bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sciatic nerve injury in adult rats causes distinct changes in the central projections of sensory neurons expressing different glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptors
Authors: Keast Janet R. , Forrest Shelley L. , Osborne Peregrine B.
Published: March 2010

Most small unmyelinated neurons in adult rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) express one or more of the coreceptors targeted by glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, and artemin (GFRα1, GFRα2, and GFRα3, respectively). The function of these GDNF family ligands (GFLs) is not fully elucidated but recent evidence suggests GFLs could function in sensory neuron regeneration after nerve injury and peripheral nociceptor sensitization. In this study we used immunohistochemistry to determine if the DRG neurons targeted by each GFL change after sciatic nerve injury. We compared complete sciatic nerve transection and the chronic constriction model and found that the pattern of changes incurred by each injury was broadly similar. In lumbar spinal cord there was a widespread increase in neuronal GFRα1 immunoreactivity (IR) in the L1‐6 dorsal horn. GFRα3‐IR also increased but in a more restricted area. In contrast, GFRα2‐IR decreased in patches of superficial dorsal horn and this loss was more extensive after transection injury. No change in calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐IR was detected after either injury. Analysis of double‐immunolabeled L5 DRG sections suggested the main effect of injury on GFRα1‐ and GFRα3‐IR was to increase expression in both myelinated and unmyelinated neurons. In contrast, no change in basal expression of GFRα2‐IR was detected in DRG by analysis of fluorescence intensity and there was a small but significant reduction in GFRα2‐IR neurons. Our results suggest that the DRG neuronal populations targeted by GDNF, neurturin, or artemin and the effect of exogenous GFLs could change significantly after a peripheral nerve injury. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3024–3045, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New brain pathways found in the vocal control system of a songbird
Authors: Akutagawa Eugene , Konishi Masakazu
Published: March 2010

Songbirds use a complex network of discrete brain areas and connecting fiber tracts to sing their song, but our knowledge of this circuitry may be incomplete. The forebrain area, “caudal mesopallium” (CM), has received much attention recently for its song‐related activities. HVC, a prominent song system nucleus, projects to a restricted area of the CM known as the avalanche nucleus (Av). However, the other connections of Av remain unknown. Here we used tract‐tracing methods to examine the connections of Av to other song system nuclei. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into Av labeled both afferent terminals and neurons in HVC and the interfacial nucleus of the nidopallium (NIf), suggesting that there is complex feedforward and feedback communication between these nuclei (HVC↔Av↔NIf). Labeled neurons were also found in the uvaeform nucleus (Uva), which was substantiated by BDA injections into Uva that labeled terminals in Av. Double fluorescent tracing experiments confirm that both HVC and Uva project to Av. The present study adds complex new connections that expand the traditional song system circuitry into the caudal mesopallium. These new pathways are likely to have broad implications for deciphering how this intricate system works. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3086–3100, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enabling high‐speed asynchronous data extraction and transfer using DART
Authors: Docan Ciprian , Parashar Manish , Klasky Scott
Published: March 2010

As the complexity and scale of applications grow, managing and transporting the large amounts of data they generate are quickly becoming a significant challenge. Moreover, the interactive and real‐time nature of emerging applications, as well as their increasing runtime, make online data extraction and analysis a key requirement in addition to traditional data I/O and archiving. To be effective, online data extraction and transfer should impose minimal additional synchronization requirements, should have minimal impact on the computational performance and communication latencies, maintain overall quality of service, and ensure that no data is lost. In this paper we present Decoupled and Asynchronous Remote Transfers (DART), an efficient data transfer substrate that effectively addresses these requirements. DART is a thin software layer built on RDMA technology to enable fast, low‐overhead, and asynchronous access to data from a running simulation, and supports high‐throughput, low‐latency data transfers. DART has been integrated with applications simulating fusion plasma in a Tokamak, being developed at the Center for Plasma Edge Simulation (CPES), a DoE Office of Fusion Energy Science (OFES) Fusion Simulation Project (FSP). A performance evaluation using the Gyrokinetic Toroidal Code and XGC‐1 particle‐in‐cell‐based FSP simulations running on the Cray XT3/XT4 system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrates how DART can effectively and efficiently offload simulation data to local service and remote analysis nodes, with minimal overheads on the simulation itself. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SCCS: Spatiotemporal clustering and compressing schemes for efficient data collection applications in WSNs
Authors: Pham Ngoc Duy , Le Trong Duc , Park Kwangjin , Choo Hyunseung
Published: March 2010

The development of large‐scale wireless sensor networks engenders many challenging problems. Examples of such problems include how to dynamically organize the sensor nodes into clusters and how to compress and route the sensing information to a remote base station. Sensed data in sensor systems reflect the spatial and temporal correlations of physical attributes existing intrinsically in the environment. Noteworthy efficient clustering schemes and data compressing techniques proposed recently leverage the spatiotemporal correlation. These include the framework of Liuet al.and schemes introduced by Gediket al.However, the previous clustering schemes are based on an impractical assumption of a single‐hop network architecture and their cluster construction communication cost is relatively expensive. On the other hand, the computational overhead of recent compressing techniques (e.g. the work of Liuet al.and Douglaset al.) is quite significant; therefore, it is hard for sensor nodes with limited processing capability to perform these techniques. With such motivation, we propose a novel and one‐round distributed clustering scheme based on spatial correlation between sensor nodes, and propose a novel light‐weight compressing algorithm to effectively save the energy at each transmission from sensors to the base station based on temporal correlation of the sensed data. Besides, the aim of the proposed clustering scheme is not only to group the nodes with the highest similarity in observations into the same cluster, but also to construct and maintain a dynamic backbone for efficient data collection in the networks (with the consideration of sink mobility). Computer simulation shows that the proposed schemes significantly reduce the overall number of communications in the cluster construction phase and the energy consumed in each transmission, while maintaining a low variance between the readings of sensor nodes in the same clusters and high reliability of the compressed data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed spatial–temporal precoding with limited feedback in MIMO multi‐relay systems
Authors: Long Hang , Zheng Kan , Wang Fangxiang , Wang Wenbo
Published: March 2010

Precoding techniques can be introduced into multi‐relay systems due to the similarity between cooperative communication systems and traditional multi‐input–multi‐output (MIMO) systems. In this paper, a channel state information (CSI) feedback scheme based on the zero‐forcing (ZF) relaying protocol is proposed at first, where the information of relaying channel and noise related to each relay node can be compressed into two positive real parameters. Then, based on the proposed feedback scheme, the singular‐vector‐based local temporal precoder is presented at the source node through two continuous transmitted vectors, which is termed as distributed spatial–temporal precoding (DSTP). Moreover, various spatial data rates can be conveniently supported by DSTP. Based on the analysis on DSTP, it is better that the number of data streams is not larger than the number of antennas equipped at the source node. The unitary DSTP with the proposed feedback scheme outperforms not only the close‐loop direct transmission but also the simple ZF relaying method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance–lifetime tradeoff for source extraction in multihop sensor networks
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Feng Jiuchao , Tse Chi K.
Published: March 2010

This paper intends to reveal the performance–lifetime tradeoff for source extraction in a multihop sensor network. The randomly deployed sensor network consists of multiple independent branches. The leaf node in each branch takes an observation from the sensing field. The observation is assumed to be a noisy instantaneous linear mixture of the sources. To account for the bandwidth constraint, each leaf node quantizes its observation and sends the quantized data to the sink in a multihop fashion. The observed mixtures are reconstructed at the sink and are utilized to extract the sources. The accumulated bit error probability in each branch depends on the number of hops and the bit error probability of each channel in that branch. The communication errors affect the accuracy of reconstructing mixtures, and hence affect the performance of source extraction. Network lifetime is defined and analyzed under both per‐sensor energy constraint and network energy constraint. The tradeoff between performance and network lifetime is described by optimization problems and the conditions for optimization are identified. As a by‐product, the conditions for maximizing the network lifetime are also identified. Simulation results demonstrate that the tradeoff exists under certain situations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of gene expression of the Edn1‐Dlx5/6 pathway during development of the lower jaw
Authors: Vieux‐Rochas Maxence , Mantero Stefano , Heude Eglantine , Barbieri Ottavia , Astigiano Simonetta , Couly Gérard , Kurihara Hiroki , Levi Giovanni , Merlo Giorgio R.
Published: March 2010

The morphogenesis of the vertebrate skull results from highly dynamic integrated processes involving the exchange of signals between the ectoderm, the endoderm, and cephalic neural crest cells (CNCCs). Before migration CNCCs are not committed to form any specific skull element, molecular signals exchanged in restricted regions of tissue interaction are crucial in providing positional identity to the CNCCs mesenchyme and activate the specific morphogenetic process of different skeletal components of the head. In particular, the endothelin‐1 (Edn1)‐dependent activation of Dlx5 and Dlx6 in CNCCs that colonize the first pharyngeal arch (PA1) is necessary and sufficient to specify maxillo‐mandibular identity. Here, to better analyze the spatio‐temporal dynamics of this process, we associate quantitative gene expression analysis with detailed examination of skeletal phenotypes resulting from combined allelic reduction of Edn1, Dlx5, and Dlx6. We show that Edn1‐dependent and ‐independent regulatory pathways act at different developmental times in distinct regions of PA1. The Edn1→Dlx5/6→Hand2 pathway is already active at E9.5 during early stages of CNCCs colonization. At later stages (E10.5) the scenario is more complex: we propose a model in which PA1 is subdivided into four adjacent territories in which distinct regulations are taking place. This new developmental model may provide a conceptual framework to interpret the craniofacial malformations present in several mouse mutants and in human first arch syndromes. More in general, our findings emphasize the importance of quantitative gene expression in the fine control of morphogenetic events. genesis 48:362–373, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting reading and spelling difficulties in transparent and opaque orthographies: a comparison between Scandinavian and US/Australian children
Authors: Furnes Bjarte , Samuelsson Stefan
Published: March 2010

In this study, predictors of reading and spelling difficulties among children learning more transparent (Norwegian/Swedish) and less transparent (English) orthographies were examined longitudinally from preschool through Grade 2 using parallel versions of tests. A series of logistic regression analysis indicated three main findings. First, phonological awareness as a predictor of reading difficulties in the Scandinavian sample was time‐limited to Grade 1, but remained as a significant predictor in the English‐speaking sample. Second, phonological awareness predicted spelling difficulties similarly across orthographies. Third, preschool and kindergarten RAN was a significant predictor of reading and spelling difficulties at both Grades 1 and 2 across orthographies. The authors conclude that phonological awareness diminishes as a predictor of reading difficulties in transparent orthographies after the first years of schooling, that RAN is a better long‐term predictor of reading difficulties, and that phonological awareness is associated with spelling difficulties similarly in transparent and opaque orthographies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The MyD88 protein 88 pathway is differently involved in immune responses induced by distinct substrains of Leishmania major
Authors: Revaz‐Breton Mélanie , Ronet Catherine , Ives Annette , Torre Yazmin Hauyon‐La , Masina Slavica , Tacchini‐Cottier Fabienne , Launois Pascal
Published: March 2010

Host resistance to Leishmania major is highly dependent on the development of a Th1 immune response. The TLR adaptator myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) has been implicated in the Th1 immune response associated with the resistant phenotype observed in C57BL/6 mice after infection with L. major. To investigate whether the MyD88 pathway is differentially used by distinct substrains of parasites, MyD88−/− C57BL/6 mice were infected with two substrains of L. major, namely L. major LV39 and L. major IR75. MyD88−/− mice were susceptible to both substrains of L. major, although with different kinetics of infection. The mechanisms involved during the immune response associated with susceptibility of MyD88−/− mice to L. major is however, parasite substrain‐dependent. Susceptibility of MyD88−/− mice infected with L. major IR75 is a consequence of Th2 immune‐deviation, whereas susceptibility of MyD88−/− mice to infection with L. major LV39 resulted from an impaired Th1 response. Depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg) partially restored IFN‐γ secretion and the Th1 immune response in MyD88−/− mice infected with L. major LV39, demonstrating a role of Treg activity in the development of an impaired Th1 response in these mice.
Efficient and versatile manipulation of the peripheral CD4+ T‐cell compartment by antigen targeting to DNGR‐1/CLEC9A
Authors: Joffre Olivier P. , Sancho David , Zelenay Santiago , Keller Anna M. , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: March 2010

DC NK lectin group receptor‐1 (DNGR‐1, also known as CLEC9A) is a C‐type lectin receptor expressed by mouse CD8α+ DC and by their putative equivalents in human. DNGR‐1 senses necrosis and regulates CD8+ T‐cell cross‐priming to dead‐cell‐associated antigens. In addition, DNGR‐1 is a target for selective in vivo delivery of antigens to DC and the induction of CD8+ T‐cell and Ab responses. In this study, we evaluated whether DNGR‐1 targeting can be additionally used to manipulate antigen‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes. Injection of small amounts of antigen‐coupled anti‐DNGR‐1 mAb into mice promoted MHC class II antigen presentation selectively by CD8α+ DC. In the steady state, this was sufficient to induce proliferation of antigen‐specific naïve CD4+ T cells and to drive their differentiation into Foxp3+ regulatory lymphocytes. Co‐administration of adjuvants prevented this induction of tolerance and promoted immunity. Notably, distinct adjuvants allowed qualitative modulation of CD4+ T‐cell behavior: poly I:C induced a strong IL‐12‐independent Th1 response, whereas curdlan led to the priming of Th17 cells. Thus, antigen targeting to DNGR‐1 is a versatile approach for inducing functionally distinct CD4+ T‐cell responses. Given the restricted pattern of expression of DNGR‐1 across species, this strategy could prove useful for developing immunotherapy protocols in humans.
Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of N‐Trialkylsilyl‐8‐amidoquinoline Complexes of Chromium, Manganese, Iron, and Cobalt as well as of Wheel‐Like Hexanuclear Iron(II) and Manganese(II) Bis(8‐amidoquinoline)
Authors: Malassa Astrid , Agthe Christine , Görls Helmar , Podewitz Maren , Yu Lian , Herrmann Carmen , Reiher Markus , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: March 2010

The transamination of 8‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilylamino)quinoline with (thf)2Cr[N(SiMe3)2]2 yields monomeric bis[8‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilylamido)quinoline]chromium(II) (1). Similar reactions of M[N(SiMe3)2]2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) with 8‐(trialkylsilylamino)quinoline lead to the formation of monomeric bis[8‐(trialkylsilylamido)quinoline]metal(II) [M = Mn, SiR3 = SiMe2tBu (2a), SiiPr3 (2b); M = Fe, SiR3 = SiMe2tBu (3a),SiiPr3 (3b); M = Co, SiR3 = SiMe2tBu (4a), SiiPr3 (4b)]. The transamination of 8‐aminoquinoline with M[N(SiMe3)2]2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) allows the isolation of the heteroleptic 1:1 and homoleptic 2:1 products. The 1:1 complexes bis[8‐amidoquinoline metal(II)bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] [M = Mn (5), Fe (6), Co (7)] are dimeric with bridging 8‐amidoquinoline moieties. The 2:1 complexes of Mn and Fe, bis(8‐amidoquinoline)manganese(II) (8) and bis(8‐amidoquinoline)iron(II) (9), form hexamers with wheel‐like molecular structures consisting of metal‐centered nitrogen octahedra interconnected by common N···N edges. The cobalt complex, bis(8‐amidoquinoline)cobalt(II) (10), precipitates as a microcrystalline powder. Investigations of the magnetic properties by DFT corroborate the experimental data for the Mn derivative 8, where an antiferomagnetic coupling is observed. By contrast, calculations on the Fe6‐wheel 9 yield very close‐lying ferromagnetically and antiferromagnetically coupled states.
f,f Homodinuclear and d,f or f,f′ Heterodinuclear Complexes with a [2+2] Macrocyclic Compartmental Schiff Base
Authors: Tamburini Sergio , Peruzzo Valentina , Benetollo Franco , Vigato P. Alessandro
Published: March 2010

The [2+2] compartmental macrocyclic complexes [Ln(H2‐L)(NO3)], where H2‐L is the cyclic Schiff base, derived from the condensation of 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐chlorophenol (H‐LA) or 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol (H‐LB) and N,N‐bis(2‐aminoethyl)‐2‐hydroxybenzylamine·3HCl (HA′·3HCl), contains a free N3O3 coordination chamber and can act as a ligand toward an identical or a different lanthanide(III) ion and a d transition metal(II) ion to give the related f,f homodinuclear [Ln2(L)(X)2] and f,f′ heterodinuclear [LnLn′(L)(X)2] or d,f heterodinuclear [LnM(L)(X)] complexes. They have been characterized by ESEM‐EDS, ESI‐MS, and IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The X‐ray single‐crystal analysis of the [2+1] acyclic complex [Lu2(L′)2], derived from partial hydrolysis of the related [2+2] homodinuclear complex [Lu2(L)(Cl)2], followed by the loss of one lutetium(III) ion with the free formyl groups turning into diacetal ones, is also reported.
Photocontrolled Molecular Assembler Based on Cucurbit[8]uril: [2+2]‐Autophotocycloaddition of Styryl Dyes in the Solid State and in Water
Authors: Gromov Sergey P. , Vedernikov Artem I. , Kuz'mina Lyudmila G. , Kondratuk Dmitry V. , Sazonov Sergey K. , Strelenko Yuri A. , Alfimov Michael V. , Howard Judith A. K.
Published: March 2010

Three styryl dyes of the 4‐pyridine series that form syn‐head‐to‐tail dimeric pairs in polycrystalline films were synthesised. NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies showed that this promotes stereospecific [2+2]‐autophotocycloaddition (PCA) in the dimeric pairs to give rctt‐isomers of cyclobutane derivatives. For the dye with an N‐ammoniopropyl substituent, this transformation was accomplished according to the single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal pattern. In aqueous solutions, the dyes and cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n], n = 7, 8) form complexes with a pseudorotaxane structure. CB[7] tends to form 1:1 complexes, and CB[8] forms 1:1 and 2:1 complexes. The structure of the termolecular complex formed by the betaine of the N‐sulfonatopropyl styryl dye and CB[8] was determined by X‐ray diffraction. The stability of the complexes was measured by 1H NMR titration in a D2O/[D3]MeCN (10:1) mixture (log K1:1 ≥ 3.2, log K2:1 ≥ 2.6). Free dyes and their complexes with CB[7] in water undergo only (E)/(Z) photoisomerisation. Termolecular complexes of all dyes with CB[8] were found to undergo effective stereospecific PCA reactions to give rctt isomers of cyclobutane derivatives. The 1:1 complexes of the obtained cyclobutanes with CB[8] (log Kcb = 3.2–4.8) are less stable than those of the starting dyes with the same stoichiometry. Thus, CB[8] can play the role of a photocontrolled molecular assembler, i.e., even in the presence of 5 mol‐% of CB[8], complete conversion of styryl dyes into the corresponding cyclobutane derivatives takes place upon irradiation in solution.
About the Inhibition of Grignard Reagent Formation by p‐Dinitrobenzene: Comparing the Mechanism of Grignard Reagent Formation and the SRN1 Mechanism
Authors: Bodineau Nicolas , Mattalia Jean‐Marc , Hazimeh Hassan , Handoo Kishan L. , Timokhin Vitaliy , Négrel Jean‐Claude , Chanon Michel
Published: March 2010

Both SRN1‐type reactions and Grignard reagent formation are inhibited by trace amounts (with respect to the halide) of p‐dinitrobenzene (DNB) and other oxidising agents such as CuCl2 or dioxygen. Both are believed to be triggered by an electron‐transfer step. In this report we examine the patterns of reactivity shared by these two types of reaction. Although the two reactions display an amazing number of similarities, the chain character of the Grignard reaction mechanism has been rejected by major contributors to this field. We have performed new experiments to explore the inhibiting effect associated with the addition of trace amounts of p‐dinitrobenzene during Grignard reagent formation. This inhibition involves very reactive nanoparticles of magnesium prepared by metal vapour synthesis. The magnesium slurries studied, in the absence of p‐dinitrobenzene, display no induction period at all. If the p‐dinitrobenzene is added to the solution containing magnesium slurries 25 min before adding the organic halide (here bromobenzene), the reaction is neatly inhibited but, if one waits long enough, the Grignard reagent is nevertheless formed. If, however, the same trace amounts of p‐dinitrobenzene are diluted in the organic halide and this mixture is added to the magnesium slurries, the inhibiting effect is far less pronounced. The addition of the nBu4NBr salt drastically diminishes the inhibiting power of DNB. These observations, in addition to the ESR study of radical anions formed in THF by the reaction of magnesium nanoparticles and DNB with various polyaromatics, suggest a mechanism for the observed inhibitions that involves a series of reversible adsorptions of the present species. This adsorption would depend on both thermodynamic and kinetic factors. Thermodynamics would favour the adsorption of DNB radical anions but C–X bond cleavage of the less strongly adsorbed aromatic radical anions would provide a kinetic driving force for displacing the equilibria in the direction of Grignard reagent formation. Salt effects could operate by displacing the equilibrium – adsorbed DNB radical anion or dianion versus solvated radical anion (with the counterion nBu4N+) – to the right, accelerating therefore the liberation of active sites on the magnesium surface. It appears that the inhibiting effect of the same compound finds its origin in two different molecular series of events in SRN1 and in Grignard reagent formation. The heterogeneous character of the Grignard reagent makes it possible to envision the possibility of active sites even on nanoparticles, whereas the inhibition of the SRN1 mechanism by DNB occurs in homogeneous solution.
The 3‐Hydroxypiperidine Skeleton: Key Element in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Wijdeven Marloes A. , Willemsen Jorgen , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: March 2010

The 3‐hydroxypiperidine moiety is a privileged scaffold that is encountered in many bioactive compounds and natural products. This review summarizes the investigations ofvarious research groups concerning the synthesis of natural products containing this scaffold.
Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Crystal Structure of 1,4‐Dipropyltetracene
Authors: Kitamura Chitoshi , Matsumoto Chika , Yoneda Akio , Kobayashi Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi , Komatsu Toshiki
Published: March 2010

We synthesized 1,4‐dipropyltetracene on a 200‐mg scale, the key step of which involved a Diels–Alder reaction between alkyl‐substituted o‐quinodimethane, generated in situ, and 1,4‐naphthoquinone. The product was obtained as an orange solid, which was soluble in organic solvents including hexane. The optical properties of the product in solution showed no marked differences from those of other 1,4,7,10‐tetraalkyltetracenes. Solid‐state absorption and fluorescence spectra exhibited 20–30 nm blueshifts compared with those of 1,4,7,10‐tetrapropyltetracene. X‐ray analysis revealed that two propyl groups were coplanar with the tetracene ring, that there was no π overlap along the stacking direction, and that the molecules formed a herringbone structure. The peripheral alkyl chains were found to be important for controlling the molecular packing and optical properties in the solid state.
Functionalization of Mono‐ and Oligonucleotides with Phosphane Ligands by Amide Bond Formation
Authors: Nuzzolo Marzia , Grabulosa Arnald , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Meeuwenoord Nico J. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Kamer Paul C. J.
Published: March 2010

Seven phosphane‐functionalized deoxyuridines have been prepared by amide bond formation between aminodeoxyuridines and phosphanylcarboxylic acids. X‐ray crystal structures for two of these new modified nucleosides have been obtained. The same coupling method has been extended to oligonucleotides. The phosphane containing strands have been purified and characterized by MALDI‐TOF and, for the first time, 31P NMR spectrometry. Coordination of a phosphane‐modified 15‐mer to a [PdCl(η3‐allyl)] moiety has been confirmed by 31P NMR spectroscopy.
NiII–(σ‐Aryl) Complex Catalyzed Suzuki Reaction of Aryl Tosylates with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Fan Xin‐Heng , Yang Lian‐Ming
Published: March 2010

A practical, efficient protocol was developed for the Suzuki reaction of aryl tosylates with arylboronic acids. The process was promoted by a nickel‐based catalyst system consisting of the easily available NiII–(σ‐aryl) complex and the simple ligand PPh3 in toluene in the presence of the base K2CO3. The convenient operation, high yield, generality, and low cost make this method viable for most common laboratories and applicable in large‐scale preparations.
Characterization and improvement of cell line performance via flow cytometry and cell sorting
Authors: Moretti Pierre , Behr Larissa , Walter Johanna G. , Kasper Cornelia , Stahl Frank , Scheper Thomas
Published: March 2010

The improvement of specific productivity is a continuous challenge for bioprocesses involving mammalian cells, and hence, high‐throughput methods and low‐cost strategies are needed for the selection of high producers. The aim of this study was the productivity improvement of the hybridoma cell line IV F 19.23. For this purpose, a cell surface affinity matrix assay was established to identify and select high producers. This assay is based on the binding of secreted monoclonal antibodies to an affinity matrix assembled on the outer cell membrane. A protein microarray approach was used to investigate and optimize the functionality of the affinity matrix. The protein microarray was particularly useful to identify critical steps of the staining method, such as unspecific binding, before it was applied to the hybridoma cell line. Secreting hybridomas were treated with the affinity matrix and then selected via flow‐cytometric cell sorting in four consecutive bulk sort rounds. The applied bulk strategy, allowing low screening costs, resulted in a 125% increase in specific productivity of the cell line in comparison to the initial population.
Evolutionary and swarm intelligence‐based approaches for optimization of lipase extraction from fermented broth
Authors: Garlapati Vijay Kumar , Banerjee Rintu
Published: March 2010

Evolutionary and swarm intelligence‐based optimization approaches, namely genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), were utilized to determine the optimal conditions for the lipase extraction process. The input space of the nonlinear response surface model of lipase extraction served as the objective function for both approaches. The optimization results indicate that the lipase activity was significantly improved, more than 20 U/g of dry substrate (U/gds), in both approaches. PSO (133.57 U/gds in the 27th generation) outperforms GA (132.24 U/gds in the 320th generation), slightly in terms of optimized lipase activity and highly in terms of convergence rate. The simple structure associated with the effective memory capability of PSO renders it superior over GA. The proposed GA and PSO approaches, based on a biological phenomenon, are considered as natural and thus may replace the traditional gradient‐based optimization approaches in the field of downstream processing of enzymes.
Experiment and analysis of a leverage‐type stiffness‐controllable isolation system for seismic engineering
Authors: Lu Lyan‐Ywan , Lin Tzu‐Kang , Yeh Shih‐Wei
Published: March 2010

Owing to the fixed design parameters in traditional isolation systems, the optimal isolation performance may not always be achieved when a structure is subjected to a nondesign earthquake. At the same time, even though an active isolation system (AIS) can offer a better reduction for different seismic waves, in practice the control energy required still constrains its application. To solve this problem, a novel semi‐active isolation system called the Leverage‐type Stiffness Controllable Isolation System (LSCIS) is proposed in this paper. By utilizing a simple leverage mechanism, the isolation stiffness and the isolation period of the LSCIS can be easily controlled by adjusting the position of the pivot point of the leverage arm. The theoretical basis and the control law for the proposed system were first explained in this work, and then a shaking table test was conducted to verify the theory and the feasibility of the LSCIS. As shown in the experiment, the seismic behavior of the LSCIS can be successfully simulated by the theoretical model, and the isolation stiffness can be properly adjusted to reduce the seismic energy input in the LSCIS system. A comparison of the LSCIS with the other systems including passive isolation and AISs has demonstrated that based on the same limitation of base displacement, better acceleration reduction can be achieved by the LSCIS than by any of the other isolation systems. In addition, the control energy required by the LSCIS is lower than that for an AIS using the traditional LQR control algorithm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of building period formulas for seismic design
Authors: Kwon Oh‐Sung , Kim Eung Soo
Published: March 2010

Building period formulas in seismic design code are evaluated with over 800 apparent building periods from 191 building stations and 67 earthquake events. The evaluation is carried out with the formulas in ASCE 7‐05 for steel and RC moment‐resisting frames, shear wall buildings, braced frames, and other structural types. Qualitative comparison of measured periods and periods calculated from the code formulas shows that the formula for steel moment‐resisting frames generally predicts well the lower bound of the measured periods for all building heights. But the differences between the periods from code formula and measured periods of low‐ to‐medium rise buildings are relatively high. In addition, the periods of essential buildings designed with the importance factor are about 40% shorter than the periods of non‐essential buildings. The code formula for RC moment‐resisting frames describes well the lower bound of measured periods. The formula for braced frames accurately predicts the lower bound periods of low‐to‐medium rise buildings. The formula for shear wall buildings overestimates periods for all building heights. For buildings that are classified as other structural types, the measured building periods can be much shorter than the periods calculated with the code formula. Based on these observations, it is suggested to use Cr factor of 0.015 for shear walls and other structural types. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kalirin‐7, an important component of excitatory synapses, is regulated by estradiol in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Ma Xin‐Ming , Huang Jian‐Ping , Kim Eun‐Ji , Zhu Qing , Kuchel George A. , Mains Richard E. , Eipper Betty A.
Published: March 2010

Estradiol enhances the formation of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses in hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Kalirin‐7 (Kal7), the major isoform of Kalirin in the adult hippocampus, is a Rho GDP/GTP exchange factor localized to postsynaptic densities. In the hippocampus, both Kal7 and estrogen receptor α (ERα) are highly expressed in a subset of interneurons. Over‐expression of Kal7 caused an increase in spine density and size in hippocampal neurons. To determine whether Kalirin might play a role in the effects of estradiol on spine formation, Kal7 expression was examined in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats. Estradiol replacement increased Kal7 staining in both CA1 pyramidal neurons and interneurons in ovariectomized rats. Estradiol treatment of cultured hippocampal neurons increased Kal7 levels at the postsynaptic side of excitatory synapses and increased the number of excitatory synapses along the dendrites of pyramidal neurons. These increases were mediated via ERα because a selective ERα agonist, but not a selective ERβ agonist, caused a similar increase in both Kal7 levels and excitatory synapse number in cultured hippocampal neurons. When Kal7 expression was reduced using a Kal7‐specific shRNA, the density of excitatory synapses was reduced and estradiol was no longer able to increase synapse formation. Expression of exogenous Kal7 in hippocampal interneurons resulted in decreased levels of GAD65 staining. Inhibition of GABAergic transmission with bicuculline produced a robust increase in Kal7 expression. These studies suggest Kal7 plays a key role in the mechanisms of estradiol‐mediated synaptic plasticity. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MicroRNA signatures in Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa
Authors: Matsushima Kayoko , Isomoto Hajime , Inoue Naoki , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Nakayama Masaaki , Nakao Kazuhiko , Hirayama Toshiya , Kohno Shigeru
Published: March 2010

The study was conducted to determine expression patterns of microRNA (miRNA), a non‐coding RNA that controls gene expression mainly through translational repression, in gastric mucosa infected with Helicobacter pylori. Using endoscopic biopsy specimens, miRNA expression patterns in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa were determined by microarray. The differentially expressed miRNAs were quantitated by real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). An in vitro infection model was assessed to monitor the regulation of miRNAs in gastric epithelium in response to H. pylori. The comprehensive method unraveled the expression profiles; among 470 human miRNAs loaded, 55 were differentially expressed between H. pylori‐positive and ‐negative subjects. The expression levels were significantly decreased in 30 miRNAs, whereas hsa‐miRNA‐223 was the only miRNA to be overexpressed on quantitative RT‐PCR. Eight miRNAs enabled discrimination of H. pylori status with acceptable accuracy. Gastritis scores of activity and chronic inflammation according to the updated Sydney system correlated significantly with the expression levels of diverse miRNAs. Cure of the infection with an anti‐H. pylori regimen restored decreased expression in 14 of the 30 miRNAs. Expression levels of some miRNAs, including let‐7 family members, were significantly altered following infection with a virulent H. pylori strain carrying intact cag pathogenicity island including cagA but not isogenic mutants. These results provide insights into miRNA involvement in the pathogenesis of H. pylori‐associated gastritis. cagA may be involved in cellular regulation of certain miRNAs in the gastric epithelium.
Tumor rejection by local interferon gamma induction in established tumors is associated with blood vessel destruction and necrosis
Authors: Briesemeister Dana , Sommermeyer Daniel , Loddenkemper Christoph , Loew Rainer , Uckert Wolfgang , Blankenstein Thomas , Kammertoens Thomas
Published: March 2010

It has been shown that injecting a suspension of IFN‐γ‐secreting tumor cells results in their rejection. This effect has been attributed to IFN‐γ preventing tumor stroma formation but not to a direct effect on the cancer cells. However, it is not known, which influence IFN‐γ has on tumors with an established stroma. To address this question, the plasmacytoma cell line J558L was transduced with a vector allowing doxycycline‐inducible IFN‐γ gene expression. After the injection of the tumor cells into mice, IFN‐γ was induced at different time points. Tumors did not grow when inducing IFN‐γ immediately after tumor cell inoculation, while approximately half of the tumors were rejected when IFN‐γ was induced in early established tumors within 2 weeks. Induction of IFN‐γ 2–3 weeks after tumor cell inoculation was less efficient (0–17% rejection). IFN‐γ induction in established tumors led to a reduction of CD146+ endothelial cells and massive necrosis. Together, we show that vascularized tumors can be rejected by local IFN‐γ expression, but that rejection of established tumors was less efficient over time. This suggests that transplanted tumors became less susceptible to local IFN‐γ treatment the better they are established.
Assessing learning and development among diverse college students
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A.
Published: March 2010

This chapter examines the validity of college student self‐reported gains by exploring the correspondence between self‐reported gains and longitudinally assessed gains for diverse groups of students.
New generation IQ‐200 automated urine microscopy analyzer compared with KOVA cell chamber
Authors: Altekin Emel , Kadiçesme Ozgur , Akan Pinar , Kume Tuncay , Vupa Ozgul , Ergor Gul , Abacioglu Hakan
Published: March 2010

Objective: The examination of the urine remains to be one of the most commonly performed tests in laboratory practice. Currently, laboratories also need to accredit their urine diagnostics by comparing their measurement methods to acceptable references. In this study we compared particle counts obtained by new generation automated technique, image capture analysis (IQ‐200) with those of a standardized chamber counts. Design and Methods: The same 258 urine samples from different departments of a hospital assayed by IQ‐200 were analyzed in parallel with the KOVA cell chamber system. Clinically significant discrepancy results (positive vs. negative) for red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) were also compared with those obtained by dipstick testing. Results: There was a good agreement between the automated system and sediment microscopy for RBCs, WBCs, and squamous epithelial cells (SCs) (r=0.90; r=0.80; r=0.72, respectively: P<0.001). The IQ‐200 was more sensitive for determining RBCs, WBCs, and SCs than other formed elements. Conclusions: IQ‐200 can perform accurate quantification of microscopic element in urine. However, automated techniques are not completely free of error. Therefore, by adopting an appropriate algorithm and combining the results with stript analysis and other laboratory tests allows further reduction of clinically important errors. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:67–71, 2010.  © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myth and reality: practical test system for the measurement of anti‐DNA antibodies in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: McCloskey Laura J. , Christner Paul , Jacobs‐Kosmin Dana , Jaskowski Troy D. , Hill Harry R. , Lakos Gabriella , Teodorescu Marius
Published: March 2010

The myth persists that only the labor intensive Farr radioimmunoassay and Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence (CL‐IFA) are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)‐specific tests. We compared them to ELISA with bacteriophage λ DNA (EL‐dsDNA) and denatured calf thymus DNA (EL‐ssDNA). By percentile ranking, the specificity cut‐off level was set both out of clinical context (SOCC) on 100 blood bank donors, and in clinical context (SICC) on 100 patients with either rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma (50/50). Clinical sensitivity was calculated on 100 random SLE patients. At 95% SICC, the sensitivity of Farr, CL‐IFA, EL‐dsDNA, and EL‐ssDNA was similar (95%CI): 76% (66–84), 76% (66–84), 63% (53–72), and 75% (65–83), respectively; 87% of the patients were positive by at least one method and 55%by all methods. At 99% SICC, the sensitivity was also similar (95% CI): 57% (47–67), 47% (37–57), 58% (47–67), and 43% (33–53), respectively. The areas under ROC curve were similar (95% CI) when patients were used as controls for specificity. At 99% SOCC, EL‐ssDNA identified 89% positive, 2 negative but positive by another method at 95% SICC, and 9 negative (i.e. 89/2/9), followed by CL‐IFA (80/6/14), Farr (76/12/12), and EL‐dsDNA (64/23/13). Thus, at relatively low cost and easy automation, under the same conditions of specificity, the two ELISA tests combined were at least as good, if not superior, to CL‐IFA or Farr: they showed similar clinical sensitivity and also identified more patients with anti‐DNA antibodies. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:77–84, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of melamine/cyanuric acid‐containing nephrolithiasis by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Wen‐Chi , Wu San‐Yuan , Liu Hsin‐Ping , Chang Chiao‐Hui , Chen Huey‐Yi , Chen Hsin‐Yi , Tsai Chou‐Huang , Chang Yi‐Chun , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Man Kee‐Ming , Liu Po‐Len , Lin Feng‐Yen , Shen Jui‐Lung , Lin Wei‐Yong , Chen Yung‐Hsiang
Published: March 2010

Melamine‐contaminated milk formula caused infant nephrolithiasis in some areas of China. Its combination with cyanuric acid causes crystallization in renal tubules. Following this renal damage and even renal failure that require long‐term hemodialysis has been reported. Therefore, correct and timely diagnosis of these complex diseases is critical. Melamine containing stone is a combination of equal molar ratios of common stone compositions that has been reported from previous animal studies. We have previously identified the compositions of urinary tract stones with infrared (IR) spectroscopy. We hypothesized that the absorbance of wavelength of IR can identify melamine/cyanuric acid in the presence of mixing human stone compositions. In this study, we made an artificial stone composition and examine under IR absorbance by mixing equal molar ratios of melamine/cyanuric acid with different types of human urinary stones, and established a reference of IR analysis for the identification of melamine/cyanuric acid‐containing human urinary tract stones. Knowledge of the precise stone composition allowed institution of appropriate prophylactic dietary and medical therapy and this may help in the prevention of urinary stone recurrence. The results are promising that melamine and cyanuric acid can be identified clearly in a low percentile (∼1%) of stone mixture pellet. Therefore, IR seems to be an ideal tool for the identification of melamine/cyanuric acid‐containing stones. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:92–99, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vertical sandwich‐type continuous/evaporative TLC with fixed mobile phase volume for separating sugars of clinical relevance in paper‐borne urine and blood samples in newborn screening
Authors: Alonso‐Fernandez J.R. , Carpinteiro M.I. , Baleato J. , Fidalgo J.
Published: March 2010

We describe the history and current implementation of an inexpensive thin layer chromatography (TLC) method, vertical sandwich‐type continuous/evaporative TLC with fixed mobile phase volume, that is convenient for detecting and identifying reducing sugars of clinical relevance in the paper‐borne blood and urine samples collected in neonatal screening programmes. This method facilitates screening by providing a considerable degree of standardization of chromatographic results. Among some 555,000 newborns to which it has been applied, it has detected 10 cases of classical galactosaemia, 7 cases of galactokinase deficiency, 2 cases of glucosuria, and 3 cases of transitory neonatal diabetes mellitus; the only false negatives we are aware of were two cases of galacto‐4‐epimerase deficiency detected by tandem mass spectrometry. Screening for sugars in urine has allowed the detection of galactosaemia when the accompanying blood sample was invalid because of transfusion or parenteral feeding. The conclusion is that this inexpensive procedure is very useful for the detection of relevant metabolopathies in circumstances where others fail. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:106–112, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic impact on serum levels of complement component 3 in Japanese patients
Authors: Ohsawa Isao , Inoshita Hiroyuki , Ishii Masaya , Kusaba Gaku , Sato Nobuyuki , Mano Satoshi , Onda Kisara , Gohda Tomohito , Horikoshi Satoshi , Ohi Hiroyuki , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to explore the association between the serum concentration of complement component 3 (C3) and a variety of metabolic parameters. The study involved 125 patients in our outpatient clinic. Anthropometric and clinical laboratory data were collected and statistical associations between the serum concentration of C3 and other parameters were evaluated in a cross‐sectional as well as a prospective manner. A group of male patients with metabolic syndrome (Mets, n=35) were characterized by marked increase in serum concentrations of C3, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hemoglobin (Hb) A1c, insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglyceride, uric acid, urinary protein, and Hb. In a one‐way analysis of variance of all subjects, the serum concentration of C3 was significantly elevated as the number of items of complying with the Mets diagnostic criteria increased. In 60 of 125 patients who did not have diabetes and were given anti‐lipogenetic medication, the serum concentration of C3 showed significant positive associations with serum levels of CH50, insulin, HOMA‐IR, total cholesterol, hematocrit, LDL‐c, C4, Hb, triglyceride, BMI, and albumin. In a prospective follow‐up evaluation (n=35), there was a significant positive association between ΔC3 (the second concentration of serum C3 minus the first concentration of serum C3)and ΔHOMA‐IR (the second concentration of HOMA‐IR minus the first concentration of HOMA‐IR). In conclusion, in Japanese patients, there is evidence implicating C3 concentration as a marker of Mets coinciding with insulin resistance. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:113–118, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.