bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue regeneration after injury in adult zebrafish: The regenerative potential of the caudal fin
Authors: Shao Jinping , Chen Dongyan , Ye Qijun , Cui Jianlin , Li Yuhao , Li Lei
Published: March 2011

The zebrafish has the potential to regenerate many of its tissues. In this study, we examined caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish that received repeated injuries (fin amputation) at different ages. In zebrafish that received repeated injuries, the potential for caudal fin regeneration, such as tissue growth and the expression of regeneration marker genes (msxb, fgf20a, bmp2b), did not decline in comparison to zebrafish that received only one amputation surgery. The process of initial fin regeneration (e.g., tissue outgrowth and the expression of regeneration marker genes at 7 days post‐amputation) did not seem to correlate with age. However, slight differences in fin outgrowth were observed between young and old animals when examined in the late regeneration stages (e.g., 20 and 30 days post‐amputation). Together, the data suggest that zebrafish has unlimited regenerative potential in the injured caudal fin. Developmental Dynamics 240:1271–1277, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for partial epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (pEMT) and recruitment of motile blastoderm edge cells during avian epiboly
Authors: Futterman Matt A. , García Andrés J. , Zamir Evan A.
Published: March 2011

Embryonic epiboly has become an important developmental model for studying the mechanisms underlying collective movements of epithelial cells. In the last couple of decades, most studies of epiboly have utilized Xenopus or zebrafish as genetically tractable model organisms, while the avian epiboly model has received virtually no attention. Here, we re‐visit epiboly in quail embryos and characterize several molecular markers of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the inner zone of the extraembryonic Area Opaca and at the blastoderm edge. Our results show that the intermediate filament vimentin, a widely‐used marker for the mesenchymal phenotype, is strongly expressed in the edge cells compared to the cells in the inner zone. Laminin, an extracellular matrix protein that is a major structural and adhesive component of the epiblast basement membrane and the inner zone of the Area Opaca, is notably absent from the blastoderm edge. While these expression profiles are consistent with a mesenchymal phenotype, several other epithelial markers, including cytokeratin, β‐catenin, and E‐cadherin, are present in the blastoderm edge cells. Moreover, the results of a BrDU proliferation assay strongly suggest that expansion of the edge cell population is primarily due to recruitment of cells from the inner zone, as opposed to proliferation. Taken together, our data show that the edge cells of the avian blastoderm have characteristics of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells, and that the avian epiboly model, which has been dormant for so many years, may yet again prove to be helpful as a unique developmental model for studying partial EMT in the context of collective epithelial cell migration. Developmental Dynamics 240:1502–1511, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A tryptophan hydroxlyase 1 reporter that directs Cre recombinase extinguishable placental alkaline phosphatase expression in serotonergic (5‐HT) neurons and peripheral tissues
Authors: Huynh Michael L. , Rivkin Elena , Mui Ryan , Cordes Sabine P.
Published: March 2011

The serotonergic (5‐HT) system modulates many behaviors and has been implicated in psychiatric disorders, but the density of 5‐HT processes has complicated analyses. We have used regulatory regions from the Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) gene to drive expression of LoxP‐flanked placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) to generate the Tph1‐Lox‐PLAP reporter mouse line. In these mice, PLAP is expressed in the hindbrain raphe nuclei and in peripheral tissues known to express Tph1. Tph1 is expressed at low levels in neurons. While, in Tph1‐Lox‐PLAP mice, most PLAP‐expressing neurons are monoaminergic, PLAP was expressed in only 5–10% of neurons expressing the predominant neuronal 5‐HT biosynthetic enzyme Tph2, serotonin transporter (SERT) or aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). To test this reporter further, we examined the brains of mice carrying the anorexia (anx) mutation, in which increased overall density of 5‐HT immunoreactivity had been previously observed at P21. PLAP‐labeling of processes in anx/anx and anx/+ mice was reduced at P0. By P10, distribution of PLAP‐labeled processes in anx/+ and +/+ cortices was indistinguishable, but differed markedly from that seen in the cortical layers of anx/anx mice. Thus, the Tph1‐LoxP‐PLAP reporter revealed a dosage sensitive role of the anx mutation in the early 5‐HT system and later cortical layer‐specific differences in 5‐HT process distribution in anx/anx mice. Thus, the Tph1‐LoxP‐PLAP reporter provides a sensitive indicator for analyses of serotonergic cells in the brain and periphery. genesis 49:851–861, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Human CD8+ T cells drive Th1 responses through the differentiation of TNF/iNOS‐producing dendritic cells
Authors: Chong Shu Zhen , Wong Kok Loon , Lin Gen , Yang Christopher Maolin , Wong Siew‐Cheng , Angeli Veronique , MacAry Paul A. , Kemeny David Michael
Published: March 2011

TNF/iNOS‐producing dendritic cells (Tip‐DCs) have been shown to arise during inflammation and are important mediators of immune defense. However, it is still relatively unclear which cell types contribute to their differentiation. Here we show that CD8+ T cells, through the interaction with DCs, can induce the rapid development of human monocytes into Tip‐DCs that express high levels of TNF‐α and iNOS. Tip‐DCs exhibited T‐cell priming ability, expressed high levels of MHC class II, upregulated co‐stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, CD86, toll‐like receptors TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, chemokine receptors CCR1 and CX3CR1 and expressed the classical mature DC marker, CD83. Differentiation of monocytes into Tip‐DCs was partially dependent on IFN‐γ as blocking the IFN‐γ receptor on monocytes resulted in a significant decrease in CD40 and CD83 expression and in TNF‐α production. Importantly, these Tip‐DCs were capable of further driving Th1 responses by priming naive CD4+ T cells for proliferation and IFN‐γ production and this was partially dependent on Tip‐DC production of TNF‐α and NO. Our study hence identifies a role for CD8+ T cells in orchestrating Th1‐mediating signals through the differentiation of monocytes into Th1‐inducing Tip‐DCs.
Glucosinolate Synthesis: a Hydroxamic Acid Approach
Authors: Cerniauskaite Deimante , Rousseau Jolanta , Sackus Algirdas , Rollin Patrick , Tatibouët Arnaud
Published: March 2011

A new method for accessing the thiohydroximate function allows an alternative synthetic pathway to glucosinolates. O‐Silylated hydroxamic acids were prepared and were then activated with triflic anhydride to generate transient nitrile oxides to be condensed with ethanethiol. The procedure was further applied to the synthesis of naturally occurring glucosinolates.
Novel Tandem Reaction for the Synthesis of N′‐Substituted 2‐Imino‐1,3‐oxazolidines from Vicinal (sec‐ or tert‐)Amino Alcohol of Desosamine
Authors: Vujasinović Ines , Marušić Ištuk Zorica , Kapić Samra , Bukvić Krajačić Mirjana , Hutinec Antun , Đilović Ivica , Matković‐Čalogović Dubravka , Kragol Goran
Published: March 2011

Two one‐pot methods, sequential and tandem, for the preparation of N′‐substituted 2‐imino‐1,3‐oxazolidines from the vicinal (sec‐ or tert)‐amino alcohol of desosamine via intermediary alkyl‐, aryl‐, heteroaryl‐, and heteroalkyl‐thiourea moieties are described. Particularly interesting is the novel one‐pot tandem reaction of the vicinal tert‐amino alcohol that involves dealkylation, thiourea formation, and a final cyclization to yield 2‐imino‐1,3‐oxazolidine structures. The yields of both one‐pot methods are comparable to the yield of the sequential reaction. A small library of a new class of desosamine‐modified 14‐ and 15‐membered macrolides was prepared to demonstrate the variety of substituents that can be easily introduced and thus enable a huge variation of the physicochemical and hence biological properties of these new molecules.
Downstream effects of impounding a natural lake: the Snake River downstream from Jackson Lake Dam, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Erwin Susannah O. , Schmidt John C. , Nelson Nicholas C.
Published: March 2011

A sediment mass balance constructed for a 16‐km reach of the Snake River downstream from Jackson Lake Dam (JLD) indicates that river regulation has reduced the magnitude of sediment mass balance deficit that would naturally exist in the absence of the dam. The sediment budget was constructed from calibrated bed load transport relations, which were used to model sediment flux into and through the study reach. Calibration of the transport relations was based on bed load transport data collected over a wide range of flows on the Snake River and its two major tributaries within the study area in 2006 and 2007. Comparison of actual flows with unregulated flows for the period since 1957 shows that operations of JLD have reduced annual peak flows and increased late summer flows. Painted tracer stones placed at five locations during the 2005 spring flood demonstrate that despite the reduction in flood magnitudes, common floods are capable of mobilizing the bed material. The sediment mass balance demonstrates that more sediment exits the study reach than is being supplied by tributaries. However, the volume of sediment exported using estimated unregulated hydrology indicates that the magnitude of the deficit would be greater in the absence of JLD. Calculations suggest that the Snake River was not in equilibrium before construction of JLD, but was naturally in sediment deficit. The conclusion that impoundment lessened a natural sediment deficit condition rather than causing sediment surplus could not have been predicted in the absence of sediment transport data, and highlights the value of transport data and calculation of sediment mass balance in informing dam operations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensions and trade‐offs in voluntary involvement: Evaluating the Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation
Authors: Greenseid Lija O. , Lawrenz Frances
Published: March 2011

A team at the University of Minnesota conducted the Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP) core evaluation between 1999 and 2004. The purpose of the CETP core evaluation was to achieve consensus among CETP project leaders and project evaluators on evaluation questions; to develop, pilot, and field test evaluation instruments tied to the questions; and to collect data to document the accomplishments of the CETP projects. This chapter examines the relationship between project‐level involvement in the CETP core evaluation and the use of the evaluation by project principal investigators (PIs) and evaluators. The chapter examines the tensions and trade‐offs that arose from attempting to balance voluntary involvement by project PIs and evaluators in the planning and development of the evaluation with the need to collect complete and comparable data across project sites. © Wiley Periodicals Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The effect of technical assistance on involvement and use: The case of a Research, Evaluation, and Technical Assistance Project
Authors: Roseland Denise , Volkov Boris B. , Callow‐Heusser Catherine
Published: March 2011

In contrast to typical National Science Foundation program evaluations, the Utah State Math Science Partnership‐Research, Evaluation and Technical Assistance Project (MSP‐RETA) provided technical assistance (TA) in two forms: direct TA for up to 10 projects a year, and professional development sessions for a larger number of project staff. Not surprisingly, the two forms led to different results in terms of involvement and use. Most of those who participated in the direct technical assistance activities were positively affected and sought additional support and development. Project staff who were not included in the direct assistance efforts were more likely to report limited involvement and use. © Wiley Periodicals Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The role of involvement and use in multisite evaluations
Authors: Lawrenz Frances , King Jean A. , Ooms Ann
Published: March 2011

A cross‐case analysis of four National Science Foundation (NSF) case studies identified both unique details and common themes related to promoting the use and influence of multisite evaluations. The analysis provided evidence of diverse evaluation use by stakeholders and suggested that people taking part in the multisite evaluations perceived their involvement differently from the more traditional view of participation in local evaluations. The study also highlighted the importance of attending to the following issues: the interface between the funder and local project staff; the life cycles of the program and its evaluation, as well as those of the local project and its individual staff; the details of who controls the projects; the many tensions that can exist between the goals of the large‐scale program and its smaller funded projects; the perceived quality of the evaluation and the evaluators; and the possibilities of community building and networking across projects. © Wiley Periodicals Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Culture and influence in multisite evaluation
Authors: Kirkhart Karen E.
Published: March 2011

Understanding the influence of multisite evaluation requires careful consideration of cultural context. The author illustrates dimensions of influence and culture with excerpts from four National Science Foundation evaluation case studies and summarizes what influence teaches us about culture and what culture teaches us about influence. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Building a community of evaluation practice within a multisite program
Authors: Goodyear Leslie K.
Published: March 2011

New and novel uses of evaluation processes and findings are possible when a community of practice develops as evaluation stakeholders participate in multisite evaluations in multiple ways. Developing such communities takes advantage of what makes multisite evaluations special. This chapter uses the example of the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers Program's Learning Resource Center, funded by the National Science Foundation, to articulate how the provision of evaluation technical assistance to a large, multisite program and its funded projects can contribute to evaluation use. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Influence of decreased sample size on cone calorimeter results
Authors: Lindholm Johan , Brink Anders , Hupa Mikko
Published: March 2011

Cone calorimeter sample size sensitivity and the influence of sample size on the results were studied in order to investigate the possibility to use smaller samples than prescribed by the standard. The influence of the position of the sample on the sample holder of the decreased samples was also studied. Samples of birch plywood, industrial two‐component polyurethane adhesive and polypropylene wax were tested. The results from standard size sample experiments, 100 cm 2, and decreased sample size, 50 and 25 cm2, were compared, in order to investigate the sample size influence on the results. The experiments were performed using an external heat flux of 50kW/ m2. The results show differences between the sample types. The measured heat release rates for plywood and polyurethane adhesive indicate that the sample size is possible to down‐scale, while the polypropylene wax results show the opposite. All sample types and sizes show constant results for the effective heat of combustion, indicating down‐scalability. For in‐house testing and screening of materials, downscaling can be used for most sample types. However, results from experiments carried out with decreased sample size should not be compared to results from experiments executed according to the standard procedure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Let‐7 MicroRNA and HMGA2 levels of expression are not inversely linked in adipocytic tumors: Analysis of 56 lipomas and liposarcomas with molecular cytogenetic data
Authors: Bianchini Laurence , Saâda Esma , Gjernes Elisabet , Marty Marion , Haudebourg Juliette , Birtwisle‐Peyrottes Isabelle , Keslair Frédérique , Chignon‐Sicard Bérangère , Chamorey Emmanuel , Pedeutour Florence
Published: March 2011

The aim of our study was first to assess the role of HMGA2 expression in the pathogenesis of adipocytic tumors (AT) and, second, to seek a potential correlation between overexpression of HMGA2 and let‐7 expression inhibition by analyzing a series of 56 benign and malignant AT with molecular cytogenetic data. We measured the levels of expression of HMGA2 mRNA and of eight members of the let‐7 microRNA family using quantitative RT‐PCR and expression of HMGA2 protein using immunohistochemistry. HMGA2 was highly overexpressed in 100% of well‐differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS/DDLPS), all with HMGA2 amplification, and 100% of lipomas with HMGA2 rearrangement. Overexpression of HMGA2 mRNA was detected in 76% of lipomas without HMGA2 rearrangement. HMGA2 protein expression was detected in 100% of lipomas with HMGA2 rearrangement and 48% of lipomas without HMGA2 rearrangement. We detected decreased expression levels of some let‐7 members in a significant proportion of AT. Notably, let‐7b and let‐7g were inhibited in 61% of WDLPS/DDLPS. In lipomas, each type of let‐7 was inhibited in approximately one‐third of the cases. Although overexpression of both HMGA2 mRNA and protein in a majority of ordinary lipomas without HMGA2 structural rearrangement may have suggested a potential role for let‐7 microRNAs, we did not observe a significant link with let‐7 inhibition in such cases. Our results indicate that inhibition of let‐7 microRNA expression may participate in the deregulation of HMGA2 in AT but that this inhibition is neither a prominent stimulator for HMGA2 overexpression nor a surrogate to genomic HMGA2 rearrangements. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of intragenic deletions and duplication in the FLCN gene in Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome
Authors: Benhammou Jihane N. , Vocke Cathy D. , Santani Avni , Schmidt Laura S. , Baba Masaya , Seyama Kuniaki , Wu Xiaolin , Korolevich Susana , Nathanson Katherine L. , Stolle Catherine A. , Linehan W. Marston
Published: March 2011

Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome (BHDS), caused by germline mutations in the folliculin (FLCN) gene, predisposes individuals to develop fibrofolliculomas, pulmonary cysts, spontaneous pneumothoraces, and kidney cancer. The FLCN mutation detection rate by bidirectional DNA sequencing in the National Cancer Institute BHDS cohort was 88%. To determine if germline FLCN intragenic deletions/duplications were responsible for BHDS in families lacking FLCN sequence alterations, 23 individuals from 15 unrelated families with clinically confirmed BHDS but no sequence variations were analyzed by real‐time quantitative PCR (RQ‐PCR) using primers for all 14 exons. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay and array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) were utilized to confirm and fine map the rearrangements. Long‐range PCR followed by DNA sequencing was used to define the breakpoints. We identified six unique intragenic deletions in nine patients from six different BHDS families including four involving exon 1, one that spanned exons 2–5, and one that encompassed exons 7–14 of FLCN. Four of the six deletion breakpoints were mapped, revealing deletions ranging from 5688 to 9189 bp. In addition, one 1341 bp duplication, which included exons 10 and 11, was identified and mapped. This report confirms that large intragenic FLCN deletions can cause BHDS and documents the first large intragenic FLCN duplication in a BHDS patient. Additionally, we identified a deletion “hot spot” in the 5′‐noncoding‐exon 1 region that contains the putative FLCN promoter based on a luciferase reporter assay. RQ‐PCR, MLPA and aCGH may be used for clinical molecular diagnosis of BHDS in patients who are FLCN mutation‐negative by DNA sequencing. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incorporating landscape features to obtain an object‐oriented landscape drainage network representing the connectivity of surface flow pathways over rural catchments
Authors: Gascuel‐Odoux Chantal , Aurousseau Pierre , Doray Thibaut , Squividant Hervé , Macary Francis , Uny Daniel , Grimaldi Catherine
Published: March 2011

A topological representation of a rural catchment is proposed here in addition to the generally used topographic drainage network. This is an object‐oriented representation based on the identification of the inlets and outlets for surface water flow on each farmer's field (or plot) and their respective contributing areas and relationships. It represents the catchment as a set of independent plot outlet trees reaching the stream, while a given plot outlet tree represents the pattern of surface flow relationships between individual plots. In the present study, we propose to implement functions related to linear and surface elements of the landscape, such as hedges or road networks, or land use, to obtain what we call a landscape drainage network which delineates the effective contributing area to the stream, thus characterizing its topological structure. Landscape elements modify flow pathways and/or favour water infiltration, thus reducing the area contributing to the surface yield and modifying the structure of the plot outlet trees. This method is applied to a 4·4‐km2 catchment area comprising 43 955 pixels and 312 plots. While the full set of 164 plot outlet trees, with an average of 7 plots per tree, covers 100% of the total surface area of the catchment, the landscape drainage network comprises no more than 37 plot outlet trees with an average of 2 plots per tree, accounting for 52 and 7% of the catchment surface area, when taking account of linear elements and land use, respectively. This topological representation can be easily adapted to changes in land use and land infrastructure, and provides a simple and functional display for intercomparison of catchments and decision support regarding landscape and water management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the snow‐cover dynamics in the Upper Euphrates Basin of Turkey using remotely sensed snow‐cover products and hydrometeorological data
Authors: Akyurek Zuhal , Surer Serdar , Beser Özgür
Published: March 2011

The Euphrates and Tigris rivers serve as the most important water resources in the Middle East. Precipitation in this region falls mostly in the form of snow over the higher elevations of the Euphrates Basin and remains on the ground for nearly half of the year. This snow‐covered area (SCA) is a key element of the hydrological cycle, and monitoring the SCA is crucial for making accurate forecasts of snowmelt discharge, especially for energy production, flood control, irrigation, and reservoir‐operation optimization in the Upper Euphrates (Karasu) Basin. Remote sensing allows the detection of the spatio‐temporal patterns of snow cover across large areas in inaccessible terrain, such as the eastern part of Turkey, which is highly mountainous. In this study, a seasonal evaluation of the snow cover from 2000 to 2009 was performed using 8‐day snow‐cover products (MOD10C2) and the daily snow‐water equivalent (SWE) product. The values of SWE products were obtained using an assimilation process based on the Helsinki University of Technology model using equal area Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) Earth‐gridded advanced microwave scanning radiometer—EOS daily brightness‐temperature values. In the Karasu Basin, the SCA percentage for the winter period is 80–90%. The relationship between the SCA and the runoff during the spring period is analysed for the period from 2004 to 2009. An inverse linear relationship between the normalized SCA and the normalized runoff values was obtained (r = 0·74). On the basis of the monthly mean temperature, total precipitation and snow depth observed at meteorological stations in the basin, the decrease in the peak discharges, and early occurrences of the peak discharges in 2008 and 2009 are due to the increase in the mean temperature and the decrease in the precipitation in April. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Host immune gene polymorphisms were associated with the prognosis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer in Chinese
Authors: Dai Juncheng , Hu Zhibin , Dong Jing , Xu Lin , Pan Shiyang , Jiang Yue , Jin Guangfu , Chen Yijiang , Shen Hongbing
Published: March 2011

Laboratory‐based studies showed that host immune genes could influence the prognosis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, genetic polymorphisms in host immune genes may serve as predictors for NSCLC clinical outcome. To test the hypothesis that functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in host immune genes are associated with the prognosis of NSCLC, we systematically performed a genotyping analysis for a total of 178 SNPs from 52 immune genes in a prospective case cohort of 568 NSCLC patients. Among the 178 SNPs, 24 were significantly associated with NSCLC prognosis in different genetic models and four of them were remained in the final predictive model after multivariate stepwise Cox regression, including IL‐5R rs11713419 (5′‐untranslated region, 5′‐UTR) (P = 0.001), IL23R rs6682925 (5′‐flanking region, 5′‐FR) (P = 0.017), TLR1 rs5743551 (5′‐FR) (P = 0.02) and TLR3 rs3775291 (Leu412Phe) (P = 0.01). We then put the above four SNPs together, and found that the risk of death was significantly increased by 124% (HR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.33–3.75) for the patients carrying “1” unfavorable locus and by 175% (HR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.67–4.51) for those carrying “2‐4” unfavorable loci. The risk score model and time‐dependent ROC analyses further support the four SNPs and clinical risk score model. The area under curve (AUC) at year 5 increased from 0.484 to 0.831 after combining the four SNPs risk score with clinical risk score. These findings indicate that potentially functional polymorphisms in immune genes may serve as prognostic markers of clinical outcome of NSCLC.
Detection of α‐fetoprotein and glypican‐3 mRNAs in the peripheral blood of hepatocellular carcinoma patients by using multiple FQ‐RT‐PCR
Authors: Yan Dong , He Qingfang , Chen Yaping , Wang Lixin , Zhang Xinwei
Published: March 2011

This work aimed to investigate the correlation of the expression of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and glypican‐3 (GPC3) mRNAs in the peripheral blood with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC metastasis by using multiple fluorescence quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (FQ‐RT‐PCR). Peripheral blood samples from 100 patients with HCC were collected. The positive expression rates of AFP mRNA of HCC, hepatitis B, and cirrhosis patients were 56, 5, and 10%, respectively. AFP mRNA was not detected in healthy subjects, hepatic hemangioma, or hepatic metastasis patients' samples. Those of GPC3 mRNA of HCC patients were 76%. GPC3 mRNA was not detected in healthy subjects, hepatitis B, cirrhosis, hepatic hemangioma, or hepatic metastasis patients' samples. In HCC patients' samples, the combined positive rate of AFP and GPC3 mRNA expressions was 81%. The relative expression levels of GPC3 mRNA in the metastasis group and nonmetastasis group were 0.98±0.38 and 0.72±0.26, respectively, and showed significantly different (P=0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the AFP mRNA expression levels (P=0.134). In conclusion, the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis can be improved by combined detection of AFP and GPC3 mRNA expressions. GPC3 mRNA is HCC‐specific, and may indicate HCC metastasis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:113–117, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postnatal variations in blood free and acylcarnitines
Authors: De Tanima , Kruthika‐Vinod T.P. , Nagaraja Dindagur , Christopher Rita
Published: March 2011

Background: Alteration in concentrations of blood carnitine and its esters are diagnostic of a number of inherited metabolic disorders. Acylcarnitine (AC) profiles of newborns obtained from dried blood spots by tandem mass spectrometric analysis are being used for the diagnosis of these disorders. There are no data of the postnatal variations of free carnitine (FC) and AC in Indian neonates. Objectives: Evaluation of postnatal variations in free and AC levels in newborns. Methods: Blood FC and AC levels were evaluated in 2,727 healthy neonates of postnatal day 2–30 by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Blood C2, C5DC, C16, C16:1, C18, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:OH carnitineswere increased in groups A (aged 8–14 days) and B (aged 15–30 days), compared with the control group (aged 2–7 days), whereas C3, C4, C4OH, C6, C6DC, and C12 carnitines were increased only in group B. No sex‐related differences were found except for C3DC, C4, and C5 carnitine concentrations, which were higher in female neonates. Conclusions: Our data can be used as a reference for the assessment of carnitine status in Indian newborns, hence reducing the risk of misdiagnosis of fatty acid oxidation disorders and organic acidemias during interpretation of the results of tandem mass spectrometry‐based newborn screening. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:126–129, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case of coronary artery fistula diagnosed in the right decubitus position by transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Araki Ryo , Abe Haruhiko , Adachi Hidenori , Umekawa Seiko , Hattori Susumu , Noda Yoshiki , Yasuoka Yoshinori , Sasaki Tatsuya
Published: March 2011

A 70‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital for a continuous heart murmur in the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border. Routine echocardiography demonstrated aneurismal dilatation at the origin of right coronary artery. These findings suggested a coronary artery fistula, although its drainage site could not be identified. By shifting the patient to the right decubitus position, we could observe an abnormal color Doppler signal going from the right coronary artery into the right atrium, confirming coronary artery fistula. The right decubitus position may be helpful for the evaluation of abnormal anatomic and auscultatory findings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2011.
Facile one‐pot synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazines and 3,7‐dimethyl‐4H‐[1,2,4]triazino[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazin‐6‐one using heteropolyacid catalysts
Authors: Motamedi Radineh , Monfared Aazam , Nezamabadi Zohre Ghahghai , Bamoharram Fatemeh F.
Published: March 2011

[1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f and 3,7‐dimethyl‐4H‐[1,2,4]triazino[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazin‐6‐one 4 were synthesized by one‐pot cyclocondensation reaction with α‐chloroacetonitrile and α‐haloketones in the presence of catalytic amounts of heteropolyacids in very high yields and rates. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Thiosemicarbazides in heterocyclization
Authors: Hassan Alaa A. , Shawky Ahmed M.
Published: March 2011

This review summarizes the preparation of substituted thiosemicarbazides with their application with synthesis of important linear and heterocyclic compounds. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Regulation of tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 by hydrocortisone in rat primary astrocytes
Authors: Kwon Kyoung Ja , Cho Kyu Suk , Lee Sung Hoon , Kim Jung Nam , Joo So Hyun , Ryu Jong Hoon , Ignarro Louis J. , Han Seol‐Heui , Young Shin Chan
Published: March 2011

Although originally known as a plasma serine protease involved in clot dissolution, tPA and its primary inhibitor, PAI‐1, play crucial roles in synaptic reorganization and plasticity in the central nervous system. In contrast to the wide array of work conducted in neural cells, relatively little is known about the regulatory mechanism governing tPA/PAI‐1 expression in astrocytes. Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as hydrocortisone regulate the expression of tPA/PAI‐1 in various biological systems in a tissue‐specific manner. However, little is known about GC‐mediated regulation of tPA/PAI‐1 system in CNS. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether tPA/PAI‐1 expression is regulated by hydrocortisone in rat primary astrocytes. Enzyme activity of tPA was decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner by hydrocortisone treatment, and the activity of PAI‐1 was increased by hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone did not affect the level of tPA mRNA, which suggests that transcriptional down‐regulation of tPA mRNA is not involved in the down‐regulation of tPA enzyme activity in astrocytes. However, the level of PAI‐1 mRNA and protein was increased. Both hydrocortisone and a tPA‐Stop treatment prevented glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in rat cortical primary mixed astrocyte–neuron culture, which suggests a neurotoxic role for tPA in our culture system. Interestingly, hydrocortisone further increased LPS‐induced up‐regulation of PAI‐1 while inhibiting the up‐regulation of iNOS and COX‐2 expression. Our data show that hydrocortisone up‐regulated PAI‐1 expression along with down‐regulation of tPA activity in both normal and inflammatory conditions. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
I owe you one: Coworker reciprocity as a moderator of the day‐level exhaustion–performance relationship
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R. B. , Wheeler Anthony R.
Published: March 2011

This research extends the literature on well‐being and performance behavior by looking at how daily fluctuations in employee exhaustion impact performance behaviors. Specifically, we tested a model based on conservation of resources theory (COR) where we predicted that daily fluctuations in exhaustion would be positively associated with organizational citizenship behaviors targeted at coworkers (OCB‐I) but negatively associated with in‐role performance and organizational citizenship behaviors targeted at the organization (OCB‐O); further, we predicted that these relationships would be stronger for employees who perceived a lack of reciprocity in their relationship such that they contributed less or gained more than their coworker (called positive inequity). In two studies including a total of 354 employees from a variety of industries over five time periods over the duration of a week, we found support for the positive relationship between exhaustion and OCB‐I, the negative relationships between of exhaustion and in‐role performance and OCB‐O, as well as the moderation effect of reciprocity. We discuss the implications of this finding for the manner in which employees strategically invest their resources in order to regain their well‐being. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) in Femoacetabular impingement
Authors: Mamisch Tallal Charles , Kain Micheal Sean Hillega , Bittersohl Bernd , Apprich Sebastian , Werlen Stefan , Beck Martin , Siebenrock Klaus Arno
Published: March 2011

Femoroacetabular impingement is a well‐described pre‐arthritic condition with two main types; cam and pincer. Studies using the open treatment for impingement have described patterns of articular cartilage wear specific to cam and pincer impingement. Assessing articular damage in the hip joint is an important component of treatment. Intravenous gadolidium allows radiologists to perform an indirect assessment of articular cartilage glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content by using a technique called dGEMRIC. Using this indirect assessment of articular cartilage, we compared the dGEMRIC indices in a group of six cam and seven pincer patients to a control group (n = 12) of asymptomatic controls that had no plain MRI findings of osteoarthritis. The superior portion of the hip joint was divided into seven regions from 9 to 3 o'clock. These regions were then subdivided into peripheral and central regions. The cam and pincer groups both had statistically lower dGEMRIC values compared to the control group. The cam group demonstrated not only peripheral but also central involvement of the joint and this was concentrated in the anterior portion of the joint. The pincer group exhibited more global hip involvement with all areas of the hip averaging a dGEMRIC index 28% less than controls. With the use of dGEMRIC more specific patterns of cartilage wear can be elicited in patients with impingement, which may improve patient selection and help better understand the progression of osteoarthithis throughout the hip joint. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1305–1311, 2011
Autologous protein solution inhibits MMP‐13 production by IL‐1β and TNFα‐stimulated human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Woodell‐May Jennifer , Matuska Andrea , Oyster Megan , Welch Zachary , O'Shaughnessey Krista , Hoeppner Jacy
Published: March 2011

Catabolic inflammatory cytokines are prevalent in osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate an autologous protein solution (APS) as a potential chondroprotective agent for OA therapy. APS was prepared from platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). The APS solution contained both anabolic (bFGF, TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, EGF, IGF‐1, PDGF‐AB, PDGF‐BB, and VEGF) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐1ra, sTNF‐RI, sTNF‐RII, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13, and IFNγ) cytokines but low concentrations of catabolic cytokines (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17, and IL‐18). Human articular chondrocytes were pre‐incubated with the antagonists IL‐1ra, sTNF‐RI, or APS prior to the addition of recombinant human IL‐1β or TNFα. Following exposure to inflammatory cytokines, the levels of MMP‐13 in the culture medium were evaluated by ELISA. MMP‐13 production stimulated in chondrocytes by IL‐1β or TNFα was reduced by rhIL‐1ra and sTNF‐RI to near basal levels. APS was also capable of inhibiting the production of MMP‐13 induced by both IL‐1β and TNFα. The combination of anabolic and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the APS created from PRP may render this formulation to be a potential candidate for the treatment of inflammation in patients at early stages of OA. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1320–1326, 2011
Effect of shoulder taping on maximum shoulder external and internal rotation range in uninjured and previously injured overhead athletes during a seated throw
Authors: McConnell Jenny , Donnelly Cyril , Hamner Samuel , Dunne James , Besier Thor
Published: March 2011

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether shoulder taping affects shoulder kinematics in injured and previously injured overhead athletes during a seated throw. Twenty‐six overhead college athletes threw a handball three times with and without tape, while seated on a chair. An 8‐camera Vicon Motion Capture system recorded markers placed on the upper limb and trunk during each of the throwing conditions. Scaled musculoskeletal models of the upper limb were created using OpenSim and inverse kinematics used to obtain relevant joint angles. Shoulder taping had no main effect on external (ER) and internal (IR) rotation range (ROM) of the shoulder, but a significant interaction effect was found (p = 0.003 and 0.02, respectively), depending on previous injury status, whereby both the ER and IR ROM of the shoulder in the group of previously injured athletes decreased when taped (143–138° and 54–51°, respectively), but increased in the group who had never been injured (131–135° and 42–44°, respectively). Maximum abduction range and ball velocity were not affected by the application of shoulder taping, regardless of previous injury status. Thus, application of shoulder taping has a differential effect on maximum shoulder ER and IR ROM during throwing depending on previous injury status. These findings have implications for returning athletes to sport after injury and for screening athletes at risk of injury. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1406–1411, 2011
Adolescent distress in traumatic stress research: Data from the National Survey of Adolescents‐Replication
Authors: Zajac Kristyn , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Smith Daniel W. , Saunders Benjamin E. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: March 2011

Small numbers of adults report distress in response to traumatic stress surveys. Less is known about adolescent research participants. We examined distress in response to a survey on traumatic stress using data from the National Survey of Adolescents‐Replication, a nationally representative sample of 3,614 youth aged 12–17 years. Although 204 (5.7%) adolescents found some questions distressing, only 8 (0.2%) remained upset at the end of the interview, and 2 (<0.1%) wished to speak to a counselor. Adolescents reporting traumatic experiences or mental health problems were significantly more likely to report distress compared to those not endorsing such problems. Significantly more girls (7.5%) reported distress than boys (3.9%). Findings suggest that survey questions about trauma pose minimal risk to adolescents.
A Highly Efficient Iron‐Mediated AGET ATRP of Methyl Methacrylate Using Fe(0) Powder as the Reducing Agent
Authors: Qin Jian , Cheng Zhenping , Zhang Lifen , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2011

A new method, AGET ATRP mediated by an iron(III) catalyst using Fe(0) powder as a reducing agent and MMA as a model monomer, is reported. The polymerizations can be carried out in the absence or presence of a limited amount of air and show the features of a “living”/controlled radical polymerization. MMA conversions of 90.3 and 80.0% can be obtained in 3.5 and 4.0 h in the absence/presence of a limited amount of air, respectively, for the iron‐mediated AGET ATRP with a molar ratio of [MMA]0/[EBiB]0/[FeCl3 · 6H2O]0/[PPh3]0/[Fe(0)]0 = 600:1:0.5:2:0.1 at 90 °C. PMMA with molecular weights of 55 060 and 47 790 g · mol−1 and with molar‐mass dispersity of 1.24 and 1.28, respectively, can be obtained correspondingly.

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1H MRS of basal ganglia and thalamus in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Sharma Khema R. , Saigal Gaurav , Maudsley Andrew A. , Govind Varan
Published: March 2011

Previous studies have evaluated motor and extramotor cerebral cortical regions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using1H MRS, but none have evaluated the thalamus or basal ganglia. The objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate the subclinical involvement of the basal ganglia and thalamus in patients with ALS using1H MRS. Fourteen patients (52 ± 7 years) with sporadic definite ALS and 17 age‐matched controls were studied using volumetric MRSI on a 3‐T scanner. The concentration of the metabolitesN‐acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) and their ratio (NAA/Cho) were obtained bilaterally from the basal ganglia (lentiform nucleus, caudate) and thalamus. The maximum rates of finger and foot tap and lip and tongue movements were obtained to assess extrapyramidal and pyramidal tract function. In patients with ALS, relative to controls, the NAA concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.02) in the basal ganglia and thalamus, and the Cho concentration was higher (p < 0.01) in these structures, except in the caudate (p = 0.04). Correspondingly, the NAA/Cho ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in these structures, except in the caudate (p = 0.03), in patients than in controls. There were mild to strong correlations (r = 0.4–0.7) between the metabolites of the basal ganglia and finger tap, foot tap and lip and tongue movement rates. In conclusion, decreased NAA in the basal ganglia and thalamus and increased Cho and decreased NAA/Cho in the lentiform nucleus and thalamus are indicative of neuronal loss or dysfunction and alterations in choline‐containing membranes in these structures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementing an employee performance management system in a nonprofit organization
Authors: Becker Karen , Antuar Nicholas , Everett Cherie
Published: March 2011

Nonprofit organizations are not exempt from the imperatives of employee attraction, retention, and motivation. As competition for staff, donors, and funding increases, the need to manage employee performance will continue to be a critical human resource management issue. This article outlines a study of the introduction of a performance management system in an Australian nonprofit organization and analyzes its design and implementation. It explores how performance management can be introduced and used effectively within a nonprofit environment to benefit staff and the organization. However, the use of performance management is not without its challenges, and the research also identified initial employee resistance and a resulting initial spike in labor turnover. However, findings indicate that if nonprofit organizations are willing to undertake consultation with staff and ensure that the organization's specific context, values, and mission are reflected in the performance management system, it can be a useful tool for managers and a direct benefit to employees.
IL‐32 up‐regulation is associated with inflammatory cytokine production in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Jeong Hyun‐Ja , Shin Seung‐Youp , Oh Hyun‐A , Kim Min‐Ho , Cho Joong‐Saeng , Kim Hyung‐Min
Published: March 2011

IL‐32 is a described pro‐inflammatory cytokine produced by T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, monocytes, and epithelial cells. However, the specific mechanism of IL‐32 on allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been elucidated. Here, we report a significant increase of IL‐32 protein and mRNA in the nasal mucosa of AR patients. In addition, in nasal mucosa tissue from AR patients, the level of IL‐32 production correlated with inflammation, IL‐1β, IL‐18, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). In an AR animal model, IL‐32 significantly increased IgE and inflammatory cytokine levels. IL‐32 expression was induced by recombinant human GM‐CSF via activation of caspase‐1 in eosinophils. In addition, depletion of IL‐32 prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines in eosinophils. In conclusion, IL‐32 is an important cytokine involved in the inflammation of AR. The regulation of IL‐32 expression may form the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of AR. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.