bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Road: Examining Self‐Representation and Discourses of Homelessness in Young Adult Texts
Authors: Rogers Theresa , Marshall Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

In this article, the authors analyze representations of social issues within contemporary memoirs written for and marketed to a young adult audience and multimodal zines produced by homeless youth. To read across these distinctly different texts (mass marketed and do‐it‐yourself cultural productions) and genres (memoir and zines), the authors introduce “discourse tagging” as a strategy for tracing these self‐representations of homelessness across discreet social locations and contexts. The authors demonstrate how this approach provides a way for teacher educators to engage students in a critical inquiry into the ways in which certain “truths” (i.e. homelessness is the direct result of an individual's choice or personal failing) are represented in texts and how those representations might be resisted or contested in other cultural contexts.
Understanding Responses to High School Exit Exams in Literacy: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Poetic Transcriptions
Authors: Huddleston Andrew P.
Published: May 2012

In this article, the author demonstrates how a Bourdieusian analysis of poetic transcriptions offers great potential for helping teachers and students to understand how they are responding to state policy mandates in schools. Specifically, the author uses Bourdieu's concepts of field, capital, and habitus to analyze two poetic transcriptions, “Fodder for Factories” and “Playing the Testing Game” to show how Nick, an ESOL teacher, and his students respond to the high school exit exams in their state. The Bourdieusian analysis helps explain why Nick is willing to “play the testing game” and his students, most of whom are immigrants, “retreat” from public school experiences. The author concludes by considering how a Bourdieusian analysis of poetic transcriptions can be used by teachers and students themselves to raise awareness of oppressive testing policies and to imagine and create more just accountability systems.
Books for Adolescents
Authors: Sahlin Jac , Blasingame James , Marlar Alexandra , Crandall Jessica , Simpson Becca , Masser Carolyn
Published: May 2012

This department provides adolescent literature reviews, and provides a valuable resource for literature selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Classroom Materials
Authors: Hryniuk‐Adamov Carol
Published: May 2012

Review of Bring it to class: Unpacking pop culture in literacy learning
Bone quality, as measured by trabecular bone score in patients with adrenal incidentalomas with and without subclinical hypercortisolism
Authors: Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Morelli Valentina , Ulivieri Fabio Massimo , Palmieri Serena , Zhukouskaya Volha V , Cairoli Elisa , Pino Rosa , Naccarato Antonella , Scillitani Alfredo , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Chiodini Iacopo
Published: May 2012

Patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) and subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) have increased risk of fracture independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and possibly due to reduced bone quality. The trabecular bone score (TBS) has been proposed as a index of bone microarchitecture. The aim of the study was to investigate TBS in AI. In 102 AI patients, SH was diagnosed in the presence of at least two of the following: (1) urinary free cortisol >70 µg/24 h (193.1 nmol/L); (2) cortisol after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1-mg DST) >3.0 µg/dL (82.8 nmol/L); or (3) adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) <10 pg/mL (<2.2 pmol/L). In patients and in 70 matched controls, BMD was measured at lumbar spine (LS) and femur (neck [FN] and total [FT]) by dual X-ray absorptiometry and TBS was assessed in the region of LS-BMD; BMD and TBS data were reported as Z-scores. In patients, vertebral deformities were assessed by radiograph. Patients with SH (n = 34) had lower LS-BMD (−0.31 ± 1.17), FT-BMD (−0.29 ± 0.91), and TBS (−3.18 ± 1.21) than patients without SH (n = 68, 0.31 ± 1.42, p = 0.03; 0.19 ± 0.97, p = 0.01; −1.70 ± 1.54, p < 0.0001, respectively) and controls (0.42 ± 1.52, p = 0.02; 0.14 ± 0.76, p = 0.02; −1.19 ± 0.99, p < 0.0001, respectively). TBS was inversely correlated with 1-mg DST (β = −0.26, t = −2.79, p = 0.006) regardless of age, LS-BMD, body mass index (BMI), and gender. The presence of fracture was associated with low TBS alone (odds ratio [OR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85–12.42, p = 0.001) and with the cluster low TBS plus low LS-BMD (OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.71–11.4, p = 0.002), after adjustment for age, BMI, and gender. Low TBS plus low LS-BMD showed a good specificity (79%) for predicting fractures, whereas normal TBS (ie, > −1.5) plus normal LS-BMD high specificity (88.1%) for excluding fractures. Finally, TBS predicted the occurrence of a new fracture in 40 patients followed for 24 months (OR, 11.2; 95%CI, 1.71–71.41, p = 0.012) regardless of LS-BMD, BMI, and age. In SH, bone quality, as measured by TBS, is altered. TBS is useful in detecting AI patients at risk of fractures. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Habitual flavonoid intakes are positively associated with bone mineral density in women
Authors: Welch Ailsa , MacGregor Alex , Jennings Amy , Fairweather-Tait Sue , Spector Tim , Cassidy Aedín
Published: May 2012

Dietary flavonoids exert bone-protective effects in animal models, but there is limited information on the effect of different flavonoid subclasses on bone health in humans. The aim of this observational study was to examine the association between habitual intake of flavonoid subclasses with bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort of female twins. A total of 3160 women from the TwinsUK adult twin registry participated in the study. Habitual intakes of flavonoids and subclasses (flavanones, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, polymers, flavonols, and flavones) were calculated from semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires using an updated and extended U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) database. Bone density was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In multivariate analyses, total flavonoid intake was positively associated with higher BMD at the spine but not at the hip. For the subclasses, the magnitude of effect was greatest for anthocyanins, with a 0.034 g/cm2 (3.4%) and 0.029 g/cm2 (3.1%) higher BMD at the spine and hip, respectively, for women in the highest intake quintile compared to those in the lowest. Participants in the top quintile of flavone intake had a higher BMD at both sites; 0.021 g/cm2 (spine) and 0.026 g/cm2 (hip). At the spine, a greater intake of flavonols and polymers was associated with a higher BMD (0.021 and 0.024 g/cm2, respectively), whereas a higher flavanone intake was positively associated with hip BMD (0.008 g/cm2). In conclusion, total flavonoid intake was positively associated with BMD, with effects observed for anthocyanins and flavones at both the hip and spine, supporting a role for flavonoids present in plant-based foods on bone health. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
N‐glycan biosynthesis inhibitors induce in vitro anticancer activity in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: de‐Freitas‐Junior Julio Cesar Madureira , Bastos Lilian Golçalves , Freire‐Neto Carlos Alberto , Rocher Bárbara Du , Abdelhay Eliana Saul Furquim Werneck , Morgado‐Díaz José Andrés
Published: May 2012

During malignant transformation, changes in the expression profile of glycans may be involved in a variety of events, including the loss of cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion, migration, invasion, and evasion of apoptosis. Therefore, modulation of glycan expression with drugs has promising therapeutic potential for various cancer types. In this study, we investigated the in vitro anticancer activity of the N‐glycan biosynthesis inhibitors (swainsonine and tunicamycin) in cells derived from colorectal cancer (CRC). We also examined whether these inhibitors are able to induce radiosensitization and toxicity when used in combination with cisplatin or irinotecan, two current anticancer drugs. Our results show that treatment with tunicamycin inhibits cellular mechanisms related to the malignant phenotype, such as anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent colony formation, migration and invasion, in undifferentiated HCT‐116 colon cancer cells, whereas swainsonine only inhibits cell migration. We also observed that tunicamycin, but not swainsonine, caused radiosensitivity in HCT‐116 cells. Moreover, the combination of swainsonine with cisplatin or irinotecan enhanced their toxicity in HCT‐116 cells, while the combination of tunicamycin with these drugs had no effect. Given these results, we suggest that the modulation of N‐glycan biosynthesis appears to be a potential therapeutic tool for CRC treatment because inhibition of this process induced anticancer activity in vitro. Additionally, the inhibition of the N‐glycan biosynthesis in combination with chemotherapic drugs is a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing radiation therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2957–2966, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MmNEU3 sialidase over‐expression in C2C12 myoblasts delays differentiation and induces hypertrophic myotube formation
Authors: Papini Nadia , Anastasia Luigi , Tringali Cristina , Dileo Loredana , Carubelli Ivan , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Monti Eugenio , Tettamanti Guido , Venerando Bruno
Published: May 2012

Several factors affect the skeletal muscle differentiation process, in particular modifications of cell–cell contact, cell adhesion, and plasma membrane characteristics. In order to support the role of the plasma membrane‐associated sialidase NEU3 in skeletal muscle differentiation and to analyse which events of the process are mainly affected by this sialidase, we decided to stably over‐express MmNEU3 in C2C12 cells by a lentiviral vector and to investigate cell behavior during the differentiation process. Vitally stained C2C12 and NEU3 over‐expressing cells were counted to reveal modifications in differentiation induction. We found that NEU3 over‐expressing cells remained proliferative longer than control cells and delayed the onset of differentiation. Expression of p21, myogenic transcription factors, and myosin heavy chain (MHC), assessed by real time PCR, confirmed this behavior. In particular, no MHC‐positive myotubes were present in NEU3 over‐espressing cells as compared to wild type C2C12 cells at day 3 of differentiation. Moreover, NEU3 over‐expressing cells completed the differentiation process very quickly and formed hypertrophic myotubes. Analysis of MAPK/ERK pathway activation showed an increased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in NEU3 over‐expressing cells at the beginning of differentiation. We postulate that sialidase NEU3, decreasing plasma membrane ganglioside GM3 content, affects the EGF receptor and the downstream signaling pathways, promoting proliferation and delaying differentiation. Furthermore NEU3 improves myoblast fusion probably via neural‐cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) desialylation. Therefore, this work further supports the central role of NEU3 as a key modulator in skeletal muscle differentiation, particularly in the myoblast fusion step. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2967–2978, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symmetrizer: Algorithmic determination of point groups in nearly symmetric molecules
Authors: Largent R. Jeffrey , Polik William F. , Schmidt J. R.
Published: May 2012

Symmetry is an extremely useful and powerful tool in computational chemistry, both for predicting the properties of molecules and for simplifying calculations. Although methods for determining the point groups of perfectly symmetric molecules are well‐known, finding the closest point group for a “nearly” symmetric molecule is far less studied, although it presents many useful applications. For this reason, we introduce Symmetrizer, an algorithm designed to determine a molecule's symmetry elements and closest matching point groups based on a user‐adjustable tolerance, and then to symmetrize that molecule to a given point group geometry. In contrast to conventional methods, Symmetrizer takes a bottom‐up approach to symmetry detection by locating all possible symmetry elements and uses this set to deduce the most probable point groups. We explain this approach in detail, and assess the flexibility, robustness, and efficiency of the algorithm with respect to various input parameters on several test molecules. We also demonstrate an application of Symmetrizer by interfacing it with the WebMO web‐based interface to computational chemistry packages as a showcase of its ease of integration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical study of the excited‐state double proton transfer in the (3‐methyl‐7‐azaindole)‐(7‐azaindole) heterodimer
Authors: Yu Xue‐Fang , Yamazaki Shohei , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: May 2012

Excited‐state double proton transfer (ESDPT) in the (3‐methyl‐7‐azaindole)‐(7‐azaindole) heterodimer is theoretically investigated by the long‐range corrected time‐dependent density functional theory method and the complete‐active‐space second‐order perturbation theory method. The calculated potential energy profiles exhibit a lower barrier for the concerted mechanism in the locally excited state than for the stepwise mechanism through the charge‐transfer state. This result suggests that the ESDPT in the isolated heterodimer is likely to follow the former mechanism, as has been exhibited for the ESDPT in the homodimer of 7‐azaindole. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasound Assisted Emulsification Microextraction Based on dimetyl (E)‐2‐[(Z)‐1‐acetyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propenyl]‐2‐butenedioate for Determination of Total Amount of Iron in Water and Tea Samples
Authors: Khayatian Gholamreza , Hassanpoor Shahed
Published: May 2012

An ultrasound assisted emulsification microextraction (USAEME) is successfully used for extraction and determination of trace amount of iron in water and tea samples, followed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). In this approach, a new synthetic ligand dimetyl (E)‐2‐[(Z)‐1‐acetyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propenyl]‐2‐butenedioate (DAHPB) is used as chelating agent and chloroform is selected as an extraction solvent. The factors influencing the complex formation and extraction by USAEME method are optimized. These factors are extraction solvent type as well as extraction volume, time, temperature, pH, and the amount of chelating agent. Under optimum conditions, an enrichment factor of 202.9 is obtained from only 7.1 mL of aqueous phase. The calibration graph using the preconcentration system for iron is linear between 40.0 and 800.0 μg L−1 with a detection limit of 7.4 μg L−1. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D) for ten replicate measurements of 500.0 μg L−1 of iron is 2.5%.
Investigation of Fatty Acid Composition of Ammi majus Seed Oil by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hussain Iqbal , Khan Shahid , Khan M. I. , Rehman Inayat Ur , Ahmed Majed
Published: May 2012

The Ammi majus seeds oil constituents of methyl ester derivatives of fatty acids were analyzed using Gas Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. The results obtained containing the saturated as well as unsaturated fatty acids of majus seeds oils. A total of 18 different components were identified and quantified. Methyl ester of linoleic acid was found in high concentration 9.00%, among the identified analytes of interest. In addition methyl ester of Oleic acid 5.60%, Palmitic acid 3.98% Linolenic acids 1.42% were found. Concentration of the rest of identified fatty acids analytes were less than 1%. Thus from the results it is apparent that due to the presence of high percentage of valuable analytes concentrations detected in the fatty acid of A. majus, has increased its importance for the consumption in the pharmaceuticals as well as its applications in the new formulations for various skin diseases to prevent and cure from different infections.
In vitro Inhibition Effect of Transition Metal Ions on Succinate‐Fumarate System in ATP Cycle
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad Akhyar , Majeed Sana
Published: May 2012

Oxidation of sodium succinate in aqueous solution by potassium ferricyanide was investigated. The effects of different reaction parameters such as initial concentration of succinate, concentration of ferricyanide, and influence of metal ions (Zn+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, Cd+2) on the oxidation of succinate were investigated at 25 ± 0.05 °C. Large rate enhancements were observed in the redox reaction between succinate and ferricyanide with increasing concentrations of both oxidant and reductant. The kinetics results indicated that the succinate oxidation was significantly inhibited in the presence of metal ions. Pseudo first order rate constants values were found decreased with increase in concentrations of metal ions which reflected that inhibition rate was directly influenced with the metal ions concentration.
Synthesis of Silver Nanowires and Other Metal Nanostructures in Dialkylimidazolium Ionic Liquid
Authors: Selvam Tamil Selvi , Chi Kai‐Ming
Published: May 2012

Room temperature ionic liquids have attracted much research attention for the preparation of nanoparticles owing to their nonvolatile nature, thermally stable properties and inflammability. In this contribution, we have made an effort to fabricate the late transition metal — Ru, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ag, and Au — nanostructures by thermal decomposition of the corresponding organometallic precursors in the presence of various surfactants in ionic liquid [Omim][PF6]. Silver nanowires can be specifically generated by heating the mixture of (hfac)Ag(PMe3) and 1‐hexadecylamine with the mole ratio of 1:10 in [Omim][PF6] at 140 °C for 3 h. Characterization of these metal nanostructures were carried out by transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray powder diffraction analysis.
Zinc Chloride Anhydrous as New and Effective Catalyst for Conversion of Ketones and Aldehydes to Corresponding Gem‐dihydroperoxides
Authors: Khosravi Kaveh , Kazemi Samira
Published: May 2012

Zinc chloride anhydrous has been used as an efficient and new catalyst for conversion of ketones and aldehydes to corresponding gem‐dihydroperoxides by aqueous hydrogen peroxide (30%) in room temperature with excellent yields and notable reaction times.
The Known Maximal Partial Ovoids of Size of
Authors: Coolsaet Kris , De Beule Jan , Siciliano Alessandro
Published: May 2012

We present a description of maximal partial ovoids of size of the parabolic quadric as sharply transitive subsets of and show their connection with spread sets. This representation leads to an elegant explicit description of all known examples. We also give an alternative representation of these examples that are related to root systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 21: 89–100, 2013
Intersection Matrices Revisited
Authors: Ghareghani N. , Ghorbani E. , Mohammad‐Noori M.
Published: May 2012

Several intersection matrices of s‐subsets versus k‐subsets of a v‐set are introduced in the literature. We study these matrices systematically through counting arguments and generating function techniques. A number of new or known identities appear as natural consequences of this viewpoint; especially, use of the derivative operator and some related operators reveals some connections between intersection matrices and the “combinatorics of creation‐annihilation.” As application, the eigenvalues of several intersection matrices including some generalizations of the adjacency matrices of the Johnson scheme are derived; two new bases for the Bose–Mesner algebra of the Johnson scheme are introduced and the associated intersection numbers are obtained as well. Finally, we determine the rank of some intersection matrices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 20: 383–397, 2012
Discrepancies between Turkish Mothers’ and Adolescents’ Reports of Adolescents’ Emotion Regulation Difficulties
Authors: Sarıtaş Dilek , Gençöz Tülin
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to examine discrepancies between Turkish mothers’ and adolescents’ reports in terms of adolescents’ difficulties in emotion regulation. In addition, the mediating role of mothers’ own emotion regulation difficulties between mothers’ psychological symptoms and the discrepancy on reports of adolescents’ difficulties in emotion regulation was examined.

Method

A total of 595 first‐year high school students (300 females and 295 males) whose ages ranged between 14 and 17 years participated in the study. In addition, 365 mothers (61.34%) completed the questionnaires. Mean age of mothers was 41.86 years (standard deviation = 5.02) ranging from 32 to 61 years.

Results

The results revealed that adolescents tended to report higher levels of difficulties in emotion regulation for themselves as compared with mothers’ report, and girls reported more difficulties for their emotion regulation than boys. It was also found that mothers' own emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relation between mothers’ psychological symptoms and discrepancy on reports of adolescents’ emotion regulation difficulties.

Conclusions

Mothers may be less likely to endorse their children's emotion regulation difficulties since they cannot observe various aspects of their children's emotion regulation. On the other hand, the mothers’ perception of their children's emotion regulation could be affected from their own emotion regulation difficulties, which could be a result of their psychological problems.
Bovine sperm raft membrane associated Glioma Pathogenesis‐Related 1‐like protein 1 (GliPr1L1) is modified during the epididymal transit and is potentially involved in sperm binding to the zona pellucida
Authors: Caballero Julieta , Frenette Gilles , D'Amours Olivier , Belleannée Clémence , Lacroix‐Pepin Nicolas , Robert Claude , Sullivan Robert
Published: May 2012

Glioma pathogenesis‐related 1‐like protein1 (GliPr1L1) was identified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analyses of proteins associated to bovine sperm lipid raft membrane domains. This protein belongs to the CAP superfamily including cysteine‐rich secretory proteins, Antigen 5 and pathogenesis‐related 1 protein. PCR analysis revealed that GliPr1L1 is expressed in testis and, at a much lower level, all along the epididymis. Western blotting showed a similar distribution of GliPr1L1 in testicular and epididymal tissue extracts. In the epididymal lumen, GliPr1L1 was associated with the maturing spermatozoa and epididymosomes all along the excurrent duct but was undetectable in the soluble fraction of epididymal fluid. The protein was detectable as multiple isoforms with a higher MW form in the testis and proximal caput. Treatments with PNGase F revealed that N‐glycosylation was responsible of multiple bands detected on Western blots. These results suggest that the N‐glycosylation moiety of GliPr1L1 is processed during the transit in the caput. Western blots demonstrated that GliPr1L1 was associated with the sperm plasma membrane preparation. GliPr1L1 is glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchored to caput and cauda spermatozoa as demonstrated by the ability of phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C to release GliPr1L1 from intact sperm cells. Lipid raft membrane domains were separated from caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa. GliPr1L1 was immunodetectable in the low buoyant density fractions where lipid rafts are distributed. GliPr1L1 was localized on sperm equatorial segment and neck. In vitro fertilization performed in presence of anti‐GliPr1L1 showed that this protein is involved in sperm–zona pellucida interaction. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3876–3886, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
αMβ2‐integrin‐intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 interactions drive the flow‐dependent trafficking of Guillain–Barré syndrome patient derived mononuclear leukocytes at the blood–nerve barrier in vitro
Authors: Yosef Nejla , Ubogu Eroboghene E.
Published: May 2012

The mechanisms of hematogenous leukocyte trafficking at the human blood–nerve barrier (BNB) are largely unknown. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). We developed a cytokine‐activated human in vitro BNB model using primary endoneurial endothelial cells. Endothelial treatment with 10 U/ml tissue necrosis factor‐α and 20 U/ml interferon‐γ resulted in de novo expression of pro‐inflammatory chemokines CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL11, and CCL20, with increased expression of CXCL2–3, CXCL8, and CXCL10 relative to basal levels. Cytokine treatment induced/enhanced ICAM‐1, E‐ and P‐selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and the alternatively spliced pro‐adhesive fibronectin variant, fibronectin connecting segment‐1 expression in a time‐dependent manner, without alterations in junctional adhesion molecule‐A expression. Lymphocytes and monocytes from untreated GBS patients express ICAM‐1 counterligands, αM‐ and αL‐integrin, with differential regulation of αM‐integrin expression compared to healthy controls. Under flow conditions that mimic capillary hemodynamics in vivo, there was a >3‐fold increase in total GBS patient and healthy control mononuclear leukocyte adhesion/migration at the BNB following cytokine treatment relative to the untreated state. Function neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against human αM‐integrin (CD11b) and ICAM‐1 reduced untreated GBS patient mononuclear leukocyte trafficking at the BNB by 59% and 64.2%, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies against αL‐integrin (CD11a) and human intravenous immunoglobulin reduced total leukocyte adhesion/migration by 22.8% and 17.6%, respectively. This study demonstrates differential regulation of αM‐integrin on circulating mononuclear cells in GBS, as well as an important role for αM‐integrin–ICAM‐1 interactions in pathogenic GBS patient leukocyte trafficking at the human BNB in vitro. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3857–3875, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lymphocyte CFTR promotes epithelial bicarbonate secretion for bacterial killing
Authors: Tang Xiao Xiao , Fok Kin Lam , Chen Hao , Chan Kay Sheung , Tsang Lai Ling , Rowlands Dewi Kenneth , Zhang Xiao Hu , Da Dong Jian , Ruan Ye Chun , Jiang Xiaohua , Yu Sidney Siu Bun , Chung Yiu Wa , Chan Hsiao Chang
Published: May 2012

The expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in lymphocytes has been reported for nearly two decades; however, its physiological role remains elusive. Here, we report that co‐culture of lymphocytes with lung epithelial cell line, Calu‐3, promotes epithelial HCO production/secretion with up‐regulated expression of carbonic anhydrase 2 and 4 (CA‐2, CA‐4) and enhanced bacterial killing capability. The lymphocyte‐enhanced epithelial HCO secretion and bacterial killing activity was abolished when Calu3 cells were co‐cultured with lymphocytes from CFTR knockout mice, or significantly reduced by interfering with E‐cadherin, a putative binding partner of CFTR. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced E‐cadherin and CA‐4 expression in the challenged lung was also found to be impaired in CFTR knockout mice compared to that of the wild‐type. These results suggest that the interaction between lymphocytes and epithelial cells may induce a previously unsuspected innate host defense mechanism against bacterial infection by stimulating epithelial HCO production/secretion, which requires CFTR expression in lymphocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3887–3894, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinesin spindle protein SiRNA slows tumor progression
Authors: Marra Emanuele , Palombo Fabio , Ciliberto Gennaro , Aurisicchio Luigi
Published: May 2012

The kinesin spindle protein (KSP), a member of the kinesin superfamily of microtubule‐based motors, plays a critical role in mitosis as it mediates centrosome separation and bipolar spindle assembly and maintenance. Inhibition of KSP function leads to cell cycle arrest at mitosis with the formation of monoastral microtubule arrays, and ultimately, to cell death. Several KSP inhibitors are currently being studied in clinical trials and provide new opportunities for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics. RNA interference (RNAi) may represent a powerful strategy to interfere with key molecular pathways involved in cancer. In this study, we have established an efficient method for intratumoral delivery of siRNA. We evaluated short interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes targeting luciferase as surrogate marker or KSP sequence. To examine the potential feasibility of RNAi therapy, the siRNA was transfected into pre‐established lesions by means of intratumor electro‐transfer of RNA therapeutics (IERT). This technology allowed cell permeation of the nucleic acids and to efficiently knock down gene expression, albeit transiently. The KSP‐specific siRNA drastically reduced outgrowth of subcutaneous melanoma and ovarian cancer lesions. Our results show that intratumoral electro‐transfer of siRNA is feasible and KSP‐specific siRNA may provide a novel strategy for therapeutic intervention. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 58–64, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The abbreviated pluripotent cell cycle
Authors: Kapinas Kristina , Grandy Rodrigo , Ghule Prachi , Medina Ricardo , Becker Klaus , Pardee Arthur , Zaidi Sayyed K. , Lian Jane , Stein Janet , van Wijnen Andre , Stein Gary
Published: May 2012

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells proliferate rapidly and divide symmetrically producing equivalent progeny cells. In contrast, lineage committed cells acquire an extended symmetrical cell cycle. Self‐renewal of tissue‐specific stem cells is sustained by asymmetric cell division where one progeny cell remains a progenitor while the partner progeny cell exits the cell cycle and differentiates. There are three principal contexts for considering the operation and regulation of the pluripotent cell cycle: temporal, regulatory, and structural. The primary temporal context that the pluripotent self‐renewal cell cycle of hESCs is a short G1 period without reducing periods of time allocated to S phase, G2, and mitosis. The rules that govern proliferation in hESCs remain to be comprehensively established. However, several lines of evidence suggest a key role for the naïve transcriptome of hESCs, which is competent to stringently regulate the embryonic stem cell (ESC) cell cycle. This supports the requirements of pluripotent cells to self‐propagate while suppressing expression of genes that confer lineage commitment and/or tissue specificity. However, for the first time, we consider unique dimensions to the architectural organization and assembly of regulatory machinery for gene expression in nuclear microenviornments that define parameters of pluripotency. From both fundamental biological and clinical perspectives, understanding control of the abbreviated ESC cycle can provide options to coordinate control of proliferation versus differentiation. Wound healing, tissue engineering, and cell‐based therapy to mitigate developmental aberrations illustrate applications that benefit from knowledge of the biology of the pluripotent cell cycle. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 9–20, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pur‐alpha regulates RhoA developmental expression and downstream signaling
Authors: Mishra Mamata , Del Valle Luis , Otte Jessica , Darbinian Nune , Gordon Jennifer
Published: May 2012

Pur‐alpha is an essential protein for postnatal brain development which localizes specifically to dendrites where it plays a role in the translation of neuronal RNA. Mice lacking Pur‐alpha display decreased neuronogenesis and impaired neuronal differentiation. Here we examined two Rho GTPases, Rac1 and RhoA, which play opposing roles in neurite outgrowth and are critical for dendritic maturation during mouse brain development in the presence and absence of Pur‐alpha. Pur‐alpha is developmentally regulated in the mouse brain with expression beginning shortly after birth and rapidly increasing to peak during the third week of postnatal development. RhoA levels analyzed by Western blotting rapidly fluctuated in the wild‐type mouse brain, however, in the absence of Pur‐alpha, a decrease in RhoA levels shortly after birth and a delay in the cycling of RhoA regulation was observed leading to reduced basal levels of RhoA after day 10 postnatal. Immunohistochemistry of brain tissues displayed reduced RhoA levels in the cortex and cerebellum and loss of perinuclear cytoplasmic labeling of RhoA within the cortex in the knockout mouse brain. While Rac1 levels remained relatively stable at all time points during development and were similar in both wild‐type and Pur‐alpha knockout mice, changes in subcellular localization of Rac1 were seen in the absence of Pur‐alpha. These findings suggest that Pur‐alpha can regulate RhoA at multiple levels including basal protein levels, subcellular compartmentalization, as well as turnover of active RhoA in order to promote dendritic maturation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 65–72, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distal‐less homeobox 5 inhibits adipogenic differentiation through the down‐regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression
Authors: Lee Hye‐Lim , Woo Kyung Mi , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo , Baek Jeong‐Hwa
Published: May 2012

Distal‐less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) is a positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation that contains a homeobox domain. Because there are possible reciprocal relationships between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we examined the regulatory role of Dlx5 in adipogenic differentiation in this study. Adipogenic stimuli suppressed the expression levels of Dlx5 mRNA in mouse bone marrow stromal cells. Over‐expression of Dlx5 inhibited adipogenic differentiation in human bone marrow MSCs and 3T3‐L1 preadipocytic cells whereas knockdown of Dlx5 enhanced adipogenic differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells. Over‐expression of Dlx5 suppressed the expression of adipogenic marker genes, including CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Dlx5‐mediated suppression of adipogenic differentiation was overcome by over‐expression of PPARγ but not by that of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) or C/EBPα. Dlx5 decreased the transcriptional activity of CREB and C/EBPα in a dose‐dependent manner. Dlx5 directly bound to CREB and C/EBPα and prevented them from binding to and subsequently transactivating the PPARγ promoter. These results suggest that Dlx5 plays an important regulatory role in fate determination of bone marrow MSCs toward the osteoblast lineage through the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation as well as the direct stimulation of osteoblast differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 87–98, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regional Variation in Geniohyoid Muscle Strain During Suckling in the Infant Pig
Authors: HOLMAN SHAINA DEVI , KONOW NICOLAI , L. LUKASIK STACEY , GERMAN REBECCA Z.
Published: May 2012

The geniohyoid muscle (GH) is a critical suprahyoid muscle in most mammalian oropharyngeal motor activities. We used sonomicrometry to evaluate regional strain (i.e., changes in length) in the muscle origin, belly, and insertion during suckling in infant pigs, and compared the results to existing information on strain heterogeneity in the hyoid musculature. We tested the hypothesis that during rhythmic activity, the GH shows regional variation in muscle strain. We used sonomicrometry transducer pairs to divide the muscle into three regions from anterior to posterior. The results showed differences in strain among the regions within a feeding cycle; however, no region consistently shortened or lengthened over the course of a cycle. Moreover, regional strain patterns were not correlated with timing of the suck cycles, neither (1) relative to a swallow cycle (before or after) nor (2) to the time in feeding sequence (early or late). We also found a tight relationship between muscle activity and muscle strain, however, the relative timing of muscle activity and muscle strain was different in some muscle regions and between individuals. A dissection of the C1 innervations of the geniohyoid showed that there are between one and three branches entering the muscle, possibly explaining the variation seen in regional activity and strain. In combination, our findings suggest that regional heterogeneity in muscle strain during patterned suckling behavior functions to stabilize the hyoid bone, whereas the predictable regional strain differences in reflexive behaviors may be necessary for faster and higher amplitude movements of the hyoid bone. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:359–370, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Note on the History of the Four‐Colour Conjecture
Authors: McKay Brendan D.
Published: May 2012

The four‐colour conjecture was brought to public attention in 1854, most probably by Francis or Frederick Guthrie. This moves back by six years the date of the earliest known publication.
Cardiac MRI evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Left ventricular outflow tract/aortic valve diameter ratio predicts severity of LVOT obstruction
Authors: Vogel‐Claussen Jens , Santaularia Tomas Miguel , Newatia Amit , Boyce Danielle , Pinheiro Aurelio , Abraham Roselle , Abraham Theodore , Bluemke David A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate if left ventricular outflow tract/aortic valve (LVOT/AO) diameter ratio measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is an accurate marker for LVOT obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared to Doppler echocardiography.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 92 patients with HCM were divided into three groups based on their resting echocardiographic LVOT pressure gradient (PG): <30 mmHg at rest (nonobstructive, n = 31), <30 mmHg at rest, >30 mmHg after provocation (latent, n = 29), and >30 mmHg at rest (obstructive, n = 32). The end‐systolic dimension of the LVOT on 3‐chamber steady‐state free precession (SSFP) CMR was divided by the end diastolic aortic valve diameter to calculate the LVOT/AO diameter ratio.

Results:

There were significant differences in the LVOT/AO diameter ratio among the three subgroups (nonobstructive 0.60 ± 0.13, latent 0.41 ± 0.16, obstructive 0.24 ± 0.09, P < 0.001). There was a strong linear inverse correlation between the LVOT/AO diameter ratio and the log of the LVOT pressure gradient (r = −0.84, P < 0.001). For detection of a resting gradient >30 mmHg, the LVOT/AO diameter ratio the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–0.97). For detection of a resting and/or provoked gradient >30 mmHg, the LVOT/AO diameter ratio area under the ROC curve was 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.96).

Conclusion:

The LVOT/AO diameter ratio is an accurate, reproducible, noninvasive, and easy to use CMR marker to assess LVOT pressure gradients in patients with HCM. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:598–603. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion tensor imaging tractography parameters of limbic system bundles in temporal lobe epilepsy patients
Authors: Liacu Despina , Idy‐Peretti Ilana , Ducreux Denis , Bouilleret Viviane , de Marco Giovanni
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To investigate changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures in limbic system white matter of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using diffusion tensor tractography.

Materials and Methods:

DTI metrics including fractional anisotropy (FA), λ1, λ2, λ3, and trace (Tr) coefficients were obtained from tractography for bilateral fornix, superior and inferior cingulum fibers in 18 patients and 10 healthy controls. Hippocampal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) quantitative analysis was performed in order to confirm the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hippocampal lesion presence or absence in TLE patients.

Results:

Nine patients presented unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (TLE+HS) and nine patients had no signal abnormalities on conventional MRI (TLE−HS). On the ipsilateral seizure side, all three investigated tracts showed significant DTI indices abnormalities in both patient groups when compared with controls, most marked on the inferior cingulum. Contralateral to the seizure side, the three tracts presented significant DTI parameters in only the TLE+HS group when compared with controls.

Conclusion:

The DTI abnormalities found in the TLE−HS group may suggest that in the inferior cingulum the structural integrity is more affected than in the fornix or superior cingulum white matter bundles. The eigenvalues taken separately add complementary information to the FA and Tr metrics and may be useful indices in better understanding the architectural reorganization of limbic system tracts in TLE patients without HS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:561–568. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative structure–property prediction of ion‐molecule rate constants for proton transfer reaction between H3O+ and volatile organic compound
Authors: Fatemi Mohammad Hossein , Moghaddam Masoomeh Raei
Published: May 2012

A quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) study based on multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques was carried out to investigate the ion‐molecules rate constants for proton transfer reaction between hydronuim ion (H3O+) and some important volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A collection of 50 VOCs was chosen as data set that was randomly divided into three groups, training, internal and external test sets consist of 40, 5 and 5 molecules, respectively. A total of five independent variables selected by stepwise multilinear regression are electronic, geometric, topological type descriptors. The ANN model was developed by using the five descriptors appearing in the MLR model as inputs. Among developed models, the best QSPR model was the ANN model that produced a reasonable level of mean square error MSEtrain = 0.021, MSEexternal = 0.186, MSEinternal = 0.110. The rate constants calculated by this model are in very good agreement with experimental values. The result of this study reveals the applicability of QSPR approaches in prediction of ion‐molecules rate constants for proton transfer reaction of VOCs from their molecular structural descriptors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moment method analysis for capacitance and charge distribution of dielectric coated metallic disk and closed truncated cone isolated in free space
Authors: Mehta Prarthan D. , Chakrabarty S. B.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a method for the evaluation of capacitance and charge distribution of a dielectric coated metallic disk and a dielectric coated metallic hollow truncated cone with top and bottom cover plates using the method of moments (MoM) based on pulse basis function and point matching. Boundary conditions for the potential on the conductor surfaces and continuity of the normal component of the displacement density at the dielectric‐free space interface is used to generate two integral equations. Two sets of simultaneous equations are formed from the two integral equations by using MoM. The total free charge on the conductor surface is found from the solution for the set of simultaneous equations. The validity of the analysis has been justified by comparing the data on capacitance available in the literature for metallic disk and hollow truncated cone with top and bottom cover plates, with the data on the capacitance, computed by the presented method for similar structures considering very low dielectric constant as well as very thin dielectric coating. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vegetation in western Central Mexico during the last 50 000 years: modern analogs and climate in the Zacapu Basin
Authors: Correa‐Metrio A. , Lozano‐García S. , Xelhuantzi‐López S. , Sosa‐Nájera S. , Metcalfe S. E.
Published: May 2012

The late glacial and the transition towards the Holocene marked a period of significant environmental change at a global scale. In western Central Mexico, few records span beyond the Holocene, and little is known about Pleistocene climatic and environmental variability. Here we report on the pollen record of a composite sequence made of three cores that cover the last 50 ka (thousands of calibrated radiocarbon years before present) in the Zacapu Basin, western Central Mexico (∼1970 m asl). The conjunction of modern pollen rain from the area with the composite fossil pollen sequence from cores Cantabria, Cantabria 1 and CEMCA Point‐1 provided a detailed history of the vegetation of the area. Recognition of modern environmental patterns through individual modern pollen taxa proved difficult, but multivariate analysis separated different vegetation types. No‐modern‐analog communities relative to the modern vegetation cover of the area were evident, especially during periods of drought. Apparently, summer precipitation was significant before 40 ka and after the deglaciation. However, this moisture source declined from ∼40 to 10 ka because tradewinds from the Gulf of Mexico were blocked by the eastern mountains of Central Mexico as a result of lower temperatures. By contrast, westerly and northerly winds were enhanced by maximum ice cover from ∼19 to 17 ka, providing abundant winter precipitation and therefore preventing extreme drought in the area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Olive oil phenolics: Where do we stand? Where should we go?
Authors: Visioli Francesco
Published: May 2012

The formulation of an antioxidant/atherosclerosis hypothesis stimulated experimental and epidemiological studies on the possible role of micronutrients, including olive oil phenolics, in the protection from cardiovascular disease observed in the Mediterranean area. This article prospectively summarises our current knowledge of olive phenolics, underscore our gaps in information, and brings forward areas that are, as yet, to be explored. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a breast reconstruction satisfaction questionnaire (BRECON‐31): Principal components analysis and clinimetric properties
Authors: Temple‐Oberle Claire F. , Cook E. Francis , Bettger‐Hahn Margo , Mychailyshyn Nadia , Naeem Hina , Macdermid Joy
Published: May 2012

Background

A reliable, valid questionnaire is essential to assess patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction.

Methods

A 105‐item pilot BRECON questionnaire was previously developed. One hundred eighty‐one women with breast reconstruction were mailed the pilot BRECON, BREAST‐Q™, and EQ‐5D questionnaires. Fifty women were re‐mailed the BRECON. Based on the responses, the BRECON was refined using statistical means and principal components analysis (PCA). Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. Validity was assessed by comparing subscales of the BRECON to the BREAST‐Q™ and comparing a summary score of the BRECON‐31 to the EQ‐5D using the Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC).

Results

A total of 71% (128/181) of women completed the three questionnaires, and 86% (43/50) of women responded to the re‐mailed BRECON. Statistical methods and PCA maintained 31 items covering eight components including self‐image, arm concerns, intimacy, satisfaction, recovery, self‐consciousness, expectations, and breast appearance. A 4‐item “nipple” subscale and a 10‐item “abdominal” subscale were developed for use where applicable. Measures of reliability and validity were high: Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.67 to 0.91, ICC ranged from 0.55 to 0.85, and PCC ranged from 0.42 to 0.76.

Conclusions

A reliable, valid 31‐item breast reconstruction satisfaction questionnaire was developed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:799–806. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.