bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of growth stunting in a Peruvian high altitude community, 1964–1999
Authors: Pawson Ivan G. , Huicho Luis
Published: October 2009

The growth of children living in Nuñoa, a Peruvian high‐altitude community, was studied over a 35‐year period using data collected in 1964 and 1999. There had been evidence of a secular trend in growth in the mid‐1980s, but this was before a period of sociopolitical upheaval lasting until the late 1990s partly linked to the activities of the Shining Path group and the Peruvian government's response. Anthropometric data for 576 children examined in 1964–1966 were compared with data from 361 children examined in 1999. Data were converted toZScores using NCHS/WHO reference standards. Compared with the 1964 cohort, boys in 1999 had marginally greater heightZScores, but among females, the trend was reversed. Stunting prevalence had decreased from 1964 levels, but still approached 60% in both sexes, among the highest rates recorded for a modern world population. The prevalence of low weight for height was less than expected, possibly because of the compensatory effect of enlarged chest diameter. This anatomical feature may represent the effect of chronic hypoxic stress, causing growth of the chest cavity at the expense of growth in height. In view of modest improvements during the late 1980s in this population, we believe that the relatively poor growth status of children a decade later may result from food disruption associated with later political instability. Compared with children in a nearby community, which benefits from the socioeconomic infrastructure associated with a large copper mine, Nuñoa children continue to fare relatively poorly. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perspectives onRUNXgenes: An update
Authors: Cohen Jr. M. Michael
Published: October 2009

This perspective onRUNXgenes discusses their basic biological features, including their DNA‐binding α subunit, their non‐DNA binding β subunit, and their Runt domain. The evolution ofRunxgenes begins with one most like Runx3 in invertebrates, progresses to four genes inDrosophila, and to three in vertebrates.Runxgenes have two promoters and various numbers of exons and isoforms. All three genes with expressions in the same biological tissues act either synergistically or at different time periods.Runxgenes have downstream target genes. Furthermore,Runxgenes are mediated by TGFβ or BMP pathways. They also have cohesin‐dependent regulation. Runx1 binds the CD4 silencer and represses transcription in immature double negative thymocytes. Runx1 also activates CD8 as the double negative population progresses to double positive thymocytes. Runx3 establishes epigenetic silencing in CD4 − CD8+ cytotoxic T‐cells by binding the CD4 silencer core sequence. Runx1 may also be involved in CD4 silencing in CD8+ T‐cells.RUNX1mutations cause familial thrombocytopenia with a propensity for developing acute myelogenous leukemia; two functional consequences of these mutations include haploinsufficiency and a dominant negative effect. The latter tends to be associated with a higher frequency of leukemia.RUNX2mutations cause cleidocranial dysplasia; most are of the missense type and commonly occur in the Runt domain.RUNX3is a tumor suppressor gene with hemizygous deletion of one allele and hypermethylation of the other, resulting in gastric adenocarcinoma. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial variation in density and total size estimates in fragmented primate populations: the golden‐crowned sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli)
Authors: Quéméré Erwan , Champeau Julie , Besolo Aubin , Rasolondraibe Emmanuel , Rabarivola Clément , Crouau‐Roy Brigitte , Chikhi Lounès
Published: October 2009

The golden‐crowned sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli) is an endangered lemur species found only in the Daraina region, a very restricted area in north‐eastern Madagascar. Its forest habitat is highly fragmented and expected to suffer from significant changes in the near future. The species is poorly known and only one census study, carried out in 2000, has ever been published. It is thus crucial to update the conservation status of the golden‐crowned sifaka before major anthropogenic environmental changes take place. Using the line‐transect approach, we estimated the species density in the main forest fragments located in both the peripheral and central parts of the distribution range, including both protected and unprotected areas. In parallel, we tried to determine whether an edge effect could be detected by comparing densities at different distances from the forest edges. We found important variation of sifaka densities among forest fragments. The total species abundance is thus difficult to determine, but we estimated that it is likely to be over 18,000, two to three times higher than previously thought. However, our data also suggested that mostP. tattersallilive in forests located in the central part of the distribution range and that the estimated densities in the central part were high (>80 individuals/km2). Two forest fragments, found to host a large part of the total population, are currently outside the managed area and their incorporation to the managed area is strongly recommended. Lastly, as expected for a folivorous and not heavily hunted species, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that this species does not experience a clear edge effect, at least during the first half of the dry season. This could be due to a high resiliency to habitat fragmentation or to the fact that fragmentation has been going on for some time. Am. J. Primatol. 72:72–80, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pregnancy increases the growth rates of world health organization grade II gliomas
Authors: Pallud Johan , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Deroulers Christophe , Fontaine Denys , Badoual Mathilde , Capelle Laurent , Guillet‐May Frédérique , Page Philippe , Peruzzi Philippe , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Frenay Marc , Cartalat‐Carel Stéphanie , Duffau Hugues , Taillandier Luc ,   Club de Neuro‐Oncologie de la Société Française de Neurochirurgie (SFNC) and the Association des Neuro‐Oncologues d'Expression Française (ANOCEF)
Published: October 2009

Twelve pregnancies in 11 adult women harboring World Health Organization (WHO) grade II gliomas (GIIGs) prior to pregnancy were reviewed to address whether pregnancy affects tumor growth using a quantitative approach of the radiological velocity of diametric expansion (VDE) on successive magnetic resonance images. VDE was significantly increased during pregnancy as compared to prepregnancy (p < 0.001) and to postdelivery (p = 0.012) periods. Pregnancy increases the radiological growth rates of GIIGs. An increase in seizure frequency was observed concomitantly in 40% of cases and further oncological treatment was started after delivery in 25% of cases. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:398–404
Arginine test is not reliable for diagnosing cerebellar multiple system atrophy
Authors: Gardner Raquel C. , Schmahmann Jeremy D.
Published: October 2009

We evaluated the arginine growth hormone (GH) stimulation test for the diagnosis of cerebellar‐type multiple system atrophy (MSAc) in patients with ataxia. Fourteen subjects with MSAc, 11 with idiopathic late‐onset cerebellar ataxia (ILOCA), 10 with familial ataxia, and 10 healthy controls were tested. After pituitary GH deficiency was excluded, subjects underwent arginine testing. Peak serum GH response was analyzed. No significant differences in peak GH response were found between subject populations. Thirty‐three percent of MSAc subjects mounted responses >10μg/l GH. Thirty‐six percent of ILOCA subjects and 40 percent of healthy controls mounted responses <4μg/l GH. Arginine thus appears to be unreliable for the diagnosis of MSAc. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:404–408
Delirium after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and late mortality
Authors: Gottesman Rebecca F. , Grega Maura A. , Bailey Maryanne M. , Pham Luu D. , Zeger Scott L. , Baumgartner William A. , Selnes Ola A. , McKhann Guy M.
Published: October 2009

Objective

Delirium is common after cardiac surgery, although under‐recognized, and its long‐term consequences are likely underestimated. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether patients with delirium after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have higher long‐term out‐of‐hospital mortality when compared with CABG patients without delirium.

Methods

We studied 5,034 consecutive patients undergoing CABG surgery at a single institution from 1997 to 2007. Presence or absence of neurologic complications, including delirium, was assessed prospectively. Survival analysis was performed to determine the role of delirium in the hazard of death, including a propensity score to adjust for potential confounders. These analyses were repeated to determine the association between postoperative stroke and long‐term mortality.

Results

Individuals with delirium had an increased hazard of death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–1.97) up to 10 years postoperatively, after adjustment for perioperative and vascular risk factors. Patients with postoperative stroke had a HR of 2.34 (95% CI, 1.87–2.92). The effect of delirium on subsequent mortality was the strongest among those without a prior stroke (HR 1.83 vs HR 1.11 [with a prior stroke] [p‐interaction = 0.02]) or who were younger (HR 2.42 [<65 years old] vs HR 1.49 [≥65 years old] [p‐interaction = 0.04]).

Interpretation

Delirium after cardiac surgery is a strong independent predictor of mortality up to 10 years postoperatively, especially in younger individuals and in those without prior stroke. Future studies are needed to determine the impact of delirium prevention and/or treatment in long‐term patient mortality. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:338–344
Synthesis of star‐shaped molecules with pyrene‐containing π‐conjugated units linked by an organosilicon core
Authors: Ohshita Joji , Hatanaka Yosuke , Matsui Shigenori , Ooyama Yousuke , Harima Yutaka , Kunugi Yoshihito
Published: October 2009

Star‐shaped molecules with pyrene‐containing π‐conjugated units linked by an organosilicon core (Py3Si and Py3C) were prepared and their applications to thin‐film transistors (TFTs) and photovoltaic cells were studied. Bottom‐contact type TFTs with spin‐coated films of the star‐shaped compounds as the active layers were prepared and the field‐effect mobility (µFET) and Ion/Ioff ratios were determined to be approximately 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 104, respectively. Photovoltaic properties of Py3Si and Py3C were studied in the cells, ITO–PEDOT‐PSS–Py3Si or Py3C‐PCBM–LiF–Al. Although the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cells was only about 0.04%, they showed high open circuit voltages (Voc) of 0.8–0.9 V, indicating the high potential of this type of compound as a host material. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel intumescent flame‐retardant epoxy resins system
Authors: Gao Ming , Yang Shousheng
Published: October 2009

Pentaerythritol diphosphonate melamine–dicyandiamide–formaldehyde resin salt, a novel macromolecular intumescent flame retardants (IFR), was synthesized, and its structure was a caged bicyclic macromolecule containing phosphorus characterized by IR, NMR and element analysis. The flame retardancy and thermal behavior of a new IFR system for epoxy resin were investigated by LOI, UL‐94 test, TG, and IR. Activation energy for the decomposition of samples was obtained using Kissinger equation. 25% of weight of IFR were doped into epoxy resin to get 27.5 of LOI and UL 94 V‐0. The TG curves and IR spectra show that IFR decreases the initial decomposition temperature and the maximum weight loss rate of epoxy resin, and enhances the thermal stability of epoxy resin at high temperatures and char yield. The activation energy for epoxy resin containing IFR was decreased by 44.8 kJ/mol, which shows that IFR can catalyze decomposition of epoxy resin. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis of UV‐curable difunctional silane monomer based on 3‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (3‐MPTS) and its UV‐curing characteristics and thermal stability
Authors: Bag Dibyendu S. , Rao K. U. Bhasker
Published: October 2009

In the present investigation, silicon containing UV‐curable difunctional monomer was synthesized by reacting 3‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (3‐MPTS) with acrylic acid using anhydrous ether as a solvent under inert atmosphere. The synthesized acryloxymethacryloxy silane monomer was characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The silane monomer along with 4 wt % photoinitiator (Darocure 1173) was cured under UV‐light for different exposure time. The curing characteristic of the monomer was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. The conversion of the double bond due to curing has been evaluated from the peak intensity of the CC double bond (at 1636 cm−1) in the FTIR spectrum considering the peak intensity at 1720 cm−1 due to CO as internal standard. The maximum double bond conversion is observed to be 72%. The optimum cure time for the silane monomer has been estimated to be 7.8 sec. The UV‐cured sample decomposes at 440°C. The char residue is 35% at 700°C. The synthesized UV‐curable silane monomer may be useful for UV‐coating formulations, for fabrication of 3D‐objects by lithographic technique and as a precursor for organic–inorganic hybrid materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon spheres from polystyrene sulphonate beads by steam and carbon dioxide activation
Authors: Singh Arjun , Lal Darshan
Published: October 2009

The polymeric precursor polystyrene sulphonate beads were used to produce activated carbon spheres (ACSs). ACSs were prepared by carbonization of polymeric precursor at 800°C followed by activation of resultant char with steam and carbon dioxide activation processes. The resulting ACSs were characterized for N2 adsorption, Raman spectrometry, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption properties such as, BET surface area (SBET), pore volume (Vpore), and micropore volume (Vmicro) of ACSs produced at different gasification time and temperature with steam and carbon dioxide activation were investigated in this study. It is found that porosity of ACSs produced from steam and carbon dioxide activation increases with increasing activation time. The results exhibited that ACSs produced from above carbon dioxide activation have shown high SBET and Vpore 1266 m2/g and 1.13 cm3/g respectively compared to ACSs from steam activation SBET 949 m2/g and Vpore 0.98 cm3/g, respectively. SEM study revealed that ACSs produced from carbon dioxide activation have exhibited a smooth surface and better microstructure as compared to ACSs from steam activation process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and micellization behavior of amphiphilic graft copolymer with 1‐octene as hydrophobic moiety
Authors: Fu Zhisheng , Liu Min , Fang Zuo , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: October 2009

Two new kinds of amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized in this work. Poly(1‐octene‐co‐acrylic acid) copolymers were prepared through the copolymerization of 1‐octene and tert‐butyl acrylate, and the hydrolysis of tert‐butyl acrylate units. Poly(1‐octene‐co‐acrylic acid)‐g‐poly (ethylene glycol) copolymers were obtained from the esterification reaction between poly(1‐octene‐co‐acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether. They were characterized by means of 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, GPC, and FTIR. These amphiphilic copolymers can form stable micelles in aqueous solutions. The critical micelle concentration was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The micellar morphology and size distribution were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Solid‐State Asymmetric Photochemical Studies Using the Ionic Chiral Auxiliary Approach
Authors: Yang Chao , Xia Wujiong
Published: October 2009

The ionic chiral auxiliary approach to asymmetric photochemical synthesis discovered by the Scheffer group has been successfully applied to many reactions in the solid state. Enantiomeric excesses of up to 99 % were obtained using this method. After a brief introduction of absolute asymmetric synthesis, chirally modified zeolites and host–guest assemblies in asymmetric photochemistry, the bulk of this review will summarize and discuss the application of the solid state ionic chiral auxiliary technique to the Norrish type II reaction, the di‐π‐methane photorearrangement, and to a novel retro‐Claisen photorearrangement.
One‐Pot Organocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of 3‐Nitro‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines by a Dual‐Activation Protocol
Authors: Wang Yi‐Feng , Zhang Wei , Luo Shu‐Ping , Li Bai‐Lin , Xia Ai‐Bao , Zhong Ai‐Guo , Xu Dan‐Qian
Published: October 2009

Generally, amine‐catalyzed enantioselective transformations rely on chiral enamine or unsaturated iminium intermediates. Herein, we report a protocol involving dual activation by an aromatic iminium and hydrogen‐bonding. An enantioselective aza‐Michael–Henry domino reaction of 2‐aminobenzaldehydes with nitroolefins has been developed through this protocol using primary amine thiourea catalysts to provide a variety of 3‐nitro‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines in moderate yields and with up to 90 % ee. The mechanism for the catalytic enantioselective reaction was confirmed by ESI mass spectrometric detection of the reaction intermediates. The products formed are substructures found in skeletons of important biological and pharmaceutical molecules.
Computational methods in synthetic biology
Authors: Kaznessis Yiannis N.
Published: October 2009

We discuss how a theoretical synthetic biology research programme may liberate empiricism in biological sciences beyond the unaided human brain. Because synthetic biological systems are relatively small and largely independent of evolutionary contexts, they can be represented with mathematical models strongly founded on first principles of molecular biology and laws of statistical thermodynamics. A universal mathematical formalism for describing synthetic constructs may then be plausibly used to explain in unambiguous, quantitative terms how biological phenotypic complexity emerges as a result of well‐defined biomolecular interactions. SynBioSS, a publicly available software package, is described that implements this mathematical formalism.
Automated precolumn derivatization system for analyzing physiological amino acids by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Shimbo Kazutaka , Kubo Shintaro , Harada Yushi , Oonuki Takashi , Yokokura Takefumi , Yoshida Hiroo , Amao Michiko , Nakamura Mina , Kageyama Naoko , Yamazaki Junko , Ozawa Shin‐ichi , Hirayama Kazuo , Ando Toshihiko , Miura Junkichi , Miyano Hiroshi
Published: October 2009

An automated method for high‐throughput amino acid analysis, using precolumn derivatization high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MS), was developed and evaluated. The precolumn derivatization step was performed in the reaction port of a home‐built auto‐sampler system. Amino acids were derivatized with 3‐aminopyridyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate, and a 3 μm Wakosil‐II 3C8‐100HG column (100 × 2.1 mm i.d.) was used for separation. To achieve a 13 min cycle for each sample, the derivatization and separation steps were performed in parallel. The results of the method evaluation, including the linearity, and the intra‐ and inter‐precision, were sufficient to measure physiological amino acids in human plasma samples. The relative standard deviations of typical amino acids in actual human plasma samples were below 10%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A metal‐chelate affinity reverse micellar system for protein extraction
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Yan , Meng Yao , Feng Xu‐Dong , Sun Yan
Published: October 2009

A new nonionic reverse micellar system is developed by blending two nonionic surfactants, Triton X‐45 and Span 80. At total surfactant concentrations lower than 60 mmol/L and molar fractions of Triton X‐45 less than 0.6, thermodynamically stable reverse micelles of water content (W0) up to 30 are formed. Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP; 1–2 mmol/L) is introduced into the system for chelating transition metal ions that have binding affinity for histidine‐rich proteins. HDEHP exists in a dimeric form in organic solvents and a dimer associated with one transition metal ion, including copper, zinc, and nickel. The copper‐chelate reverse micelles (Cu‐RM) are characterized for their W0, hydrodynamic radius (Rh), and aggregation number (Nag). Similar with reverse micelles of bis‐2‐ethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT), Rh of the Cu‐RM is also linearly related to W0. However, Nag is determined to be 30–90 at W0 of 5–30, only quarter to half of the AOT reverse micelles. Then, selective metal‐chelate extraction of histidine‐rich protein (myoglobin) by the Cu‐RM is successfully performed with pure and mixed protein systems (myoglobin and lysozyme). The solubilized protein can be recovered by stripping with imidazole or ethylinediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. Because various transition metal ions can be chelated to the reverse micelles, it is convinced that the system would be useful for application in protein purification as well as simultaneous isolation and refolding of recombinant histidine‐tagged proteins expressed as inclusion bodies. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Intimate partner violence and child abuse: a child‐centred perspective
Authors: Goddard Chris , Bedi Gillinder
Published: October 2009

A substantial body of literature assessing the impact of intimate partner violence on children and associations between intimate partner violence and child abuse now exists. Central to knowledge about these areas of practice and research is a robust, child‐centred consideration of some of the more challenging conceptual issues they give rise to. In this paper, we aim to stimulate debate by presenting a critical, child‐centred perspective on the intersection between intimate partner violence and child abuse. Initially, we provide the context for the review by presenting a brief overview of the literature. We then consider three central issues from a child‐centred perspective. We discuss the language used to describe children forced to live with intimate partner violence, and the importance of hearing children's perspectives on their experiences of such conflict. Finally, we consider similarities and differences between the intimate partner violence and child abuse fields from a child‐centred viewpoint. We conclude that increasing conceptual clarity around these issues will enhance research in the field, and ultimately improve interventions designed to protect children forced to live with intimate partner violence. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thromboprophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin in medical patients with cancer
Authors: Lyman Gary H.
Published: October 2009

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication of cancer and cancer treatment and is associated with multiple clinical consequences, including recurrent VTE, bleeding, and an increase in the risk of death. Although the risks associated with VTE have been well recognized in surgical cancer patients, there is also considerable and increasing risk in medical cancer patients. VTE risk factors in medical cancer patients include the type and stage of cancer, major comorbid illnesses, current hospitalization, active chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and antiangiogenic agents. Low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs) are recommended commonly for the prevention of VTE in hospitalized cancer patients and in higher risk ambulatory cancer patients because of their favorable risk‐to‐benefit profile. These agents have demonstrated effectiveness in both the primary and secondary prevention of VTE in medical cancer patients. Extended‐duration anticoagulant therapy is often recommended to reduce the risk of VTE recurrence in patients with cancer. LMWHs are often used for long‐term prophylaxis because of a reduced need for coagulation monitoring, few major bleeding episodes, and once‐daily dosing. Despite clinical and practical benefits, a substantial proportion of medical cancer patients do not receive VTE prophylaxis. To improve the appropriate prevention and treatment of VTE in cancer patients, guidelines have been published recently by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Widespread dissemination and application of these guidelines are encouraged to improve the appropriate use of these agents and to improve clinical outcomes in medical cancer patients at risk for VTE and its complications. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Zell Jason A. , Ziogas Argyrios , Bernstein Leslie , Clarke Christina A. , Deapen Dennis , Largent Joan A. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Stram Daniel O. , Ursin Giske , Anton‐Culver Hoda
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND:

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use has been associated with a decreased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the effects of NSAID on clinical outcomes after CRC diagnosis are not well defined. The authors investigated the association between prediagnosis NSAID use and mortality after CRC diagnosis among women in the California Teachers Study cohort.

METHODS:

Women aged <85 years participating in the California Teachers Study, without a prior CRC diagnosis at baseline (1995‐1996), and who were diagnosed with CRC during follow‐up through December 2005, were eligible for analysis of the association between prediagnosis NSAID use and mortality. NSAID use (including aspirin and ibuprofen) was collected through a self‐administered questionnaire. Cancer occurrence was identified through California Cancer Registry linkage. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) for death and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS:

Among 621 CRC patients who were identified, 64% reported no prediagnosis regular NSAID use, 17% reported use of 1 to 6 days/week, and 20% reported daily use. A duration of NSAID use <5 years was reported by 17% of patients and a use of ≥5 years was reported by 18%. Regular prediagnosis NSAID use (1‐3 days/week, 4‐6 days/week, and daily) versus none was associated with improved overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53‐0.95) and CRC‐specific survival (HR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.40‐0.84) after adjustment for clinically relevant factors. Prediagnosis NSAID use ≥5 years (vs none) was found to be associated with improved OS (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.84) and CRC‐specific survival (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.71) in adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

When used regularly or over a prolonged duration before CRC diagnosis, NSAIDs are associated with decreased mortality among female CRC patients. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Genesis of rods in the zebrafish retina occurs in a microenvironment provided by polysialic acid‐expressing Müller glia
Authors: Kustermann Stefan , Hildebrandt Herbert , Bolz Sylvia , Dengler Katja , Kohler Konrad
Published: October 2009

Polysialic acid (polySia) is a posttranslational modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM, which in the vertebrate brain is dynamically regulated during development and crucially involved in developmental and adult neurogenesis. In the fish retina, new neurons are persistently generated, but the possible contribution of polySia has not yet been addressed. Here we used immunohistochemistry with NCAM‐ and polySia‐specific antibodies to study spatiotemporal expression patterns of NCAM and polySia in the developing and mature zebrafish retina. As early as 2.3 days postfertilization (dpf), NCAM but not polySia was detected on cell somata and fibers of the developing retina. At 4.3 dpf polySia immunoreactivity first appeared in the ventral retina and was localized to the nascent outer nuclear layer (ONL). In mature zebrafish, polySia immunoreactivity in the ONL extended to the entire retina. Colocalization with rhodopsin‐EGFP in transgenic zebrafish or the Müller glia‐specific protein cellular retinaldehyde‐binding protein (CRALBP) revealed that polySia immunoreactivity was confined to the compartment of radial Müller glia processes crossing the ONL and to a small band of processes positioned proximal to the horizontal cell layer of the mature retina. As shown by 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, both newly generated rod precursors within the mature ONL and precursors of the marginal zone were polySia‐negative. Thus, polySia‐negative rod precursors of the mature zebrafish retina face a polySia‐NCAM‐positive microenvironment presented by radial Müller glia. In view of the prominent role of polySia in other neurogenic systems, this pattern indicates that polySia provides environmental cues that are relevant for the generation of new rods. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:636–646, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of androgen receptor mRNA expression in vocal, auditory, and neuroendocrine circuits in a teleost fish
Authors: Forlano Paul M. , Marchaterre Margaret , Deitcher David L. , Bass Andrew H.
Published: October 2009

Across all major vertebrate groups, androgen receptors (ARs) have been identified in neural circuits that shape reproductive‐related behaviors, including vocalization. The vocal control network of teleost fishes presents an archetypal example of how a vertebrate nervous system produces social, context‐dependent sounds. We cloned a partial cDNA of AR that was used to generate specific probes to localize AR expression throughout the central nervous system of the vocal plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus). In the forebrain, AR mRNA is abundant in proposed homologs of the mammalian striatum and amygdala, and in anterior and posterior parvocellular and magnocellular nuclei of the preoptic area, nucleus preglomerulosus, and posterior, ventral and anterior tuberal nuclei of the hypothalamus. Many of these nuclei are part of the known vocal and auditory circuitry in midshipman. The midbrain periaqueductal gray, an essential link between forebrain and hindbrain vocal circuitry, and the lateral line recipient nucleus medialis in the rostral hindbrain also express abundant AR mRNA. In the caudal hindbrain‐spinal vocal circuit, high AR mRNA is found in the vocal prepacemaker nucleus and along the dorsal periphery of the vocal motor nucleus congruent with the known pattern of expression of aromatase‐containing glial cells. Additionally, abundant AR mRNA expression is shown for the first time in the inner ear of a vertebrate. The distribution of AR mRNA strongly supports the role of androgens as modulators of behaviorally defined vocal, auditory, and neuroendocrine circuits in teleost fish and vertebrates in general. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:493–512, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of the calcium‐binding protein secretagogin in cone bipolar cells of the mammalian retina
Authors: Puthussery Theresa , Gayet‐Primo Jacqueline , Taylor W. Rowland
Published: October 2009

Secretagogin, a recently cloned member of the EF‐hand family of calcium binding proteins, was localized in the mouse, rat, and rabbit retina using immunofluorescence immunohistochemistry. Secretagogin is expressed in subpopulations of ON and OFF cone bipolar cells; however, no immunoreactivity was observed in rod bipolar cells in any of these species. Using subtype‐specific markers and mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) within specific cell classes, we found that secretagogin is expressed in Types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and possibly Type 8 cone bipolar cells in the mouse retina. The expression pattern in the rat retina differs slightly with expression in cone bipolar cell Types 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Evaluation of secretagogin in the developing mouse retina revealed expression as early as postnatal day 6, with OFF cone bipolar cells showing secretagogin expression prior to the ON cone bipolar cells. Secretagogin is a useful marker of cone bipolar cells for studying alterations in bipolar cell morphology during development and degeneration. Further work will be necessary to elucidate the functional role of this protein in bipolar cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:513–525, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurogenin1 effectively reprograms cultured chick retinal pigment epithelial cells to differentiate toward photoreceptors
Authors: Yan Run‐Tao , Liang Lina , Ma Wenxin , Li Xiumei , Xie Wenlian , Wang Shu‐Zhen
Published: October 2009

Photoreceptors are highly specialized sensory neurons in the retina, and their degeneration results in blindness. Replacement with developing photoreceptor cells promises to be an effective therapy, but it requires a supply of new photoreceptors, because the neural retina in human eyes lacks regeneration capability. We report efficient generation of differentiating, photoreceptor‐like neurons from chick retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells propagated in culture through reprogramming with neurogenin1 (ngn1). In reprogrammed culture, a large number of the cells (85.0% ± 5.9%) began to differentiate toward photoreceptors. Reprogrammed cells expressed transcription factors that set in motion photoreceptor differentiation, including Crx, Nr2E3, NeuroD, and RXRγ, and phototransduction pathway components, including transducin, cGMP‐gated channel, and red opsin of cone photoreceptors (equivalent to rhodopsin of rod photoreceptors). They developed inner segments rich in mitochondria. Furthermore, they responded to light by decreasing their cellular free calcium (Ca2+) levels and responded to 9‐cis‐retinal by increasing their Ca2+ levels after photobleaching, hallmarks of photoreceptor physiology. The high efficiency and the advanced photoreceptor differentiation indicate ngn1 as a gene of choice to reprogram RPE progeny cells to differentiate into photoreceptor neurons in future cell replacement studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:526–546, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vesicular glutamate transporter 3‐expressing nonserotonergic projection neurons constitute a subregion in the rat midbrain raphe nuclei
Authors: Hioki Hiroyuki , Nakamura Hisashi , Ma Yun‐Fei , Konno Michiteru , Hayakawa Takashi , Nakamura Kouichi C. , Fujiyama Fumino , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: October 2009

We previously reported that about 80% of vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3)‐positive cells displayed immunoreactivity for serotonin, but the others were negative in the rat midbrain raphe nuclei, such as the dorsal (DR) and median raphe nuclei (MnR). In the present study, to investigate the precise distribution of VGLUT3‐expressing nonserotonergic neurons in the DR and MnR, we performed double fluorescence in situ hybridization for VGLUT3 and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2). According to the distribution of VGLUT3 and TPH2 mRNA signals, we divided the DR into six subregions. In the MnR and the rostral (DRr), ventral (DRV), and caudal (DRc) parts of the DR, VGLUT3 and TPH2 mRNA signals were frequently colocalized (about 80%). In the lateral wings (DRL) and core region of the dorsal part of the DR (DRDC), TPH2‐producing neurons were predominantly distributed, and about 94% of TPH2‐producing neurons were negative for VGLUT3 mRNA. Notably, in the shell region of the dorsal part of the DR (DRDSh), VGLUT3 mRNA signals were abundantly detected, and about 75% of VGLUT3‐expressing neurons were negative for TPH2 mRNA. We then examined the projection of VGLUT3‐expressing nonserotonergic neurons in the DRDSh by anterograde and retrograde labeling after chemical depletion of serotonergic neurons. The projection was observed in various brain regions such as the ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra pars compacta, hypothalamic nuclei, and preoptic area. These results suggest that VGLUT3‐expressing nonserotonergic neurons in the midbrain raphe nuclei are preferentially distributed in the DRDSh and modulate many brain regions with the neurotransmitter glutamate via ascending axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:668–686, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of PTPRO in the interneurons of adult mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Kotani Takenori , Murata Yoji , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Mori Munemasa , Kusakari Shinya , Saito Yasuyuki , Okazawa Hideki , Bixby John L. , Matozaki Takashi
Published: October 2009

PTPRO is a receptor‐type protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) with a single catalytic domain in its cytoplasmic region and multiple fibronectin type III‐like domains in its extracellular region. In the chick, PTPRO mRNA has been shown to be particularly abundant in embryonic brain, and PTPRO is implicated in axon growth and guidance during embryonic development. However, the temporal and spatial expression of PTPRO protein in the mammalian CNS, particularly in the juvenile and adult mammalian brain, has not been evaluated in any detail. By immunohistofluorescence analysis with a monoclonal antibody to PTPRO, we show that PTPRO is widely expressed throughout the mouse brain from embryonic day 16 to postnatal day 1, while expression is largely confined to the olfactory bulb (OB) and olfactory tubercle in the adult brain. In the OB, PTPRO protein is expressed predominantly in the external plexiform layer, the granule cell layer, and the glomerular layer (GL). In these regions, expression of PTPRO is predominant in interneurons such as γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic or calretinin (CR)‐positive granule cells. In addition, PTPRO is expressed in GABAergic, CR‐positive, tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive, or neurocalcin‐positive periglomerular cells in the GL. Costaining of PTPRO with other neuronal markers suggests that PTPRO is likely to be localized to the dendrites or dendritic spines of these olfactory interneurons. Thus, PTPRO might participate in regulation of dendritic morphology or synapse formation of interneurons in the adult mouse OB. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:119–136, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polarized Infrared Spectra of the H(D) Bond in 2‐Thiophenic Acid Crystals: A Spectroscopic and Computational Study
Authors: Rekik Najeh , Ghalla Houcine , Flakus Henryk T. , Jabłońska Magdalena , Blaise Paul , Oujia Brahim
Published: October 2009

Polarized IR spectra of the hydrogen bond in 2‐thiophenic acid crystals, isotopically neat and of mixed H/D isotopic content, are measured at 298 and 77 K in the “residual” νOH and νOD band frequency ranges. This crystalline system provides spectra in these band frequency ranges that differ considerably in intensity distribution from the spectra of other H‐bonded centrosymmetric dimeric species. This change in the spectral properties of the crystals is probably due to the influence of the sulfur atoms from the thiophene aromatic rings, which are directly linked to the (COOH)2 or (COOD)2 cycles. The magnitude of this effect correlates with the net electronic charge distribution at the 2‐ and 3‐positions of substituted thiophene rings, which in a different way influences the electron charge density in the hydrogen bonds of the two thiophenic acid isomers. The experimental results for spectral structures are compared to predictions obtained with theoretical calculations involving the combined effects of anharmonicities, Davydov coupling, Fermi resonances, and direct and indirect relaxations within the framework of the linear response theory. Numerical results show that mixing of all these effects allows satisfactory reproduction of the main features of the experimental IR line shapes of crystalline H‐ and D‐bonded 2‐thiophenic acid at room and liquid‐nitrogen temperatures.
Theoretical Study of the Interplay between Lithium Bond and Hydrogen Bond in Complexes Involved with HLi and HCN
Authors: Li Qingzhong , Hu Ting , An Xiulin , Li Wenzuo , Cheng Jianbo , Gong Baoan , Sun Jiazhong
Published: October 2009

The lithium‐ and hydrogen‐bonded complex of HLiNCHNCH is studied with ab initio calculations. The optimized structure, vibrational frequencies, and binding energy are calculated at the MP2 level with 6‐311++G(2d,2p) basis set. The interplay between lithium bonding and hydrogen bonding in the complex is investigated with these properties. The effect of lithium bonding on the properties of hydrogen bonding is larger than that of hydrogen bonding on the properties of lithium bonding. In the trimer, the binding energies are increased by about 19 % and 61 % for the lithium and hydrogen bonds, respectively. A big cooperative energy (−5.50 kcal mol−1) is observed in the complex. Both the charge transfer and induction effect due to the electrostatic interaction are responsible for the cooperativity in the trimer. The effect of HCN chain length on the lithium bonding has been considered. The natural bond orbital and atoms in molecules analyses indicate that the electrostatic force plays a main role in the lithium bonding. A many‐body interaction analysis has also been performed for HLi(NCH)N(N=2–5) systems.
Oxidation of Glycerol to Glycolate by using Supported Gold and Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Sankar Meenakshisundaram , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Knight David W. , Carley Albert F. , Tiruvalam Ramchandra , Kiely Christopher J. , Thomas Damian , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: October 2009

Glycolic acid is an important chemical that has uses as a cleaning agent as well as a chemical intermediate. At present glycolic acid is manufactured from either chloroacetic acid or from formaldehyde hydrocyanation, both routes being nongreen and using nonsustainable resources. We investigate the possibility of producing glycolate from the oxidation of glycerol, a sustainable raw material. We show that by using 1 % wt Au/carbon catalysts prepared using a sol‐immobilization method glycolate yields of ca. 60 % can be achieved, using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant in an autoclave reactor. We describe and discuss the reaction mechanism and consider the reaction conditions that maximize the formation of glycolate.
Heterogeneous cooperative relay selection with maximal‐ratio combining for multi‐radio access networks
Authors: Peng Mu‐Gen , Zhang Jie , Wang Wen‐Bo , Chen Hsiao‐Hwa
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we present a hierarchical convergence scheme for multi‐radio access networks via heterogeneous cooperative relaying technique, where heterogeneous cooperative relay node (HCRN) acts as the convergence gateway and provides cooperative diversity and antenna array gains. The multiple antennas are configured on base station (BS), HCRN, and destination node (DS) to achieve the antenna array gain. Considering the power consumption and implementing complexity at HCRN, only a single antenna is configured at HCRN to transmit decoded packages to the destination node (DS). A joint heterogeneous cooperative relay selection and maximal‐ratio combining scheme is proposed to maximize both cooperative and multi‐user diversity (MUD) gains. Tight closed‐form expressions for the outage probability and average symbol error rate are derived to evaluate performances, which are related strictly to the cooperative relay selection scheme, multiple antenna configurations, and fading channels. The analytical and simulation results show that the numbers of HCRNs and DSs play identical roles in the performance improvement, while the antenna number of DS provides a more significant diversity gain. Thus, in a practical application, we should aim to achieve a high MUD gain, instead of approaching the cooperative diversity gain via deploying too many HCRNs. In addition, the antenna array gain via configuring multiple antennas in DSs is preferred because it is bigger than the MUD gain or the cooperative diversity gain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory role of DC‐derived osteopontin in systemic allergen sensitization
Authors: Kurokawa Masatsugu , Konno Satoshi , Takahashi Ayumu , Plunkett Beverly , Rittling Susan R. , Matsui Yutaka , Kon Shigeyuki , Morimoto Junko , Uede Toshimitsu , Matsukura Satoshi , Kokubu Fumio , Adachi Mitsuru , Nishimura Masaharu , Huang Shau‐Ku
Published: October 2009

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted phosphoglycoprotein with a wide range of functions, and is involved in various pathophysiological conditions. However, the role of OPN in IgE and Th2‐associated allergic responses remains incompletely defined. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of OPN in systemic allergen sensitization in mice. When compared with OPN+/+ mice, significantly increased levels of OVA‐induced IgE were found in OPN−/− mice. OPN−/− DC demonstrated an increased capacity to enhance Th2 cytokine production in CD4+ T cells from sensitized OPN+/+ mice. Furthermore, significantly reduced levels of IL‐12p70 expression were seen in LPS‐stimulated OPN−/− DC as compared with the WT DC, and the reduction was reversible by the addition of recombinant OPN (rOPN). rOPN was able to suppress OVA‐induced IL‐13 production in the cultures of CD4 and OPN−/− DC, but this inhibitory activity was neutralized by the addition of anti‐IL‐12 Ab. In addition, administration of rOPN in vivo suppressed OVA‐specific IgE production; however, this suppressive effect was abrogated in IL‐12‐deficient mice. These results indicate that DC‐derived OPN plays a regulatory role in the development of systemic allergen sensitization, which is mediated, at least in part, through the production of endogenous IL‐12.
Flt3 ligand–receptor interaction is important for maintenance of early thymic progenitor numbers in steady‐state thymopoiesis
Authors: Kenins Linda , Gill Jason W. , Holländer Georg A. , Wodnar‐Filipowicz Aleksandra
Published: October 2009

T‐cell production throughout life depends on efficient colonization and intrathymic expansion of BM‐derived hematopoietic precursors. After irradiation‐induced thymic damage, thymic recovery is facilitated by Flt3 ligand (FL), expressed by perivascular fibroblasts surrounding the thymic entry site of Flt3 receptor‐positive progenitor cells. Whether intrathymic FL–Flt3 interactions play a role in steady‐state replenishment of T cells remains unknown. Here, using competitive BM transplantation studies and fetal thymic organ cultures we demonstrated the continued numerical advantage of Flt3+intrathymic T‐cell precursors. Sub‐kidney capsule thymic transplantation experiments, in which WT and FL−/−thymic lobes were grafted into FL−/−recipients, revealed that FL expression by the thymic microenvironment plays a role in steady‐state thymopoiesis. The deficiency of the most immature thymic T‐cell precursors correlated to upregulation of FL by thymic MTS15+fibroblasts, suggesting that the number of Flt3+progenitor cells may regulate the thymic expression of this cytokine. Together, these results show that FL expression by thymic stromal fibroblasts interacting with Flt3+T‐cell progenitors is important for the physiological maintenance of early T‐cell development.
Gr‐1 antibody induces STAT signaling, macrophage marker expression and abrogation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cell activity in BM cells
Authors: Ribechini Eliana , Leenen Pieter J. M. , Lutz Manfred B.
Published: October 2009

The Gr‐1 (RB6‐8C5) Ab binds with high affinity to mouse Ly‐6G molecules and to a lower extent to Ly‐6C and has been widely used for cell depletion in infected or tumor‐bearing mice. Here we found that Gr‐1 treatment of BM cells in vitro and in vivo showed no depleting effects. The epitope recognized by the Gr‐1 Ab overlapped with Ly‐6G (1A8 Ab) but not Ly‐6C (ER‐MP20 Ab). In vitro the Gr‐1 Ab transmitted signals via STAT‐1, STAT‐3 and STAT‐5 into BM cells, similar to GM‐CSF. In healthy mice injected with the Gr‐1 Ab, the Ab remained attached to the surface of myeloid cells for at least four days. Gr‐1 Ab induced myeloid cell expansion, upregulation of macrophage markers, but not the DC marker CD11c. Suppressor activity of two distinct Gr‐1high and Gr‐1low expressing BM‐myeloid‐derived suppressor cell subsets was transiently ablated by Gr‐1 Ab injection. Depleting effects of Gr‐1 Ab could only be observed on inflammatory Ly‐6CintLy‐6Ghigh neutrophils from the peritoneal cavity, which occurred via apoptosis and was associated with the absence of Mcl‐1 expression. Together, Gr‐1 Ab induces signals leading to myelopoiesis and affects myeloid‐derived suppressor cell activity, suggesting functional roles for Ly‐6C/G molecules in macrophage differentiation and neutrophil apoptosis.