bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Olefin Metathesis with Ruthenium—Arene Catalysts Bearing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Delaude Lionel , Demonceau Albert
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Natural Diterpene and Triterpene Quinone Methides: Structures, Synthesis, and Biological Potentials
Authors: Zhou Qibing
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Cross‐Metathesis of Vinylsubstituted Organosilicon Derivatives with Olefins and Dienes in the Presence of Grubbs Catalysts
Authors: Pietraszuk Cezary , Fischer Helmut , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Green Organotin Chemistry: An Oxymoron?
Authors: Young David
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Bioinspired Organic Chemistry
Authors: Tomas Salvador
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Role of Surfaces in Catheter‐Associated Infections
Authors: Noimark Sacha , Dunnill Charles W. , Wilson Michael , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Engineering with Sterically Hindered Molecular Modules: Unique Supramolecular Synthons and Novel Molecular Self Assembly
Authors: Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: February 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
A Brief History of Phytochromes
Authors: Rockwell Nathan C. , Lagarias J. Clark
Published: February 2010

Photosensory proteins enable living things to detect the quantity and quality of the light environment and to transduce that physical signal into biochemical outputs which entrain their metabolism with the ambient light environment. Phytochromes, which photoconvert between red‐absorbing Pr and far‐red‐absorbing Pfr states, are the most extensively studied of these interesting proteins. Critical regulators of a number of key adaptive processes in higher plants, including photomorphogenesis and shade avoidance, phytochromes are widespread in photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic bacteria, and even in fungi. Cyanobacterial genomes also possess a plethora of more distant relatives of phytochromes known as cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs). Biochemical characterization of representative CBCRs has demonstrated that this class of photosensors exhibits a broad range of wavelength sensitivities, spanning the entire visible spectrum. Distinct protein–bilin interactions are responsible for this astonishing array of wavelength sensitivities. Despite this spectral diversity, all members of the extended family of phytochrome photosensors appear to share a common photochemical mechanism for light sensing: photoisomerization of the 15/16 double bond of the bilin chromophore.
NorthernLights in slide‐based cytometry and microscopy
Authors: Wessels J. T. , Busse A. C. , Mahrt J. , Hoffschulte B. , Mueller G. A. , Tárnok A. , Mittag A.
Published: February 2010

In recent years, slide‐based cytometry has become a key technology for polychromatic cytometric investigations, and many efforts have been made to increase the number of measurable fluorochromes for multiparametric analysis. Sequential photobleaching of fluorochromes next to very photostable dyes is one approach for this technology. As the ALEXA dyes are known to be photostable as compared to the conventional fluorochromes FITC, PE (Riggs et al., Am J Pathol 1958;34:1081–1097), and APC, a differentiation within a fluorochrome pair is possible. Here, we have analyzed the newly available NorthernLights™ secondary antibodies for use in slide‐based cytometry and microscopy. Currently, these fluorochrome‐conjugates are now available with three distinct excitation‐ and emission maxima (NL493, NL557, NL637). Their spectral properties are similar to the frequently used fluorochromes FITC, PE, and APC and can, therefore, be used with most common excitation sources of cytometers or microscopes. As the NorthernLights™ are bright, resistant to photobleaching, stable in alcohols and xylene and of affordable price, these dyes are promising candidates for use with most laser‐ and HBO/XBA‐based fluorescence microscopy‐like techniques. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
N‐acetylcysteine impairs survival of luteal cells through mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Löhrke Berthold , Xu Jinxian , Weitzel Joachim M. , Krüger Burkhard , Goldammer Tom , Viergutz Torsten
Published: February 2010

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is known as an antioxidant and used for mucus viscosity reduction. However, this drug prevents or induces cell death depending on the cell type. The response of steroidogenic luteal cells to NAC is unknown. Our data shows that NAC can behave as an antioxidant or prooxidant in dependency on the concentration and mitochondrial energization. NAC elevated the flowcytometric‐measured portion of hypodiploid (dying) cells. This rise was completely abolished by aurintricarboxylic acid, an inhibitor of topoisomerase II. NAC increased the secretion of nitric oxide and cellular nitrotyrosine. An image analysis indicated that cells pretreated with NAC and loaded with DHR showed a fluorescent structure probably elicited by the oxidative product of DHR, rhodamine 123 that sequesters mitochondrially. Pretreating luteal cells with NAC or adding NAC directly to mitochondrial fractions followed by assessing the mitochondrial transmembrane potential difference (Δψ) by the JC‐1 technique demonstrated a marked decrease in Δψ. A protonophore restored Δψ and rotenone (an inhibitor of respiratory chain complex I) inhibited mitochondrial recovering. Thus, in steroidogenic luteal cells from healthy mature corpus luteum, NAC impairs cellular survival by interfering with mitochondrial metabolism. The protonophore‐induced recovering of NAC‐provoked decrease in Δψ indicates that an ATP synthase‐favored route of H+ re‐entry to the matrix is essentially switched off by NAC while other respiratory chain complexes remain intact. These data may be important for therapeutic timing of treatments with NAC. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The proto‐oncogene BCL6 promotes survival of olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: Otaki Joji M. , Hatano Masahiko , Matayoshi Rie , Tokuhisa Takeshi , Yamamoto Haruhiko
Published: February 2010

For the mammalian olfactory epithelium to continually detect odorant, neuronal survival, apoptosis, and regeneration must be coordinated. Here, we showed that the proto‐oncogene BCL6, which encodes a transcriptional repressor required for lymphocyte terminal differentiation, contributes to the survival of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). In the olfactory epithelia of the BCL6 null mutant mice, many OSNs were positive for both OMP and GAP43. The epithelium was relatively thinner, showing many apoptotic signals. These characters were phenotypically similar to those of the wild‐type mice treated with nasal lectin irrigation, which acutely induces apoptosis of OSNs. Odorant receptors were expressed normally in the epithelia of the mutant mice, and their overall expression profile based on DNA microarray analyses was roughly similar to that of the apoptosis‐induced olfactory epithelia of the wild‐type mice. Experimental increase of BCL6 together with green fluorescent protein in OSNs using adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer made the epifluorescence last longer than the control fluorescence without exogenous BCL6 after the nasal lectin irrigation, indicating that BCL6 made the infected neurons survive longer. We conclude that BCL6 plays an active role in the survival of OSNs as an anti‐apoptotic factor and confers immature OSNs enough time to fully differentiate into mature ones. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 424‐435, 2010
C2‐Functionalization of 1‐Substituted Imidazoles with Aldehydes and Electron‐Deficient Acetylenes: A Novel Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Andriyankova Ludmila V. , Belyaeva Kseniya V. , Mal'kina Anastasiya G. , Nikitina Lina P. , Afonin Andrei V. , Ushakov Igor' A.
Published: February 2010

A novel three‐component reaction between 1‐substituted imidazoles, aldehydes, and electron‐deficient acetylenes proceeds under mild conditions (20–25 °C, no catalyst, no solvent) to form an unknown family of C2‐functionalized imidazoles in up to 74 % yield, the function constituting a push–pull combination of enol ether and acrylic moieties. In the case of cyanophenylacetylene, the function is built up stereospecifically to have the (Z) configuration. The interaction presumably occurs via zwitterion and carbene intermediates. The results contribute to basic imidazole and acetylene chemistry and open a shortcut to promising drug candidates.
Hydroselenation and Carboselenation of Electron‐Deficient Alkynes with Isolable (Hydrido)(selenolato)platinum(II) Complexes and a Selenaplatinacycle Bearing a Triptycene Skeleton
Authors: Ishii Akihiko , Kamon Hitomi , Murakami Keiko , Nakata Norio
Published: February 2010

The reaction of [PtH(SeTrip)(PPh3)2] (Trip = 9‐triptycyl) (3) with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) or methyl propiolate gave hydroselenation syn adducts. The reaction of [PtH(SeTrip)(dppe)] [dppe = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane], which has a stronger phosphane σ‐donor ligand than 3, with DMAD gave both syn and anti adducts. The reaction of 3 and DMAD in the presence of PPh3 yielded no adducts. These observations indicate that, in the hydroselenation, the dissociation of a PPh3 ligand from 3 is a key step. The selenaplatinacycle 6, which is a thermal reaction product of 3, reacted with DMAD to give the carboselenation product, 1H‐2‐benzoselenin 7, which was also formed by the reaction of TripSeH with DMAD.
The Determination of Methanol Using an Electrolytically Fabricated Nickel Microparticle Modified Boron Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Toghill Kathryn E. , Xiao Lei , Stradiotto Nelson R. , Compton Richard G.
Published: February 2010

A nickel modified boron doped diamond (Ni‐BDD) electrode and nickel foil electrode were used in the determination of methanol in alkaline solutions. The Ni‐BDD electrode was electrodeposited from a 1 mM Ni(NO3)2 solution (pH 5), followed by repeat cycling in KOH. Subsequent analysis utilised the Ni(OH)2/NiOOH redox couple to electrocatalyse the oxidation of methanol. Methanol was determined to limits of 0.3 mM with a sensitivity of 110 nA/mM at the Ni‐BDD electrode. The foil electrode was less sensitive achieving a limit of 1.6 mM and sensitivity of 27 nA/mM. SEM analysis of the electrodes found the Ni‐BDD to be modified by a quasi‐random microparticle array.
Genetically Engineered Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Alfonta Lital
Published: February 2010

This article reviews the advances that were made towards the understanding and the improvement of electron transfer and communication between living cells and electrodes with a specific emphasis on microbial fuel cells and bioelectrical systems. It summarizes the efforts that were made thus far to improve electron transfer between microorganisms and electrodes using the genetically based understanding of electron transfer in such organisms and the manipulations that can be performed to improve the transfer and subsequently control over power output. Future directions in the field are also reviewed and suggested in this article.
Biofuel Cells for Portable Power
Authors: Gellett Wayne , Kesmez Mehmet , Schumacher Joshua , Akers Nick , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: February 2010

The key operating characteristics of biofuel cells, high energy density and low power delivery, make them ideal power choices for military, industrial, and niche wireless sensor network applications. There is virtually universal demand for higher energy power supplies for wireless sensors to enable longer operation, more frequent data capture, and higher bandwidth sensing techniques such as video. Advanced biofuel cell technology has been demonstrated for such applications that is capable of 2–4×increase in energy density compared to incumbent batteries of a similar size.
Metal(II)–ligand molar ratio dependence of enantioseparation of tartaric acid by ligand exchange CE with Cu(II) and Ni(II)–D‐quinic acid systems
Authors: Kodama Shuji , Aizawa Sen‐ichi , Taga Atsushi , Yamashita Tomohisa , Kemmei Tomoko , Suzuki Kentaro , Honda Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Atsushi
Published: February 2010

Enantioseparation of tartaric acid by ligand exchange CE with a Cu(II)–D‐quinic acid system was studied. Racemic tartaric acid was enantioseparated by ligand exchange CE using BGEs containing relatively low Cu(II)–D‐quinic acid molar ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 and high molar ratios ranging from 1:8 to 1:12 but was not enantioseparated using BGEs with medium molar ratios ranging from 1:4 to 1:6. While the migration order of D‐tartaric acid was prior to L‐tartaric acid at the lower Cu(II)–D‐quinic acid molar ratios, the enantiomer migration order was reversed at the higher molar ratios. These results were compared with those for Ni(II)–D‐quinic acid system. The molar ratio dependence of enantiomer migration order can be attributed to a change in the coordination structure of Cu(II) ion with D‐quinic acid.
An idealised model of turbulent dispersion: two and three spatial dimensions
Authors: Mole Nils
Published: February 2010

In the idealised model of turbulent dispersion introduced by Zimmerman and Chatwin (1995), the probability density function (pdf) of concentration becomes bimodal at large times, with peaks at the smallest and largest concentrations. That model only has one spatial dimension, but here I extend the model to two and three spatial dimensions. I also extend to two and three dimensions the pdf calculation method that was given by Mole and Yeun (2007). I use this method to derive large‐time analytical solutions for the pdf, and to show that in two and three dimensions the weight of the pdf shifts from extreme concentrations towards the mean concentration. In the typical three‐dimensional case, the large‐time pdf is unimodal with the peak at the mean concentration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change point analysis of extreme values
Authors: Dierckx G. , Teugels J. L.
Published: February 2010

In a sample from the distribution of a random variable, it is possible that the tail behavior of the distribution changes at some point in the sample. This tail behavior can be described by absolute or relative excesses of the data over a high threshold, given that the random variable exceeds the threshold. The limit distribution of the absolute excesses is given by a generalized Pareto distribution with an extremal parameter γ and a scale parameter σ. When the extreme value index γ is positive, then the relative excesses can be described in the limit by a Pareto distribution with this index as parameter.

In this paper we concentrate on testing whether changes occur in the value of the extreme value index γ and/or the scale parameter. To this end, appropriate test statistics are introduced based on the likelihood approach for independent data. Asymptotic properties of these test statistics are studied leading to adequate critical values. After giving a practical test procedure, we apply our results to a series of simulations and real life examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triclosan has endocrine-disrupting effects in male western mosquitofish,Gambusia affinis
Authors: Raut Samiksha A. , Angus Robert A.
Published: February 2010

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial agent used in a variety of personal care and industrial products. Triclosan and its environmentally transformed derivative, methyl-TCS, have been detected in waters receiving effluent from public wastewater treatment plants. Previous studies have demonstrated that TCS has the potential to act as an endocrine disruptor. The present study tested the hypothesis that TCS acts as an endocrine-disrupting agent in fish. Mature male western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, were exposed to TCS concentrations of 100, 200, and 350 nM (29.0, 57.9, and 101.3 µg/L) for 35 d by the static renewal method. Induction of the normally female-limited vitellogenin gene expression and reduction in sperm count were quantified as biomarkers of endocrine disruption. Vitellogenin mRNA expression was significantly elevated in the 350 nM TCS treatment. Sperm counts in the same treatment group were significantly decreased. The mean hepatosomatic index in the 350 nM treatment group was significantly increased. This study demonstrates that TCS has the potential to act as an endocrine disruptor in male mosquitofish. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1287–1291. © 2010 SETAC
Population models in pesticide risk assessment: Lessons for assessing population-level effects, recovery, and alternative exposure scenarios from modeling a small mammal
Authors: Wang Magnus , Grimm Volker
Published: February 2010

In the last few years, the interest in using ecological population models as a tool for pesticide risk assessment has increased rapidly. Practical guidance, however, on how to perform a risk assessment with a population model is still lacking. It is still unclear which endpoint (population density, population growth, etc.) is the most sensitive indicator of population-level effects and how risk can be evaluated at the population level. Moreover, a main added value of model-based risk assessments, which is an understanding of the mechanisms involved in alternative exposure scenarios, so far has received little attention. We therefore used an example model to compare commonly used endpoints and alternative exposure scenarios. The model is a structurally realistic, but relatively simple, individual-based, spatially explicit model for the common shrew (Sorex araneus), which was selected because it has been tested and validated extensively. We show that population density is more sensitive for detecting population-level effects in the short term (months) than population growth rate. Population viability measured by extinction risk can also be a relevant endpoint, because it is especially sensitive for small populations. We show that landscape structure and the timing of pesticide application (population structure at the time of application) can have a great impact on population recovery, and we analyze statistical tests for use in population-level risk assessments. Our results demonstrate which factors and insights should be taken into account in population-level risk assessments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1292–1300. © 2010 SETAC
Positioning of necrotic lobular intraepithelial neoplasias (LIN, grade 3) within the sequence of breast carcinoma progression
Authors: Boldt Vivien , Stacher Elvira , Halbwedl Iris , Popper Helmut , Hultschig Claus , Moinfar Farid , Ullmann Reinhard , Tavassoli Fattaneh A.
Published: February 2010

Lobular intraepithelial neoplasia Grade 3 (LIN3) is a recently recognized variant of intraepithelial lobular neoplasia (LIN) of the breast composed of either uniform, generally small cells with massive lobular distension, pleomorphic cells, signet‐ring cells, or any cell type with necrosis. In contrast to classic forms of LIN, there is no consensus on therapeutic strategies for LIN3. In part this is due to the paucity of molecular data that could assist in defining the relationship of LIN3 to classic LIN and carcinomas. In this study we have employed array comparative genomic hybridization to determine the patterns of chromosomal aberrations in nine LIN3 lesions. By comparison to array CGH data of 13 classic LIN lesions, we demonstrate that classic LIN and LIN3 share several recurrent changes, in particular gains of 1q and losses of 16q. Both aberrations are known to appear early in tumorigenesis and to be associated with good prognosis. However, apart from this overlap, there were a number of karyotypic features that were observed exclusively in LIN3. Clearly, this lesion was characterized by a significantly higher number of DNA copy number changes (9 vs. 31 on average), a considerable complexity of chromosomal rearrangements with more than 16 breakpoints in one chromosome and overlapping high copy amplifications encompassing a number of known oncogenes. Our data suggest that, at the genetic level, LIN3 represents a highly advanced lesion with considerable resemblance to carcinomas and, therefore, might represent the transition state from an intraepithelial neoplasm to breast carcinoma. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterogeneity in progenitor cell subtypes in the ventricular zone of the zebrafish adult telencephalon
Authors: März Martin , Chapouton Prisca , Diotel Nicolas , Vaillant Colette , Hesl Birgit , Takamiya Masanari , Lam Chen Sok , Kah Olivier , Bally‐Cuif Laure , Strähle Uwe
Published: February 2010

The zebrafish has become a new model for adult neurogenesis, owing to its abundant neurogenic areas in most brain subdivisions. Radial glia‐like cells, actively proliferating cells, and label‐retaining progenitors have been described in these areas. In the telencephalon, this complexity is enhanced by an organization of the ventricular zone (VZ) in fast and slow‐dividing domains, suggesting the existence of heterogeneous progenitor types. In this work, we studied the expression of various transgenic or immunocytochemical markers for glial cells (gfap:gfp, cyp19a1b:gfp, BLBP, and S100β), progenitors (nestin:gfp and Sox2), and neuroblasts (PSA‐NCAM) in cycling progenitors of the adult zebrafish telencephalon (identified by expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MCM5, or bromodeoxyuridine incorporation). We demonstrate the existence of distinct populations of dividing cells at the adult telencephalic VZ. Progenitors of the overall slow‐cycling domains express high levels of Sox2 and nestin:gfp as well as all glial markers tested. In contrast, domains with an overall fast division rate are characterized by low or missing expression of glial markers. PCNA‐positive cells in fast domains further display a morphology distinct from radial glia and co‐express PSA‐NCAM, suggesting that they are early neuronal precursors. In addition, the VZ contains cycling progenitors that express neither glial markers nor nestin:gfp, but are positive for Sox2 and PSA‐NCAM, identifying them as committed neuroblasts. On the basis of the marker gene expression and distinct cell morphologies, we propose a classification for the dividing cell states at the zebrafish adult telencephalic VZ. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role and therapeutic potential of monocytic cells in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Malm Tarja , Koistinaho Milla , Muona Anu , Magga Johanna , Koistinaho Jari
Published: February 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a dementing neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. The abnormal parenchymal accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) is associated with inflammatory reactions involving microglia and astrocytes. Increased levels of Aβ and Aβ deposition in the brain are thought to cause neuronal dysfunction and underlie dementia. Microglia, the brain resident cells of monocytic origin, have a potential ability to phagocytose Aβ but they also react to Aβ by increased production of proinflammatory toxic agents. Microglia originate from hemangioblastic mesoderm during early embryonic stages and from bone marrow (BM)‐derived monocytic cells that home the brain throughout the neonatal stage of development. Recent studies indicate that BM or blood‐derived monocytes are recruited to the diseased AD brain, associate with the Aβ depositions, and are more efficient phagocytes of Aβ compared with resident microglia. The clearance of Aβ deposition by these cells has been recently under intensive investigation and can occur through several different mechanisms. Importantly, peripheral monocytic cells of patients with AD appear to be deficient in clearing Aβ. This review will summarize the findings on the role of blood‐derived cells in AD and discuss their therapeutic potential for treating patients suffering from this devastating disease. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormal protein bands in patients with multiple myeloma after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: does it have a prognostic significance?
Authors: Sucak G , Suyanı E , Özkurt ZN , Yeğin ZA , Akı Z , Yagcı M
Published: February 2010

Abnormal protein bands (APB) unrelated to the original monoclonal protein occasionally appear in serum immunofixation samples from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). To investigate the significance of APB, medical records and serum immunofixation patterns of 53 MM patients, who had undergone HCT (49 autologous and 4 allogeneic) at the stem cell transplantation unit of Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, were reviewed. Patients were staged according to Durie–Salmon and International staging systems (ISS) and disease response was determined according to European Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) criteria. Fourteen (26.4%) of the 53 patients developed APBs after HCT. The median time for the appearance and duration of APB was 3 (range 1–24) and 5.5 (range 1.5–14) months, respectively. Probability of overall survival (OS) at the end of the follow‐up was 77 and 61.4% in patients with and without APB, respectively (p = 0.334). The median duration of follow‐up (767 days (range, 220–2905) vs. 726 days (range, 120–1780) p = 0.545) was not different in patients with and without APB. Probability of progression free survival (PFS) at the end of follow‐up was 28.8% in patients with and 27.7% in patients without APB (p = 0.835). PFS (910 days (range 180–2905) vs. 730 days (range 90–1765) p = 0.835) was longer in patients with APB, though without statistical significance. Thus, the occurrence of APB post‐transplantation is not associated with any adverse long‐term consequences and does not require treatment modification. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of Macroinvertebrate Communities in Relation to Environmental Variables in a Subtropical Asian River System
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐Ming , Xiong Jing , Qiu Jian‐Wen , Wu Jin‐Ming , Wang Jian‐Wei , Xie Zhi‐Cai
Published: February 2010

Subtropical Asian rivers support a highly diverse array of benthic macroinvertebrates. Yet, their biodiversity and functionality has been poorly investigated. We choose the Chishui River system, one of the largest un‐dammed, first level branches upstream of the Yangtze River, China, to: 1) determine the spatial pattern of macroinvertebrate diversity and community structure, and 2) examine the influence of variables at local habitat and basin scales on the distribution of macroinvertebrate communities. Samples were collected from 43 sites in spring of 2007. After Canonical Correspondence Analysis, two basin and five habitat variables were found to be significant predictors of the macroinvertebrate community structure. Variance partitioning analysis showed that habitat physical variables had a greater influence than other environmental variables in macroinvertebrate community, which suggested that preserving habitat, especially upstream, should be strongly considered in biological conservation. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative Study of the Nymphal Biology of Two Coexisting Species of Mayflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) in a Mediterranean Stream in Southern Europe
Authors: López‐Rodríguez Manuel Jesús , Figueroa José Manuel Tierno de , Alba‐Tercedor Javier
Published: February 2010

We study the life history, nymphal feeding and secondary production of two leptophlebiid mayfly species (Habrophlebia eldae and Paraleptophlebia submarginata). They cohabit in a Mediterranean stream and present a very high niche overlap in terms of trophic resources. The life cycle was estimated using size‐frequency analysis of samples taken throughout a year. Both species have a similar but displaced period of the nymphal development. Secondary production was calculated by means of the size‐frequency method. Annual secondary production of P. submarginata is much higher than that of H. eldae (1.95 g DW m–2 year–1 vs. 0.17 g DW m–2 year–1), and presents a quite similar annual P/B ratio, but slightly higher in P. submarginata (6.97 in P. submarginata and 9.21 in H. eldae). The study of the gut contents revealed that they are mainly detritivores but, when larger they feed also on CPOM from leaves fallen in the stream. They present an almost total niche overlap in terms of food acquisition. However the previously mentioned shift in trophic resources utilization with size makes it possible that, because no similar size classes of each species are present at the same time, niche segregation exists between the two species. Though further studies are needed to confirm it, this could be the consequence of previous episodes of competition between them. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Natural UVR Does Not Affect Decomposition by Aquatic Hyphomycetes
Authors: Díaz Villanueva Verónica , Albariño Ricardo , Graça Manuel
Published: February 2010

We performed field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the effect of solar radiation (UVR and PAR) on leaf litter decomposition, fungal biomass and sporulation rates, in the Andean Patagonia, where high UVR levels are common. Leaves of Alnus glutinosa exposed to three treatments, normal radiation (PAR + UVR), protected from UVR and protected from total radiation (SHADE) by plastic films lost 31–37% of their mass. Leaves of Nothofagus pumilio lost 61–64% of their mass under the same conditions. For both leaf species, differences in mass losses among treatments were not statistically significant. Sporulation rates were significantly lower in the SHADE treatment. Fungal biomass accounted for 6.2 to 7.1% of leaf mass, without significant differences among treatments.

In the laboratory, leaf discs of A. glutinosa colonized by single species of aquatic hyphomycetes (Articulospora tetracladia, Flagellospora curta or Lunulospora curvula) and exposed to or protected from UVR did not differ in mass loss and sporulation rates. Pure cultures of two fungal species grew at the same rates when exposed to light (PAR and PAR + UVR) or to the SHADE. In summary, we found no evidences that current high levels of UV radiation affect litter decomposition mediated by aquatic hyphomycetes. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Eutrophication on Flagellates Associated with Eichhornia crassipes: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Pereira Danielle Goeldner , da Silva Bianca Segovia Trevizan , Camargo Janielly Carvalho , Velho Luiz Felipe Machado , Pauleto Gustavo Mayer , Lansac‐Tôha Fábio Amodêo
Published: February 2010

The effects of nutrient enrichment on density, biomass and on the relative contribution of pigmented and heterotrophic flagellates to the total abundance of all flagellates associated with Eichhornia crassipes were evaluated through mesocosm experiments over 33 days. Two triplicate treatments (nitrogen and phosphorus addition and a control treatment) were colonized, producing six mesocosm systems. The only variable that showed significance was flagellate density. Density increased significantly with increased nutrient concentrations in both flagellate groups, suggesting the importance of bottom‐up control mechanisms. However, the time lag and the low magnitude response to density, as well as the lack of significant variation in biomass with respect to fertilization, suggested that a complex relationship is responsible for influencing the structure of flagellate communities associated with vegetation during nutrient enrichment in these food webs. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vertical Micro‐Zonation of Testate Amoebae and Ciliates in Peatland Waters in Relation to Potential Food Resources and Grazing Pressure
Authors: Mieczan Tomasz
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to examine the community structure and vertical micro‐distribution of testate amoebae and ciliates in a raised bog in eastern Poland, as well as to assess the influence of potential food resources (Chl‐a, bacteria, heterotrophic flagellates) and predators (rotifers and copepods) on protozoa communities. Samples were taken from surface, bottom and interstitial waters. At each type of micro‐habitat and each sampling date water was sampled using a plexiglass corer or mini‐piezometers. Additionally, in order to evaluate grazing pressure, field enclosures were used in which metazoan abundance and composition was manipulated by size‐fractionation. Over experiments, metazoan populations shifted from dominance of rotifers to copepods. In the first experiment, with rotifers dominating, metazoa had only a modest predatory impact on the protozoa. In contrast, the second experiment, with copepods prevailing, demonstrated a clear top‐down control of the protozoa communities by metazoan. The density and biomass of protozoa significantly differed between the studied stations, with the lowest numbers in the interstitial water and the highest in the surface water. Surface sampling were dominated by mixotrophic taxa, whereas the deepest sampling level was characterized by increase in the proportion of bacterivore species. These differences between micro‐habitats may be due to differences in environmental conditions (food resources and grazing pressure). Ordination analysis revealed that bacteria can strongly regulate the abundance and taxonomic composition of protozoa in the bottom and interstitial waters. Metazoan predators could be the main regulators of protozoa communities in surface water. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tumor necrosis factor, lymphotoxin and cancer
Authors: Drutskaya Marina S. , Efimov Grigory A. , Kruglov Andrey A. , Kuprash Dmitry V. , Nedospasov Sergei A.
Published: February 2010

Initially TNF has been discovered as an anti‐tumor factor, but it is now considered as one of the universal effectors of innate signaling implicating its key role in host defense and inflammation. Other physiological functions of TNF are primarily linked to organization of lymphoid tissues. TNF can exert deleterious effects on the organism when its local or systemic concentrations exceed certain levels. This is the main reason for the failure of TNF therapy in oncology. Moreover, in certain experimental models TNF to TNFRp55 signaling axis was found to play a pro‐tumorigenic role. On the other hand, anti‐TNF therapy proved to be beneficial in rheumatic and other autoimmune diseases. Taking into consideration the pivotal function of TNF in the immune system, it is obvious that such therapy cannot be entirely free of adverse effects including suppression of host defense and, possibly, predisposition to lymphomas. Lymphotoxins alpha and beta are the two related cytokines that exist in distinct trimeric forms which can signal through TNFR I and TNFR II, as well LTbetaR receptors, depending on the composition of the trimer. These signals have important functions in the development and homeostasis of the immune system. Importantly, there is a recently uncovered link between the LTalpha/LTbeta to LTbetaR signaling axis and cancer. Here we review the current status of the field with the focus on one particular issue: are TNF and lymphotoxins intrinsically anti‐cancer or pro‐tumorigenic. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(4): 283–289, 2010
The developmental reduction of the marsupial coracoid: A case study in Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Hubler Merla , Niswander Lee A. , Peters James , Sears Karen E.
Published: February 2010

During their embryogenesis, marsupials develop a unique structure, the shoulder arch, which provides the structural and muscle‐attachment support necessary for the newborn's crawl to the teat. One of the most pronounced and important aspects of the shoulder arch is an enlarged coracoid. After marsupial newborns reach the teat, the shoulder arch is remodeled and the coracoid is reduced to a small process on the scapula. Although an understanding of marsupial coracoid reduction has the potential to provide insights into both, marsupial evolution and the origin of mammals, little is known about the morphological and cellular processes controlling this process. To remedy this situation, this study examined the morphological and cellular mechanisms behind coracoid reduction in the gray short‐tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica. A quantitative, morphometric study of shoulder girdle development revealed that the coracoid is reduced in size relative to other aspects of the shoulder girdle by growing at a slower rate. Using a series of molecular assays for cell death, no evidence was found for programmed cell death playing a role in the reduction of coracoid size in marsupials (in contrast to hypotheses of previous researchers). Although it is likely the case that coracoid growth is reduced through a relatively lower rate of cellular proliferation, differences in proliferative rates in the coracoid and scapula were not great enough to be quantified using standard molecular assays. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secreted amyloid precursor protein and holo‐APP bind amyloid β through distinct domains eliciting different toxic responses on hippocampal neurons
Authors: Kedikian Gabriela , Heredia Florencia , Salvador Victoria Rozes , Raimunda Daniel , Isoardi Nora , Heredia Lorena , Lorenzo Alfredo
Published: February 2010

Amyloid β (Aβ) is a metabolic product of Aβ precursor protein (APP). Deposition of Aβ in the brain and neuronal degeneration are characteristic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ induces neuronal degeneration, but the mechanism of neurotoxicity remains elusive. Increasing evidence implicates APP as a receptor‐like protein for Aβ fibrils (fAβ). In this study, we present further experimental support for the direct interaction of APP with fAβ and for its involvement in Aβ neurotoxicity. Using recombinant purified holo‐APP (h‐APP), we have shown that it directly binds fAβ. Employing deletion mutant forms of APP, we show that two different sequences are involved in the binding of APP to fAβ. One sequence in the n‐terminus of APP is required for binding of fAβ to secreted APP (s‐APP) but not to h‐APP. In addition, the extracellular juxtamembrane Aβ‐sequence mediates binding of fAβ to h‐APP but not to s‐APP. Deletion of the extracellular juxtamembrane Aβ sequence abolishes abnormal h‐APP accumulation and toxicity induced by fAβ deposition, whereas deletions in the n‐terminus of APP do not affect Aβ toxicity. These experiments show that interaction of toxic Aβ species with its membrane‐anchored parental protein promotes toxicity in hippocampal neurons, adding further support to an Aβ‐receptor‐like function of APP directly implicated in neuronal degeneration in AD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suppression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its downstream genes reduces acute hyperglycemia‐enhanced hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Chen Chunhua , Ostrowski Robert P. , Zhou Changman , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: February 2010

We evaluated a role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and its downstream genes in acute hyperglycemia‐induced hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 280–300 g (n = 105) were divided into sham, 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), MCAO plus HIF‐1α inhibitors, 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2) or 3‐(5′‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐furyl)‐1‐benzylindazole (YC‐1), groups. Rats received an injection of 50% dextrose (6 ml/kg intraperitoneally) at 15 min before MCAO. HIF‐1α inhibitors were administered at the onset of reperfusion. The animals were examined for neurological deficits and sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, and 72 hr following MCAO. The cerebral tissues were collected for histology, zymography, and Western blot analysis. The expression of HIF‐1α was increased in ischemic brain tissues after MCAO and reduced by HIF‐1α inhibitors. In addition, 2ME2 reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the elevation of active matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and −9 (MMP‐2/MMP‐9) in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Both 2ME2 and YC‐1 reduced infarct volume and ameliorated neurological deficits. However, only 2ME2 attenuated hemorrhagic transformation in the ischemic territory. In conclusion, the inhibition of HIF‐1α and its downstream genes attenuates hemorrhagic conversion of cerebral infarction and ameliorates neurological deficits after focal cerebral ischemia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Normal thermoregulatory responses to 3‐iodothyronamine, trace amines and amphetamine‐like psychostimulants in trace amine associated receptor 1 knockout mice
Authors: Panas Helen N. , Lynch Laurie J. , Vallender Eric J. , Xie Zhihua , Chen Guo‐lin , Lynn Spencer K. , Scanlan Thomas S. , Miller Gregory M.
Published: February 2010

3‐Iodothyronamine (T1AM) is a metabolite of thyroid hormone. It is an agonist at trace amine‐associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), a recently identified receptor involved in monoaminergic regulation and a potential novel therapeutic target. Here, T1AM was studied using rhesus monkey TAAR1 and/or human dopamine transporter (DAT) co‐transfected cells, and wild‐type (WT) and TAAR1 knock‐out (KO) mice. The IC50 of T1AM competition for binding of the DAT‐specific radio‐ligand [3H]CFT was highly similar in DAT cells, WT striatal synaptosomes and KO striatal synaptosomes (0.72–0.81 μM). T1AM inhibition of 10 nM [3H]dopamine uptake (IC50: WT, 1.4 ± 0.5 μM; KO, 1.2 ± 0.4 μM) or 50 nM [3H]serotonin uptake (IC50: WT, 4.5 ± 0.6 μM; KO, 4.7 ± 1.1 μM) in WT and KO synaptosomes was also highly similar. Unlike other TAAR1 agonists that are DAT substrates, TAAR1 signaling in response to T1AM was not enhanced in the presence of DAT as determined by CRE‐luciferase assay. In vivo, T1AM induced robust hypothermia in WT and KO mice equivalently and dose dependently (maximum change degrees Celsius: 50 mg/kg at 60 min: WT −6.0 ± 0.4, KO −5.6 ± 1.0; and 25 mg/kg at 30 min: WT −2.7 ± 0.4, KO −3.0 ± 0.2). Other TAAR1 agonists including beta–phenylethylamine (β‐PEA), MDMA (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and methamphetamine also induced significant, time‐dependent thermoregulatory responses that were alike in WT and KO mice. Therefore, TAAR1 co‐expression does not alter T1AM binding to DAT in vitro nor T1AM inhibition of [3H]monoamine uptake ex vivo, and TAAR1 agonist‐induced thermoregulatory responses are TAAR1‐independent. Accordingly, TAAR1‐directed compounds will likely not affect thermoregulation nor are they likely to be cryogens. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of C18 silica and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as the adsorbents for the solid‐phase extraction of Chlorpyrifos and Phosalone in water samples using HPLC
Authors: Hadjmohammadi Mohammad Reza , Peyrovi Moazameh , Biparva Pourya
Published: February 2010

A comparison between C18 silica and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the extraction of Chlorpyrifos and Phosalone in environmental water samples was carried out using HPLC. Parameters affecting the extraction were type and volume of elution solvent, pH and flow rate of sample through the adsorbent. The optimum conditions obtained by C18 cartridge for adsorption of these pesticides were 4 mL dichloromethane as elution solvent, sample pH of 5, flow rate of 1 mL/min, and those for MWCNT cartridge were 3 mL dichloromethane, pH of 5 and flow rate of 10 mL/min, respectively. Optimized mobile phase for separation and determination of these compounds by HPLC was methanol/water (80:20 v/v) with pH=5 (adjusted with phosphate buffer). Under optimal chromatographic and SPE conditions, LOD, linear range and precision (RSD n=8) were 3.03×10−3, 0.01–5.00 μg/mL and 2.7% for Chlorpyrifos and 4.03×10−4, 0.01–5.00 μg/mL and 2.3% for Phosalone, in C18 cartridge, respectively. These values for MWCNT were 4.02×10−6, 0.001–0.500 μg/mL and 1.8% for Chlorpyrifos and 1.02×10−6, 0.001–0.500 μg/mL and 1.5% for Phosalone, respectively.
Cotinine as a biomarker of tobacco exposure: Development of a HPLC method and comparison of matrices
Authors: Petersen Guilherme Oliveira , Leite Carlos Eduardo , Chatkin José Miguel , Thiesen Flavia Valladão
Published: February 2010

Tobacco dependence reaches one‐third of the world population, and is the second leading cause of death around the world. Cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine, is the most appropriate parameter to evaluate tobacco exposure and smoking status due to its higher stability and half‐life when compared to nicotine. The procedure involves liquid–liquid extraction, separation on a RP column (Zorbax® XDB C8), isocratic pump (0.5 mL/min of water–methanol–sodium acetate (0.1 M)–ACN (50:15:25:10, v/v/v/v), 1.0 mL of citric acid (0.034 M) and 5.0 mL of triethylamine for each liter) and HPLC‐UV detection (261 nm). The analytical procedure proved to be sensitive, selective, precise, accurate and linear (r>0.99) in the range of 5–500.0 ng/mL for cotinine. 2‐Phenylimidazole was used as the internal standard. The LOD was 0.18 ng/mL and the LOQ was 5.0 ng/mL. All samples from smoking volunteers were collected simultaneously to establish a comparison between serum, plasma, and urine. The urinary cotinine levels were normalized by the creatinine and urine density. A significant correlation was found (p<0.01) between all matrices. Results indicate that the urine normalization by creatinine or density is unnecessary. This method is considered reliable for determining cotinine in serum and plasma of smokers and in environmental tobacco smoke exposure.