bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender‐based differences of percutaneous coronary intervention in the drug‐eluting stent era
Authors: Thompson Craig A. , Kaplan Aaron V. , Friedman Bruce J. , Jayne John E. , Gerling Barbara R. , Niles Nathaniel W. , Hettleman Bruce D. , Robb John F.
Published: December 2005

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide insights into percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed in women in the United States by evaluating gender‐based PCI‐practice patterns and outcomes. Background: Limited “real world” contemporary data exist on how the introduction of DES has impacted PCI in women. Methods and Results: Patients (359 women, 807 men) with de novo coronary artery disease having PCI (1,166) were evaluated during the first year, since the introduction of DES in the United States market (May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004). Women were more likely to be older, hypertensive, obese, diabetic, and have heart failure. Men were more likely to be smokers and have more vessels with obstructive coronary artery disease. PCI procedural success rates, number of vessels attempted, percentage DES utilization, and in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE; death, new myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization) were similar for both genders. However, women had significantly higher unadjusted mortality (3.9% versus 1.6%, P = 0.01), cumulative vascular complications (12.0% versus 4.2%, P < 0.0001), and renal failure (2.5% versus 0.7%, P = 0.01). After adjustment for confounding variables, mortality was similar between genders, but a significant association with vascular complications and trend toward higher rates of renal failure persisted in women. Conclusions: In this study of the modern era of PCI with DES utilization, in‐hospital MACE is similar between men and women. However, the differences in baseline comorbidities and the proclivity for vascular and renal complications highlight the need for further investigation and improvements to optimize outcomes of PCI in women. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
1‐(1‐Phenethylpiperidin‐4‐yl)‐1‐phenylethanols as Potent and Highly Selective 5‐HT2A Antagonists
Authors: Heinrich Timo , Böttcher Henning , Prücher Helmut , Gottschlich Rudolf , Ackermann Karl‐August , van Amsterdam Christoph
Published: December 2005

The discovery of a novel class of highly potent and selective 5‐HT2A antagonists is reported herein. Selectivity for the serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor was optimized, decreasing the affinity of these antagonists toward the adrenergic α1 and dopaminergic D2 receptors, and especially to the 5‐HT2C receptor. A series of corresponding 7‐substituted indoles is described for the first time as serotonergic ligands. The enantiomer R‐(+)‐1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1‐{1‐[2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)ethyl]piperidin‐4‐yl} ethanol (R‐(+)‐74) was identified to have superior affinity for the serotonergic 5‐HT2A receptor [IC50=0.37 nM] and selectivity toward the dopaminergic D2‐ [IC50=2300 nM], adrenergic α1‐ [IC50=1000 nM] and 5‐HT2C receptors [IC50=490 nM].
In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Clitocine, an Exocyclic Amino Nucleoside Isolated from Lepista inversa
Authors: Fortin Hélène , Tomasi Sophie , Delcros Jean‐Guy , Bansard Jean‐Yves , Boustie Joël
Published: December 2005

A biologically guided fractionation from Lepista inversa (Scop.: Fr.) led to the isolation of clitocine, an exocyclic amino nucleoside. This compound and two mixtures of β/α anomers (mixture A, 40:60 and mixture B, 80:20) were synthesized or isolated depending on the purification procedure. The β anomer and clitocine mixtures A and B showed similar cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging from 20.5 to 42 nM in murine cancer cell lines (3LL and L1210) and from 185 to 578 nM in human cancer cell lines (DU145, K‐562, MCF7, and U251). An in vivo study of mixture B was carried out on 3LL‐ and L1210‐tumor‐bearing mice. Clitocine solubilized in β‐hydroxypropylcyclodextrin and injected at concentrations of 0.5, 3, and 5 mg kg−1 did not significantly increase the survival rate and lifespan of 3LL‐tumor‐bearing mice. In contrast, clitocine showed antitumor activity on L1210‐tumor‐bearing mice with a significant increase in lifespan and a decrease in the development of ascites observed at 3 mg kg−1. The induction of apoptosis may be the basis of the antitumor activity of clitocine against L1210 as suggested by flow‐cytometry analysis of cells treated in vitro.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Liquid Deposition – A Novel Route to Barrier Coatings
Authors: O'Neill L. , O'Hare L.‐A. , Leadley S. R. , Goodwin A. J.
Published: December 2005

A novel path to barrier deposition at atmospheric pressure. By injecting liquid silicones into a non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma, a variety of silica coatings have been deposited. The reactivity of the precursor was found to control the reaction dynamics and powder free coatings were deposited under selected conditions. The resultant coatings provided significant reductions in oxygen transmission rates on plastic substrates.
Remote Microwave PECVD for Continuous, Wide‐Area Coating Under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Hopfe V. , Spitzl R. , Dani I. , Maeder G. , Roch L. , Rogler D. , Leupolt B. , Schoeneich B.
Published: December 2005

In order to establish economic coating technologies for mass‐produced materials, the widely used, microwave plasma‐enhanced (PE) CVD technology has been extended to atmospheric pressure operation. Microwave plasma activation substantially widens the range of potential applications compared to conventional atmospheric CVD, because it is capable of processing temperature‐sensitive substrates. A cylinder‐type microwave cavity was scaled‐up to different working diameters. The half‐meter range has already been achieved, and further scale‐up potential can be demonstrated. The microwave source offers access to a spatially extended, homogeneous, stable, non‐thermal plasma, even in the downstream region. A range of gases can be used for plasma excitation, and the emanating plasma is clean because there is negligible wall interaction. Fluid dynamics modeling was used as a tool for both reactor design and process optimization. In‐situ process characterization was provided by spectroscopic methods (optical emission spectra (OES), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR)) and a range of atomic and molecular intermediates, precursor fragments, and reaction products were identified. A deep precursor fragmentation occurs in the remote plasma region leading to inorganic layer materials. Silica layers were deposited on stainless steel and glass. Deposition rates were in the range 15–100 nm s–1 (static) and 0.3–2.0 nm m s–1 (dynamic). Layer properties were determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry and FTIR reflectance spectroscopy, elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), and nano‐indentation. The optical properties and the network structure of the silica layers on both substrates are close to bulk silica.
Remote AP‐PECVD of Silicon Dioxide Films from Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)
Authors: Alexandrov S. E. , McSporran N. , Hitchman M. L.
Published: December 2005

In this paper we report on a study of an AP‐PECVD process based on a simple, and very inexpensive, dielectric barrier discharge using a standard mains supply frequency. We have investigated the effect of a range of deposition parameters on the properties of silicon oxide layers grown from a HMDSO/O2/Ar system. It is shown that the flux of energetic species from the discharge generation is a critical parameter in determining the growth rate and characteristics of the deposited films. Growth rates up to 10 nm min–1 can be achieved and layer properties, such as refractive index and breakdown voltage, are comparable with those obtained by more conventional CVD processes. General optimum conditions for high growth rates and good quality films can be inferred from the results.
Can CRF1receptor antagonists become antidepressant and/or anxiolytic agents?
Authors: Overstreet David H. , Knapp Darin J. , Breese George R.
Published: December 2005

Significant progress has been made in the development of several nonpeptide antagonists of the type 1 receptor for corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF). The present review outlines the properties of this drug class that point to their potential as agents for depression and/or anxiety. Behavioral tests of CRF1receptor antagonists relevant to depression have been mixed. For example, most CRF1receptor antagonists did not lower swim test immobility in a subacute paradigm, where three injections of the drug are given in the 24 hrs between a 15‐min pre‐swim and a 5‐min test swim. However, reliable effects in other tests of antidepressant action were observed in the chronic mild stress protocol or the Flinders Sensitive Line rat that exhibits innately high swim test immobility when the drugs were given chronically. Because these latter tests have a very good record of predicting antidepressant activity, CRF1receptor antagonists are good candidates for clinical trials for depression. Evidence indicates that the CRF1receptor antagonists do not exhibit changes in anxiety‐like behavior under basal conditions. However, this drug class effectively blocks the anxiogenic states produced by withdrawal from chronic alcohol, by exposure to stress, or in rats selectively bred for high anxiety. CRF1receptor antagonists also prevent the anxiety associated with multiple ethanol withdrawals when given only during the earlier withdrawals. Thus, these agents may also have clinically relevant anxiolytic effects, not only in individuals with anxiety disorders but also in individuals who have anxiety episodes during alcohol or drug withdrawal. Drug Dev. Res. 65:191–204, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NBI 30775 (R121919), an orally active antagonist of the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) type‐1 receptor for the treatment of anxiety and depression
Authors: Chen Chen , Grigoriadis Dimitri E.
Published: December 2005

Since the discovery of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), extensive research has attempted to provide novel treatment strategies for diseases related to the malfunctions of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) system. In depression, cerebrospinal fluid levels of CRF are higher than that in normal individuals. Specifically, increased CRF signaling via the CRF1 receptor is thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of major depression and anxiety disorders. Consequently, a number of compounds have been in various stages of development targeting the postulated overactivity of CRF/CRF1‐receptor signaling. NBI 30775, also known as R121919, is a potent, selective, and functional antagonist of the human CRF1 receptor that was being developed as a potentially novel treatment for anxiety and depression. In pharmacological assays in vitro, NBI 30775 was shown to be a potent functional antagonist at the CRF1 receptor, while having little affinity at the CRF2 receptor subtype. In animal studies, this translated into central CRF1 receptor inhibition determined by ex vivo binding studies. NBI 30775 was able to reduce stress‐induced elevations of plasma ACTH. It also exhibited behavioral effects in several animal models measuring both anxiety and depression, which included elevate plus maze, defense withdrawal, and tail suspension tests. Finally, in an open‐label dose‐escalation Phase 2a clinical study in patients with major depressive disorder, NBI 30775 was able to reduce the scores on self‐rated or physician‐administered depression scales in the patients. Although there were no untoward effects seen in the Phase 2a study, the clinical development of this compound was discontinued because of a reversible elevation of liver enzyme activity in two healthy volunteers in a parallel Phase I dose‐escalation study. This first clinical experience has certainly had a positive impact in the efforts to find a safe CRF1 receptor antagonist as a novel therapeutic for depression‐ and anxiety‐related disorders. Drug Dev. Res. 65:216–226, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin II AT1receptor antagonists inhibit the angiotensin‐CRF‐AVP axis and are potentially useful for the treatment of stress‐related and mood disorders
Authors: Saavedra Juan M. , Pavel Jaroslav
Published: December 2005

The corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), arginine‐vasopressin (AVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and Angiotensin II (Ang II) interact, regulating the central sympathetic system, the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, and the central behavioral mechanisms involved in the response to stress and the development of mood disorders. Non‐peptidic, orally active AVP V1, V3, or CRF1receptor antagonists reduce anxiety in animals. ANP is anxiolytic when administered to rodents and humans with anxiety disorders. These compounds are being developed for the therapy of anxiety and depression, but their clinical efficacy has not yet been established.

Brain Ang II, a physiological ANP antagonist, promotes CRF and AVP release and stimulates the peripheral and central sympathetic systems. The degree of Ang II AT1receptor stimulation determines the response to stress. An orally active, non‐peptidic Ang II AT1receptor antagonist blocks CRF and AVP release during stress, prevents the sympathoadrenal and hormonal stress reaction, the cortical CRF1and benzodiazepine receptor alterations, facilitates the effects of ANP, prevents stress‐induced gastric ulcerations, and is anxiolytic in rodents. CRF, AVP, ANP, and the sympathetic system are intimately linked parts of a fundamental regulatory mechanism controlled by the brain Ang II system through AT1receptor stimulation, and should be studied together. Selective, safe antagonists of Ang II AT1receptors, with central effects after oral administration, have been actively used for the treatment of hypertension and should be considered also as potential anti‐stress, anti‐anxiety, and antidepressant compounds with properties similar or superior to the CRF and AVP antagonists or the ANP agonists under development. Drug Dev. Res. 65:237–269, 2005. © Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The brain renin–angiotensin system: a target for novel antidepressants and anxiolytics
Authors: Gard Paul R.
Published: December 2005

The renin–angiotensin system is best known for its role in the control of blood pressure, but a separate brain renin–angiotensin system exists that influences behaviour and affect. Since the development of drugs designed to reduce renin–angiotensin system activity for treatment of cardiovascular disorders, it has become increasingly apparent that these drugs also have central effects and thus may be of use in the treatment of affective disorders. Animal studies indicate that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and AT1receptor antagonists exhibit antidepressant activity; furthermore, clinically proven antidepressants appear to reduce angiotensin function. In humans, the evidence suggests that depression may be weakly associated with an abnormality of the renin–angiotensin system and that these drugs may be able to alleviate depression in hypertensive patients. They have yet to be tested in normotensive depressed patients, although they are without psychological effect in healthy volunteers. In the case of anxiety, similar findings exist. Animal models indicate an anxiolytic effect of ACE inhibitors and AT1receptor antagonists, and a reduction in the response to stress. In humans, the use of these drugs in hypertensive patients has been shown to be accompanied by a reduction in anxiety scores, but they have not been tested in normotensive, anxious patients and they have no effect in healthy volunteers. If these drugs are to be further developed for use in the treatment of affective disorders, the potential for hypotensive adverse effects needs to be addressed and the possibility of specific genotype differences in responses to therapy needs to be recognised. Drug Dev. Res. 65:270–277, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential use of neurosteroids and neuroactive steroids as modulators of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders
Authors: Dubrovsky Bernardo
Published: December 2005

The term “neurosteroid” (NS) was introduced by Baulieu in 1981 to name a steroid hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), that was found at high levels in the brain long after gonadectomy and adrenalectomy, and shown later to be synthesized by the brain. The term “neuroactive steroid” (NAS) refers to steroids that, independent of their origin, are capable of modifying neural activities. NASs bind and modulate different types of membrane receptors. The γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) and Sigma receptor complexes have been the most extensively studied, while glycine chloride channels, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and voltage‐activated calcium channels, although less explored, are also modulated by NASs. Within the glutamate receptor family,N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors and kainate receptors have been shown to be targets for NA and NAS modulation. Inside the neuron, Oxidized ring A reduced pregnanes, tetrahydroprogesterone (THP), and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) bind to the progesterone intracellular receptor (PR) and in this way can also regulate gene expression. Animal experimentation showed that cardinal symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and memory dysfunctions are partly regulated by NAS. In turn, NAS and NS levels are modulated by psychotropic medications. NS levels, as well as NAS plasma concentrations, change in patients with depression syndromes, the levels return to normal baseline with recovery, but normalization is not necessary for successful therapy. Rather than with nosological syndromes and psychiatric disorders, NAS and NS steroid levels seem to correlate with specific symptoms. Hence, it will be profitable to search for and establish symptom‐steroid relationships, as well as pharmacological and endogenous factors that can modulate NS biosynthesis and NAS formation, to be able to use these steroids in therapy. Drug Dev Res 65:318–334, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muriceanol, a 24(28)‐Epoxide Sterol Link in the Carbon Flux Toward Side‐Chain Dealkylation of Sterols
Authors: Lorenzo Manuel , Cueto Mercedes , D’Croz Luis , Maté Juan L. , San‐Martín Aurelio , Darias José
Published: December 2005

Side‐chain‐oxidized C‐28‐sterol 1 and one new pregnane metabolite 2 were isolated from eastern Pacific Muricea spp. The C‐24(28)‐epoxide functionality is a key intermediate in the C‐24‐dealkylation mechanism of the conversion of phytosterol to cholesterol by phytophagous insects. Certain marine invertebrates share this dealkylation pathway; however, such a key epoxide feature has not yet been found in a naturally occurring sterol from marine invertebrates. The unusual oxidation pattern of the side chain of 1 encourages speculation about its biogenesis and converts this non‐zooxanthellate gorgonia into an interesting candidate organism for biosynthetic studies on C‐24‐dealkylation of phytosterols in octocorals. The (22S)‐22‐hydroxy group, after 24‐dealkylation of 1, may be an advantageous functionalization in the side‐chain cleavage to C‐21‐pregnane steroids in Muricea spp. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
The Chinese interbank repo market: An analysis of term premiums
Authors: Fan Longzhen , Zhang Chu
Published: December 2005

Because of the lack of short‐term government bonds, the interbank repo market in China has been providing the best information about market‐driven short‐term interest rates since its inception. This article examines the behavior of the repo rates of various terms and their term premiums. The work in this article supplements the study by F. Longstaff (2000), which reports supportive evidence for the pure expectations hypothesis over the short range of the term structure with the use of repo data from the United States. It is found that the pure expectations hypothesis is statistically rejected, although the term premiums are economically small. It is shown that the short‐term repo rate, repo rate volatility, repo market liquidity, and repo rate spreads are all important in determining the term premiums. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 26:153–167, 2006
A random coefficient autoregressive Markov regime switching model for dynamic futures hedging
Authors: Lee Hsiang‐Tai , Yoder Jonathan K. , Mittelhammer Ron C. , McCluskey Jill J.
Published: December 2005

The random coefficient autoregressive Markov regime switching model (RCARRS) for estimating optimal hedge ratios, which generalizes the random coefficient autoregressive (RCAR) and Markov regime switching (MRS) models, is introduced. RCARRS, RCAR, MRS, BEKK‐GARCH, CC‐GARCH, and OLS are compared with the use of aluminum and lead futures data. RCARRS outperforms all models out‐of‐sample for lead and is second only to BEKK‐GARCH for aluminum in terms of variancereduction point estimates. White's data‐snooping reality check null hypothesis of no superiority is rejected for BEKK‐GARCH and RCARRS for aluminum, but not for lead. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 26:103–129, 2006
A two‐step procedure for constructing confidence intervals of trait loci with application to a rheumatoid arthritis dataset
Authors: Papachristou Charalampos , Lin Shili
Published: December 2005

Preliminary genome screens are usually succeeded by fine mapping analyses focusing on the regions that signal linkage. It is advantageous to reduce the size of the regions where follow‐up studies are performed, since this will help better tackle, among other things, the multiplicity adjustment issue associated with them. We describe a two‐step approach that uses a confidence set inference procedure as a tool for intermediate mapping (between preliminary genome screening and fine mapping) to further localize disease loci. Apart from the usual Hardy‐Weiberg and linkage equilibrium assumptions, the only other assumption of the proposed approach is that each region of interest houses at most one of the disease‐contributing loci. Through a simulation study with several two‐locus disease models, we demonstrate that our method can isolate the position of trait loci with high accuracy. Application of this two‐step procedure to the data from the Arthritis Research Campaign National Repository also led to highly encouraging results. The method not only successfully localized a well‐characterized trait contributing locus on chromosome 6, but also placed its position to narrower regions when compared to their LOD support interval counterparts based on the same data. Genet. Epidemiol. 30:18–29, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The value of relatives with phenotypes but missing genotypes in association studies for quantitative traits
Authors: Visscher Peter M. , Duffy David L.
Published: December 2005

The additional statistical power of association studies for quantitative traits was derived when ungenotyped relatives with phenotypes are included in the analysis. It was shown that the extra power is a simple function of the coefficient of additive genetic relationship and the phenotypic correlation coefficient between the genotyped and ungenotyped relatives. For close relatives, such as pairs of fullsibs and identical twin pairs, gains in power in the range of 10 to 30% are achieved if only one of the pair is genotyped. The theoretical results were verified by simulations. It was shown that ignoring the error in estimating the genotype of the ungenotyped relative has little impact on the estimates and on statistical power, consistent with results from quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage studies. For genome‐wide association studies in which not all relatives with phenotypes can be genotyped, our study provides a prediction of the additional power of an analysis that includes phenotypes on ungenotyped individuals, and can be used in experimental design. We show that a two‐step procedure, in which missing genotypes are imputed and subsequently an association analysis is performed, is efficient and powerful. Genet. Epidemiol. 30:30–36, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth conelike sensorimotor structures are characteristic features of postmigratory, premyelinating oligodendrocytes
Authors: Fox Michael A. , Afshari Fatemah S. , Alexander John K. , Colello Raymond J. , Fuss Babette
Published: December 2005

During development, postmigratory, premyelinating oligodendrocytes extend processes that navigate through the central nervous system (CNS) environment, where they recognize a number of extracellular cues, including axonal segments to be myelinated. Ultimately this recognition event leads to the formation of the CNS myelin sheath. However, the morphological structures and molecular mechanisms that control such oligodendroglial pathfinding are poorly understood. Here we show that postmigratory, premyelinating oligodendrocyte processes possess at their distal tips expansions that ultrastructurally resemble growth cones of postmigratory neurons and that we will refer to as OLG‐growth cones. OLG‐growth cones are highly motile and capable of mediating process outgrowth, retraction, and branching. In addition, they express regulators of cytoskeletal organization, GAP43 and cofilin, that are known to mediate neuronal growth cone navigation. In a choice situation, processes of postmigratory, premyelinating oligodendrocytes and their OLG‐growth cones have the ability to selectively avoid a nonpermissive substrate, that is, collagen IV. Thus, our findings provide, for the first time, a detailed characterization of sensorimotor structures present at the tips of postmigratory, premyelinating oligodendrocyte processes. Furthermore, the data presented here suggest that, although the cellular mechanisms involved in growth cone steering may be similar for postmigratory neuronal and oligodendroglial cells, extracellular cues may be interpreted in a cell‐type–specific fashion. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of two temporally distinct microglia‐related gene clusters after spinal cord injury
Authors: Byrnes Kimberly R. , Garay Jorge , Di Giovanni Simone , De Biase Andrea , Knoblach Susan M. , Hoffman Eric P. , Movsesyan Vilen , Faden Alan I.
Published: December 2005

The dual role of microglia in cytotoxicity and neuroprotection is believed to depend on the specific, temporal expression of microglial‐related genes. To better clarify this issue, we used high‐density oligonucleotide microarrays to examine microglial gene expression after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. We compared expression changes at the lesion site, as well as in rostral and caudal regions after mild, moderate, or severe SCI. Using microglial‐associated anchor genes, we identified two clusters with different temporal profiles. The first, induced by 4 h postinjury to peak between 4 and 24 h, included interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, osteopontin, and calgranulin, among others. The second was induced 24 h after SCI, and peaked between 72 h and 7 days; it included C1qB, Galectin‐3, and p22phox. These two clusters showed similar expression profiles regardless of injury severity, albeit with slight decreases in expression in mild or severe injury vs. moderate injury. Expression was also decreased rostral and caudal to the lesion site. We validated the expression of selected cluster members at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, we demonstrated that stimulation of purified microglia in culture induces expression of C1qB, Galectin‐3, and p22phox. Finally, inhibition of p22phox activity within microglial cultures significantly suppressed proliferation in response to stimulation, confirming that this gene is involved in microglial activation. Because microglial‐related factors have been implicated both in secondary injury and recovery, identification of temporally distinct clusters of genes related to microglial activation may suggest distinct roles for these groups of factors. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bystander killing of neurons by cytotoxic T cells specific for a glial antigen
Authors: McPherson Scott W. , Heuss Neal D. , Roehrich Heidi , Gregerson Dale S.
Published: December 2005

To explore pathways to neuron loss in inflammatory diseases, transgenic mice expressing β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) in either astrocytes or photoreceptor cells, or both, were inoculated with activated, β‐gal‐specific cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes (CTLs). β‐gal‐positive astrocytes in brain were rapidly attacked, with particular damage in cerebellum. Substantial loss of cerebellar granule cells was found, even though these neurons did not express β‐gal. The small number of β‐gal‐positive retinal astrocytes present in these mice was also rapidly destroyed by transferred CTLs, but without detectable consequences for retinal neurons. However, in mice with photoreceptor cell‐specific β‐gal expression, near‐total destruction of photoreceptor cells was produced by CTL transfer. Attack on photoreceptor cells displayed minimal inflammation, and onset was a week later than onset of astrocyte‐directed disease. CTL transfer into F1 mice expressing β‐gal in both astrocytes and photoreceptor cells confirmed that pathogenesis directed against antigen expressed in glia versus neurons proceeded in two distinct, independent phases. β‐gal‐positive retinal astrocytes were severely affected by 5 days post‐transfer, followed by rapid resolution. Photoreceptor cells in the same retina were unaffected until 12 days post‐transfer. The susceptibility of photoreceptor cells was not enhanced by the prior CTL attack on β‐gal‐expressing retinal astrocytes. The results demonstrate that extensive bystander killing of neurons can occur in vivo as a result of direct CTL attack on surrounding astrocytes. Antigen‐expressing retinal neurons were also efficiently killed by CTLs, but by a mechanism that was substantially delayed and dissociated from the killing of retinal astrocytes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult olfactory ensheathing glia promote the long‐distance growth of adult retinal ganglion cell neurites in vitro
Authors: Leaver S.G. , Harvey A.R. , Plant G.W.
Published: December 2005

In vivo, transplanted adult olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) and adult Schwann cells (SC) can support the regrowth of at least some transected axons within adult CNS neuropil. In the present study, we developed an in vitro adult rat retinal explant model to explore the influence of primary adult SC and OEG on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurite regrowth in the presence of glial cells endogenous to the retina. Retinal quadrants were plated RGC‐side down onto aclar hats coated with either pure collagen (type 1), collagen with OEG, collagen with SCs, or collagen coated with both OEG and SCs. Regrowing retinal neurites extended onto the pure collagen substrate, largely in association with astrocytes that migrated out from the explants (mean number of neurites: 144 ± 65 SEM). The additional presence of OEG (669 ± 122), but not SCs (97 ± 41), supported the regrowth of significantly greater numbers of RGC neurites. Furthermore, this OEG‐stimulated regeneration was over significantly greater distances; >68% of neurites extended > 500 μm from the explant, compared with explants plated onto SCs or collagen alone (15% and 29%, respectively). When OEG and SCs were co‐cultured the number of regenerating neurites was reduced (397 ± 81) compared with the pure OEG treatment. Analysis of explants on pure collagen substrates fed with media conditioned by purified OEG or SC showed no increase in neurite outgrowth compared with control treatments, suggesting that the enhanced growth in the presence of OEG is a contact‐mediated effect. The observed differences between the abilities of OEG and SC to support the growth of CNS‐derived fibers in the presence of astrocytes support the suggestion that OEG may be better suited for direct transplantation into CNS neuropil following injury. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Notes on the Cladoceran and Copepod Fauna of the Uvs Nuur Basin (Northwest Mongolia)
Authors: Flößner Dietrich , Horn Wolfgang , Paul Markus
Published: December 2005

In the catchment area of Lake Uvs Nuur (Northwest Mongolia) samples of branchiopods and copepods were collected in 15 different lentic water bodies. The waters differ in respect to water chemistry, salt content (fresh, saline), water depth (shallow, deep), catchment area and surrounding landscape and vegetation (semi‐desert, steppe areas, alpine regions). 38 species of cladocerans and 16 species of copepods were found. The salt waters (> 0.5 g/l up to 20 g/l) housed altogether 31 species; the fresh waters (< 0.5 g/l) had a distinctly larger number of species (40 species). The populated waters are briefly characterized with regard to morphometry, macrophytes and fish stock. 12 species – 8 Cladocera and 4 Copepoda – have not previously been recorded from Mongolia. Morphological and taxonomical remarks are made on certain species. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impact of Environmental Variables and Food Availability on Rotifer Assemblage in the Karstic Barrage Lake Visovac (Krka River, Croatia)
Authors: Špoljar Maria , Habdija Ivan , Primc‐Habdija Biserka , Sipos Laszlo
Published: December 2005

We evaluated the impact of 18 environmental variables (physico‐chemical, nutrients, food resources) on rotifer assemblage in the sub‐Mediterranean karstic barrage Lake Visovac. In terms of the space‐time distribution the highest density of rotifers was noted in the summer period (average 386 ind/l, relative annual abundance 62%), and in the epilimnetic layer (average 309 ind/l, relative annual abundance 58%). A total of 41 rotifer taxa belonging to 22 genera and 14 families were identified. Three rotifer species: Gastropus stylifer, Synchaeta tremula and Trichocerca birostris were dominant and perennial during the annual investigation. Pearson's product‐moment correlations and canonical correlation analysis suggest that temperature, pH values, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand and chlorophyll a concentration significantly influenced rotifer density. According to rotifer food collection and selection, in Visovac Lake macrofilter‐feeders predominated, and microfilter‐feeders were in a minority. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Population Density of the Crayfish, Orconectes limosus, in Relation to Fish and Macroinvertebrate Densities in a Small Mesotrophic Lake – Implications for the Lake's Food Web
Authors: Haertel‐Borer Susanne S. , Zak Dominik , Eckmann Reiner , Baade Ulrich , Hölker Franz
Published: December 2005

The population density of Orconectes limosus in a mesotrophic lake was assessed in the context of fish and macroinvertebrate biomasses, and crayfish consumption by fish. The average O. limosus (≥6 cm total length) abundance and biomass in the littoral zone was 2200 ind ha–1 and 32.2 kg ha1, respectively. O. limosus biomass accounted for a large percentage (49%) of the lake's macroinvertebrate biomass. O. limosus was equal to 35% of the non‐predatory fish biomass and to 81% of the predatory fish biomass. O. limosus comprised 15 and 48% of the annual consumption of pike and predatory perch, respectively. Altogether, O. limosus was identified as quantitatively important for the lake's littoral food web, and might also subsidize the pelagic food web. This strengthens the need for an integrated view on lake food webs. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Bag‐Sampler: A Simple Device for Collecting Zooplankton in Shallow Vegetated Ponds
Authors: Frisch Dagmar , Wohltmann Andreas
Published: December 2005

Zooplankton in temporary ponds is often collected with gear originally designed for lakes, and mostly unsuitable for sampling shallow habitats. We describe a new simple and inexpensive device for sampling zooplankton in very shallow, vegetated temporary ponds. We tested the sampling efficiency by comparing species composition and density of cyclopoid copepods, an important component of the zooplankton, by sampling with both the new bag sampler and a plastic beaker frequently employed for collections of zooplankton in small waterbodies. With the bag sampler we collected a larger number of species and higher densities of copepods due to its higher efficiency in vegetated areas and near the sediment. The beaker appeared to sample almost only the water surface. The samples collected with the bag sampler revealed a distinct distribution of copepod life cycle stages in a shallow pond, which differed between depths and microhabitats. Additional advantages of the bag sampler are its small size and weight, and the possibility of fast exchange of sample bags between sample locations, thus preventing accidental faunal exchange between sample locations. We conclude that the bag sampler is a device especially useful for sampling zooplankton of shallow ponds and wetlands rich in vegetation, for diversity studies as well as for quantitative sampling. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transparent micro‐ and nanopatterned poly(lactic acid) for biomedical applications
Authors: Mills Christopher A. , Navarro Melba , Engel Elisabeth , Martinez Elena , Ginebra Maria Pau , Planell Josep , Errachid Abdelhamid , Samitier Josep
Published: December 2005

The formation of structures in poly(lactic acid) has been investigated with respect to producing areas of regular, superficial features with dimensions comparable to those of cells or biological macromolecules. Nanoembossing, a novel method of pattern replication in polymers, has been used for the production of features ranging from tens of micrometers, covering areas up to 1 cm2, down to hundreds of nanometers. Both micro‐ and nanostructures are faithfully replicated. Contact‐angle measurements suggest that positive microstructuring of the polymer (where features protrude from the polymer surface) produces a more hydrophilic surface than negative microstructuring. The ability to structure the surface of the poly(lactic acid), allied to the polymer's postprocessing transparency and proven biocompatibility, means that thin films produced in this way will be useful for bioengineers studying the interaction of micro‐ and nanodimensioned features with biological specimen, with regard to tissue engineering, for example. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Alkaline‐treated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) films: Degradation in the presence or absence of fibroblasts
Authors: Peña Juan , Corrales Teresa , Izquierdo‐Barba Isabel , Serrano M. Concepción , Portolés M. Teresa , Pagani Raffaella , Vallet‐Regí María
Published: December 2005

In the first stage, we observed the study of the degradation behavior of alkaline‐treated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) in two biologically‐related media: phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) for 18 months, finding a much accelerated degradation in the last one. As expected, the degradation in the presence of cells is much pronounced even considering that the study is limited to 6 months. The characterization of the degraded substrates by chemiluminescence (CL) allows to explain the modifications of the substrate and their relations with transitory oxidative stress phenomena described in the fibroblasts seeded onto the PCL membranes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Comparison of endothelial cells grown on different stent materials
Authors: Yeh Hung‐I , Lu Shao‐Kou , Tian Tin‐Yi , Hong Ray‐Ching , Lee Wun‐Hsing , Tsai Cheng‐Ho
Published: December 2005

We compared the behavior of endothelial cells grown on stent materials. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were seeded (200 or 800 cells/mm2) onto different metallic sheets, including 316 stainless steel (low carbon; 316LSS), nitinol, and 316LSS coated with TiN or TiO2. Cells seeded onto tissue culture‐treated polystyrene dish coated with gelatin were used as controls. Forty‐eight hours later, the cells were examined by Western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that for either seeding values, the levels of cellularity on TiN and TiO2 are comparable or higher, and those on 316LSS and nitinol are lower compared to the controls (p < 0.05). SEM demonstrated that cells are well‐attached on the metallic surface with various amount of cellular processes. In metals seeded with 800 cells/mm2, Western blotting showed that the overlying cells expressed less amounts of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Von Willebrand factor (VWF), and connexin43 protein compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the results of immunoblotting. In conclusion, stent materials affect HUVEC's growth and protein expression profile. Down‐regulation of eNOS, VWF, and connexin43 gap junctions is a common phenomenon in the cells growing on the examined metallic materials, suggesting the existence of endothelial dysfunction in the arterial segments containing the stents made of such materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Silicon inhibition effects on the polymerase chain reaction: A real‐time detection approach
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Hai‐Bin , Li Zhi‐Xin , Guo Zeng‐Yuan
Published: December 2005

In the miniaturization of biochemical analysis systems, biocompatibility of the microfabricated material is a key feature to be considered. A clear insight into interactions between biological reagents and microchip materials will help to build more robust functional bio‐microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS). In the present work, a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to study the inhibition effects of silicon and native silicon oxide particles on Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA PCR amplification. Silicon nanoparticles with different surface oxides were added into the PCR mixture to activate possible interactions between the silicon‐related materials and the PCR reagents. Ratios of silicon nanoparticle surface area to PCR mixture volume (surface to volume ratio) varied from 4.7 to 235.5 mm2/μL. Using high speed centrifugation, the nanoparticles were pelleted to tube inner surfaces. Supernatant extracts were then used in subsequent PCR experiments. To test whether silicon materials participated in amplifications directly, in some cases, entire PCR mixture containing silicon nanoparticles were used in amplification. Fluorescence histories of PCR amplifications indicated that with the increase in surface to volume ratio, amplification efficiency decreased considerably, and within the studied ranges, the higher the particle surface oxidation, the stronger the silicon inhibition effects on PCR. Adsorption of Taq polymerase (not nucleic acid) on the silicon‐related material surface was the primary cause of the inhibition phenomena and silicon did not participate in the amplification process directly. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
The hydroperoxy radical as a hydrogen bond acceptor. HOOHCl complexes—Ab initio study
Authors: Bil Andrzej , Latajka Zdzisław
Published: December 2005

Protonacceptor properties of the HOO radical were investigated previously by means of ab initio as well as topological Atoms in Molecules (AIM) and Electron Localization Function (ELF) methods. It was pointed out that in the radical there are three nonequivalent positions most susceptible to protonation, and on this basis three structures of possible hydrogen bonded complexes were proposed. Results reported in the present article concern all possible 1:1 complexes formed by HCl and HOO molecules, and fully confirm suppositions given on the basis of the above‐mentioned investigations. There are three various complexes referring to the local minima, and the transition structure predicted by topological methods has been found as well. The cyclic structure appeared to be the most stable one, which confirms conclusions given in the experimental article. Apart from structure optimization, harmonic as well as anharmonic spectra of the complexes have been simulated. Anharmonicity of HCl stretching vibration was of special interest, as the frequency of this vibration characterizes the ClH · · · O hydrogen bond in these complexes. To obtain values of these frequencies the one‐dimensional Hamiltonian has been diagonalized numerically. The potential for this Hamiltonian has been taken from a set of single‐point scanning of the part of the Potential Energy Surface (PES) connected with this vibration. The potential calculated on the MP2 level leads to the result close to the experimental value, whereas the B3LYP method is inappropriate for the purpose of PES investigation of these complexes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 287–295, 2006
Polymer‐grafted banana (Musa paradisiaca) stalk as an adsorbent for the removal of lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions from aqueous solutions: kinetic and equilibrium studies
Authors: Shibi Indira G , Anirudhan Thayyath S
Published: December 2005

This study examined the effectiveness of a new adsorbent prepared from banana (Musa paradisiaca) stalk, one of the abundantly available lignocellulosic agrowastes, in removing Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent (PGBS‐COOH) having a carboxylate functional group at its chain end was synthesized by graft copolymerization of acrylamide on to banana stalk, followed by functionalization. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of solution pH, ionic strength, contact time, metal concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature. A pH range of 5.5–8.0 was found to be effective for the maximum removal for both Pb(II) and Cd(II). Metal uptake was found to decrease with increase in ionic strength due to the expansion of the diffuse double layer and, more importantly, the formation of some chloro complexes (since NaCl was used in the adjustment of ionic strength), which do not appear to be adsorbed to the same extent as cations [M2+ and M(OH)+]. The kinetic studies showed that an equilibrium time of 3 h was needed for the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) on PGBS‐COOH and adsorption processes followed a pseudo‐second‐order equation. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted the experimental equilibrium data well. The maximum sorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions was 185.34 and 65.88 mg g−1, respectively, at 30 °C. The thermodynamic parameters such as changes in free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) were derived to predict the nature of adsorption. The isosteric heat of adsorption was found to be independent of surface coverage. Adsorption experiments were also conducted using a commercial cation exchanger, Ceralite IRC‐50, for comparison. Synthetic wastewater samples were treated with the adsorbent to demonstrate its efficiency in removing Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from industrial wastewaters. Acid regeneration was tried for several cycles with a view to recovering the sorbed metal ions and also restoring the sorbent to its original state. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Fullerenes as sorbent materials for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers preconcentration
Authors: Serrano Antonio , Gallego Mercedes
Published: December 2005

A simple and novel SPE system for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) compounds in water is proposed in which samples are directly propelled from a 15 mL glass vial through a sorbent column by means of a needle, thereby avoiding evaporative losses and the sorption of BTEX on the manifold materials. Following elution with 150 μL of ethyl acetate, 1 μL of extract is injected into a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer system. A comparative study of various sorbent materials (C60 fullerene, Tenax TA, and RP‐C18) revealed C60 fullerene to be the best choice in terms of sensitivity (a likely result of its increased sample breakthrough volume), precision (the surfactant medium used to prepare samples minimizes evaporative losses), selectivity (C60 fullerene only interacts with nonpolar aromatic compounds), and reusability (columns containing 60 mg of C60 fullerene remain serviceable for at least 6 months). This C60 fullerene‐based method exhibits a linear range of 0.1–100 μg/L, a detection limit of 0.04 μg/L, and an RSD of ca. 3%. It was applied to the determination of BTEX in various types of water including sea and waste water with good precision.