bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic investigations to reveal the nature of interactions between the haem protein myoglobin and the dye rhodamine 6G
Authors: Mandal Paulami , Bardhan Munmun , Ganguly Tapan
Published: August 2011

In the present investigation, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence with the combination of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic techniques were applied to study the interactions of the well‐known dye rhodamine 6 G (R6G) with the haem protein human myoglobin (Mb). From the analysis of the results it appears that the static type of fluorescence quenching mechanism is primarily involved, due to ground‐state interactions. Although considerable overlapping of fluorescence emission of the dye R6G with the absorption of Mb in the Q‐band region exists, the possibility of occurrences of the excitational singlet–singlet non‐radiative energy transfer process from R6G to Mb appears to be unlikely, according to time‐resolved fluorescence measurements. From the determinations of the thermodynamic parameters, it was apparent that the combined effect of van der Waals' interactions and hydrogen bonding plays a vital role in Mb–R6G interactions. Induced circular dichroism (ICD) studies demonstrate the possibility of interactions between R6G and Mb. The binding constants, number of binding sites and thermodynamic parameters have been computed. From CD measurements it is apparent that the binding of the dye R6G with the haem protein Mb induces negligible conformational changes in the protein and Mb retains its secondary structure and helicity when it interacts with R6G. The present detailed studies on the interactions with Mb should be helpful in further advancement of medical diagnostics and biotechnology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved enzyme production by bio‐pellets of Aspergillus niger: Targeted morphology engineering using titanate microparticles
Authors: Driouch Habib , Hänsch Robert , Wucherpfennig Thomas , Krull Rainer , Wittmann Christoph
Published: August 2011

The present study describes the design of bio‐pellet morphologies of the industrial working horse Aspergillus niger strains in submerged culture. The novel approach recruits the intended addition of titanate microparticles (TiSiO4, 8 µm) to the growth medium. As tested for two recombinant strains producing fructofuranosidase and glucoamylase, the enzyme titer by the titanate‐enhanced cultures in shake flasks was increased 3.7‐fold to 150 U/mL (for fructofuranosidase) and 9.5‐fold to 190 U/mL (for glucoamylase) as compared to the control. This could be successfully utilized for improved enzyme production in stirred tank reactors. Stimulated by the particles, the achieved final glucoamylase activity of 1,080 U/mL (fed‐batch) and 320 U/mL (batch) was sevenfold higher as compared to the conventional processes. The major reason for the enhanced production was the close association between the titanate particles and the fungal cells. Already below 2.5 g/L the micromaterial was found inside the pellets, including single particles embedded as 50–150 µm particle aggregates in the center resulting in core shell pellets. With increasing titanate levels the pellet size decreased from 1,700 µm (control) to 300 µm. Fluorescence based resolution of GFP expression revealed that the large pellets of the control were only active in a 200 µm surface layer. This matches with the critical penetration depth for nutrients and oxygen typically observed for fungal pellets. The biomass within the titanate derived fungal pellets, however, was completely active. This was due a reduced thickness of the biomass layer via smaller pellets as well as the core shell structure. Moreover, also the created loose inner pellet structure enabled a higher mass transfer and penetration depths for up to 500 µm. The creation of core‐shell pellets has not been achieved previously by the addition of microparticles, for example, made of talc or alumina. Due to this, the present work opens further possibilities to use microparticles for tailor‐made morphology design of filamentous fungi, especially for pellet based processes which have a long and strong industrial relevance for industrial production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:462–471. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients aged 80 years and older
Authors:   Finnish Arterial Disease Investigators, Biancari F , Venermo M
Published: August 2011

Background

Open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) in patients aged 80 years and older may be questioned owing to the patients' high operative risk and short life expectancy.

Methods

Data on patients aged at least 80 years, admitted for RAAA at four Finnish university hospitals, were collected and analysed retrospectively.

Results

Three hundred and ten consecutive patients aged 80 years and older with RAAA reached hospital alive; 200 (64·5 per cent) underwent open repair. The number of open repairs increased during the last 5 years (49·0 per cent of the whole series), with no significant increase in the number of patients treated conservatively. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 72·9 per cent. The operative mortality rate was 59·0 per cent and decreased from 66 to 52 per cent during the last 5 years (P = 0·050). On multivariable analysis, shock was the only independent predictor of immediate postoperative death (odds ratio 4·97, 95 per cent confidence interval 2·09 to 7·94; P < 0·001). Classification and regression tree analysis showed that preoperative haemoglobin level and presence of shock were predictive of immediate postoperative death; 19 (95 per cent) of 20 patients with shock and a haemoglobin level below 68 g/l died immediately after surgery. Among the 82 survivors of surgery, survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 90, 68 and 45 per cent respectively. These values were not significantly different from those of the age-, sex- and year-matched general population (P = 0·885).

Conclusion

Survival after open repair of RAAA among patients aged 80 years and older is sufficient to justify the procedure, particularly in patients in a stable haemodynamic condition.
Analysis of in vitro oxidized human LDL phospholipids by solid‐phase extraction and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography
Authors: Yang Ying‐Ling , Chong Chin‐Pong , Tsai Ming‐Hua , Liu Mine‐Yine
Published: August 2011

Phospholipids of in vitro oxidized human low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) were separated by two different solid‐phase extraction (SPE) methods. One of the two methods was designed to test the effects of gradient elution. This SPE method isolated more phospholipids from in vitro oxidized LDL than the other one according to the results of liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC ESI‐MS) analysis. A micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) method was also used to analyze phospholipids separated by SPE. The results of MEKC and LC ESI‐MS were consistent for the major phospholipid classes, including PC, lysoPC, PE, PI and PS. The MEKC profiles showed significant differences for native and oxidized LDL phospholipids. Therefore, the unique combination of SPE and MEKC methods showed dramatic distinctions between native and in vitro oxidized human LDL phospholipids. The combination also shows great potential for rapid analysis of in vivo oxidized human LDL phospholipids in the future. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meaning of Social Inclusion to Young People Not in Employment, Education or Training
Authors: Rose Helena , Daiches Anna , Potier Jo
Published: August 2011

The ‘social inclusion’ of young people, particularly those who are ‘not in education, employment or training’, is a contemporary concern in policy discourses. However, it has been argued that the term ‘social inclusion’ is defined by adults and imposed on young people, and there is little understanding of what ‘social inclusion’ means to young people themselves. Using a participatory methodology, this study investigated what ‘being included’ meant to young people. A qualitative approach with a thematic analysis was used to explore the accounts of 11 participants and yielded three main themes. ‘“Acceptance”—the building blocks of inclusion’ reflected the power of interpersonal acceptance in determining young people's sense of inclusion. ‘“Learning why I don't matter”—when power and discourse shape inclusion’ illustrated how social discourses and power dynamics influenced young people's experience of inclusion. ‘“Keeping up or falling behind”—internalising the discourse of inclusion’ reflected how young people internalised some of these societal definitions of inclusion and responded to them. Those who felt ‘accepted’ or ‘included’ in a ‘mainstream’ sense articulated a sense of agency and hope. For those who did not, it appeared that agency dissolved as did a sense of hope for the future. Although the participants negotiated their ‘inclusion’ through close, trusting relationships with others, the application of the societal discourses of inclusion such as productivity, independence and career mindedness had the potential to leave them feeling excluded, isolated and distressed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Trinuclear Copper(II) Cryptate and Its μ3‐CO3 Cascade Complex: Thermodynamics, Structural and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Mateus Pedro , Delgado Rita , Lloret Francesc , Cano Joan , Brandão Paula , Félix Vítor
Published: August 2011

The 2,4,6‐triethylbenzene‐capped hexaamine macrobicycle with pyridyl spacers (pyr) was able to coordinate three copper(II) ions within its cavity. Potentiometric studies performed at 298.2 K in MeOH/H2O (50:50 v/v) and at ionic strength 0.10 mol dm−3 in KNO3 revealed that trinuclear species predominate in solution from pH 5.0, the hydroxo complexes being the main species, which start forming at unusual very low pH values. The single‐crystal X‐ray determination of the trinuclear complex showed that the three copper centres have square‐planar geometry, arranged in an almost equilateral triangle, and have carbonate bridging the three metal centres. The presence of carbonate resulted from fixation of atmospheric CO2. The present study represents the first μ3‐CO3‐bridged trinuclear copper(II) complex located in the interior of a macrobicyclic cavity. The magnetic data of [Cu3(pyr)(μ3‐CO3)]⋅(ClO4)4 showed ferromagnetic intramolecular interactions [J=3.80 cm−1, based on the Hamiltonian H=−J(S1S2+S2S3+S1S3)] yielding a spin quartet, S=3/2, ground state. Density functional calculations on the experimental geometry of the trinuclear complex showed that the ferromagnetic nature of the magnetic coupling can be attributed to the syn–anti conformation of the carbonato bridge, and a magneto‐structural correlation, based on the different conformations (syn–anti, syn–syn and anti–anti), is presented. The interesting properties observed, namely the lowering of the pKa of coordinated water molecules to unusual values and the good fit of the carbonate anion between the copper centres, derive from the special architecture of pyr.
Phase Behavior of Mixtures of Propene and Isotactic Polypropene under High Pressure
Authors: Ruhl Oliver , Luft Gerhard
Published: August 2011

Da nur wenige Daten über das Phasenverhalten von Mischungen aus Propen und Polypropen unter industriellen Polymerisationsbedingungen vorliegen, wurden Untersuchungen mit isotaktischen Polypropenen durchgeführt, die bei gleicher Dichte und ähnlicher Polydispersität stark unterschiedliche gewichtsmittlere Molmassen aufweisen. Es wurden die Trübungsdrücke in Abhängigkeit von der Polymermolmasse, dem Polymeranteil in der Mischung und der Temperatur gemessen. Diese sind wesentlich niedriger als die vergleichbarer Mischungen aus Ethen und Low‐Density‐Polyethenen oder Ethen/Vinylacetat und Ethen/Vinylacetat‐Copolymeren.
Enhanced IL‐10 production by CD4+ T cells primed in IL‐15Rα‐deficient mice
Authors: Chow Kai‐Ping N. , Lee Jan‐Mou , Qiu Jian‐Tai , Liao Shuen‐Kuei , Lin Shih‐Chieh , Hsu Shuo‐Lun , Wu Ning‐Ning , Lin Yen‐Fu , Wu Tzong‐Shoon
Published: August 2011

In this study, we investigated the functional outcomes of CD4+ T cells primed in the absence of IL‐15 transpresentation. Compared with their WT counterparts primed in WT mice, IL‐15Rα KO CD4+ T cells primed in KO mice were found to exclusively overproduce IL‐10 upon in vitro restimulation. The comparable expression of IL‐4 and Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells primed in the WT and IL‐15Rα KO mice indicated that this was neither due to TH2‐ nor Treg cell‐differentiation. IL‐10 overproduction was also observed when OVA‐specific TCR transgenic CD4+ T (OT‐II) cells were primed in KO mice, excluding an intrinsic deficiency of KO CD4+ T cells. To investigate the WT and KO microenvironment, DCs from both WT and IL‐15Rα KO mice were compared. DCs from both backgrounds were indistinguishable in their steady‐state survival and in their expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, and CD40. However, IL‐15Rα KO DCs primed OT‐II cells in vitro to produce higher levels of IL‐10 upon their restimulation. Additionally, IL‐15Rα KO DCs produced significantly more IL‐10 upon activation, and IL‐10 neutralization during DC‐mediated in vitro priming abolished IL‐10 overproduction by CD4+ T cells. Thus, IL‐15Rα KO DCs provide an IL‐10‐enriched environment that preferentially primes CD4+ T cells for more IL‐10 production, highlighting a regulatory role for IL‐15 transpresentation in CD4+ T‐cell priming.
5,15‐A2B2‐ and 5,15‐A2BC‐Type Porphyrins with Donor and Acceptor Groups for Use in Nonlinear Optics and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Senge Mathias O. , Fazekas Marijana , Pintea Monica , Zawadzka Monika , Blau Werner J.
Published: August 2011

Development of efficient new synthetic strategies leading to more diversified substitution patterns of porphyrin rings is of great importance as it expands the potential applicability of these compounds and provides a more accurate way of tailoring their properties for a specific application. Changes in the electronic and conformational structures induced by different substituents are manifested by unique properties which are of interest for many applications ranging from amphiphilic porphyrins for photodynamic therapy, push–pull systems for optical applications, chiral systems useful in catalysis, to donor–acceptor systems suitable for electron transfer studies. Different chemical strategies were demonstrated for access to unsymetrically substituted porphyrins with nonequivalent β or meso substituents. For the latter we have adopted the functionalization of preformed porphyrins in order to obtain a diverse range of porphyrin structures with 5,15‐A2B2 and 5,15‐A2BC meso substitution patterns suitable for applications in optical limiting and photodynamic therapy. The functionalization of A2‐type starting materials by organolithium and palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions is an efficient means to enable the introduction of almost any desired meso substituent. We report the nonlinear absorptive properties of our A2B2 and A2BC porphyrins and show that there is strong correlation between structural features and the optical limiting efficiency. The nonlinear optical studies indicate that the 5,15‐A2B2 substitution pattern provides more promising candidates for use in optical limiting.
When a new group identity does harm on the spot: Stereotype threat in newly created groups
Authors: Martiny Sarah E. , Roth Jenny , Jelenec Petra , Steffens Melanie C. , Croizet Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2011

The detrimental consequences of negative stereotypes on performance have been demonstrated in a variety of social groups with various stereotypes. The present studies investigate the minimal conditions for stereotype threat using newly created groups. Results of three experiments (total N = 184) demonstrate that in the negative stereotype condition, the more participants identified with their novel group, the stronger was their decrease in performance. In the control condition, identification was either not related to performance, or it had by trend a positive effect. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed with regard to stereotype threat and social identity theory. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated microfluidic culture device to regulate endothelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells
Authors: Lee Jong Min , Kim Ji‐eun , Kang Edward , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Chung Bong Geun
Published: August 2011

We developed an integrated microfluidic culture device to regulate embryonic stem (ES) cell fate. The integrated microfluidic culture device consists of an air control channel and a fluidic channel with 4×4 micropillar arrays. We hypothesized that the microscale posts within the micropillar arrays would enable the control of uniform cell docking and shear stress profiles. We demonstrated that ES cells cultured for 6 days in the integrated microfluidic culture device differentiated into endothelial cells. Therefore, our integrated microfluidic culture device is a potentially powerful tool for directing ES cell fate.
Identifying the causes of oil sands coke leachate toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Puttaswamy Naveen , Liber Karsten
Published: August 2011

A previous study found that coke leachates (CL) collected from oil sands field sites were acutely toxic to Ceriodaphnia dubia; however, the cause of toxicity was not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to generate CL in the laboratory to evaluate the toxicity response of C. dubia and perform chronic toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) tests to identify the causes of CL toxicity. Coke was subjected to a 15-d batch leaching process at pH 5.5 and 9.5. Leachates were filtered on day 15 and used for chemical and toxicological characterization. The 7-d median lethal concentration (LC50) was 6.3 and 28.7% (v/v) for pH 5.5 and 9.5 CLs, respectively. Trace element characterization of the CLs showed Ni and V levels to be well above their respective 7-d LC50s for C. dubia. Addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved survival and reproduction in pH 5.5 CL, but not in pH 9.5 CL. Cationic and anionic resins removed toxicity of pH 5.5 CL only. Conversely, the toxicity of pH 9.5 CL was completely removed with an anion resin alone, suggesting that the pH 9.5 CL contained metals that formed oxyanions. Toxicity reappeared when Ni and V were added back to anion resin-treated CLs. The TIE results combined with the trace element chemistry suggest that both Ni and V are the cause of toxicity in pH 5.5 CL, whereas V appears to be the primary cause of toxicity in pH 9.5 CL. Environmental monitoring and risk assessments should therefore focus on the fate and toxicity of metals, especially Ni and V, in coke-amended oil sands reclamation landscapes. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2576–2585. © 2011 SETAC
Surveillance of women at increased risk of breast cancer using mammography and clinical breast examination: Further evidence of benefit
Authors: Maurice Andrew , Evans D. Gareth , Affen Jenny , Greenhalgh Rosemary , Duffy Stephen W. , Howell Anthony
Published: August 2011

Women with a significant family history of breast cancer are generally offered early surveillance by mammography and often clinical breast examination (CBE). The evidence base for surveillance has been questioned. We reviewed its effectiveness in terms of tumour size, lymph node status and survival in 7,475 women seen over a 22‐year period in the Manchester Family History Clinic. We diagnosed 139 invasive and 26 in situ breast cancers. Seventy‐six percent of the invasive cancers were screen detected, 65% node negative and 71% <2cm in diameter at diagnosis. Twenty‐one tumours were BRCA1 positive and were significantly more likely to be grade 3, ER/PR negative (p < 0.0001) and have a poorer survival. CBE contributed to 30% of cancer diagnoses and was responsible for discovery of nine mammographically occult tumours. The cost per quality life year was estimated at £13,080 for tumours detected by CBE and not by mammography. We conclude that screening by annual mammography and CBE between age 35–50 years and 18 monthly from 50 to 60 years may diagnose breast cancer in a less advanced state in terms of size and node status compared with symptomatic cancers and, apart from BRCA1 carriers, is likely to contribute to improved long‐term outcome compared with no surveillance.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 influences cellular homocysteine levels in murine preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells by direct regulation of cystathionine β-synthase
Authors: Kriebitzsch Carsten , Verlinden Lieve , Eelen Guy , van Schoor Natasja M , Swart Karin , Lips Paul , Meyer Mark B , Pike J Wesley , Boonen Steven , Carlberg Carsten , Vitvitsky Victor , Bouillon Roger , Banerjee Ruma , Verstuyf Annemieke
Published: August 2011

High homocysteine (HCY) levels are a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture. Furthermore, bone quality and strength are compromised by elevated HCY owing to its negative impact on collagen maturation. HCY is cleared by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), the first enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway. CBS converts HCY to cystathionine, thereby committing it to cysteine synthesis. A microarray experiment on MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblasts treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] revealed a cluster of genes including the cbs gene, of which the transcription was rapidly and strongly induced by 1,25(OH)2D3. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed higher levels of cbs mRNA and protein after 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment in murine and human cells. Moreover, measurement of CBS enzyme activity and quantitative measurements of HCY, cystathionine, and cysteine concentrations were consistent with elevated transsulfuration activity in 1,25(OH)2D3-treated cells. The importance of a functional vitamin D receptor (VDR) for transcriptional regulation of cbs was shown in primary murine VDR knockout osteoblasts, in which upregulation of cbs in response to 1,25(OH)2D3 was abolished. Chromatin immunoprecipitation on chip and transfection studies revealed a functional vitamin D response element in the second intron of cbs. To further explore the potential clinical relevance of our ex vivo findings, human data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam suggested a correlation between vitamin D status [25(OH)D3 levels] and HCY levels. In conclusion, this study showed that cbs is a primary 1,25(OH)2D3 target gene which renders HCY metabolism responsive to 1,25(OH)2D3. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Crucial role of the cryptic epitope SLAYGLR within osteopontin in renal crystal formation of mice
Authors: Hamamoto Shuzo , Yasui Takahiro , Okada Atsushi , Hirose Masahito , Matsui Yutaka , Kon Shigeyuki , Sakai Fumihiko , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Hayashi Yutaro , Tozawa Keiichi , Uede Toshimitsu , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: August 2011

Osteopontin plays a crucial role in the formation of renal calcium crystals, which are primarily induced by renal tubular cell injury, especially mitochondrial damage. We have previously shown that the impaired Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence of osteopontin inhibits renal crystal formation by using OPN-transgenic mice and OPN-knockout (OPN-KO) mice. Here, we investigated the effects of an antimurine osteopontin antibody (35B6-Ab) that specifically reacts with the 162SLAYGLR168 sequence, which is exposed by thrombin cleavage and is located adjacent to the RGD sequence, on renal crystal formation.

Renal crystals induced by daily administration of glyoxylate over 9 days (from days 1 to 9) in a murine model were sporadically detected in the renal tubular cells at the corticomedullary junction, where thrombin-cleaved osteopontin expression was also coincidentally detected. On days 0, 3, 6, and 9, 35B6-Ab administration inhibited renal crystal formation and induced significant morphological changes in a dose-dependent manner (250, 500, and 1000 µg per mouse). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the crystals in 35B6-Ab–treated mice were aberrantly formed and their density was low; in contrast, the crystals in untreated mice that were not administered 35B6-Ab had a radial pattern of growth (rosette petal–like crystals), and their density was high. Microstructure analysis of renal tubular cells by transmission electron microscopy revealed that untreated mice showed collapsed mitochondria in the flattened cytoplasm of renal tubular cells, unlike the corresponding structures in 35B6-Ab–treated mice, in which renal tubular cell injury was inhibited. In vitro, 35B6-Ab was found to inhibit the attachment of 14C-labeled crystals to renal tubular culture cells and reduce morphological damage to these cells.

We conclude that thrombin-cleaved osteopontin plays an important role in formation of renal calcium crystals and that 35B6-Ab contributes to the remarkable inhibition of early-stage renal crystal formation by preventing renal tubular cell injury and crystal-cell attachment. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β is critical for Interferon‐α‐induced serotonin uptake in human Jurkat T cells
Authors: Tsao Chiung‐Wen , Lin Chiou‐Feng , Wu Hung‐Tsung , Ma Ching‐Ting , Huang Wei‐Ching , Hsieh Chia‐Yuan , Choi Pui‐Ching , Young Kung‐Chia
Published: August 2011

Dysregulation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β contributes to the pathophysiology of mood disorders. However, how its regulation is responsible for the functioning of serotonin (5‐HT) requires further investigation. Although enhancement of T‐cell function may present an alternative strategy to treat depression, the precise mechanisms have yet to be established. Our previous studies have found that interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) up‐regulates serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) expression and induces 5‐HT uptake in T cells. The present study is to examine GSK‐3β regulation on IFN‐α‐induced 5‐HTT functions. GSK‐3β short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or GSK‐3β inhibitors decreased IFN‐α‐induced 5‐HT uptake and 5‐HTT expression. Src activation and calcium/calcium‐activated calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) were involved in IFN‐α‐induced phosphorylation of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) (Tyr402) and GSK‐3β (Tyr216), which regulated 5‐HT uptake. GSK‐3β knockdown blocked the IFN‐α‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) and signal transducer and transactivator (STAT) 1. In addition to inhibiting ERK, a selective 5‐HTT inhibitor fluoxetine blocked IFN‐α‐induced activations of Src, CaMKII‐regulated Pyk2/GSK‐3β cascade, as well as STAT1 activation and translocation. These results indicated that calcium/CaMKII‐ and Src‐regulated Pyk2 participated in IFN‐α‐induced GSK‐3β activation and GSK‐3β‐regulated 5‐HT uptake. GSK‐3β signaling facilitated IFN‐α‐activated STAT1 by regulating ERK1/2, which controlled 5‐HT uptake. Fluoxetine interfered with the Pyk2/GSK‐3β cascade, thereby inhibiting IFN‐α‐induced 5‐HT uptake. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2556–2566, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion‐weighted and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in evaluation of early treatment effects during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Jensen Line R. , Garzon Benjamin , Heldahl Mariann G. , Bathen Tone F. , Lundgren Steinar , Gribbestad Ingrid S.
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To use dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) and diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI at 3 Tesla (T) for early evaluation of treatment effects in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and assess the reliability of DW‐MRI.

Materials and Methods:

DW‐ and DCE‐MRI acquisitions of 15 breast cancer patients were performed before and after one cycle of NAC. MRI tumor diameter and volume, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and kinetic parameters (Ktrans, ve) were derived. The reliability of ADC before NAC was assessed. Changes in MRI parameters after NAC were analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was used to find the best predictors for pathologic response.

Results:

The reliability for ADC values was high, with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.84 (P = 0.001). After one cycle of NAC, MRI tumor diameter (8%, P = 0.005) and tumor volume (30%, P = 0.008) was reduced for all patients, while ADC mean values increased (0.12 mm2/s, P = 0.008). The best predictor for treatment response was a change in MRI tumor diameter with mean error rate of 0.167 (13% for responders, 5% for nonresponders, P = 0.291).

Conclusion:

Changes in MRI derived tumor diameter and ADC after only one cycle of NAC could provide a valuable tool for early evaluation of treatment effects in breast cancer patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibody persistence and immune memory in healthy adults following vaccination with a two‐dose inactivated hepatitis A vaccine: Long‐term follow‐up at 15 years
Authors: Van Herck Koen , Jacquet Jeanne‐Marie , Van Damme Pierre
Published: August 2011

Long‐term persistence of vaccine‐induced immune response in adults was assessed annually for 15 years following primary immunization with a two‐dose inactivated hepatitis A vaccine. In 1992, 119 and 194 subjects aged 17–40 years and naïve for hepatitis A virus (HAV) were enrolled in two studies to receive 1,440 ELISA units (El.U) of inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix™, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Belgium) according to a standard 0, 6 or an extended 0, 12 months schedule, respectively. Serum samples were taken 1 month after the second vaccine dose and every consecutive year up to 15 years after primary vaccination for measurement of anti‐HAV antibody concentrations (NCT00291876 and NCT00289757).

At year 15, 100% (48/48) and 97.3% (108/111) of subjects vaccinated at 0, 6 or 0, 12 months remained seropositive for anti‐HAV antibodies, with geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of 289.2 and 367.4 mIU/ml, respectively. An additional dose of HAV vaccine (1,440 El.U) was administered to the six subjects who had become seronegative for anti‐HAV antibodies since year 11. All subjects mounted a humoral immune response to the additional HAV challenge dose, although post‐challenge anti‐HAV antibody levels remained low in one subject.

These studies represent the longest annual follow‐up of hepatitis A vaccine in healthy adults. The immune response induced by two doses of this inactivated HAV vaccine was shown to persist for at least 15 years. No difference in long‐term antibody persistence was observed between the two primary vaccination schedules, reinforcing the potential for flexibility in the timing of the second primary vaccine dose. J. Med. Virol. 83:1885–1891, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of ultra high performance supercritical neat carbon dioxide chromatography at conventional pressures
Authors: Sarazin Cédric , Thiébaut Didier , Sassiat Patrick , Vial Jérôme
Published: August 2011

The implementation of columns packed with sub‐2 μm particles in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is described using neat carbon dioxide as the mobile phase. A conventional supercritical fluid chromatograph was slightly modified to reduce extra column band broadening. Performances of a column packed with 1.8 μm C18‐bonded silica particles in SFC using neat carbon dioxide as the mobile phase were compared with results obtained in ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) using a dedicated chromatograph. As expected and usual in SFC, higher linear velocities than in UHPLC must be applied in order to reach optimal efficiency owing to higher diffusion coefficient of solutes in the mobile phase; similar numbers of theoretical plates were obtained with both techniques. Very fast separations of hydrocarbons are presented using two different alkyl‐bonded silica columns.
High Resolution Tip Enhanced Raman Mapping on Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Xue L. , Li W. , Hoffmann G. G. , Goossens J. G. P. , Loos J. , de With G.
Published: August 2011

Advanced tip enhanced Raman mapping (TERM) was applied to high resolution chemical identification on nanoscale. Thin poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene acrylonitrile) (SAN28/PMMA) blend films were measured at different stages of phase separation. New insights into the phase evolution behavior of the thin films were obtained, when the TERM images were compared. An unexpected morphology transition was observed after a few minutes annealing at 250 °C. No surface enrichment of PMMA was observed, differing from the previous reports on a similar well‐studied system of SAN33/PMMA. The glass transition temperature, the surface and interfacial tension were found to be the main factors responsible for the phase evolution behavior of SAN28/PMMA films.
Production of Core–shell Particles by Combined Semibatch Emulsion/Suspension Polymerizations
Authors: Besteti Marina Damião , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães , Pinto José Carlos
Published: August 2011

Core–shell polymer particles were produced by combined semibatch emulsion/suspension polymerizations, using different monomers. It is shown that the morphology of the shell depends on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the emulsified particles and that specific areas can vary considerably (7.9 to 37 m2 · g−1), depending on reaction conditions and used monomers. Particularly, a thin film is formed around the core when the Tg of the polymer that constitutes the shell is lower than the reaction temperature, while a porous shell is formed when the Tg of the polymer material is higher than the reaction temperature. Based on the observed data, a physical model was proposed to explain the formation of core–shell particles by combination of typical suspension and emulsion polymerization recipes.

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In vivo multicolor molecular MR imaging using diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer liposomes
Authors: Liu Guanshu , Moake Matthew , Har‐el Yah‐el , Long Chris M. , Chan Kannie W.Y. , Cardona Amanda , Jamil Muksit , Walczak Piotr , Gilad Assaf A. , Sgouros George , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Bulte Jeff W.M. , McMahon Michael T.
Published: August 2011

A variety of (super)paramagnetic contrast agents are available for enhanced MR visualization of specific tissues, cells, or molecules. To develop alternative contrast agents without the presence of metal ions, liposomes were developed containing simple bioorganic and biodegradable compounds that produce diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer MR contrast. This diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast is frequency‐dependent, allowing the unique generation of “multicolor” images. The contrast can be turned on and off at will, and standard images do not show the presence of these agents. As an example, glycogen, L‐arginine, and poly‐L‐lysine were encapsulated inside liposomes and injected intradermally into mice to image the lymphatic uptake of these liposomes. Using a frequency‐dependent acquisition scheme, it is demonstrated that multicolor MRI can differentiate between different contrast particles in vivo following their homing to draining lymph nodes. Being nonmetallic and bioorganic, these diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer liposomes form an attractive novel platform for multicolor imaging in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
State of the art direct 13C and indirect 1H‐[13C] NMR spectroscopy in vivo. A practical guide
Authors: de Graaf Robin A. , Rothman Douglas L. , Behar Kevin L.
Published: August 2011

Carbon‐13 NMR spectroscopy in combination with 13C‐labeled substrate infusion is a powerful technique for measuring a large number of metabolic fluxes noninvasively in vivo. It has been used to quantify glycogen synthesis rates, establish quantitative relationships between energy metabolism and neurotransmission, and evaluate the importance of different substrates. Measurements can, in principle, be performed through direct 13C NMR detection or via indirect 1H‐[13C] NMR detection of the protons attached to 13C nuclei. The choice of detection scheme and pulse sequence depends on the magnetic field strength, whereas substrate selection depends on metabolic pathways. 13C NMR spectroscopy remains a challenging technique that requires several nonstandard hardware modifications, infusion of 13C‐labeled substrates, and sophisticated processing and metabolic modeling. In this study, the various aspects of direct 13C and indirect 1H‐[13C] NMR are reviewed with the aim of providing a practical guide. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic consequences of treatment with AKT inhibitor perifosine in breast cancer cells
Authors: Su Judy S. , Woods Sarah M. , Ronen Sabrina M.
Published: August 2011

Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is associated with the development of numerous human cancers. As a result, many emerging therapies target this pathway. Previous studies have shown that targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway at the level of PI3K is associated with a drop in phosphocholine (PCho) and a reduction in hyperpolarized lactate production. However, the consequences of targeting downstream of PI3K at the level of Akt have not been investigated. Perifosine is an anticancer alkylphospholipid used in clinical trials. It acts by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt and has been shown to inhibit CTP‐phosphocholine cytidyltransferase (CT). The goal of this study was to identify the MRS‐detectable metabolic consequences of treatment with perifosine in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. We found that perifosine treatment led to a 51 ± 5% drop in PCho from 30 ± 5 to 15 ± 1 fmol/cell and a comparable drop in de novo synthesized PCho. This was associated with a drop in choline kinase (ChoK) activity and ChoKα expression. CT inhibition could not be ruled out but likely did not contribute to the change in PCho. We also found that intracellular lactate levels decreased from 2.7 ± 0.5 to 1.5 ± 0.3 fmol/cell and extracellular lactate levels dropped by a similar extent. These findings were consistent with a drop in lactate dehydrogenase expression and associated with a drop in activity of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1α. The drops in PCho and lactate production following perifosine treatment are therefore mediated downstream of Akt by the drop in HIF‐1α, which serves as the transcription factor for both ChoK and lactate dehydrogenase. The metabolic changes were confirmed in a second breast cancer cell line, MDA‐MB‐231. Taken together, these findings indicate that PCho and lactate can serve as noninvasive metabolic biomarkers for monitoring the effects of inhibitors that target the PI3K/Akt pathway, independent of the step that leads to inhibition of HIF‐1α. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of public relations in the agricultural environment in Botswana
Authors: Chaka Mpho , Agang Lesego
Published: August 2011

This article examines the practice of public relations (hereafter referred to as ‘PR’) in the agricultural environment and agricultural institutions in Botswana that fall under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture in Botswana. The article (i) examines the manner in which PR is practiced; (ii) its major constraints: problems such as lack of professionally qualified manpower, lack of understanding and confusion of what PR entails; (iii) how PR should be practiced; and what (iv) PR should intend to achieve. Within the agricultural environment in Botswana, PR is still viewed as a publicity and information dissemination tool. There is no planning and research as the public relations practitioners are merely informed what to do. As these practitioners are not professionally trained, they do not question these orders as they themselves do not know what it is that they are supposed to execute. Even though PR in Botswana seems to be generally stagnating in the information age, it is a growing profession in many of the organisations in Botswana. If practiced properly, PR can be an effective tool necessary to coordinate communication and create transparency in organisations and society, particularly in a democratic country like Botswana. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of and structure–property relationships in zinc complexes of bis‐metaphenylene semiquinone biradical species
Authors: Sloop Joseph C. , Shultz David A. , Coote Tashni , Shepler Benjamin , Sullivan Ubie , Kampf Jeff W. , Boyle Paul D.
Published: August 2011

The design of novel, functionalized bis‐metaphenylene semiquinone (SQ) ligands and their corresponding metal complexes which combine conformational flexibility and electron‐withdrawing, electron‐donating, and conjugating substituents enable investigation of multiple structure–property relationships. Along these lines, we report the synthesis of three new bis(ZnII(SQ)TpCum,Me) complexes containing the bis‐metaphenylene coupling fragment. Using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, ab initio computations and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, we show how spin‐density is affected by the bis‐metaphenylene system substituents. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene macrocycles via glaser coupling reaction under CuBr/pyridine system
Authors: Zhang Yannan , Wang Guowei , Huang Junlian
Published: August 2011

The amphiphilic cyclic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene [c‐(PEO‐b‐PS)] was synthesized by cyclization of propargyl‐telechelic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO) via the Glaser coupling. The hydroxyl‐telechelic ABA triblock PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO was first prepared by successive living anionic polymerization of styrene and ring‐opening polymerization of ethylene oxide, and then the hydroxyl ends were reacted with propargyl bromide to obtain linear precursors with propargyl terminals. Finally, the intramolecular cyclization was conducted in pyridine under high dilution by Glaser coupling of propargyl ends in the presence of CuBr under ambient temperature, and the c‐(PEO‐b‐PS) was directly obtained by precipitation in petroleum ether with high efficiency. The cyclic products and their corresponding linear precursor PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO were characterized by means of GPC, 1H NMR, and FTIR. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Effect of block molecular weight distribution on the structure formation in block copolymer/homopolymer blends
Authors: Listak Jessica , Jia Xiaolong , Plichta Andrzej , Zhong Mingjiang , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Bockstaller Michael R.
Published: August 2011

The effect of homopolymer (hP) addition on the structure formation in lamellar amorphous block copolymers (BCP) with narrow‐ and broad‐molecular weight distribution (MWD) was studied using small‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The systems in our study consist of blends of a poly(styrene‐b‐methyl acrylate) copolymer with block‐selective broad MWD of the poly(methyl acrylate) domain as well as polystyrene and poly(methyl acrylate) hPs with molecular weight less than the corresponding block of the copolymer. Homopolymer addition to the broad MWD domain of the BCP is found to induce structural changes similar to narrow MWD BCP/hP blend systems. Conversely, addition of hP to the narrow MWD domain is found to induce a more pronounced expansion of lamellar domains due to the segregation of the hP to the center region within the host copolymer domain. With increasing hP concentration, the formation of a stable two‐phase regime with coexisting lamellar/gyroid microphases is observed that is bounded by uniform lamellar phase regimes that differ in the distribution of hP within the corresponding narrow MWD block domain. The segregation of low‐molecular weight hP to the center region of the narrowdisperse domains of a broad MWD BCP is rationalized as a consequence of the more stretched chain conformations within the narrowdisperse block that are implied by the presence of a disperse adjacent copolymer domain. The increase of chain stretching reduces the capacity of the narrowdisperse block to solubilize hP additives and thus provides a driving force for the segregation of hP chains to the center of the host copolymer domain. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 50: 106–116, 2012
Indirect Fourier Transform and Model Fitting of Small Angle Neutron Scattering from Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Hould Nathan , Lobo Raul , Wagner Norman
Published: August 2011

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) patterns from spheroidal silica nanoparticles (〈 D 〉 = 27.5 nm) dispersed in water at volume fractions ranging from 0.01 to 0.315 were interpreted using model fitting and indirect Fourier transform methods. By modeling the effective structure factor using a two‐Yukawa potential it was determined that the particles interact through weak long range attractive and shorter range repulsive inter‐particle forces. For weakly‐interacting particles (∼ 0.01 v/v) analysis of SANS patterns using a polydisperse spheres form factor is simple and accurate. However, we find that the indirect Fourier transform is a more robust method to calculate the radial distribution function for interacting particles over a broad range of particle concentrations.
Satellite cloud and precipitation assimilation at operational NWP centres
Authors: Bauer Peter , Auligné Thomas , Bell William , Geer Alan , Guidard Vincent , Heilliette Sylvain , Kazumori Masahiro , Kim Min‐Jeong , Liu Emily H.‐C. , McNally Anthony P. , Macpherson Bruce , Okamoto Kozo , Renshaw Richard , Riishøjgaard Lars‐Peter
Published: August 2011

The status of current efforts to assimilate cloud‐ and precipitation‐affected satellite data is summarised with special focus on infrared and microwave radiance data obtained from operational Earth observation satellites. All global centres pursue efforts to enhance infrared radiance data usage due to the limited availability of temperature observations in cloudy regions where forecast skill is estimated to strongly depend on the initial conditions. Most systems focus on the sharpening of weighting functions at cloud top providing high vertical resolution temperature increments to the analysis, mainly in areas of persistent high and low cloud cover. Microwave radiance assimilation produces impact on the deeper atmospheric moisture structures as well as cloud microphysics and, through control variable and background‐error formulation, also on temperature but to lesser extent than infrared data. Examples of how the impacts of these two observation types are combined are shown for subtropical low‐level cloud regimes. The overall impact of assimilating such data on forecast skill is measurably positive despite the fact that the employed assimilation systems have been constructed and optimized for clear‐sky data. This leads to the conclusion that a better understanding and modelling of model processes in cloud‐affected areas and data assimilation system enhancements through inclusion of moist processes and their error characterization will contribute substantially to future forecast improvement. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society, Crown in the right of Canada, and British Crown copyright, the Met Office