bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional tissue cytometer based on high‐speed multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Kim Ki Hean , Ragan Timothy , Previte Michael J. R. , Bahlmann Karsten , Harley Brendan A. , Wiktor‐Brown Dominika M. , Stitt Molly S. , Hendricks Carrie A. , Almeida Karen H. , Engelward Bevin P. , So Peter T. C.
Published: October 2007

Image cytometry technology has been extended to 3D based on high‐speed multiphoton microscopy. This technique allows in situ study of tissue specimens preserving important cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions. The imaging system was based on high‐speed multiphoton microscopy (HSMPM) for 3D deep tissue imaging with minimal photodamage. Using appropriate fluorescent labels and a specimen translation stage, we could quantify cellular and biochemical states of tissues in a high throughput manner. This approach could assay tissue structures with subcellular resolution down to a few hundred micrometers deep. Its throughput could be quantified by the rate of volume imaging: 1.45 mm3/h with high resolution. For a tissue containing tightly packed, stratified cellular layers, this rate corresponded to sampling about 200 cells/s. We characterized the performance of 3D tissue cytometer by quantifying rare cell populations in 2D and 3D specimens in vitro. The measured population ratios, which were obtained by image analysis, agreed well with the expected ratios down to the ratio of 1/105. This technology was also applied to the detection of rare skin structures based on endogenous fluorophores. Sebaceous glands and a cell cluster at the base of a hair follicle were identified. Finally, the 3D tissue cytometer was applied to detect rare cells that had undergone homologous mitotic recombination in a novel transgenic mouse model, where recombination events could result in the expression of enhanced yellow fluorescent protein in the cells. 3D tissue cytometry based on HSMPM demonstrated its screening capability with high sensitivity and showed the possibility of studying cellular and biochemical states in tissues in situ. This technique will significantly expand the scope of cytometric studies to the biomedical problems where spatial and chemical relationships between cells and their tissue environments are important. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology.
Flow cytometric quantitation of opsonophagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans using a whole blood microassay
Authors: Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Sukapirom Kasama , Tachavanich Kalaya , Kaewmoon Sakorn
Published: October 2007

Flow cytometric assays for quantifying polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) function involve peripheral blood fractionation methods. However, most are of limited use for conditions like pediatrics and thalassemia, as they may require large blood volumes or complicated by red blood cell contamination. In whole blood assay, 500‐μl aliquots of normal or thalassemic whole blood were incubated with bis‐carboxyethyl‐carboxyfluorescein pentaacetoxymethylester (BCECF‐AM)‐labeled Candida albicans cells and phycoerythrin‐conjugated anti‐CD13 monoclonal antibody for PMNs. Phagocytosis was quantitated by gating on CD13 label PMNs and determining the frequency of phagocytosed yeast using flow cytometry. The killing activity was quantitated by estimating the number of viable fluorescence retaining yeast cells liberated following lysis of PMNs. In normal control or thalassemia samples, nonphagocytosed yeast and PMNs with or without phagocytosed yeast were readily distinguished by two‐color dot plot, permitting phagocytosis estimates. Viable and nonviable yeast killed by whole blood PMNs were distinguished by side scatter and fluorescence, permitting killing estimates. The patterns seen using whole blood was similar to that seen with fractionated PMNs. Data from thalassemia patients showed similar opsonophagocytosis but slightly decreased intracellular killing of yeast cells when compared with normal subjects. This assay provides an alternative method to assess PMN function in small blood samples, which could be especially useful in conditions like thalassemia and pediatric patients. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Growth of Aquincola tertiaricarbonis L108 on tert‐Butyl Alcohol Leads to the Induction of a Phthalate Dioxygenase‐related Protein and its Associated Oxidoreductase Subunit
Authors: Schäfer F. , Breuer U. , Benndorf D. , von Bergen M. , Harms H. , Müller R. H.
Published: October 2007

The microbial degradation of tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA), an important environmental pollutant and an intermediate in the degradation of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), was proposed to involve a monooxygenase for the initial oxidation of TBA, but up to now a specific enzyme with that activity has not been described except the well‐known AlkB for the Gram‐positive strain Mycobacterium austroafricanum IFP2012 (Lopez Ferreira et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2007, 75, 909–919). In the course of our studies of the MTBE pathway, the proteome patterns in one‐ and two‐dimensional gels of Aquincola tertiaricarbonis L108 which was grown on lactate, on hydroxyisobutyrate (2‐HIBA) and TBA, were compared. A protein of about 55 kDa was detected after growth on TBA and 2‐HIBA, which, after mass spectrometric analysis of the tryptic digested peptides, was assigned with a high score to phthalate dioxygenase. Sequence analysis of PCR products obtained with primers derived from the amino acid sequences in the above peptides supported the assignment to the hydroxylase subunit of phthalate dioxygenase‐like proteins by covering 96.7 % of a corresponding gene from Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1. The conserved amino acid motifs ‐R‐x12‐CxHRxxxLxxG‐x8‐CxYHR‐x6‐G‐ for the Rieske [2Fe‐2S] binding domain and (‐D/E)xxxDxxHxxxxH‐ for the mononuclear iron binding domain were found. A second protein of about 38 kDa was detected after growth on TBA with a lower score and attributed to a putative iron‐sulfur oxidoreductase subunit. Primers derived from the peptides resulted in an amplicon, which covered 75.7 % of a corresponding gene from M. petroleiphilum PM1. Conserved motifs ‐RxYSL‐x20‐22‐RGGS‐ for FMN binding and ‐GGIGxTPxxxM‐ for NAD binding were detected, which suggests that this protein is the small subunit of a two‐component phthalate dioxygenase‐like enzyme typically containing FMN. Dioxygenase‐related enzymes are known to catalyze also monooxygenase reactions (see e.g. Zhou et al. J. Bacteriol. 2002, 184, 1547–1555), which makes it likely that the two proteins induced in the presence of TBA are involved in TBA oxidation.
Elimination of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals using White Rot Fungi and their Lignin Modifying Enzymes: A Review
Authors: Cabana H. , Jones J. P. , Agathos S. N.
Published: October 2007

The ability of white rot fungi (WRF) and their lignin modifying enzymes (LMEs), i.e. laccase and lignin‐ and manganese‐dependent peroxidase, to treat endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is extensively reviewed in this paper. These chemicals cause adverse health effects by mimicking endogenous hormones in receiving organisms. The alkylphenolic EDCs nonylphenol, bisphenol A and triclosan, the phthalic acid esters dibutylphthalate, diethylphthalate and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate, the natural estrogens estrone, 17β‐estradiol, estriol and 17α‐ethynylestradiol and the phytoestrogens genistein and β‐sitosterol have been shown to be eliminated by several fungi and LMEs. WRF have manifested a highly efficient removal of EDCs in aqueous media and soil matrices using both LME and non LME‐systems. The ligninolytic system of WRF could also be used for the elimination of several EDCs and the associated hormone‐mimicking activity. The transformation of EDCs by LMEs and WRF is supported by emerging knowledge on the physiology and biochemistry of these organisms and the biocatalytic properties of their enzymes. Due to field reaction conditions, which drastically differ from laboratory conditions, further efforts will have to be directed towards developing robust and reliable biotechnological processes for the treatment of EDC‐contaminated environmental matrices.
Bonding Form Analysis of Metals and Sulfur Fractionation in Methanol‐Grown Anaerobic Granular Sludge
Authors: van der Veen A. , Fermoso F. G. , Lens P. N. L.
Published: October 2007

This study investigates the metal and sulfur bonding form distribution in mesophilic (30 °C, pH 7) methanol‐grown anaerobic granular sludge from upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactors operating at an organic loading rate of 3.8 g CH3OH‐COD/L d. This was achieved by applying a modified Tessier sequential extraction scheme to investigate the metal bonding forms and a sequential extraction scheme for sulfur and simultaneously extracted metals to granular sludge samples of the reactors after 0, 22, 35 and 43 days of operation. Metals were also determined in the sulfur extracts. Co and Ni predominated in their oxidizable bonding forms, which increased together with the pseudo‐total content during reactor operation. An omission of Co and Ni from the influent led to only a minor decline of the pseudo‐total content in the sludge, mainly from the acid‐soluble fraction. The ratio of simultaneously extracted metals (Co, Fe, Mn, Ni) to acid‐volatile sulfides was lower than 1, indicating that the sludge contained sufficient sulfide to bind the metals as metal monosulfides. The bioavailability of metals in the methanol‐grown anaerobic granular sludge investigated is therefore mainly controlled by sulfide formation/dissolution.
Chemical composition of the essential oils from Eriocephalus africanus L. var. africanus populations growing in Spain
Authors: Merle Hugo , Verdeguer Mercedes , Blázquez M. Amparo , Boira Herminio
Published: October 2007

Essential oils from the aerial parts of three Eriocephalus africanus L. var. africanus populations were analysed by means of GC–FID and GC–MS. Sixty‐one constituents were identified, representing more than 96% of the total oil composition. Artemisia ketone (56.46–56.58%), intermedeol (9.19–11.63%) and γ‐eudesmol (4.26–5.64%) were the main compounds. Application of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed high similarity between the nine samples analysed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of different isolation methods of essential oil from Citrus fruits: cold pressing, hydrodistillation and microwave ‘dry’ distillation
Authors: Ferhat Mohamed A. , Meklati Brahim Y. , Chemat Farid
Published: October 2007

Traditional hydrodistillation (HD), cold pressing (CP) and innovative microwave ‘dry’ distillation or microwave‐accelerated distillation (MAD) methods have been compared and evaluated for their effectiveness in the isolation of essential oil from fresh Citrus peels. The microwave method offers important advantages over traditional alternatives, viz. shorter extraction times (30 min vs. 3 h for hydrodistillation and 1 h for cold pressing); better yields (0.24% vs. 0.21% for HD and 0.05% for CP); environmental impact (energy cost is appreciably higher for performing HD and for mechanical motors (CP) than that required for rapid MAD extraction); cleaner features (as no residue generation and no water or solvent used); increases antimicrobial activities; and provides a more valuable essential oil (with high amounts of oxygenated compounds). It also offers the possibility for better reproduction of the natural aroma of the essential oil from Citrus fruit compared with CP, but more than the HD essential oil. Further, the microwave procedure yields essential oils that can be analysed or used directly without any clean‐up, solvent exchange or centrifugation steps. Scanning electron microscopy provides more evidence of the cleanness of microwave extraction, in contrast to the huge perforations on the external surface of the Citrus fruit peel in the case of conventional hydrodistillation. Finally, a mechanism of microwave ‘dry’ distillation is proposed and discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of cultivar on sensory profiles of fresh and processed strawberry fruits grown in Croatia
Authors: Bursać D. , Vahčić N. , Levaj B. , Dragović‐Uzelac V. , Biško A.
Published: October 2007

Sensory analysis was performed on fresh fruits, purées and low‐calorie jams prepared in laboratory conditions and under vacuum in three strawberry cultivars, Honeoye, Clery and NF 421, grown in Croatia. The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare the sensory quality of three different strawberry cultivars in fresh and processed strawberries. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to establish sensory profiles. The results of investigation were presented by means of multivariate modelling methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), which established that analysed sensory attributes can clearly be connected to different cultivars in fresh samples, purées and in all examined jams. The results established during this study on sensory profiles of fresh strawberries and their purées and jams represent a great contribution to the characterization of sensory profiles of these nutritionally high‐valued products. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenylbutanoid‐rich rhizome oil of Zingiber neesanum from Western Ghats, southern India
Authors: Sabulal Baby , Dan Mathew , J Anil John , Kurup Rajani , Chandrika Sreeja Purushothaman , George Varughese
Published: October 2007

Essential oil from the rhizomes of Zingiber neesanum (Graham) Ramamoorthy from the Western Ghats region of southern India was isolated and characterized by GC and GC–MS. Oil constituents were identified by comparison of individual mass spectra with databases and the literature, linear retention indices and co‐injection. Sixty‐one constituents, comprising 97.4% of the oil, were identified. Phenylbutanoids, viz. (E)‐1‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (31.1%), a potential antiinflammatory compound, and (E)‐1‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl)but‐1‐ene (23.1%) were isolated from the oil by prep. TLC, characterized by IR, UV, 1H‐NMR and MS and quantified by external standardization. (E)‐β‐ocimene (12.7%), β‐pinene (7.4%) and linalool (4.0%) were the major terpenoid constituents in Z. neesanum rhizome oil. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cymbopogon citratus L. essential oil as a potential antifungal agent against key weed moulds of Pleurotus spp. spawns
Authors: Mahanta J. J. , Chutia M. , Bordoloi M. , Pathak M. G. , Adhikary R. K. , Sarma T. C.
Published: October 2007

The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus L. (250–1500 p.p.m.) was tested in vitro for antifungal activity against seven Pleurotus spp. spawn‐contaminating fungi, viz. Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium citrinum, Curvularia lunata and Trichoderma harzianum. Oil‐enrichment resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction of growth for the pathogens examined. Fungal spore production inhibited up to 80% at 250 p.p.m. of the oil except for C. lunata, which was inhibited by only 30%. In the higher oil concentration (1500 p.p.m.) employed, fungal sporulation was completely retarded. Lemongrass oil reduces spore germination in A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. alternata, P. citrinum and T. harzianum, with the effects dependent on oil concentration. However, lemongrass oil at 250 p.p.m. accelerated spore germination for A. niger and P. citrinum. Indeed, further increase in oil concentration shows complete inhibition. Among the pathogens, C. lunata was found to be most resistant strain, while A. niger was the most sensitive strain against lemongrass oil. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 2 inactivation reduces the extent and stability of carbon tetrachloride–induced hepatic fibrosis in mice
Authors: Kesteloot Frédéric , Desmoulière Alexis , Leclercq Isabelle , Thiry Marc , Arrese Jorge E. , Prockop Darwin J. , Lapière Charles M. , Nusgens Betty V. , Colige Alain
Published: October 2007

ADAMTS2 belongs to the “ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif” (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by excising the aminopropeptide. This process allows the correct assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils and fibers, which confers to connective tissues their architectural structure and mechanical resistance. To evaluate the impact of ADAMTS2 on the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly type I and III collagens, we evaluated carbon tetrachloride–induced liver fibrosis in ADAMTS2-deficient (TS2−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice. A single carbon tetrachloride injection caused a similar acute liver injury in deficient and WT mice. A chronic treatment induced collagen deposition in fibrous septa that were made of thinner and irregular fibers in TS2−/− mice. The rate of collagen deposition was slower in TS2−/− mice, and at an equivalent degree of fibrosis, the resorption of fibrous septa was slightly faster. Most of the genes involved in the development and reversion of the fibrosis were similarly regulated in TS2−/− and WT mice.

Conclusion:

These data indicate that the extent of fibrosis is reduced in TS2−/− mice in comparison with their WT littermates. Inhibiting the maturation of fibrillar collagens may be a beneficial therapeutic approach to interfering with the development of fibrotic lesions.
Growth failure and outcomes in infants with biliary atresia: A report from the Biliary Atresia Research Consortium
Authors: DeRusso Patricia A. , Ye Wen , Shepherd Ross , Haber Barbara A. , Shneider Benjamin L. , Whitington Peter F. , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Rosenthal Philip , Karpen Saul , Squires Robert H. , Magee John C. , Robuck Patricia R. , Sokol Ronald J.
Published: October 2007

Malnutrition is a significant clinical problem in infants with biliary atresia. The natural history of poor growth and its potential association with early transplantation or death in children with biliary atresia was determined. Serial weight- and length-for-age z-scores were computed as part of a retrospective study of 100 infants who underwent hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) for biliary atresia at 9 U.S. pediatric centers between 1997 and 2000. Poor outcome was defined as transplantation or death by 24 months of age (n = 46) and good outcome was defined as survival with native liver at 24 months of age with total serum bilirubin less than 6 mg/dL (n = 54). Growth velocity was significantly slower in the poor outcome group compared to the good outcome group (

P

< 0.001 for both weight and length). Mean weight z-scores were significantly lower by 6 months after HPE in the poor outcome group (−2.1 ± 1.4) compared to the good outcome group (−1.2 ± 1.4) (

P

< 0.001). In a subgroup with total bilirubin between 2 and 6 mg/dL at 3 months after HPE (n = 28), the weight z-scores at 3 months after HPE were significantly lower in the poor outcome group (−2.0 ±1.2) compared to the good outcome group (−1.0 ± 1.2) (

P

= 0.04) despite similar bilirubin concentrations.

Conclusion:

Growth failure after HPE was associated with transplantation or death by 24 months of age. The combination of intermediate bilirubin concentrations and poor mean weight z-scores 3 months after HPE was also associated with poor clinical outcome.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediates oval cell response in rodents
Authors: Apte Udayan , Thompson Michael D. , Cui Shanshan , Liu Bowen , Cieply Benjamin , Monga Satdarshan P. S.
Published: October 2007

Adult hepatic stem cells or oval cells are facultative stem cells in the liver that are activated during regeneration only during inhibition of innate hepatocyte proliferation. On the basis of its involvement in liver cancer, regeneration, and development, we investigated the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in oval cell response, which was initiated in male Fisher rats with 2-acetylaminofluorine and two-third partial hepatectomy (PHX). Extensive oval cell activation and proliferation were observed at 5 and 10 days post-PHX, as indicated by hematoxylin-eosin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen analysis. A noteworthy increase in total and active β-catenin was observed at this time, which was localized to the oval cell cytoplasm and nuclei by immunohistochemistry and confirmed by double immunofluorescence. A concomitant increase in Wnt-1 in hepatocytes along with increased expression of Frizzled-2 in oval cells was observed. This paracrine mechanism coincided with a decrease in Wnt inhibitory factor-1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β down-regulation leading to β-catenin stabilization. To strengthen its role, β-catenin conditional knockout mice were treated with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine to induce oval cell activation. A dramatic decrease in the A6-positive oval cell numbers in the absence of β-catenin demonstrated a critical role of β-catenin in oval cell biology.

Conclusion:

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a key role in the normal activation and proliferation of adult hepatic stem cells. (Hepatology 2007.)
Could HTR2A T102C and DRD3 Ser9Gly predict clinical improvement in patients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia? Results from treatment responses to risperidone in a naturalistic setting
Authors: Kim Byungsu , Choi Eui Yul , Kim Chang Yoon , Song Kyuyung , Joo Yeon Ho
Published: October 2007

Objective

This study seeks to replicate previous results indicating that T102C in the serotonin 2A receptor (HTR2A) and Ser9Gly in the dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) were associated with a risperidone response to acutely exacerbated schizophrenia, and to determine whether possession of these alleles predicts clinical improvement in a naturalistic setting.

Methods

We consecutively recruited 100 schizophrenia patients and assessed clinical improvement after 4 weeks of risperidone treatment.

Results

The patients with T/T in the HTR2A gene showed less clinical improvement than did those with T/C or C/C (p = 0.044). In the case of the DRD3 gene, we did not find statically significant association with clinical improvement (p = 0.061). When patients were categorized into responders and nonresponders, the C allele was more frequent in responders (OR = 2.28, 95%CI = 1.06–4.91, p = 0.039). When combinations of the two polymorphisms were considered, patients who had T/T in the HTR2A gene and encoded Ser/Ser or Ser/Gly from DRD3 gene had a higher propensity to non‐responsiveness compared to other subjects (OR = 3.57, 95%CI = 1.10–11.62, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the HTR2A T102C could be a potential indicator of clinical improvement after risperidone treatment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of dimensionality reduction techniques for multispectral images
Authors: Carmona Pedro Latorre , Lenz Reiner
Published: October 2007

We consider several collections of multispectral color signals and describe how linear and nonlinear methods can be used to investigate their internal structure. We use databases consisting of blackbody radiators, approximated and measured daylight spectra, multispectral images of indoor and outdoor scenes under different illumination conditions, and numerically computed color signals. We apply principal components analysis, group‐theoretical methods and three manifold learning methods: Laplacian Eigenmaps, ISOMAP, and conformal component analysis. Identification of low‐dimensional structures in these databases is important for analysis, model building and compression and we compare the results obtained by applying the algorithms to the different databases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 202–217, 2007
Spatially adaptive color filter array interpolation for noiseless and noisy data
Authors: Paliy Dmitriy , Katkovnik Vladimir , Bilcu Radu , Alenius Sakari , Egiazarian Karen
Published: October 2007

Conventional single‐chip digital cameras use color filter arrays (CFA) to sample different spectral components. Demosaicing algorithms interpolate these data to complete red, green, and blue values for each image pixel, to produce an RGB image. In this article, we propose a novel demosaicing algorithm for the Bayer CFA. For the algorithm design, we assume that, following the concept proposed in (Zhang and Wu, IEEE Trans Image Process 14 (2005), 2167–2178), the initial interpolation estimates of color channels contain two additive components: the true values of color intensities and the errors that are considered as an additive noise. A specially designed signal‐adaptive filter is used to remove this so‐called demosaicing noise. This filter is based on the local polynomial approximation (LPA) and the paradigm of the intersection of confidence intervals applied to select varying scales of LPA. This technique is nonlinear and spatially‐adaptive with respect to the smoothness and irregularities of the image. The presented CFA interpolation (CFAI) technique takes significant advantage from assuming that the original data is noise‐free. Nevertheless, in many applications, the observed data is noisy, where the noise is treated as an important intrinsic degradation of the data. We develop an adaptation of the proposed CFAI for noisy data, integrating the denoising and CFAI into a single procedure. It is assumed that the data is given according to the Bayer pattern and corrupted by signal‐dependant noise common for charge‐coupled device and complementary‐symmetry/metal‐oxide semiconductor sensors. The efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated by experimental results with simulated and real data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 105–122, 2007
A new image sharpening approach for single‐sensor digital cameras
Authors: Lukac Rastislav , Plataniotis Konstantinos N.
Published: October 2007

This article introduces a new image sharpening approach suitable for single‐sensor digital cameras equipped with a Bayer color filter array (CFA). The proposed solution firstly enhances the structural content of the captured CFA image data. Subsequent demosaicking of the enhanced CFA image data produces a visually pleasing full‐color image which is noticeably sharper compared to the output of the traditional imaging pipeline. Results reported in this work suggest a three‐fold processing cost reduction when the new approach is followed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 123–131, 2007
Assessing human skin color from uncalibrated images
Authors: Marguier J. , Bhatti N. , Baker H. , Harville M. , Süsstrunk S.
Published: October 2007

Images of a scene captured with multiple cameras will have different color values because of variations in color rendering across devices. We present a method to accurately retrieve color information from uncalibrated images taken under uncontrolled lighting conditions with an unknown device and no access to raw data, but with a limited number of reference colors in the scene. The method is used to assess skin tones. A subject is imaged with a calibration target. The target is extracted and its color values are used to compute a color correction transform that is applied to the entire image. We establish that the best mapping is done using a target consisting of skin colored patches representing the whole range of human skin colors. We show that color information extracted from images is well correlated with color data derived from spectral measurements of skin. We also show that skin color can be consistently measured across cameras with different color rendering and resolutions ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 megapixels. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 143–151, 2007
Color high dynamic range imaging: The luminance–chrominance approach
Authors: Pirinen Ossi , Foi Alessandro , Gotchev Atanas
Published: October 2007

This article presents a novel and efficient approach to color in high dynamic range (HDR) imaging. In contrast to state‐of‐the‐art methods, we propose to move the complete HDR imaging process from RGB to a luminance–chrominance color space. Our aim is to get a computationally efficient technique and to avoid any possible color distortions originating from the three RGB color channels processed separately. To achieve this, we build a camera response function for the luminance channel only and weight and compose the HDR luminance accordingly, while for the chrominance channels we apply weighting in relation with the saturation level. We demonstrate that our technique yields natural and pleasant to perceive tone‐mapped images and is also more robust to noise. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 152–162, 2007
Induction of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production by N‐nitrosopiperidine and N‐nitrosodibutylamine in human leukemia cells
Authors: García Almudena , Morales Paloma , Arranz Nuria , Delgado Eugenia , Rafter Joseph , Haza Ana I.
Published: October 2007

N‐nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) and N‐nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) belong to a group of N‐nitrosamines that are widely distributed in foodstuffs and the occupational environment. In the present study, the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL‐60, was used to characterize the apoptotic effects of N‐nitrosamines, and to examine the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apoptotic cells were identified by (i) chromatin condensation (ii) flow cytometry analysis and (iii) poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. NPIP and NDBA induced morphological changes consistent with apoptotic events in HL‐60 cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that both N‐nitrosamines induced apoptotic cell death in a concentration and time dependent‐manner. It was observed that NDBA was stronger than NPIP, since it induced a significant apoptotic cell death after 18 h starting from a concentration of 2 mm, whereas NPIP was effective at 10 mm. Furthermore, PARP was markedly cleaved with 0.5 mm of NDBA and 5 mm of NPIP after treatments for 3 and 18 h, respectively. Finally, the ROS level was found to be elevated after 0.5 h of treatment with both N‐nitrosamines. Antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) completely inhibited the ROS production induced by NPIP and NDBA. However, this action seems not to be associated with the apoptosis because NAC did not block N‐nitrosamines‐induced apoptosis. The data demonstrate that NPIP and NDBA induce apoptosis and ROS production in HL‐60 cells. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the metabolic properties of human cells on the kinetic of formation of the major benzo[a]pyrene DNA adducts
Authors: Marie Caroline , Maître Anne , Douki Thierry , Gateau Mathilde , Tarantini Adeline , Guiraud Pascale , Favier Alain , Ravanat Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2007

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Some of them, including benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), are tumorigenic due to their ability to generate DNA adducts. In order to define potential biomarkers of B[a]P exposure, the aim of the study was to identify the major stable DNA adducts in B[a]P‐treated human cells. The role played by cellular metabolism on the nature and frequency of the DNA lesions was investigated using keratinocytes (HaCat) and actively metabolizing hepatocytes (HepG2) cell lines. Quantification of DNA damage was carried out by HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, a sensitive method making possible the selective detection of the different potential stable DNA adducts of B[a]P. These include two adducts of the 7,8‐dihydroxy‐9,10‐epoxy‐7,8,9,10‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE) pathway and three adducts of the radical cation pathway. The results indicate that incubation of cells with B[a]P induces almost exclusively the formation of BPDE DNA adducts on purine bases. The amount of DNA adducts generated in hepatocytes was found to be two orders of magnitude higher than that measured in keratinocytes. Interestingly, the level of the DNA adducts produced in the cells incubated with (±)‐anti‐BPDE was similar in the two cell lines, indicating that the difference observed upon incubation with B[a]P could be attributed to different kinetics of B[a]P metabolism. The repair rate of BPDE DNA adducts was identical in the two cell lines with a half‐life estimated to be around 20 h. These data support the use of the stable BPDE DNA adducts, as relevant biomarkers of exposure to B[a]P. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Docosahexaenoic acid is more potent inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264.7 cells than eicosapentaenoic acid
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Bhattacharya Arunabh , Fernandes Gabriel
Published: October 2007

Fish oil rich in n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects inflammation induced bone loss in chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, and osteoporosis. EPA and DHA differentially regulate functional parameters and gene expression in different cell types. One of the risk factors for bone loss in inflammatory bone diseases is the elevation of bone‐resorbing osteoclasts and a very few studies so far have indicated that attenuation of osteoclastogenesis might be one of the mechanisms by which n−3 PUFA exert its effect on bone loss protection. However, the precise mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. Receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) is known to be the most critical mediator of osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we examined the differential effect of EPA and DHA on RANKL‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis and RANKL signaling using a murine monocytic cell line RAW 264.7. DHA was found to inhibit osteoclast differentiation, activation and function more potently than EPA. The differential potential also closely correlated with the inhibition of osteoclast‐specific genes like tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K, calcitonin receptor, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression and osteoclast‐specific transcription factor, c‐Fos, as well as osteotropic proinflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α to a greater extent with DHA than EPA. Further, pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells with DHA also showed significantly reduced activation of NF‐κB and p38MAPK than EPA. Our findings suggest that DHA may be much more effective than EPA in alleviating RANKL induced proinflammatory cytokine production, intracellular signaling activation, thereby decreasing osteoclast activation and bone resorption. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:201–209, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic effect of high glucose and ANG II on proliferation of mouse embryonic stem cells: Involvement of PKC and MAPKs as well as AT1 receptor
Authors: Kim Yun Hee , Han Ho Jae
Published: October 2007

This study examined the synergistic effect of high glucose levels and ANG II on proliferation and its related signal pathways using mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. The combined use of a high glucose concentration (25 mM) and ANG II increased the level of [3H]thymidine/BrdU incorporation, and the number of cells compared with either treatment alone. Each treatment with high glucose or ANG II increased the cell population in the S phase compared with control, and the combined treatment of a high glucose concentration and ANG II significantly increased the number of cells in the S phase according to FACS analysis. Moreover, the high glucose‐induced increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation was blocked by inhibiting the ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptor. The combined high glucose and ANG II significantly increased the STAT3 phosphorylation compared with high glucose or ANG II alone. ANG II stimulated the influx of Ca2+ in 25 mM glucose compared with 5 mM glucose. High glucose levels increase the level of PKC α, ε, and ζ translocation from the cytosol to the membrane fraction. In an examination of other signal pathways, the combined treatment significantly increased the level of p44/42, p38 MAPKs phosphorylation compared with either treatment alone. Indeed, the combined treatment increased the mRNA expression level of the protooncogenes and cell cycle regulatory proteins. In conclusion, the combined treatment of a high glucose concentration and ANG II had a synergistic effect in stimulating mouse ES cell proliferation through the Ca2+/PKC, MAPKs, and the AT1 receptor. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 374–382, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downregulation of VEGF‐D expression by interleukin‐1β in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells is mediated by MAPKs and PKCα/β1
Authors: Mountain Deidra J.H. , Singh Mahipal , Singh Krishna
Published: October 2007

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is a proinflammatory cytokine increased in the heart following myocardial infarction. Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are implicated in angiogenesis due to their involvement in the recruitment and proliferation of endothelial cells. Here we studied expression of VEGFs in response to IL‐1β in rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) and investigated the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of VEGF‐D. cDNA array analysis indicated that IL‐1β modulates the expression of numerous angiogenesis‐related genes, notably decreasing the expression of VEGF‐D. RT‐PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed decreased expression of VEGF‐D in response to IL‐1β. IL‐1β decreased the expression of VEGF‐C to a lesser extent with no effects on VEGF‐A or ‐B. Inhibition of ERK1/2, JNKs, or PKCα/β1 alone partially inhibited IL‐1β‐induced VEGF‐D downregulation. Concurrent inhibition of ERK1/2 or JNKs and PKCα/β1 resulted in a synergistic inhibition of IL‐1β‐induced decreases in VEGF‐D. Inhibition of ERK1/2 partially inhibited IL‐1β‐stimulated inactivation of GSK‐3β with no effect on β‐catenin levels. Inhibition of GSK‐3β using SB216763 inhibited basal VEGF‐D expression. We conclude that IL‐1β downregulates VEGF‐D expression in CMECs via the involvement of ERK1/2, JNKs, and PKCα/β1. This is the first report to indicate inhibition of VEGF‐D gene expression in response to IL‐1β in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells, a cell type of central interest in angiogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 337–343, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complement C1q‐target proteins recognition is inhibited by electric moment effectors
Authors: Roumenina Lubka , Bureeva Svetlana , Kantardjiev Alexander , Karlinsky David , Andia‐Pravdivy Julian E. , Sim Robert , Kaplun Alexander , Popov Michael , Kishore Uday , Atanasov Boris
Published: October 2007

Classical complement pathway is an important innate immune mechanism, which is usually triggered by binding of C1q to immunoglobulins, pentraxins and other target molecules. Although the activation of the classical pathway is crucial in the host defence, its undesirable and uncontrolled activation can lead to tissue damage. Thus, understanding the molecular basis of complement activation and its inhibition are of great biomedical importance. Recently, we proposed a mechanism for target recognition and classical pathway activation by C1q, which is likely governed by calcium‐controlled reorientation of macromolecular electric moment vectors. Here we sought to define the mechanism of C1q inhibition by low molecular weight disulphate compounds that bind to the globular (gC1q) domain, using experimental, computational docking and theoretical modelling approaches. Our experimental results demonstrate that betulin disulphate (B2S) and 9,9‐bis(4'‐hydroxyphenyl)fluorene disulphate (F2S) inhibit the interaction of C1q and its recombinant globular modules with target molecules IgG1, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and long pentraxin 3 (PTX3). In most C1q‐inhibitor docked complexes, there is a reduction of electric moment scalar values and similarly altered direction of electric/dipole moment vectors. This could explain the inhibitory effect by impaired electrostatic steering, lacking optimal target recognition and formation of functional complex. In the presence of the inhibitor, the tilt of gC1q domains is likely to be blocked by the altered direction of the electric moment vector. Thus, the transition from the inactive (closed) towards the active (open) conformation of C1q (i.e. the complement activation signal transmission) will be impaired and the cascade initiation disrupted. These results could serve as a starting point for the exploration of a new form of ‘electric moment inhibitors/effectors’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress is activated in light‐induced retinal degeneration
Authors: Yang Li‐ping , Wu Le‐meng , Guo Xiu‐juan , Li Ying , Tso Mark O.M.
Published: October 2007

Exposure to excessive levels of light induces photoreceptor apoptosis and has previously been used as a model for the study of retinal degeneration. During the light exposure, intracellular calcium levels increase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated, which have been shown to cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In the present study, we investigated the role of ER stress in light‐induced photoreceptor apoptosis. Our study demonstrated that, after light exposure, the ER stress sensors including glucose‐regulated protein‐78 (GRP78/BiP), caspase‐12, phospho‐eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), and phospho‐pancreatic ER kinase (PERK) were significantly up‐regulated in a time‐dependent manner. The up‐regulation of these proteins coincided with or preceded the photoreceptor apoptosis indicated by TUNEL. These data showed that ER stress played an important role in light‐induced photoreceptor apoptosis. Therefore, ER stress modulators could be strong candidates as therapeutic agents in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of high‐performance liquid chromatography and non‐aqueous capillary electrophoresis methods for the determination of fenoxycarb residues in wheat samples
Authors: Liu Mian , Yang Hui , Liu Hongxia , Han Po , Wang Xie , Zhang Shusheng , Wu Yangjie
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Practical methods for the analysis of fenoxycarb residues in wheat samples were developed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and non‐aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE).

RESULTS: Fenoxycarb residues in wheat were extracted with acetone by ultrasonication, followed by a clean‐up procedure with liquid–liquid extraction with 5% NaCl/dichloromethane. The HPLC was developed using C18 as column, MeOH/water (6:4, v/v) as the mobile phase and 199 nm as the detection wavelength. The optimal NACE condition was established with the running buffer of 20.0 mmol L−1 NH4Ac in 95% MeOH (pH* 9.0), and the applied voltage of 30 kV over a capillary of 50 µm i.d. × 48.5 cm × 40 cm effective length. Both methods gave the relatively lower limits of detection (0.008 mg kg−1 for HPLC and 0.024 mg kg−1 for NACE) and the higher recoveries (>85.0%). They were successfully applied to the determination of fenoxycarb in wheat samples.

CONCLUSION: The results showed that the fenoxycarb residue gradually reduced to trace amounts after about 3 years, which implied that the pharmacological actions of fenoxycarb could last for about 3 years. Meanwhile, more effort should be made to control and reduce fenoxycarb residues because of its potential health risks to consumers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil and various oleoresins of Elettaria cardamomum (seeds and pods)
Authors: Singh Gurdip , Kiran Shashi , Marimuthu Palanisamy , Isidorov Valery , Vinogorova Vera
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the chemical analysis of the essential oil and various oleoresins of Elettaria cardamomum (seeds and pods) by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. It also compares the effects of the different extraction solvents used (chloroform, methanol, ethanol and diethyl ether) on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and oleoresins.

RESULTS: The essential oil was found to contain 71 compounds. The major components were α‐terpinyl acetate (44.3%), 1,8‐cineole (10.7%), α‐terpineol (9.8%) and linalool (8.6%). The chloroform and methanol oleoresins both contained α‐terpinyl acetate (21.8 and 25.9% respectively) as the main component, while 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (28.9%) was the most abundant compound in the ethanol oleoresin. However, very few components (total 0.61%) were found in the diethyl ether oleoresin. The antioxidant activities of the essential oil and oleoresins, studied in mustard oil by monitoring the peroxide value of the oil substrate, were comparable to those of the synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 0.02% concentration. The essential oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the micro‐organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi at 3000 ppm by the agar well diffusion method. Antifungal activity was tested against the food‐borne fungi Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium purpurogenum, Fusarium graminearum and Penicillium madriti. The methanol and ethanol oleoresins gave the best results against A. terreus at 3000 ppm by the poison food method.

CONCLUSION: This study provides important information about the chemistry and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of E. cardamomum. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of patients with false negative mammography and symptomatic breast carcinoma
Authors: Murphy Ian G. , Dillon Mary F. , Doherty Ann O' , McDermott Enda W. , Kelly Gabrielle , O'Higgins Niall , Hill Arnold D.K.
Published: October 2007

Aim

False‐negative mammograms may result in a delay in breast carcinoma diagnosis and have important implications for patient care. In this study, the characteristics of symptomatic patients with false‐negative mammograms were analysed.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic breast carcinoma were identified over a 10‐year period (1994–2004). One hundred and twenty‐four patients had false‐negative preoperative mammograms and 1241 patients had abnormal preoperative mammograms. Clinical presentation, diagnostic methods and pathology were analysed. False‐negative mammograms were reviewed by a specialist breast radiologist.

Results

Following retrospective review, 42% of false‐negative mammograms were re‐categorised as suspicious. The most commonly misinterpreted lesion was architectural distortion/asymmetrical density. Adjuvant ultrasound, where performed (n = 27), raised the level of suspicion in 93% of cases. Patients with false‐negative mammograms were more likely to be younger (P < 0.0001), present with nipple discharge (P = 0.002) and have smaller tumours (P < 0.0001). Their tumours were more frequently located outside the upper outer quadrant (P = 0.002). False‐negative mammography led to a delay in diagnosis of >2 months in 12 patients.

Conclusion

Symptomatic patients with false‐negative mammograms often demonstrate definite abnormalities on imaging, the most common of which is architectural distortion/asymmetrical density. Those at particular risk were younger patients, those with nipple discharge, and patients with lesions located outside the upper outer quadrant. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:457–463. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.