjugates by Fluoroalcohols in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hirano Atsushi , Maeda Yutaka , Akasaka Takeshi , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: August 2009

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are anticipated as an important new material for use in nanotechnology applications because of their excellent mechanical and electrical properties. For their development, a highly stable dispersion of debundled CNTs is indispensable. Herein we present a new method to enhance dispersibility of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with proteins using alcohols as co‐solvents. Addition of fluoroalcohols in solution increased the SWNT dispersion by more than one order of magnitude without protein denaturation. Enhancement of SWNT dispersion through addition of alcohols was attributed to the decreased hydrophobic interaction among SWNTs. This novel approach enables us to produce biofunctional CNTs such as one‐dimensional nanobiosensors and drug carriers that can penetrate cells.
Dendritic Molecular Electrochromic Batteries Based on Redox‐Robust Metallocenes
Authors: Astruc Didier , Ornelas Cátia , Ruiz Jaime
Published: August 2009

In this Concept article, we summarize and discuss recent reports on dendritic molecular electrochromic batteries. Giant dendrimers containing 3n+2 terminal tethers (n=generation number) and terminated by first‐raw late‐transition‐metal metallocenes, permethyl metallocenes and other sandwich complexes were shown to be redox robust. Indeed, they can be oxidized and reduced without decomposition and exist under two stable oxidation states (FeIII/II, CoIII/II). Thus, a pre‐determined number of electrons (up to 14 000) per dendrimer can be exchanged. Cyclic voltammetry showed a remarkable complete reversibility even up to 14 000 Fe and Co termini in metallodendrimers, indicating fast electron hoping among the redox sites and between dendrimers on a carbon surface covered by arylcarboxylate groups. The dendrimer sizes were measured by dynamic light scattering in solution and by AFM (subsequent to flattening in the condensed state also indicating that these metallodendrimers aggregate to form discrete nanoparticles of dendrimers, as atoms do). The metallodendrimer size varies considerably between the two redox forms due to tether extension of the cationic dendrimers upon oxidation, and a breathing mechanism was shown by atomic and electric force microscopy (AFM and EFM). When the redox potential is very negative, the reduced form is an electron‐reservoir system that can deliver a large number of electrons per dendrimer to various reducible substrates. These systems are thus potential dendritic molecular batteries with two different colors for the two redox forms (electrochromic behavior).
Structure‐Based and in silico Design of Hsp90 Inhibitors
Authors: Sgobba Miriam , Rastelli Giulio
Published: August 2009

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 is responsible for activation and stabilization of several oncoproteins in cancer cells, and has emerged as an important target in cancer treatment because of this pivotal role. In recent years, interests have arisen around structure‐based design of small molecules aimed at inhibiting the chaperone activity of Hsp90. In this review, we illustrate the recent advances in structure‐based and in silico strategies aimed at discovering and optimizing Hsp90 inhibitors.
A Dinuclear Double‐Stranded Oxido Complex of ReV with a Bis(benzene‐o‐dithiolato) Ligand
Authors: Gancheff Jorge S. , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Guerrero‐Martínez Andrés , Pape Tania , De Cola Luisa , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: August 2009

The reaction of [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with 1,2‐bis(2,3‐dimercaptobenzamido)ethane (H4‐1) in the presence of Na2CO3 in methanol under anaerobic conditions affords the dinuclear ReV oxido complex [PPh4]2[ReO(1)]2 containing two distorted square‐pyramidal {ReVOS4} units bridged by the ligand strands in a double‐stranded fashion. The coordinationgeometry around the metal centers is similar to the one observed for [ReO(bdt)2]–. The ReS4 planes are arranged in a coplanar fashion and are not twisted around the metal–metal vector, which prevents the complex to adopt a helical structure. Luminescence studies show the presence of emission bands, which are assigned to singlet‐singlet transitions exhibiting very fast decays (ca. 10 ns). Theoretical Density Functional (DFT) studies on geometry and electronic properties were performed employing the hybrid B3LYP and PBE1PBE functionals. While the general trends observed in the experimental data are well reproduced in all cases, a good agreement was obtained using PBE1PBE, in particular for the Re–S bonds. Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO) analysis indicates the presence of polarized Re≡O and Re–S bonds, both of them polarized toward the non‐metal. The calculation show that the molecular orbitals of the ReV are doubly degenerated, the occupied 5d orbital of rhenium lying beneath occupied sulfur‐based MOs due to the rigid geometry imposed by the C–C backbone of the bis(benzene‐o‐dithiolato) ligands. The origin of all absorption bands is ascribed to a ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT), in which occupied sulfur‐based orbitals and unoccupied rhenium‐centered orbitals are involved.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Mesoporous Nickel Electrode for the Detection of Alcohol
Authors: Ling Tzong‐Rong , Lien Kuang‐Te , Jow Jiin‐Jiang , Lin Thong‐Yueh
Published: August 2009

Mesoporous nickel electrodes have been shown to be excellent amperometric sensors for alcohol detection over a wide‐range of concentrations. At a higher electrolyte concentrations (NaOH, 4 M), the electrodes exhibited a remarkably higher sensitivity (1072.7 μA mM−1 cm−2) than conventional nickel based electrodes, within an alcohol concentration range 0.5–3 M. Additionally, electrodeposited Ni electrodes formed with Brij 56 as a template, have significantly higher roughness than similar electrodes made without template. Higher roughness factors correlated with higher sensitivities for alcohol sensing, but needed longer times to remove the template from the Ni film.
The effects of microstructures on a dielectrophoretic chip for trapping particles
Authors: Chuang Cheng‐Hsin , Hsu You‐Ming , Wei Ching‐Hua
Published: August 2009

A dielectrophoretic (DEP) chip with an SU‐8 microcavity array for trapping single particle/cell is designed, fabricated, and quantitatively examined by simulations and experiments. The particles can be easily trapped in or pulled out of the microcavity based on negative or positive DEP force, respectively. The nonuniform electric field is formed in relation to the configuration of the microcavity array, i.e. its diameter and spacing, as described in the simulation results. In order to investigate the effects of the microcavity, two maximal flow rates for trapping particles in the microcavity and washing them away from the microcavity under different DEP voltages are determined by experiments. As the experimental results show, the extrastationary effects, provided as a particle is trapped in the microcavity, mean that the trapped particle can sustain a low flow rate even without applying DEP voltage. Consequently, this DEP chip is suitable for long‐term monitoring of trapped cells by supplying the subsisting buffer at a low flow rate without the damage or heating effect caused by DEP voltage.
Complete sequencing and oxidative modification of manganese superoxide dismutase in medulloblastoma cells
Authors: John Julius Paul Pradeep , Pollak Arnold , Lubec Gert
Published: August 2009

Manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD or SOD2) is a key antioxidant enzyme and was assigned several roles in tumor biology. Working on medulloblastoma cell line DAOY, we identified two spots as Mn‐SODs. Because of the proposed pivotal role of this enzyme in oncobiology, we decided to completely sequence the proteins and to determine PTMs. Proteins extracted from DAOY cells were run on 2‐DE, multienzyme digestions were carried out and peptides were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF, Qq‐TOF and the ion trap using both the CID and ETD principles. Both protein expression forms were completely sequenced and revealed identical protein sequences. Histidines His30 and His31 were oxidized in one protein, whereas tryptophan oxidation (Trp‐186) was observed in both. Histidine oxidation was not only indicated by the mass shift of the peptide but also by specific spectra of 2‐oxo‐histidine and a previously described intermediate (His+14). Complete sequencing of the two Mn‐SOD expression forms unambiguously characterizes this enzyme from a tumor cell line providing evidence that can be used for generation of antibodies and allowing conformational studies. The findings of different PTMs in the same gel represent Mn‐SOD oxidative states, while oxidative modification of His30 and 31 may even reflect decreased Mn‐SOD activity.
Udp‐glucose dehydrogenase as a novel field‐specific candidate biomarker of prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Dali , Casale George P. , Tian Jun , Lele Subodh M. , Pisarev Vladimir M. , Simpson Melanie A. , Hemstreet George P.
Published: August 2009

Uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) catalyzes the oxidation of UDP‐glucose to yield UDP‐glucuronic acid, a precursor for synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans that promote aggressive prostate cancer (PC) progression. The purpose of our study was to determine if the UGDH expression in normal appearing acini (NAA) from cancerous glands is a candidate biomarker for PC field disease/effect assayed by quantitative fluorescence imaging analysis (QFIA). A polyclonal antibody to UGDH was titrated to saturation binding and fluorescent microscopic images acquired from fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue slices were quantitatively analyzed. Specificity of the assay was confirmed by Western blot analysis and competitive inhibition of tissue labeling with the recombinant UGDH. Reproducibility of the UGDH measurements was high within and across analytical runs. Quantification of UGDH by QFIA and Reverse‐Phase Protein Array analysis were strongly correlated (r = 0.97), validating the QFIA measurements. Analysis of cancerous acini (CA) and NAA from PC patients vs. normal acini (NA) from noncancerous controls (32 matched pairs) revealed significant (p < 0.01) differences, with CA (increased) vs. NA, NAA (decreased) vs. NA and CA (increased) vs. NAA. Areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59–0.83) for NAA and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.59–0.83) for CA (both vs. NA). These results support the UGDH content in prostatic acini as a novel candidate biomarker that may complement the development of a multi‐biomarker panel for detecting PC within the tumor adjacent field on a histologically normal biopsy specimen.
Gastric cancer risk predisposition and prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms—A case–control study in an Omani population
Authors: Al‐Moundhri Mansour S. , Al‐Nabhani Maryam , Burney Ikram A. , Al‐Farsi Abdul‐Aziz , Al‐Bahrani Bassim
Published: August 2009

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. We investigated the associations between VEGF gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) risk predisposition and prognostic characteristics in an Omani population, an ethnic group which has not been studied previously. We analyzed three VEGF polymorphisms (+405 G/C, −460 T/C, and +936 C/T) by the extraction of genomic DNA from peripheral blood of 130 GC patients and 130 control subjects followed by VEGF genotyping using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. There were no significant associations between the VEGF polymorphisms and GC risk. There were significant correlations between the +405 C/C genotype and both poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.007) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03) and between the −460 T/T genotype and poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.03) with a statistical trend toward lymph node involvement (P = 0.05). VEGF gene polymorphisms had no significant effects on survival, but the VEGF +405 G/G genotype had a statistical trend toward lower survival rate with a hazard ratio of 1.6 [95% CI, 0.9–2.9] compared with the VEGF +405 CC/GC combined genotype (P = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that disease stage at diagnosis and the +405 G/G genotype were independent variables of adverse prognostic significance. There were no associations between the six common haplotypes identified and both GC risk predisposition and survival. The current study suggests that VEGF polymorphisms have no role in GC risk predisposition, but may have prognostic significance in GC patients. Mol. Carcinog. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.