bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes of Soybean Quality during Storage As Related to Soymilk and Tofu Making
Authors: Kong F. , Chang S.K.C. , Liu Z. , Wilson L.A.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Soybeans are stored and transported under various humidity and temperature conditions. Soymilk and tofu are two of the most important foods made from whole soybeans. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of storage conditions on soybean quality as related to soymilk and tofu‐making properties. Soybeans of 3 different genotypes (Proto, IA2032, and Vinton 81) were stored in varying conditions: temperature ranging from 4 to 50 °C, relative humidity from 55% to 80%, initial moisture content from 6% to14%, and storage time up to 15 mo depending upon storage conditions. The effects of different storage conditions on soybean color, solids and protein extractability, soymilk pH, tofu yield, tofu solids and protein contents, tofu color, and texture were investigated. While no significant changes occurred for the soybeans stored at 4 °C, the soybeans stored at high temperatures (30 to 50 °C) exhibited significant quality loss (P < 0.05). The degradation of soybean lightness (Hunter L), color difference (ΔE), and solid extractability exhibited a linear relationship with time. Soak weight decreased at high temperature and relative humidity, but increased at mild storage conditions. Several combinations of storage conditions at temperatures exceeding 30 °C produced a drastic loss in tofu yield. Storage also affected the tofu making process by reducing optimum mixing time to produce the highest tofu yield. Varietal difference in soybean storability was observed. The results provided useful information for the soybean processing industry to store soybeans using the optimal storage conditions and to estimate soybean quality after storage.
Elbow joint luxation in a 1‐month‐old foal
Authors: Rubio‐Martínez LM , Vázquez FJ , Romero A , Ormazábal JR
Published: February 2008

This paper reports on luxation of the elbow joint without concomitant fracture in a 1‐month‐old foal. Conservative treatment, with closed reduction and full‐limb bandaging, including caudal and lateral splints, seemed successful initially, however, failed to provide enough stability and luxation recurred, and open reduction and surgical placement of prosthetic collateral ligaments was required. Luxation of the elbow joint should be considered when acute non‐weight bearing forelimb lameness occurs associated with pain and swelling in the area of the elbow in young foals. Closed reduction failed to provide sufficient joint stability.
Clinical improvement in two dogs with hydrocephalus and syringohydromyelia after ventriculoperitoneal shunting
Authors: Kitagawa M , Ueno H , Watanabe S , Igarashi O , Uzuka Y , Kanayama K , Sakai T
Published: February 2008

Two young Miniature Dachshunds were presented with abnormal gait. Magnetic resonance imaging showed, hydrocephalus with expanding fourth ventricle, and syringohydromyelia in the cervical spinal cord. These dogs underwent ventricle‐peritoneal shunting, after which hydrocephalus, syringohydromyelia, and their clinical signs, improved.
Dogkeeping practices as reported by readers of an Australian dog enthusiast magazine
Authors: Masters AM , McGreevy PD
Published: February 2008

Objective  To characterise Australian domestic dogkeeping practices relevant to canine health and welfare.

Procedure  A quantitative questionnaire was distributed nationally through Dog's Life magazine. Data on management practices, household and dog demographics from 690 Australian dogs in 485 self‐selected respondent households were analysed using ordinal and binary regression.

Results  Several variables, relating to dog, owner and environment were associated with management practices. The size of the dog correlated positively with being fed outdoors (P < 0.001), gameplaying (P = 0.016) and being trained (P = 0.001) and negatively with time spent indoors (P < 0.001). Neutered dogs were more likely to be walked every day (P = 0.027) and have had prior treatment for unwelcome behaviours (P < 0.001) but less likely to be fed outdoors (P < 0.013). The number of children in the household correlated with the dog being fed outdoors (P < 0.001). The number of adult female humans in the household correlated with dog being neutered (P < 0.001) whereas the reverse was linked to number of adult male humans in the household (P < 0.013). Larger numbers of adult female humans in the household were associated with a higher incidence of prior treatment for unwelcome behaviours (P = 0.020). The number of dogs in the household correlated negatively with dogs being walked every day (P < 0.004) and gameplaying (P = 0.001). Pure bred dogs were more likely to have attended puppy preschool than cross breeds (P = 0.002).

Conclusion  Reference to previous studies of Australian dog owners suggests that the current data are representative in terms of location of households, sex and age of dogs, however, the proportion of pure bred dogs in the current survey was surprisingly high. This was perhaps because respondents were from a particular sector of the Australian dog‐owning population. It must be acknowledged that Dog's Life magazine readers may be atypical of Australian dog owners, nevertheless, the study demonstrates that variables relating to the dog, owner or environment can be used to characterise management styles.
Influence of photoperiod and temperature on growth, gas exchange, and cold hardiness of yellow cypress stecklings
Authors: Puttonen P. , Arnott J.T.
Published: February 2008

Yellow cypress (Chamaecyparisnootkatensis (D. Don) Spach) stecklings (rooted cuttings) were acclimated for approximately 8 weeks under one of the following photoperiod–temperature treatments: 18 h/10 °C, 18 h/20 °C, 9 h/10 °C, 9 h/20 °C followed by deacclimation in a common environment of 12 h/20 °C for approximately 6 weeks. During acclimation and deacclimation, steckling morphological development, net photosynthesis, transpiration and leaf conductance, and midday shoot water potential were measured. Hardiness was determined by freeze-induced electrolyte leakage. Shoot growth was reduced more by short photoperiods (9 h) than by cool temperature (10 °C) as were net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthetic efficiency. Photoperiod-induced cold hardening of shoots and height growth cessation were reversible in warm temperatures (20 °C) and 12-h days, indicating that hardiness induction treatments had no lasting effects on the growth or cold hardiness of this tree species.
Relationships between soil nitrogen dynamics and natural 15N abundance in plant foliage from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Garten Jr. Charles T. , Miegroet Helga Van
Published: February 2008

We tested the hypothesis that naturally occurring nitrogen (N) isotope ratios in foliage (from plants that do not symbiotically fix atmospheric N2) are an indicator of soil N dynamics in forests. Replicate plots were established at eight locations ranging in elevation from 615 to 1670 m in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee, U.S.A. The locations selected ranged from N-poor (low-elevation) to N-rich (high-elevation) forest stands. Soils were sampled in June 1992; plants, forest floors, and upper mineral soils were sampled in August 1992. Net N mineralization and net nitrification potentials for surface mineral soils and organic matter layers at each site were determined by aerobic laboratory incubations. Soils and organic layers from high-elevation sites had greater net N mineralization and nitrification potentials than soils from low-elevation sites. There were significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences between study sites in soil 15N abundance. Therefore, we examined correlations between measures of soil N availability and both mean foliar δ15N values and mean enrichment factors (εp−s = δ15Nleaf − δ15Nsoil). In evergreens, maples, and ferns, mean foliar δ15N values and mean enrichment factors were positively correlated with net N mineralization and net nitrification potentials in soil. The observed relationships between natural 15N abundance in plant leaves and soil N availability were explained by a simple model of soil N dynamics. The model predicts how the isotopic composition of plant N is affected by the following factors: (i) varying uptake of soil NH4-N and NO3-N, (ii) the isotopic composition of different soil N pools, and (iii) relative rates of soil N transformations.
Dynamics of dead wood in old-growth hemlock–hardwood forests of northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan
Authors: Tyrrell Lucy E. , Crow Thomas R.
Published: February 2008

We studied the dynamics of coarse woody debris (logs and snags) in old-growth forests by estimating rates of tree mortality, snag change, and log decay in hemlock–hardwood stands located in northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan. To estimate mortality and snag changes, we recensused live trees and dead snags in permanent plots in 15 stands. We also recorded recent mortality along transects, and noted category of mortality (standing death, breakage, or uprooting) for gap-maker trees and logs in 25 stands. Decay rates were estimated from a simple exponential model of wood density from log sections against the age of the wood since tree death, and from ages of trees growing on decaying "nurse" logs. From data obtained in permanent plots, annual tree mortality averaged 0.9% original basal area, 0.9% original live tree density, and 4.8 trees/ha. Of the three categories of tree mortality, standing death accounted for 62% of all mortality, while breakage represented 25%, and uprooting, 13%. Based on origin of logs, species composition affected category of mortality. Eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr.) was significantly more prone to uprooting while yellow birch (Betulaalleghaniensis Britton) and paper birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.) were less prone to uprooting than expected if independence of species and categories of mortality were assumed (χ2 = 216.5, df = 14, p < 0.001). Changes in snags (fragmentation to shorter snags or collapse at the base) occurred for <7% of the original snags annually. Fragmentation occurred for 2.1 snags/(ha × year), and collapse for 1.3 snags/(ha × year). We estimated that it takes nearly 200 years for hemlock logs to lose structural integrity and become partially incorporated into the soil. At >350 years, the two oldest hemlock–hardwood stands had accumulated volumes of logs >65 m3/ha distributed among all decay classes, and appeared to be at a dead wood equilibrium in which rates of log production from mortality balance rates of wood loss by decay.
Insulin-like growth factor I and glucagon-like peptide-2 responses to fasting followed by controlled or ad libitum refeeding in rats
Authors: Nelson David W. , Murali Sangita G. , Liu Xiaowen , Koopmann Matthew C. , Holst Jens J. , Ney Denise M.
Published: February 2008

Luminal nutrients stimulate structural and functional regeneration in the intestine through mechanisms thought to involve insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2). We investigated the relationship between IGF-I and GLP-2 responses and mucosal growth in rats fasted for 48 h and then refed for 2 or 4 days by continuous intravenous or intragastric infusion or ad libitum feeding. Fasting induced significant decreases in body weight, plasma concentrations of IGF-I and bioactive GLP-2, jejunal mucosal cellularity (mass, protein, DNA, and villus height), IGF-I mRNA, and ileal proglucagon mRNA. Plasma IGF-I concentration was restored to fed levels with 2 days of ad libitum refeeding but not with 4 days of intravenous or intragastric refeeding. Administration of an inhibitor of endogenous GLP-2 (rat GLP-23–33) during ad libitum refeeding partially attenuated mucosal growth and prevented the increase in plasma IGF-I to fed levels; however, plasma GLP-2 and jejunal IGF-I mRNA were restored to fed levels. Intragastric refeeding restored intestinal cellularity and functional capacity (sucrase activity and sodium-glucose transporter-1 expression) to fed levels, whereas intravenous refeeding had no effect. Intestinal regeneration after 4 days of intragastric or 2 days of ad libitum refeeding was positively associated with increases in plasma concentrations of GLP-2 and jejunal IGF-I mRNA. These data suggest that luminal nutrients stimulate intestinal growth, in part, by increased expression of both GLP-2 and IGF-I.
Collagen I Gel Can Facilitate Homogenous Bone Formation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in PLGA-β-TCP Scaffold
Authors: Hao Wei , Hu Yun-Yu , Wei Yi-Yong , Pang Long , Lv Rong , Bai Jian-Ping , Xiong Zhuo , Jiang Ming
Published: February 2008

Cell-based tissue engineering is thought to be a new therapy for treatment of bone defects and nonunions after trauma and tumor resection. In this study, we explore the in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis of a novel biomimetic construct fabricated by using collagen I gel to suspend rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) into a porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid-β-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA-β-TCP) scaffold (rASCs-COL/PLGA-β-TCP). In vitro and in vivo studies of the rASCs-COL/PLGA-β-TCP composite (group A) were carried out compared with the single combination of rASCs and PLGA-β-TCP (rASCs/PLGA-β-TCP; group B), the combination of acellular collagen I gel and PLGA-β-TCP (COL/PLGA-β-TCP; group C), and the PLGA-β-TCP scaffold (group D). Composites of different groups were cultured in vitro for 2 weeks in osteogenic medium and then implanted into the autologous muscular intervals for 8 weeks. After 2 weeks of in vitro culture, alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization in group A were significantly higher than in group B (p < 0.01, n = 4). In vivo osteogenesis was evaluated by radiographic and histological analyses. The calcification level was radiographically evident in group A, whereas no apparent calcification was observed in groups B, C and D (n = 4). In group A, woven bone with a trabecular structure was formed, while in group B, only osteoid tissue was observed. Meanwhile, the bone-forming area in group A was significantly higher than in group B (p < 0.01, n = 4). No bone formation was observed in groups C or D (n = 4). In conclusion, by using collagen I gel to suspend rASCs into porous PLGA-β-TCP scaffold, osteogenic differentiation of rASCs can be improved and homogeneous bone tissue can be successfully formed in vivo.
In vivo Adipose Tissue Regeneration by Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Isolated from GFP Transgenic Mice
Authors: Mizuno Hiroshi , Itoi Yurie , Kawahara Satoko , Ogawa Rei , Akaishi Satoshi , Hyakusoku Hiko
Published: February 2008

We have previously demonstrated that pluripotent stem cells can be obtained from green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mouse adipose tissue. In this study, we sought to determine whether adipose tissue regeneration can be induced in vivo using adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) from GFP mice. ASCs were isolated from inguinal fat pads of GFP mice, as described in our previous publication. After incubation in two passages in the control medium, the cells were incubated in the induction medium to induce adipogenesis. Induced ASCs were merged with fibrin glue, and the mixture was injected subcutaneously into the dorsum of athymic mice. Finally, specimens were harvested and analyzed morphologically and histologically. The regenerated tissue was macroscopically semitransparent and soft with slight angiogenesis. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the specimens strongly emitted green fluorescence, suggesting that the transplanted ASCs had contributed to adipogenesis. Both hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining revealed that cells containing small lipid droplets had been regenerated histologically. These findings suggest that ASCs could contribute to adipose tissue regeneration in vivo. ASCs may be an ideal source for adipose tissue regeneration, which may in turn play an important role in augmentation surgery in surgically treated cancer or trauma patients.
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Affect Bone Mineralization in Rat Fetuses
Authors: Burdan Franciszek , Rozylo-Kalinowska Ingrid , Szumilo Justyna , Dudka Jaroslaw , Klepacz Robert
Published: February 2008

Intrauterine growth retardation, increased incidence of developmental variations, lack of cartilage and joint developmental side effects were previously reported for nonselective (ibuprofen, piroxicam, tolmetin) and selective (DFU) cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the lumbar vertebra mineralization in fetuses prenatally exposed to COX inhibitors. All the tested compounds were administered intragastrically to pregnant rats from gestational days 8 to 21. Fetuses were delivered on gestational day 21, and after digital radiological examination were double-stained with alcian blue and alizarin. Decrease of alizarin staining, as a qualitative sign of mineralization, was significantly greater in groups exposed to the highest doses of the nonselective COX inhibitors. Decrease of vertebra mineralization in drug-exposed groups was also revealed using quantitative radiological analysis. However, significant differences were noted only for the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae in the group exposed to the highest dose of tolmetin. Strong influence of the total protein level in maternal sera on the fetal bone optic density was found. It should be stressed that unlike DFU, the examined nonselective COX inhibitors decreased fetal bone mineralization when administered in high maternal toxic doses. Moreover, maternal health status determined fetal bone mineralization.
Adipogenesis in Nonadherent and Adherent Bone Marrow Stem Cells Grown in Fibrin Gel and in the Presence of Adult Plasma
Authors: Gérard Catherine , Blouin Karine , Tchernof André , Doillon Charles J.
Published: February 2008

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (i.e., adherent cells) are known to differentiate into fat tissue in the presence of adipogenic supplements in cultures. Induction of adipogenesis has not been investigated within the nonadherent cell fraction that includes predominantly hematopoietic cells. In the present study, murine nonadherent bone marrow-derived stem cells (96% CD45+ cells) were seeded and then grown in fibrin gel to form cell clusters in which most cells were positive to DiI-acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake. Amongst different culture media supplemented either in fetal bovine serum, horse serum, murine plasma, human plasma or adipogenic supplements, a subpopulation of nonadherent stem cells within clusters differentiated into adipocytes, specifically in the presence of adult syngeneic plasma. This was confirmed by the observation and quantification of oil red O-positive cells, the measurement of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ mRNA expression. Similarly, adipogenesis was also observed in the presence of murine plasma with adherent mesenchymal stem cells and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes which were grown either in monolayer plastic cultures or in fibrin gel. Thus, it is possible that nonadherent cells, once in a 3-dimensional environment, can further differentiate towards adipogenesis.
Diversity of Fibroblasts – A Review on Implications for Skin Tissue Engineering
Authors: Nolte Sonja Veronika , Xu Weiguo , Rennekampff Hans-Oliver , Rodemann H. Peter
Published: February 2008

Enormous advances in the development of skin substitutes have occurred in the past 3 decades. Major obstacles yet to be overcome in the quest for an optimal skin substitute include controlling scar formation, contraction and the loss of adnexal structures. Mesenchyme-derived signals are essential for epithelial proliferation, skin morphogenesis, homeostasis and differentiation. Having previously shown that fibroblasts differentiate along a lineage from highly proliferative progenitor fibroblasts with characteristic spindle-shaped appearance to differentiated postmitotic polygonal fibrocytes, we have now established that the different subsets of fibroblasts exert significantly different patterns of cytokine release and that the highest levels of keratinocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expression result from differentiated fibroblasts. Coculture studies with keratinocytes reveal that postmitotic fibroblasts stimulate keratinocyte proliferation to a greater extent than progenitor fibroblasts. Acellular and fibroblast-seeded dermal substitutes have been shown to improve scarring and contraction in animal studies, the latter substitutes yielding the most favorable results. Fibroblasts from different body sites display different functional properties which may affect their suitability for dermal substitutes. Future in vivo human studies in tissue-engineered dermal substitutes will likely focus on fibroblast-seeded lattices and the impact of fibroblast subpopulations and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on dermal regeneration.
Embryonic Cardiac Morphometry in Carnegie Stages 15–23, from the Complutense University of Madrid Institute of Embryology Human Embryo Collection
Authors: Arráez-Aybar L.A. , Turrero-Nogués A. , Marantos-Gamarra D.G.
Published: February 2008

Aims: We performed a morphometric study of cardiac development on human embryos to complement the scarce data on human embryonic cardiac morphometry and to attempt to establish, from these, algorithms describing cardiac growth during the second month of gestation. Methods: Thirty human embryos from Carnegie stages 15–23 were included in the study. Shrinkage and compression effects from fixation and inclusion in paraffin were considered in our calculations. Results: Growth of the cardiac (whole heart) volume and volume of ventricular myocardium through the Carnegie stages were analysed by ANOVA. Linear correlation was used to describe the relationship between the ventricular myocardium and cardiac volumes. Comparisons of models were carried out through the R2 statistic. The relationship volume of ventricular myocardium versus cardiac volume is expressed by the equation: cardiac volume = 0.6266 + 2.4778 volume of ventricular myocardium. The relationship cardiac volume versus crown-rump length is expressed by the equation: cardiac volume = 1.3 e0.126 CR length, where e is the base of natural logarithms. Conclusion: At a clinical level, these results can contribute towards the establishment of a normogram for cardiac development, useful for the design of strategies for early diagnosis of congenital heart disease. They can also help in the study of embryogenesis, for example in the discussion of ventricular trabeculation.
Dynamic Analysis of the Expression of the TGFβ/SMAD2 Pathway and CCN2/CTGF during Early Steps of Tooth Development
Authors: Pacheco Marcos S. , Reis Alice H. , Aguiar Diego P. , Lyons Karen M. , Abreu José G.
Published: February 2008

Background/Aims: CCN2 is present during tooth development. However, the relationship between CCN2 and the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD2/3 signaling cascade during early stages of tooth development is unclear. Here, we compare the expression of CCN2 and TGFβ/SMAD2/3 components during tooth development, and analyze the functioning of TGFβ/SMAD2/3 in wild-type (WT) and Ccn2 null (Ccn2–/–) mice. Methods: Coronal sections of mice on embryonic day (E)11.5, E12.5, E13.5, E14.5 and E18.5 from WT and Ccn2–/– were immunoreacted to detect CCN2 and components of the TGFβ signaling pathway and assayed for 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine immunolabeling and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining. Results: CCN2 and TGFβ signaling components such as TGFβ1, TGFβ receptor II, SMADs2/3 and SMAD4 were expressed in inducer tissues during early stages of tooth development. Proliferation analysis in these areas showed that epithelial cells proliferate less than mesenchymal cells from E11.5 to E13.5, while at E14.5 they proliferate more than mesenchymal cells. We did not find a correlation between functioning of the TGFβ1 cascade and CCN2 expression because Ccn2–/– mice showed neither a reduction in SMAD2 phosphorylation nor a difference in cell proliferation. Conclusion: CCN2 and the TGFβ/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway are active in signaling centers of tooth development where proliferation is dynamic, but these mechanisms may act independently.
Partial Induction of the Myogenic Program in Noncommitted Adult Stem Cells
Authors: Belema Bedada Fikru , Braun Thomas
Published: February 2008

The ability of multipotent adult stem cells (MASCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to acquire certain biochemical and functional properties of differentiated cells in response to various inductive cues has raised hopes to utilize such cells for therapeutic purposes. It is of particular importance to define precisely the differentiation status of induced MASCs and MSCs, and to determine the signaling pathways that control their differentiation. The identification of such signals might help to expand and enhance specific differentiation pathways to allow the formation of fully functional muscle cells from undetermined stem cells. Here, we have analyzed the ability of MASCs to contribute to the formation of muscle syncytia. We also investigated the intracellular signaling cascades that were initiated by Wnt molecules in a murine bone marrow-derived MASC population. We found that the partial recapitulation of the myogenic program depends on Wnt-mediated signaling via β-catenin and protein kinase C, but not protein kinase A (PKA). Our experiments indicate that Wnt-mediated signaling via β-catenin and protein kinase C (PKC) does not suffice to promote cell-autonomous differentiation of MASCs, but leads to acquisition of some properties of muscle cells that allow Wnt-induced cells to fuse to preexisting myotubes.
Stem Cell Differentiation: Cardiac Repair
Authors: Rubart Michael , Field Loren J.
Published: February 2008

Cellular transplantation has been employed for several years to deliver donor cardiomyocytes to normal and injured hearts. Recent reports of a variety of stem cells with apparent cardiomyogenic potential have raised the possibility of cell transplantation-based therapeutic interventions for heart disease. Here we review the preclinical studies demonstrating that intracardiac transplantation of skeletal myoblasts, cardiomyocytes and cardiomyogenic stem cells is feasible. In addition, recent clinical studies of skeletal myoblast and adult stem cell transplantation for heart disease are discussed.
Relationship between Chronic Pain and Cognition in Cognitively Intact Older Persons and in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Scherder Erik J.A. , Eggermont Laura , Plooij Bart , Oudshoorn Jeroen , Vuijk Pieter Jelle , Pickering Gisèle , Lautenbacher Stefan , Achterberg Wilco , Oosterman Joukje
Published: February 2008

Background: Brain areas that are involved in cognition and mood also play a role in pain processing. Objective: The goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between chronic pain and cognition [executive functions (EF) and memory], while controlling for mood, in cognitively intact older persons and in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Two groups of subjects participated: 20 older persons without dementia and 19 patients in an early stage of probable AD who suffered from arthrosis/arthritis. Pain intensity and pain affect were assessed by the Colored Analogue Scale for Pain Intensity and for Pain Affect, the Faces Pain Scale (FPS) and the Number of Words Chosen-Affective (NWC-A). Level of depression and anxiety were evaluated by questionnaires. EF and memory were assessed by neuropsychological tests. Results: The results show that significant correlations between specific cognitive functions, pain intensity and pain affect were lacking in the cognitively intact older persons. Cognition, in particular memory, appeared to be related to depressive symptoms. In contrast, a significant positive correlation was observed between EF, pain intensity and pain affect measured by the FPS in the AD group. Conclusions: Although older persons with depression were excluded, in studies on pain and cognition one should control for the presence of depressive symptoms in older persons with and without dementia.
Human Adipose Stem Cells: A Potential Cell Source for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Heydarkhan-Hagvall Sepideh , Schenke-Layland Katja , Yang Jin Q. , Heydarkhan Sanaz , Xu Yuhuan , Zuk Patricia A. , MacLellan W. Robb , Beygui Ramin E.
Published: February 2008

Background/Aims: A crucial step in providing clinically relevant applications of cardiovascular tissue engineering involves the identification of a suitable cell source. The objective of this study was to identify the exogenous and endogenous parameters that are critical for the differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) into cardiovascular cells. Methods: hASCs were isolated from human lipoaspirate samples, analyzed, and subjected to two differentiation protocols. Results: As shown by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, a population of hASCs expressed stem cell markers including CXCR4, CD34, c-kit, and ABCG2. Further, FACS and immunofluorescence analysis of hASCs, cultured for 2 weeks in DMEM-20%-FBS, showed the expression of smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific markers including SM α-actin, basic calponin, h-caldesmon and SM myosin. hASCs, cultured for 2 weeks in endothelial cell growth medium-2 (EGM-2), formed a network of branched tube-like structures positive for CD31, CD144, and von Willebrand factor. The frequency of endothelial cell (EC) marker-expressing cells was passage number-dependent. Moreover, hASCs attached and formed a confluent layer on top of electrospun collagen-elastin scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy and DAPI staining confirmed the integration of hASCs with the fibers and formation of a cell-matrix network. Conclusion: Our results indicate that hASCs are a potential cell source for cardiovascular tissue engineering; however, the differentiation capacity of hASCs into SMCs and ECs is passage number- and culture condition-dependent.
Notch Signaling in Embryonic and Adult Myelopoiesis
Authors: Schwanbeck Ralf , Schroeder Timm , Henning Konstanze , Kohlhof Hella , Rieber Nikolaus , Erfurth Maria-Luise , Just Ursula
Published: February 2008

Notch signaling is a highly conserved mechanism of intercellular communication that controls the developmental fate in all animal species studied to date. Specific transmembrane ligands activate Notch receptors on neighboring cells, thereby inducing proteolytic cleavage and nuclear translocation of the Notch intracellular domain (NotchIC). NotchIC associates with the transcriptional repressor RBP-J (recombination recognition sequence binding protein at the Jĸ site), also known as CSL [CBF1/Su(H)/Lag-1], and converts it to an activator. In conjunction with chromatin remodeling enzymes, components of the transcriptional machinery and the activity of other cofactors, NotchIC induces transcription of downstream target genes, including genes of the Hes (hairy and enhancer of split) and Hey (also called Hes-related repressor Herp, Hesr, Hrt, CHF, gridlock) family. Recent evidence has shown that the Notch pathway is involved in multiple aspects of hematopoietic development. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the components and mechanisms of the Notch signaling pathway and discuss the role of Notch in embryonic and adult myelopoiesis. Finally, we will focus on mediators of Notch signaling in the hematopoietic system. We propose that besides suppression of differentiation mediated by the Hes/Hey family, Notch/ RBP-J signaling mediates lineage decisions by direct activation of transcription factors such as PU.1, that are critically involved in directing cells along certain cell lineages, and further influences maturation by activation of functional genes, for example β-globin.
A Protein Roadmap to Pluripotency and Faithful Reprogramming
Authors: Wang Jianlong , Orkin Stuart H.
Published: February 2008

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are of great interest because of their capability of unlimited self-renewal and multilineage differentiation, thus serving as a potentially unlimited source for tissue replacement in regenerative medicine. ES cells possess factors that maintain and induce pluripotency, as demonstrated by successful reprogramming of somatic cells by fusion with ES cells. Understanding the complex molecular mechanisms underlying ES cell pluripotency should illuminate fundamental properties of stem cells and the process of reprogramming. Proteomics has proven to be a powerful approach to gain insight into key intracellular signals governing ES cell self-renewal and differentiation. We have recently employed a proteomics approach to explore the regulatory protein networks in which Nanog, a fundamental ES cell transcription factor, operates and have constructed the first protein interaction network in mouse ES cells. The network is highly enriched for factors known to be critical in ES cell biology and appears to function as a module for pluripotency. Here we will review current ES cell proteomic studies and provide insights into how a pluripotency protein network will advance recent efforts in cellular reprogramming.
Exploring Hematopoiesis at Single Cell Resolution
Authors: Rieger Michael A. , Schroeder Timm
Published: February 2008

Hematopoietic stem cell research has made tremendous progress over the last decades, and blood has become one of the best understood mammalian stem cell systems. The easy accessibility of hematopoietic cells, which are not tightly embedded in tissue, has supported this fast development. However, the hematopoietic system also exhibits disadvantages over other stem cell systems: the identity of individual cells is quickly lost when followed in cell culture and developmental stages cannot easily be distinguished by morphology. Therefore, difficulties to constantly analyze the fate of single cells are one reason for many open questions in hematopoiesis. So far, most findings are based on endpoint analyses of populations, consisting of heterogeneous cells in different stages of development or cell cycle. However, endpoint analyses merely reflect the result of a progressive sequence of fate decisions, whereas individual decisions, which would elucidate stem cell behavior, are not investigated. Thorough observation of the fate of individual cells and their progeny over many generations will add to a comprehensive understanding of the regulation of stem cell behavior. Here, we review current attempts of single cell analyses in hematopoiesis research and outline how time-lapse imaging and single cell tracking can contribute to approaching long-standing questions in hematopoiesis.
Characterization of Adult Neural Stem Cells and Their Relation to Brain Tumors
Authors: Jackson Erica L. , Alvarez-Buylla Arturo
Published: February 2008

The adult mammalian brain contains neural stem cells that are capable of generating new neurons and glia over the course of a lifetime. Neural stem cells reside in 2 germinal niches, the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus subgranular zone. These primary progenitors have been identified in their niche in vivo; these cells have characteristics of astrocytes. Recent studies have shown that adult SVZ stem cells are derived from radial glia, the stem cells in the developing brain, which in turn are derived from the neuroepithelum, the earliest brain progenitors. Thus, SVZ stem cells are a continuum from neuroepithelium to radial glia to astrocytes, and are contained within what has been considered the lineage for astrocytes. However, it seems that only a small subset of the astrocytes present in the adult brain have stem cell properties. Recent findings have shown that SVZ stem cell astrocytes express a receptor for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), suggesting that the ability to respond to specific growth factor stimuli, such as PDGF, epidermal growth factor and others, may be unique to these stem cell astrocytes. Intriguingly, activation of these same signaling pathways is widely implicated in brain tumor formation. Since the adult brain has very few proliferating cells capable of accumulating the numerous mutations required for transformation, the adult neural stem and/or progenitor cells may be likely candidates for the brain tumor cell of origin. Indeed, activation of the PDGF or epidermal growth factor pathways in adult neural stem or progenitor cells confers tumor-like properties on these cells, lending support to this hypothesis.
Effects of Footwear Features on Balance and Stepping in Older People
Authors: Menant Jasmine C. , Steele Julie R. , Menz Hylton B. , Munro Bridget J. , Lord Stephen R.
Published: February 2008

Background: Although footwear has been linked to falls in older people, it remains unclear as to which shoe features are beneficial or detrimental to balance in older people. Objective: To systematically investigate how footwear features affect balance and stepping in older people. Methods: 29 community-dwelling people (mean (SD) age, 79.1 (3.7) years) undertook tests of postural sway, maximal balance range, coordinated stability and choice-stepping reaction time in a standard shoe and seven other shoes that differed from the standard shoe in one feature only, namely: elevated heel (4.5 cm), soft sole, hard sole, flared sole, bevelled heel, high heel-collar and tread sole. Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA with simple contrasts revealed significantly increased sway in the elevated heel versus the standard shoe condition (p < 0.05). A footwear performance index based on the sum of z-scores across three tests (sway, coordinated stability and choice-stepping reaction time) normalized to the standard condition indicated that the elevated heel was most detrimental to balance (p < 0.05) whereas a high heel-collar and a hard sole showed trends towards being beneficial. Conclusion: An elevated heel of only 4.5 cm height significantly impairs balance in older people. The potential benefits of wearing shoes with a hard sole or a high heel-collar on balance in older people warrant further research in ambulatory tasks.
Injurious Falls Are Associated with Lower Household but Higher Recreational Physical Activities in Community-Dwelling Older Male Veterans
Authors: Gill Dawn P. , Zou G.Y. , Jones Gareth R. , Speechley Mark
Published: February 2008

Background: Physical activity (PA) and exercise have numerous beneficial effects in older adults. The effect of sustaining an injury from a fall on subsequent PA levels has received little research attention, even though about a quarter of older adults who fall sustain a serious injury. Even less is known about the effect of injurious falls on different PA categorizations. Objective: To examine the role of injurious falls on subsequent household and recreational PA levels in older community-dwelling males who were all Canadian veterans of World War II and the Korean War. Methods: Data from a fall risk-factor modification trial were used for the present study. Falls and related injuries were ascertained prospectively using fall calendars. A brief, valid and reliable PA interview for older adults (Phone-FITT) measured household and recreational PA approximately 1 year later. Covariates were measured as part of the screening questionnaire administered at the start of the study. Multiple linearregression models were computed using household and recreational PA as dependent variables. Results: The present study included 200 males with a mean age 81 years (SD = 3.8). Half of the participants fell at least once and about one third reported at least one injury resulting from a fall. Multivariable analyses indicated that household PA scores were 3.1 points lower (95% CI = –5.8 to –0.3, p = 0.03) and recreational PA scores were 3.4 points higher (95% CI = 0.1 to 6.7, p = 0.04) among persons who had one or more falls leading to injury compared to those who did not fall or had one or more falls without injury. Analyses were adjusted for age, baseline PA, self-rated health, foot problems, balance problems, inability to stand without using armrests, vision and memory. Conclusion: Categorization of PA type (household vs. recreational) suggests distinct differences in PA response following an injurious fall. Use of an overall PA measure would obscure this finding. Following further research, the results from this study may help in the design of preventive strategies to maximize physical activity in those who have sustained an injurious fall.
Sanhedrin, Sanhedriyyot, or Mere Invention?
Authors: Grabbe Lester
Published: February 2008

The institution of the Sanhedrin has been taken for granted in much discussion on Second Temple Judaism. In recent years, however, it has come to be questioned. This study examines the primary evidence and asks historical questions: Did such an institution (under the name "Sanhedrin" or some other name or names) actually exist? If so, what form did it take? How might it have functioned? The study concludes that such an institution did exist, but not as described in the Mishnah tractate Sanhedrin, and it varied in function and power through its long history.
Rainfall Occurrence in the U.S. Warm Season: The Diurnal Cycle*
Authors: Carbone R. E. , Tuttle J. D.
Published: February 2008

The diurnal occurrence of warm-season rainfall over the U.S. mainland is examined, particularly in light of forcings at multiple scales. The analysis is based on a radar dataset of 12-seasons duration covering the U.S. mainland from the Continental Divide eastward. The dataset resolves 2-km features at 15-min intervals, thus providing a detailed view of both large- and regional-scale diurnal patterns, as well as the statistics of events underlying these patterns. The results confirm recent findings with respect to the role of propagating rainfall systems and the high frequency at which these are excited by sensible heating over elevated terrain. Between the Rockies and the Appalachians, ∼60% of midsummer rainfall occurs in this manner.

Most rainfall in the central United States is nocturnal and may be attributed to the following three main forcings: 1) the passage of eastward-propagating rainfall systems with origins near the Continental Divide at 105°W; 2) a nocturnal reversal of the mountain–plains solenoid, which is associated with widespread ascent over the plains; and 3) the transport of energetic air and moisture convergence by the Great Plains low-level jet.

Other features of interest include effects of the Appalachians, semidiurnal signals of regional significance, and the impact of breezes along the Gulf of Mexico. A modest effort was put forth to discern signals associated with El Niño and the Southern Oscillation. While tendencies in precipitation patterns are observed, the record is too short to draw conclusions of general significance.
Determining Thorpe Scales from Ship-Lowered CTD Density Profiles
Authors: Gargett Ann , Garner Teresa
Published: February 2008

CTD measurements taken as an integral part of oceanographic cruises could provide valuable information on spatial locations and time variability of significant shear-generated mixing in the ocean interior if used routinely to calculate Thorpe scales, that is, estimates of the scales of vertical overturning in an otherwise stably stratified fluid. This paper outlines methods for calculating reliable Thorpe scales from density profiles taken with a shipborne CTD, including removal of questionable instabilities associated with termination of pressure reversals, reduction of the effects of density noise by computation of an intermediate density profile, and overturn verification by a two-parameter (Ro, ΔN) diagnostic. The Ro criterion alone reliably removes overturns that result from salinity spikes at the high gradient boundaries of a weakly stratified layer, a common cause of highly suspect overturns. The ΔN diagnostic is a new water mass test describing the degree of “tightness” of the temperature–salinity (T–S) relationship. The present two-parameter diagnostic rejects a significantly larger percentage of suspect overturns than does a previous single-parameter water mass test. Despite developing a more reliable water mass diagnostic, the authors conclude that rejection of overturns based on a water mass test that incorporates expectation of T–S tightness is not warranted, given possibilities of T–S “looseness” resulting from mixing over regions of nonlinear T–S structure and/or from potential effects of differential diffusion.
Potential for luxS related signalling in marine bacteria and production of autoinducer-2 in the genus Shewanella
Authors: Bodor Agnes , Elxnat Bettina , Thiel Verena , Schulz Stefan , Wagner-Döbler Irene
Published: February 2008

Background

The autoinducer-2 (AI-2) group of signalling molecules are produced by both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as the by-product of a metabolic transformation carried out by the LuxS enzyme. They are the only non species-specific quorum sensing compounds presently known in bacteria. The luxS gene coding for the AI-2 synthase enzyme was found in many important pathogens. Here, we surveyed its occurrence in a collection of 165 marine isolates belonging to abundant marine phyla using conserved degenerated PCR primers and sequencing of selected positive bands to determine if the presence of the luxS gene is phylogenetically conserved or dependent on the habitat.

Results

The luxS gene was not present in any of the Alphaproteobacteria (n = 71) and Bacteroidetes strains (n = 29) tested; by contrast, these bacteria harboured the sahH gene, coding for an alternative enzyme for the detoxification of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in the activated methyl cycle. Within the Gammaproteobacteria (n = 76), luxS was found in all Shewanella, Vibrio and Alteromonas isolates and some Pseudoalteromonas and Halomonas species, while sahH was detected in Psychrobacter strains. A number of Gammaproteobacteria (n = 27) appeared to have neither the luxS nor the sahH gene. We then studied the production of AI-2 in the genus Shewanella using the Vibrio harveyi bioassay. All ten species of Shewanella tested produced a pronounced peak of AI-2 towards the end of the exponential growth phase in several media investigated. The maximum of AI-2 activity was different in each Shewanella species, ranging from 4% to 46% of the positive control.

Conclusion

The data are consistent with those of fully sequenced bacterial genomes and show that the potential for lu xS related signalling is dependent on phylogenetic affiliation rather than ecological niche and is largest in certain groups of Gammaproteobacteria in the marine environment. This is the first report on AI-2 production in Shewanella species; its signalling role in these organisms remains to be elucidated.