bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal use of folic acid supplements during pregnancy and four‐year‐old neurodevelopment in a population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Julvez Jordi , Fortuny Joan , Mendez Michelle , Torrent Maties , Ribas‐Fitó Núria , Sunyer Jordi
Published: March 2009

The use of folic acid supplements during very early pregnancy is recommended in order to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Little is known about the possible benefits of folic acid on child neurodevelopment. A total of 420 children (87% of those eligible) from a birth cohort had complete data for final analyses at age 4 years. Information about folic acid and other over‐the‐counter dietary supplements was obtained prospectively using interviewer‐administered questionnaires at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Psychological outcomes were assessed by two psychologists and teachers 4 years later.

Low maternal socio‐economic status, smoking, high parity and short duration of breast feeding were associated with lower prevalence of folic acid supplement use. Verbal (b = 3.98, SE = 1.69), motor (b = 4.54, SE = 1.66) and verbal‐executive function (b = 3.97, SE = 1.68) scores, social competence (b = 3.97, SE = 1.61) and inattention symptom [OR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.22, 0.95] scores were associated with reported folic acid use. Reported folic acid supplement use during pregnancy was associated with improved neurodevelopment in children after adjusting for a number of sociodemographic and behavioural factors.
Nuclear envelope and nuclear pore complex structure and organization in tobacco BY‐2 cells
Authors: Fiserova Jindriska , Kiseleva Elena , Goldberg Martin W.
Published: March 2009

The nuclear envelope (NE) is a fundamental structure of eukaryotic cells with a dual role: it separates two distinct compartments, and enables communication between them via nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Little is known about NPCs and NE structural organization in plants. We investigated the structure of NPCs from both sides of the NE in tobacco BY‐2 cells. We detected structural differences between the NPCs of dividing and quiescent nuclei. Importantly, we also traced the organizational pattern of the NPCs, and observed non‐random NPC distribution over the nuclear surface. Lastly, we observed an organized filamentous protein structure that underlies the inner nuclear membrane, and interconnects NPCs. The results are discussed within the context of the current understanding of NE structure and function in higher eukaryotes.
A cell wall extract from the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica promotes growth of Arabidopsis seedlings and induces intracellular calcium elevation in roots
Authors: Vadassery Jyothilakshmi , Ranf Stefanie , Drzewiecki Corinna , Mithöfer Axel , Mazars Christian , Scheel Dierk , Lee Justin , Oelmüller Ralf
Published: March 2009

Calcium (Ca2+), as a second messenger, is crucial for signal transduction processes during many biotic interactions. We demonstrate that cellular [Ca2+] elevations are early events in the interaction between the plant growth‐promoting fungus Piriformospora indica and Arabidopsis thaliana. A cell wall extract (CWE) from the fungus promotes the growth of wild‐type seedlings but not of seedlings from P. indica‐insensitive mutants. The extract and the fungus also induce a similar set of genes in Arabidopsis roots, among them genes with Ca2+ signalling‐related functions. The CWE induces a transient cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) elevation in the roots of Arabidopsis and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants, as well as in BY‐2 suspension cultures expressing the Ca2+ bioluminescent indicator aequorin. Nuclear Ca2+ transients were also observed in tobacco BY‐2 cells. The Ca2+ response was more pronounced in roots than in shoots and involved Ca2+ uptake from the extracellular space as revealed by inhibitor studies. Inhibition of the Ca2+ response by staurosporine and the refractory nature of the Ca2+ elevation suggest that a receptor may be involved. The CWE does not stimulate H2O2 production and the activation of defence gene expression, although it led to phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. The involvement of MAPK6 in the mutualistic interaction was shown for an mpk6 line, which did not respond to P. indica. Thus, Ca2+ is likely to be an early signalling component in the mutualistic interaction between P. indica and Arabidopsis or tobacco.
Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity among Botrytis cinerea Isolates in Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Soheila , Mohammadi Goltapeh Ebrahim , Shams‐Bakhsh Masoud , Safaie Naser , Chaichi Mehrdad
Published: March 2009

Forty‐four Botrytis cinerea isolates from different hosts and geographical regions were studied for colony morphology, mycelial growth rate at different temperatures, pathogenicity and molecular diversity. Botrytis cinerea isolates had temperature optima of 20–25°C and isolates showed variation in growth rate at different temperatures. Two morphological types were identified among tested isolates: mycelial and sclerotial. The pathogenicity of isolates was tested on grapevine leaves, and it was revealed that nine of 44 isolates were non‐pathogenic and among them seven were of mycelial type. There was no correlation between mycelium growth rate and pathogenicity. Genetic diversity was investigated using nine arbitrary decaprimers. No relationship was found between molecular clusters and geographical region or sampling time; whereas isolates from the same plant host tended to cluster with each other. Seven of nine non‐pathogenic isolates were separated from pathogenic ones.
Contents of total protein and β‐N‐oxalyl‐l‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) in a collection of Lathyrus cicera of the Bank of Plant Germplasm of Cuenca (Spain)
Authors: Vioque R. Sánchez , De Los Mozos Pascual M. , Conde M. F. Rodríguez
Published: March 2009

One hundred and thirty‐four accessions of Lathyrus cicera from the Bank of Plant Germplasm of Cuenca (BGV‐Cuenca, Spain) have been analysed for total protein and β‐N‐oxalyl‐l‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) contents in order to identify those with a suitable nutritional quality for animal feeding. There was a large variability in both traits, the content of total protein ranged from 22.95% to 30.98% with a mean value of 27.62%, and the ODAP from 0.09% to 0.30% with a mean value of 0.17%. The accessions from Castilla y León and Castilla‐La Mancha showed higher percentages of protein and ODAP as compared with those from Andalucía, Greece and Extremadura. Nevertheless, total protein and ODAP contents showed a low positive correlation (r = 0.396, P = 0.01). Several accessions showed a content of ODAP similar to that of the variety ‘Chalus’ and two accessions seemed very suitable for animal feeding because of their high content of protein and low ODAP.
Agroforestry management affects coffee pests contingent on season and developmental stage
Authors: Teodoro A. , Klein A. M. , Reis P. R. , Tscharntke T.
Published: March 2009

1 Management of vegetational diversity in agroecosystems is a potentially regulating factor of pest population dynamics and may affect developmental stages in different ways.

2 We investigated the population dynamics of red spider mites, coffee leaf miners, and coffee berry borers in three management types of coffee agroforests: increasing plant diversity from a few shade tree species (simple‐shade agroforests), intermediate‐shade tree species (complex‐shade agroforests) to high‐shade tree species (abandoned coffee agroforests) in Ecuador. Furthermore, we studied how changes in agroforestry management affect population stage structure of each coffee pest.

3 Our results show that agroforestry management affected seasonal patterns of coffee pests in that higher densities of red spider mites were observed from August to December, coffee leaf miners from December to February, and coffee berry borers from May to July. Moreover, specific developmental stages of red spider mites, coffee leaf miners, and coffee berry borers differed in their responses to agroforestry management. During all stages, red spider mite reached higher densities in simple‐shade agroforests compared with complex‐shade and abandoned agroforests. Meanwhile, coffee leaf miner densities decreased from simple‐shade to complex‐shade and abandoned agroforests, but only for larvae, not pupae. Similarly, only coffee berry borer adults (but not eggs, larvae and pupae) demonstrated a response to agroforestry management. Environmental variables characterizing each agroforestry type proved to be important drivers of pest population densities in the field.

4 We emphasize the importance of considering seasonal differences and population structure while investigating arthropod responses to different habitat types because responses change with time and developmental stages.
Targeted therapies in metastatic renal cancer in 2009
Authors: Bastien Laurence , Culine Stéphane , Paule Bernard , Ledbai Souhil , Patard Jean Jacques , De La Taille Alexandre
Published: March 2009

The development of targeted molecules in renal carcinogenesis changed the therapeutic approaches of treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Four available drugs are currently available, i.e. bevacizumab, sunitinib, sorafenib and temsirolimus, but other molecules and combined therapy are under investigation. In this review we assess published reports of these targeted therapies and discuss the novel promising molecules targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors, the mammalian target of rapamycin and epithelial growth factor cascade.
Impact of several histopathological prognosticators and local tumour extension on oncological outcome in pT3b/c N0M0 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Roos Frederik C. , Weirich Judith , Victor Anja , Elsäßer Amelie , Brenner Walburgis , Biesterfeld Stefan , Hampel Christian , Thüroff Joachim W.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic relevance of different histopathological features and local tumour extension in patients with pT3b/c N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as recently new proposals of reclassifying tumour fat invasion in pT3b/c RCC have been made but the effect of other histopathological tumour characteristics and combinations thereof with tumour invasion has yet to be determined in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1990 and 2006, 1943 patients underwent surgical treatment for renal tumours in our institution, of which 175 patients (8.7%) had pT3b/c RCC. After exclusion of 57 patients (32.6%) with lymph node and/or distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, 118 (67.4%) remained for retrospective analysis. Different histopathological features and local tumour extension were studied for their association with cancer‐specific‐survival (CSS) and progression‐free‐survival (PFS) by univariate and multivariate analyses. Histopathology was reviewed and revised according to the 2002 Tumour‐Nodes‐Metastasis (TNM) classification system by one pathologist (S.B.). CSS and PFS were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

RESULTS

Follow‐up data were obtained from 110 patients at a median (range) of 3.2  (0.3–16.1) years. In univariate analysis, microvascular invasion (MVI) and capsular invasion increased the risk of tumour progression by 2.05‐ and 2.72‐times (P = 0.037 and P < 0.001). Overall, tumour fat invasion (TFI) and the presence of areas composed by cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm were associated with a higher risk of progression (P = 0.001 and P = 0.011) and reduced CSS (P = 0.037 and P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, MVI and capsular invasion were associated with a two‐fold increased risk of dying from cancer (hazard risk ratio, HR 2.22, P = 0.045 and HR 2.31, P = 0.011). TFI in general (P = 0.004) and specifically coexistent perirenal fat invasion (PFI) and renal sinus fat invasion (RSFI) were associated with a three‐fold increased risk of developing tumour progression (HR 3.36, P = 0.001). The 10‐year CSS and PFS rates were 39% and 36% for all patients, 47% and 45% for pT3b/c RCC with no PFI or RSFI, and 25% and 10% for PFI + RSFI.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pT3b/c RCC with MVI, capsular invasion, TFI and especially PFI + RSFI, have a markedly reduced prognosis compared with patients with pT3b/c RCC without these features. When these results are corroborated by additional studies and external validation, modification of the TNM classification system would be a sensible consequence.
Student Support in Higher Education: Understandings, Implications and Challenges
Authors: Bartram Brendan
Published: March 2009

This paper attempts to offer a critical examination of the notion of student support in higher education in the UK. It compares some of the key ways in which student support is understood across the sector and contrasts a humanistic view with understandings driven more by instrumental and therapeutic concerns. The possible risks and effects that could be associated with these differing understandings are also examined. Against this background, consideration is additionally afforded to international students studying at UK universities. Finally, the paper identifies a number of questions worthy of institutional consideration.
Congenital heart disease affects local gyrification in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: SCHAER MARIE , GLASER BRONWYN , CUADRA MERITXELL BACH , DEBBANE MARTIN , THIRAN JEAN‐PHILIPPE , ELIEZ STEPHAN
Published: March 2009

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common genetic condition associated with cognitive and learning impairments. In this study, we applied a three‐dimensional method for quantifying gyrification at thousands of points over the cortical surface to imaging data from 44 children, adolescents, and young adults with 22q11.2DS (17 males, 27 females; mean age 17y 2mo [SD 9y 1mo], range 6–37y), and 53 healthy participants (21 males, 32 females; mean age 15y 4mo [SD 8y 6mo]; range 6–40y). Several clusters of reduced gyrification were observed, further substantiating the pattern of cerebral alterations presented by children with the syndrome. Comparisons within 22q11.2DS demonstrated an effect of congenital heart disease (CHD) on cortical gyrification, with reduced gyrification at the parieto‐temporo‐occipital junction in patients with CHD, as compared with patients without CHD. Reductions in gyrification can resemble mild polymicrogyria, suggesting early abnormal neuronal proliferation or migration and providing support for an effect of hemodynamic factors on brain development in 22q11.2DS. The results also shed light on the pathophysiology of acquired brain injury in other populations with CHD.
Measuring outcomes of importance to women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Ternent L , Vale L , Buckley B , Glazener C
Published: March 2009

Objective  To provide evidence on outcomes of importance to women who have stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The secondary aim was to identify additional outcomes that ought to be collected in future primary studies or in systematic reviews of the literature.

Design  Questionnaire survey of a cohort of women with SUI.

Setting  UK.

Sample  A total of 188 women with SUI.

Methods  Areas of importance to women who suffer from SUI were assessed using a patient generated index (PGI). In addition to the PGI, the questionnaire included the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the EuroQol‐5D (EQ‐5D).

Main outcome measures  PGI, EQ‐5D and the KHQ.

Results  In total, 38 different areas were reported by respondents on the PGI. PGI and EQ‐5D scores were positively correlated and significant. Correlations between the seven domains of the KHQ and PGI were all negative, but only two were statistically significant: personal relationships and severity measures.

Conclusions  The PGI succeeded in capturing a diverse range of outcomes of importance to women suffering with SUI. Given the limited correlation between the KHQ domains and the PGI and, in addition, that the areas mentioned in the PGI were not found to map well to the EQ‐5D, the PGI in this instance may be capturing concerns of women who suffer from SUI, which are not captured by quality‐of‐life measures such as the EQ‐5D.
Laos and the making of a ‘relational’ resource frontier
Authors: BARNEY KEITH
Published: March 2009

This paper seeks to reconsider the contemporary relevance of the resource frontier, drawing on examples of nature's commodification and enclosure under way in the peripheral Southeast Asian country of Laos. Frontiers are conceived as relational zones of economy, nature and society; spaces of capitalist transition, where new forms of social property relations and systems of legality are rapidly established in response to market imperatives. Customary property rights on the resource frontier can be seized by powerful actors in crucial political moments, preparing the territorial stage for more intensive phases of resource commodity production and accumulation. Relational frontier space is understood through the work of geographers such as Doreen Massey, who views the production of space as ‘constituted though the practices of engagement and the power‐geometries of relations’. In Laos, a twenty‐first century resource frontier is being driven by new corporate investments in natural resources, and a supporting array of land reform programmes. The paper focuses on both the material and representational aspects of the production of the resource frontier, through policy and discourse analysis, and village level research in Laos’ Khammouane province. By rethinking a dualist and hierarchical‐scaled imaginary of frontier places, both rural people and local ecologies are shown to be key actors, in a complex, relational reproduction of frontier zones. An emerging Lao spatial and political assemblage – a form of ‘frontier‐neoliberalism’– is shown as producing dramatic changes in socio‐natural landscapes, as well as new patterns of marginalisation and livelihood insecurity for a vulnerable rural population.
5% 5‐Fluorouracil Cream for Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris in Children
Authors: Gladsjo Julie Akiko , Alió Sáenz Alessandra B. , Bergman James , Kricorian Greg , Cunningham Bari B.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Warts are a common pediatric skin disease. Most treatments show only modest benefit, and some are poorly tolerated because of pain. 5‐fluorouracil interferes with deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid synthesis, and is used to treat genital warts in adults. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical 5% 5‐fluorouracil for treatment of common warts were examined in an open‐label pilot study with pediatric patients. Thirty‐nine children who have at least two hand warts applied 5% 5‐fluorouracil cream (Efudex, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International) once or twice daily, under occlusion for 6 weeks. Assessment of treatment response and side effects was performed at baseline, treatment completion, and 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups. Hematology measures, liver function tests, and medication blood levels were reassessed at treatment completion. Eighty‐eight percent of treated warts improved after 6 weeks of treatment, and 41% of subjects had complete resolution of at least one wart. Treatment response did not differ between once or twice daily applications. Tolerability and patient satisfaction were excellent. No subject had clinically significant blood levels of 5‐fluorouracil. At 6 month follow‐up, 87% of complete responders had no wart recurrence. Topical 5% 5‐fluorouracil is a safe, effective, and well‐tolerated treatment for warts in children.
What Is “High Risk?” A Systematic Review of Atopy Risk and Implications for Primary Prevention
Authors: Chamlin Sarah L. , Kaulback Kellee , Mancini Anthony J.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Atopic diseases are common and becoming more prevalent. Efforts have focused on primary disease prevention by identifying high‐risk children and applying preventative strategies. Our aim was to evaluate methods used to identify high‐risk children in atopy prevention studies. A literature search for relevant articles published between 1986 and 2006 was conducted, and all abstracts were reviewed. The search yielded 1,535 publications, 133 were reviewed in detail, and 57 met inclusion criteria. High risk was defined by 30 different methods. First‐degree relatives with an atopic disorder were included in all methods, but only three publications used referenced questionnaires to determine this. Less frequently included were cord blood immunoglobulin E measurements and skin prick or radioallergosorbent testing, and 16 methods relied on history alone. Family history was the most common method used to predict high risk of atopic disease in a child, but a minority of studies used a tested questionnaire to determine the presence of atopy in family members. The methods used to identify high‐risk children are variable, and the development and widespread use of a validated, practical screening tool is needed.
β‐Endorphin Neuronal Cell Transplant Reduces Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Hyperresponse to Lipopolysaccharide and Eliminates Natural Killer Cell Functional Deficiencies in Fetal Alcohol Exposed Rats
Authors: Boyadjieva Nadka I. , Ortigüela María , Arjona Alvaro , Cheng Xiaodong , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction is associated with hyperresponse of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to immune challenge and with a loss of β‐endorphin (BEP) neurons in fetal alcohol exposed animals. Recently, we established a method to differentiate neural stem cells into BEP neurons using cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐elevating agents in cultures. Hence, we determined whether in vitro differentiated BEP neurons could be used for reversing the compromised stress response and immune function in fetal alcohol exposed rats.

Methods:  To determine the effect of BEP neuron transplants on NK cell function, we implanted in vitro differentiated BEP neurons into the paraventricular nucleus of pubertal and adult male rats exposed to ethanol or control in utero. The functionality of transplanted BEP neurons was determined by measuring proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression in these cells and their effects on CRH gene expression under basal and after lipopolysaccaride (LPS) challenge. In addition, the effectiveness of BEP neurons in activating NK cell functions is determined by measuring NK cell cytolytic activity and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production in the spleen and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) following cell transplantation.

Results:  We showed here that when these in vitro differentiated BEP neurons were transplanted into the hypothalamus, they maintain biological functions by producing POMC and reducing the CRH neuronal response to the LPS challenge. BEP neuronal transplants significantly increased NK cell cytolytic activity in the spleen and in the PBMC and increased plasma levels of IFN‐γ in control and fetal alcohol exposed rats.

Conclusions:  These data further establish the BEP neuronal regulatory role in the control of CRH and NK cell cytolytic function and identify a possible novel therapy to treat stress hyperresponse and immune deficiency in fetal alcohol exposed subjects.
Going Where No Anthropologist Has Gone Before
Authors: Hahn Robert A
Published: March 2009

Shirley FIske is contributing editor of “Anthropology Works”, the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.
Female infidelity and genetic compatibility in birds: the role of the genetically loaded raffle in understanding the function of extrapair paternity
Authors: Griffith Simon C. , Immler Simone
Published: March 2009

Despite two decades of research into over one hundred species, the function of extrapair paternity to female birds remains unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated patterns between extrapair paternity and the genetic similarity of females with social partners and extrapair males. We believe that selection on females to gain genetically compatible fathers for their offspring offers a possible general explanation for the function of extrapair paternity. The idea of sexual selection being driven by genetic compatibility is widely considered by workers on other taxa but has been largely ignored by studies of birds. Genetic compatibility could be optimised by females through a behavioural process before copulation or through a postcopulatory process. Postcopulatory processes such as cryptic female choice have been recently demonstrated in birds and would allow female birds to use a ‘genetically loaded raffle’ to target compatible genes through sperm competition. We discuss the general weaknesses of studies of extrapair paternity to date and suggest a number of avenues for future research that will help to elucidate the function of extrapair paternity and widespread genetic polyandry in birds.
Adiposity and gingival crevicular fluid tumour necrosis factor‐α levels in children
Authors: Khosravi Roozbeh , Tran Simon D. , Lambert Marie , O'Loughlin Jennifer , Kâ Khady , Feine Jocelyne S. , Caron Christian , Tremblay Angelo , Nicolau Belinda
Published: March 2009

Aim: To investigate whether adiposity is associated with gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels in children. We also examined whether this relationship is mediated through plasma fasting insulin.

Materials and Methods: This preliminary study used cross‐sectional data from the baseline‐visit of the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth cohort, which is an ongoing longitudinal study investigating the natural history of obesity in Quebec children. Study participants (76 girls and 102 boys) include children aged 8–10 years and their families, living in the Montreal and Quebec City areas. TNF‐α level was measured in pooled samples (N=4) for each child by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay. Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). Sex/age‐specific BMI was categorized into normal (<85th percentile), overweight (85th–95th percentile) and obese (95th percentile) defined by the 2000 US‐CDC growth charts. Insulin resistance was measured using fasting plasma insulin in children. Data analysis involved descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses.

Results: Our results suggest that obesity in boys was associated with a 37% increase of GCF‐TNF‐α level. However, when accounting for insulin resistance this association was reduced and disappeared while the model's goodness of fit improved.

Conclusions: These findings provide support for the link between adiposity in children and GCF‐TNF‐α level, which appears to be mediated by insulin resistance.
Extent of peri‐implantitis‐associated bone loss
Authors: Fransson Christer , Wennström Jan , Tomasi Cristiano , Berglundh Tord
Published: March 2009

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to describe the extent of peri‐implantitis‐associated bone loss with regard to implant position.

Material and methods: Patient files and intra‐oral radiographs from 182 subjects were analysed. Among the 1070 examined implants, 419 exhibited peri‐implantitis‐associated bone loss. The position of each implant within the jaw and fixed reconstructions was determined. In the radiographs the distance between the abutment‐fixture junction and the most coronal position of bone to implant contact was assessed at the 419 “affected” implants using a magnifying lens (× 7) with a 0.1 mm graded scale.

Results: About 40% of the implants in each subject was affected by peri‐implantitis‐associated bone loss. The proportion of such implants varied between 30% and 52% in different jaw positions and the most common position was the lower front region. In addition, affected implants were found in larger proportions among “mid” than “end” abutments irrespective of supporting fixed complete or fixed partial dentures.

Conclusion: It is suggested that peri‐implantitis occurs in all jaw positions and that an “end”‐abutment position in a fixed reconstruction is not associated with an enhanced risk for peri‐implantitis.
Interleukin‐35: odd one out or part of the family?
Authors: Collison Lauren W. , Vignali Dario A. A.
Published: March 2009

Summary: Advances in cytokine biology have helped us understand the complex communication that takes place between antigen‐presenting cells and cells of the adaptive immune system, such as T cells, which collectively mediate an appropriate immune response to a plethora of pathogens while maintaining tolerance to self‐antigens. The interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) cytokine family remains one of the most important and includes IL‐12, IL‐23, IL‐27, and the recently identified IL‐35. All four are heterodimeric cytokines, composed of an α chain (p19, p28, or p35) and a β chain (p40 or Ebi3), and signal through unique pairings of five receptor chains (IL‐12Rβ1, IL‐12Rβ2, IL‐23R, gp130, and WSX‐1). Despite the interrelationship between the cytokines themselves and their receptors, their source, activity, and kinetics of expression are quite different. Studies using genetically deficient mice have greatly enhanced our understanding of the biology of these cytokines. However, interpretation of these data has been complicated by the recent realization that p40−/−, p35−/−, and Ebi3−/− mice all lack more than one cytokine (IL‐12/IL‐23, IL‐12/IL‐35, and IL‐27/IL‐35, respectively). In this review, we compare and contrast the biology of this expanded IL‐12 family and re‐evaluate data derived from the analysis of these dual cytokine‐deficient mice. We also discuss how the opposing characteristics of the IL‐12 family siblings may help to promote a balanced immune response.
Diversity in the contribution of interleukin‐10 to T‐cell‐mediated immune regulation
Authors: Maynard Craig L. , Weaver Casey T.
Published: March 2009

Summary: Recent progress in our understanding of mechanisms by which the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) participates in an ever‐increasing diversity of T‐cell lineages to maintain immune homeostasis has broadened the framework for defining regulatory and effector T cells and has blurred the lines between them. In this review, we highlight established and emerging roles for IL‐10 produced by distinct CD4+ T‐cell lineages that underlie its non‐redundant role in curbing immune responses to the intestinal microbiota at steady state and its role to limit T‐cell‐driven inflammation in responses to pathogens.
Evolution of gustatory reflex systems in the brainstems of fishes
Authors: FINGER Thomas E.
Published: March 2009

The great number of species of teleosts permits highly specialized forms to evolve to occupy particular niches. This diversity allows for extreme variations in brain structure according to particular sensory or motor adaptations. In the case of the taste system, goldfish (Carassius auratus L., 1758) and some carps have evolved a specialized intraoral food‐sorting apparatus along with corresponding specializations of gustatory centers in the brainstem. A comparison of circuitry within the complex vagal lobe of goldfish, and of the simpler gustatory lobes in catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, 1818) shows numerous similarities in organization and neurotransmitters. Double labeling studies using horseradish peroxidase and biotinylated dextran amine in catfish shows a direct projection from the vagal lobe to the motoneurons of nucleus ambiguus which innervate oropharyngeal musculature. Therefore, a three neuron reflex arc connects gustatory input to motor output. In the vagal lobe of goldfish, a similar three neuron arc can be identified: from primary gustatory afferent, to vagal lobe interneuron, thence to dendrites of the vagal motoneurons that innervate the pharyngeal muscles. Therefore, despite large differences in the gross appearance of the vagal gustatory systems in the brains of catfish and goldfish, the essential connectivity and circuitry is similar. This suggests that evolutionary change in the central nervous system largely proceeds by rearrangement and elaboration of existing systems, rather than by addition of new structures or circuits.
RANS Analyses of Turbofan Nozzles With Internal Wedge Deflectors for Noise Reduction
Authors: DeBonis James R.
Published: March 2009

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to evaluate the flow field and thrust performance of a promising concept for reducing the noise at take-off of dual-stream turbofan nozzles. The concept, offset stream technology, reduces the jet noise observed on the ground by diverting (offsetting) a portion of the fan flow below the core flow, thickening and lengthening this layer between the high-velocity core flow and the ground observers. In this study a wedge placed in the internal fan stream is used as the diverter. Wind, a Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) code, was used to analyze the flow field of the exhaust plume and to calculate nozzle performance. Results showed that the wedge diverts all of the fan flow to the lower side of the nozzle, and the turbulent kinetic energy on the observer side of the nozzle is reduced. This reduction in turbulent kinetic energy should correspond to a reduction in noise. However, because all of the fan flow is diverted, the upper portion of the core flow is exposed to the freestream, and the turbulent kinetic energy on the upper side of the nozzle is increased, creating an unintended noise source. The blockage due to the wedge reduces the fan mass flow proportional to its blockage, and the overall thrust is consequently reduced. The CFD predictions are in very good agreement with experimental flow field data, demonstrating that RANS CFD can accurately predict the velocity and turbulent kinetic energy fields. While this initial design of a large scale wedge nozzle did not meet noise reduction or thrust goals, this study identified areas for improvement and demonstrated that RANS CFD can be used to improve the concept.
VISUALIZATION EX SITU OF SINGLE DNA MOLECULES INCUBATION: A FIRST STEP FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS ON MULTI-SITE DEGRADATION AND ENZYMATIC KINETICS
Authors: WANG XINYAN , YANG HAIJUN , WANG HUABIN , WANG PENG , LI HAI
Published: March 2009

Herein, we showed a different approach to directly single-molecule level visualization of the degradation of DNA in vitro tests using DNase I incubation based on high-resolution AFM imaging ex situ with fine relocation nanotechnology. A method of nanomanipulation termed as "modified dynamic molecular combing" (MDMC) was used to pattern DNA samples for further degradation and enzymatic kinetics. This strategy is potentially able to quantitatively address the mechanical-induced kinetic profiles of multi-site degradation of individual DNA molecules with very stable tension and strong immobilization on a surface and discover the mechanochemistry.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND BAND BENDING OF MODULATION-DOPED GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs SYMMETRIC AND ASYMMETRIC DOUBLE QUANTUM WELLS UNDER AN APPLIED ELECTRIC FIELD
Authors: UNGAN F. , KASAPOGLU E. , SARI H. , SÖKMEN I.
Published: March 2009

In this study, we have calculated theoretically the effects of the electric field and doping concentration on the sub-band energies, the electron population, and total charge density in modulation-doped symmetric and asymmetric GaAs / Al 0.33 Ga 0.67 As double quantum wells. Electronic properties of the system are determined by the solving the Schrödinger and Poisson equations self-consistently in the effective-mass approximation. The application of an electric field in the growth direction of the system causes a polarization of the carrier distribution and shifts the sub-band energies, which may be used to control and modulate intensity output devices. In an asymmetric double-quantum-well structure, the effects mentioned above appear more clearly.
GRAFTING POLY(N-ISOPROPYL ACRYLAMIDE) FROM POLY(VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE) MIROFILTRATION, MEMBRANES VIA DIRECT SURFACE-INITIATED, ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION, AND TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY
Authors: CHEN YIWANG , XIAO JICHUN , ZHOU WEIHUA , DENG QILAN , NIE HUARONG , WAN MEIXIANG , BAI FENGLIAN
Published: March 2009

Well-defined poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) brushes on commercial hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) microfiltration membrane surfaces were prepared, via direct atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with the secondary fluorinated site of PVDF as initiator and water as solvent at 80°C. The effect of solvents on the ATRP was studied in detail. The water as reaction solvent was in favor of surface-initiated ATRP of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) from secondary fluoride of PVDF membranes. The chemical composition and structure of the modified PVDF membrane surfaces were determined by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface and cross-section morphology of membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pore sizes of the pristine PVDF membrane and the PNIPAAm-grafted PVDF membranes were measured using micro-image analysis and process software. The introduction of the well-defined PNIPAAm on the PVDF membrane gave rise to hydrophilicity. Water contact angles of PVDF membranes reduced after the surface grafting of PNIPAAm. Water fluxes and protein solution permeation experiments revealed that the PNIPAAm-grafted PVDF membranes exhibited temperature-responsive permeability. The unique microstructure of PNIPAAm brushes facilitated hydrophilicity below the lower critical solution temperature.
ENHANCING POLYMER-MODIFIED MORTAR ADHESION TO CERAMIC TILE SURFACE BY CHEMICAL FUNCTIONALIZATION WITH ORGANOSILANES
Authors: MANSUR ALEXANDRA ANCELMO PISCITELLI , DO NASCIMENTO OTÁVIO LUIZ , MANSUR HERMAN SANDER
Published: March 2009

Adhesion between tiles and mortars is of paramount importance to the overall stability of ceramic tile systems. In this sense, from the chemical perspective, weak forces such as van der Waals forces and hydrophilic interactions are expected to occur preferably at the tiles and polymer-modified Portland cement mortar interfaces. Thus, the main goal of this study was to chemically modify the ceramic tile surface through organosilanes aiming to improve adhesion with polymer-modified mortars (PMMs). Glass tile surfaces were treated with five silane derivatives bearing specific functionalities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements were used for characterizing the novel surfaces produced as the chemical moieties were immobilized onto them. In addition, pull-off tests were conducted to assess the effect on adhesion properties between tile and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) modified mortar. The bond strength results have given strong evidence of the improvement on adherence at the tile–PMM interface, reflecting the whole balance of silane, cement, and polymer interactions.
THEORETICAL CALCULATION OF ATOMIC STRAIN ON MECHANICAL ALLOYED METASTABLE INTERMETALLIC
Authors: PANG L. , XU J. , ZHANG J.
Published: March 2009

Mechanical alloying (MA) has been utilized to synthesize many equilibrium and/or nonequilibrium phases. During the MA process, alloys are formed by the solid-state reaction. Solid solution has been obtained by MA, strain occurs due to the dissolution one component in the binary system. An understanding of the strain in mechanical alloyed Ti – Al , Fe – Al , Ni – Al from the electronic level has remained elusive. In this communication, atomic strain behavior of Ti – Al , Fe – Al , Ni – Al systems is analyzed on the basis of the TFDC (abbreviation of the name of Thomas, Fermi, Dirac, and Cheng) electron theory. Lattice strain of Ti , Fe , Ni , and Al are compared with available experimental results. A very good coincidence was found.
Empowering SME Users Through Technology Innovation: A Services Computing Approach
Authors: Dai Wei , Uden Lorna
Published: March 2009

Web-based technologies are now quite widespread, and this paper relates how traditional information and communications technologies such as those associated with SME users can be coupled with Internet technologies in offering e-business solutions. SME users are traditionally not well resourced and do not have adequate computing infrastructure within their local work environments. The paper proposes an online information services infrastructure with the core services oriented technology as its basis, packaging various information resources behind the scenes. The online information service infrastructure invokes relevant sophisticated IT services only if necessary, and consequently delivers virtual technology capacity to SME users. The proposed transformation and changes within SME work environments will be minimal and should bring little interruption to the existing operations. An experiment has been carried out according to such visions. The experiment shows the effectiveness of the online applications integration through adaptive services, and an innovative knowledge driven model for economic use of information resources. The research aims to provide a basis to understand the potential benefits, barriers and solutions to integrate the traditional SME environments with leading-edge online services.
microRNA-205 Regulates HER3 in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Iorio Marilena V. , Casalini Patrizia , Piovan Claudia , Di Leva Gianpiero , Merlo Andrea , Triulzi Tiziana , Ménard Sylvie , Croce Carlo M. , Tagliabue Elda
Published: March 2009

An increasing amount of experimental evidence shows that microRNAs can have a causal role in breast cancer tumorigenesis as a novel class of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, depending on the targets they regulate. HER2 overexpression is a hallmark of a particularly aggressive subset of breast tumors, and its activation is strictly dependent on the trans-interaction with other members of HER family; in particular, the activation of the PI3K/Akt survival pathway, so critically important in tumorigenesis, is predominantly driven through phosphorylation of the kinase-inactive member HER3. Here, we show that miR-205, down-modulated in breast tumors compared with normal breast tissue, directly targets HER3 receptor, and inhibits the activation of the downstream mediator Akt. The reintroduction of miR-205 in SKBr3 cells inhibits their clonogenic potential and increases the responsiveness to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors Gefitinib and Lapatinib, abrogating the HER3-mediated resistance and restoring a potent proapoptotic activity. Our data describe miR-205 as a new oncosuppressor gene in breast cancer, able to interfere with the proliferative pathway mediated by HER receptor family. Our study also provides experimental evidence suggesting that miR-205 can improve the responsiveness to specific anticancer therapies. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):2195–200]
Functional Genomic Analysis Identified Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation as the Most Common Genetic Event in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sheu Jim Jinn-Chyuan , Hua Chun-Hung , Wan Lei , Lin Ying-Ju , Lai Ming-Tsung , Tseng Hsien-Chang , Jinawath Natini , Tsai Ming-Hsui , Chang Nai-Wen , Lin Chin-Fen , Lin Chyi-Chyang , Hsieh Lie-Jiau , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: March 2009

A 250K single-nucleotide polymorphism array was used to study subchromosomal alterations in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The most frequent amplification was found at 7p11.2 in 9 of 29 (31%) oral cancer patients. Minimal genomic mapping verified a unique amplicon spanning from 54.6 to 55.3 Mb on chromosome 7, which contains SEC61G and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Results from fluorescence in situ hybridization, transcriptome, and immunohistochemistry analyses indicated that the expression level of EGFR, but not of SEC61G, was up-regulated and tightly correlated with DNA copy number in 7p11.2 amplified tumors. Among the members of the erbB family, EGFR (HER1) was found to be the most frequently amplified and highly expressed gene in both human and mouse oral tumors (P < 0.01). Genes for downstream effectors of EGFR, including KRAS, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, and CCND1, were also found amplified or mutated, which resulted in activation of EGFR signaling in 55% of OSCC patients. Head and neck squamous cancer cells with different EGFR expression levels showed differential sensitivity to antitumor effects of AG1478, a potent EGFR inhibitor. AG1478-induced EGFR inactivation significantly suppressed tumor development and progression in a mouse oral cancer model. Our data suggest that EGFR signaling is important in oral cancer development and that anti-EGFR therapy would benefit patients who carry the 7p11.2 amplicon in their tumors. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):2568–76]
Immune-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition In vivo Generates Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Santisteban Marta , Reiman Jennifer M. , Asiedu Michael K. , Behrens Marshall D. , Nassar Aziza , Kalli Kimberly R. , Haluska Paul , Ingle James N. , Hartmann Lynn C. , Manjili Masoud H. , Radisky Derek C. , Ferrone Soldano , Knutson Keith L.
Published: March 2009

The breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) hypotheses suggest that breast cancer is derived from a single tumor-initiating cell with stem-like properties, but the source of these cells is unclear. We previously observed that induction of an immune response against an epithelial breast cancer led in vivo to the T-cell–dependent outgrowth of a tumor, the cells of which had undergone epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The resulting mesenchymal tumor cells had a CD24−/loCD44+ phenotype, consistent with BCSCs. In the present study, we found that EMT was induced by CD8 T cells and the resulting tumors had characteristics of BCSCs, including potent tumorigenicity, ability to reestablish an epithelial tumor, and enhanced resistance to drugs and radiation. In contrast to the hierarchal cancer stem cell hypothesis, which suggests that breast cancer arises from the transformation of a resident tissue stem cell, our results show that EMT can produce the BCSC phenotype. These findings have several important implications related to disease progression and relapse. [Cancer Res 2009;69(7):2887–95]
FOXP3 Up-regulates p21 Expression by Site-Specific Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 2/Histone Deacetylase 4 Association to the Locus
Authors: Liu Runhua , Wang Lizhong , Chen Guoyun , Katoh Hiroto , Chen Chong , Liu Yang , Zheng Pan
Published: March 2009

p21 loss has been implicated in conferring oncogenic activity to known tumor suppressor gene KLF4 and cancer drug tamoxifen. Regulators of p21, therefore, play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Here, we report that X-linked tumor suppressor FOXP3 is essential for p21 expression in normal epithelia and that lack of FOXP3 is associated with p21 down-regulation in breast cancer samples. A specific FOXP3 binding site in the intron 1 is essential for p21 induction by FOXP3. FOXP3 specifically inhibited binding of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and HDAC4 to the site and increased local histone H3 acetylation. Short hairpin RNA silencing of either HDAC2 or HDAC4 is sufficient to induce p21 expression. Our data provides a novel mechanism for transcription activation by FOXP3 and a genetic mechanism for lack of p21 in a large proportion of breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):2252–9]