bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of BMP4 and BMP7 signaling in breast cancer cells unveils time-dependent transcription patterns and highlights a common synexpression group of genes
Authors: Rodriguez-Martinez Alejandra , Alarmo Emma-Leena , Saarinen Lilli , Ketolainen Johanna , Nousiainen Kari , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Kallioniemi Anne
Published: November 2011

Background

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-beta superfamily of growth factors. They are known for their roles in regulation of osteogenesis and developmental processes and, in recent years, evidence has accumulated of their crucial functions in tumor biology. BMP4 and BMP7, in particular, have been implicated in breast cancer. However, little is known about BMP target genes in the context of tumor. We explored the effects of BMP4 and BMP7 treatment on global gene transcription in seven breast cancer cell lines during a 6-point time series, using a whole-genome oligo microarray. Data analysis included hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed genes, gene ontology enrichment analyses and model based clustering of temporal data.

Results

Both ligands had a strong effect on gene expression, although the response to BMP4 treatment was more pronounced. The cellular functions most strongly affected by BMP signaling were regulation of transcription and development. The observed transcriptional response, as well as its functional outcome, followed a temporal sequence, with regulation of gene expression and signal transduction leading to changes in metabolism and cell proliferation. Hierarchical clustering revealed distinct differences in the response of individual cell lines to BMPs, but also highlighted a synexpression group of genes for both ligands. Interestingly, the majority of the genes within these synexpression groups were shared by the two ligands, probably representing the core molecular responses common to BMP4 and BMP7 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

All in all, we show that BMP signaling has a remarkable effect on gene transcription in breast cancer cells and that the functions affected follow a logical temporal pattern. Our results also uncover components of the common cellular transcriptional response to BMP4 and BMP7. Most importantly, this study provides a list of potential novel BMP target genes relevant in breast cancer.
Uterine and ovarian carcinosarcomas overexpressing Trop-2 are sensitive to hRS7, a humanized anti-Trop-2 antibody
Authors: Raji Rhoda , Guzzo Federica , Carrara Luisa , Varughese Joyce , Cocco Emiliano , Bellone Stefania , Betti Marta , Todeschini Paola , Gasparrini Sara , Ratner Elena , Silasi Dan-Arin , Azodi Masoud , Schwartz Peter , Rutherford Thomas J , Buza Natalia , Pecorelli Sergio , Santin Alessandro D
Published: November 2011

Background

We evaluated the expression of human trophoblastic cell-surface marker (Trop-2) and the potential of hRS7 - a humanized monoclonal anti-Trop-2 antibody - as a therapeutic strategy against treatment-refractory human uterine (UMMT) and ovarian (OMMT) carcinosarcoma cell lines.

Materials and methods

Trop-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in paraffin-embedded tumor tissues, by real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) and flow-cytometry in cell lines. Sensitivity to hRS7 antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity was tested using 5-hour chromium-release assays against UMMT and OMMT cells.

Results

Trop-2 expression was elevated in 9 of 26 (35%) UMMT and 8 of 14 (57%) OMMT tissues tested by IHC. Positivity for Trop-2 mRNA by RT-PCR and surface expression by flow cytometry were detected in 2 of 4 cell lines, with high positivity noted in OMMT-ARK-2. OMMT-ARK-2 was highly sensitive to hRS7 ADCC (range: 34.7-41.0%; P < 0.001) with negligible cytotoxicity seen in the absence of hRS7 or in the presence of control antibody (range: 1.1-2.5%). Human IgG did not significantly inhibit ADCC while human complement increased, hRS7-mediated-cytotoxicity against OMMT-ARK-2.

Conclusion

Trop-2 is overexpressed in a proportion of UMMT and OMMT, and hRS7 may represent a novel, potentially highly effective treatment option for patients with treatment-refractory carcinosarcomas overexpressing Trop-2.
Highly stable meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase from an Ureibacillus thermosphaericus strain A1 isolated from a Japanese compost: purification, characterization and sequencing
Authors: Akita Hironaga , Fujino Yasuhiro , Doi Katsumi , Ohshima Toshihisa
Published: November 2011

We screened various thermophiles for meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase (meso-DAPDH, EC 1.4.1.16), which catalyzes the NAD(P)-dependent oxidative deamination of meso-diaminopimelate, and found the enzyme in a thermophilic bacterium isolated from compost in Japan. The bacterium grew well aerobically at around 55°C and was identified as Ureibacillus thermosphaericus strain A1. We purified the enzyme about 47-fold to homogeneity from crude cell extract using five successive purification steps. The molecular mass of the purified protein was about 80 kDa, and the molecule consists of a homodimer with the subunit molecular mass of about 40 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for the catalytic activity of the enzyme are about 10.5 and 65°C, respectively. The enzyme is highly selective for meso-diaminopimelate as the electron donor, and NADP but not NAD can serve as the electron acceptor. The K
m values for meso-diaminopimelate and NADP at 50°C and pH 10.5 are 1.6 mM and 0.13 mM, respectively. The nucleotide sequence of this meso-DAPDH gene encodes a 326-amino acid peptide. When the gene was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3), the specific activity in the crude extract of the recombinant cells was about 18.0-fold higher than in the extract from U. thermosphaericus strain A1. This made more rapid and simpler purification of the enzyme possible.
Follistatin-like protein 1: a serum biochemical marker reflecting the severity of joint damage in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Yuji , Li Dawei , Xu Nanwei , Tao Weijian , Zhu Ruixia , Sun Rongbin , Fan Weiwei , Zhang Ping , Dong Tianhua , Yu Long
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been implicated in arthritis pathogenesis in a mouse model. The aim of this study is to detect FSTL1 expression and to further assess its potential utility as a biomarker of joint damage in osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

Methods

FSTL1 expression was detected by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the synovial tissues (STs) and by IHC in the articular cartilage from OA patients and control trauma patients. The serum and synovial fluid (SF) FSTL1 concentrations were measured by ELISA in OA patients and control individuals. Linear regression analyses were used to assess correlations between the serum FSTL1 levels and the clinical characteristics in OA patients.

Results

The FSTL1 mRNA and protein levels were substantially elevated in the STs from OA patients compared with those from control trauma patients. The FSTL1 expression was strong in the cytoplasm of the synovial and capillary endothelial cells of the STs, but weak in the chondrocytes of the articular cartilage from OA patients. Furthermore, the serum and SF FSTL1 concentrations were significantly higher in OA patients than in respective control subjects. Interestingly, the serum and SF FSTL1 levels were markedly higher in female OA patients than in males. Importantly, bivariate regression analysis revealed that the serum FSTL1 levels in female OA patients had significant correlations with Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade, joint space narrowing (JSN) and the Western Ontario McMaster and Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) stiffness subscale, an inverse correlation with height, and marginal correlations with the total WOMAC score and the WOMAC function subscale. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the serum FSTL1 levels correlated independently with KL grade in female OA patients. Bivariate analysis also revealed that the serum FSTL1 levels correlated significantly with age and disease duration, and they correlated marginally with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and KL grade in male OA patients.

Conclusions

Increased FSTL1 expression may be a characteristic of OA patients. FSTL1 is a potential serum biomarker that may reflect the severity of joint damage, and further studies are required to evaluate its potential application for monitoring the course of the disease and the efficacy of therapies in OA patients.
Proteomic analysis of saliva: a unique tool to distinguish primary Sjögren's syndrome from secondary Sjögren's syndrome and other sicca syndromes
Authors: Baldini Chiara , Giusti Laura , Ciregia Federica , Da Valle Ylenia , Giacomelli Camillo , Donadio Elena , Sernissi Francesca , Bazzichi Laura , Giannaccini Gino , Bombardieri Stefano , Lucacchini Antonio
Published: November 2011

Introduction

A growing interest has arisen in salivary proteomics as a tool for the identification of biomarkers for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Nonetheless, only a limited number of preclinical validation studies have been performed, limiting the possibility of translating proteomic results into clinical practice. The primary aim of this study was to refine the diagnostic power of a panel of candidate salivary biomarkers described in pSS with respect to both healthy volunteers and pathological controls. We also explored the pathogenetic function of the detected putative biomarkers both in the local exocrinopathy and in the systemic inflammatory processes of SS.

Methods

One hundred and eighty patients were included in the study overall. In the first "exploratory phase", we enrolled 40 females with pSS, 40 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers, 10 patients with sicca non-SS and 15 secondary SS (sSS) patients. The testing cohort of the second "challenge phase" of the study was represented by 75 unselected, consecutive subjects: 19 pSS, 21 healthy volunteers, 10 sicca non-SS and 25 sSS patients. Salivary proteomic analysis was performed combining two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Western blot (WB) analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to validate 2DE results. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) Knowledge base was adopted to associate candidate biomarkers in a signalling pathogenetic network.

Results

A total of 28, 6, 7 and 12 protein spots were found to be significantly different in pSS samples with respect to healthy volunteers, non-SS sicca syndrome, SSc-sSS and rheumatoid arthritis-sSS, leading to the identification of 15 differently expressed proteins. Among them, α-amylases precursor, carbonic anhydrase VI, β-2 microglobulin, glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), epidermal fatty acid binding protein (E-FABP) and immunoglobulin k light chain (IGK-light chain) apparently showed the most significant differences in pSS when compared to healthy volunteers and non-SS pathological controls. On the other hand, as expected, pSS and sSS salivary profiles shared a great number of similarities.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that salivary fluid might represent a novel ideal milieu for the detection of a diagnostic panel of candidate biomarkers for pSS, and to gain an insight into the pathogenetic processes underlying glandular and systemic autoimmune disorders.
The transcriptional landscape of Chlamydia pneumoniae
Authors: Albrecht Marco , Sharma Cynthia M , Dittrich Marcus T , Müller Tobias , Reinhardt Richard , Vogel Jörg , Rudel Thomas
Published: November 2011

Background

Gene function analysis of the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae is hampered by the facts that this organism is inaccessible to genetic manipulations and not cultivable outside the host. The genomes of several strains have been sequenced; however, very little information is available on the gene structure and transcriptome of C. pneumoniae.

Results

Using a differential RNA-sequencing approach with specific enrichment of primary transcripts, we defined the transcriptome of purified elementary bodies and reticulate bodies of C. pneumoniae strain CWL-029; 565 transcriptional start sites of annotated genes and novel transcripts were mapped. Analysis of adjacent genes for co-transcription revealed 246 polycistronic transcripts. In total, a distinct transcription start site or an affiliation to an operon could be assigned to 862 out of 1,074 annotated protein coding genes. Semi-quantitative analysis of mapped cDNA reads revealed significant differences for 288 genes in the RNA levels of genes isolated from elementary bodies and reticulate bodies. We have identified and in part confirmed 75 novel putative non-coding RNAs. The detailed map of transcription start sites at single nucleotide resolution allowed for the first time a comprehensive and saturating analysis of promoter consensus sequences in Chlamydia.

Conclusions

The precise transcriptional landscape as a complement to the genome sequence will provide new insights into the organization, control and function of genes. Novel non-coding RNAs and identified common promoter motifs will help to understand gene regulation of this important human pathogen.
Adolescent callous–unemotional traits and conduct disorder in adoptees exposed to severe early deprivation
Authors: Kumsta Robert , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Rutter Michael
Published: November 2011

Background

There is a debate over whether disruptive behaviour should be regarded as a central component of, or rather as an epiphenomenon with little diagnostic value for, psychopathy.

Aims

To test whether callous–unemotional traits and conduct disorder can be dissociated in the English and Romanian Adoptee Study, a prospective longitudinal study of adopted individuals with a history of severe early institutional deprivation.

Method

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment was used to establish DSM-IV diagnoses for conduct disorder (and also oppositional defiant disorder) at the 15-year follow-up stage. The Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits questionnaire was administered to assess psychopathy traits.

Results

There was no significant association between callous–unemotional traits and conduct disorder, both according to parent and youth self-report assessed categorically and dimensionally after controlling for confounds.

Conclusions

The majority of individuals with high callous–unemotional traits did not show conduct disorder in this special sample of children. This supports the view that, while common, an overlap between these aspects of psychopathology is not inevitable and so provides evidence for the dissociation of these two concepts. In terms of classification, we argue for a diagnostic scheme where psychopathy can be diagnosed independently of conduct disorder.
Mental health outcomes of widowed and married mothers after war
Authors: Morina Nexhmedin , Emmelkamp Paul M. G.
Published: November 2011

We assessed prevalence rates of mental disorders in 206 mothers who had experienced the Kosovo war 10 years previously: 100 lone mothers widowed by the war, 71 non-bereaved married mothers, and 35 married mothers bereaved since the war (loss of family other than husband). A total of 96% of widowed lone mothers reported a major depressive episode, an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder as compared with 54.9% and 60% in the married groups. Furthermore, 45% of widowed lone mothers reported current suicide risk as compared with 16.9% and 22.9% in the married samples. War-related widowhood combined with lone motherhood constitutes a significant factor for elevated psychopathology.
Trps1 activates a network of secreted Wnt inhibitors and transcription factors crucial to vibrissa follicle morphogenesis
Authors: Fantauzzo Katherine A. , Christiano Angela M.
Published: November 2011

Mutations in TRPS1 cause trichorhinophalangeal syndrome types I and III, which are characterized by sparse scalp hair in addition to craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. Trps1 is a vertebrate transcription factor that contains nine zinc-finger domains, including a GATA-type zinc finger through which it binds DNA. Mice in which the GATA domain of Trps1 has been deleted (Trps1Δgt/Δgt) have a reduced number of pelage follicles and lack vibrissae follicles postnatally. To identify the transcriptional targets of Trps1 in the developing vibrissa follicle, we performed microarray hybridization analysis, comparing expression patterns in the whisker pads of wild-type versus Trps1Δgt/Δgt embryos. We identified a number of transcription factors and Wnt inhibitors among transcripts downregulated in the mutant embryos and several extracellular matrix proteins that were upregulated in the mutant samples, and demonstrated that target gene expression levels were altered in vivo in Trps1Δgt/Δgt vibrissae. Unexpectedly, we discovered that Trps1 can directly bind the promoters of its target genes to activate transcription, expanding upon its established role as a transcriptional repressor. Our findings identify Trps1 as a novel regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway and of early hair follicle progenitors in the developing vibrissa follicle.
Postthalamic Stroke Dystonic Choreoathetosis Responsive to Tetrabenazine
Authors: Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Polimeni Giovanni , Gervasi Giuseppe , Bramanti Placido
Published: November 2011

Objective:

To describe the case of a woman with poststroke choreoathetosis whose symptoms improved after treatment with tetrabenazine.

Case Summary:

A 48-year-old left-handed woman developed progressive involuntary dystonic choreoathetoid movements of her arm following a cerebrovascular event. Involuntary abnormal movements (IAMs) were treated with hatoperidol, but they worsened 6 months later, also involving her mouth, tongue, and perioral area. Because of the suspected occurrence of drug-induced tardive dyskinesia, treatment was switched to tetrabenazine (titration up to 100 mg/daily), with rapid remission of the involuntary abnormal movements (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score switching from 20 to 1). One month later, following discontinuation of tetrabenazine, the dystonic choreoathetoid movements rapidly reappeared. Subsequent rechallenge with tetrabenazine caused remission of her symptoms.

Discussion:

Poststroke IAMs are rare, and lesions involving the basal ganglia and/or thalamus seem to be particularly implicated in such disorders. The exact pathogenic mechanism has not bean clarified; however, it has been postulated that a central dopaminergic overactivity might play an important role in the IAM occurrence. Thus, antipsychotics are the main treatment option, but they are often associated with therapeutic failure or adverse effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms and metabolic complications. Interestingly, when our patient was treated with tetrabenazine for haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia, she demonstrated substantial improvement in the dystonic choreoathetoid movements of her left upper limb.

Conclusions:

The improved response of this case to tetrabenazine monotherapy suggests that tetrabenazine may be a pharmacologic alternative for patients with poststroke choreoathetosis that is intolerant or unresponsive to antipsychotic agents. Further studies are needed to better define the risk versus benefit profile of tetrabenazine.
Revisiting the neutral axis in wood beams
Authors: Davis Philip M. , Gupta Rakesh , Sinha Arijit
Published: November 2011

For wood beams, it is often assumed that the neutral axis (NA) is located at the centroid of the beam. This would be the case for isotropic and homogeneous materials but these prerequisites are not valid for wood. The varying grain patterns and knots located throughout wood make wood anisotropic and non-homogeneous. Knowledge of the true location of the neutral axis would facilitate a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of wood beams. To analyze this question, a digital image correlation technique (speckle photography) was applied while wood beams with the dimensions 25×25 mm2 and 38×89 mm2 were loaded in bending. The NA was determined by axial strain plots. From the data obtained it is was observed that the neutral axis of 25×25 mm2 beams is located below the centroid while for 38×89 mm2 beams NA was above the centroid. As would be expected, knots change the location of the NA depending on their location in the beam.
Thermal field diffusion in one, two and three-dimensional half space
Authors: Cividjian Grigore , Broscareanu Dumitru
Published: November 2011

The diffusion of suddenly occurring local high temperature in homogeneous
half-infinite space is studied in the cases of one, two and three-dimensional
half space. Comparison of the three cases is made. Applications of
theoretically analyzed models are suggested. Errors induced by assumptions
are evaluated.
Sharpening of the multistage modified comb filters
Authors: Nikolic Marko , Lutovac Miroslav
Published: November 2011

This paper describes the application of filter sharpening method to the
modified comb filter (MCF) in the case of decimation factor, which is product
of two or more positive integers. It is shown that in the case of multistage
decimation with MCF, filters in each stage are also MCF. Applying the
sharpening to the decimation filter in the last stage provides very good
results, with savings in the number of operations comparing to the case of
sharpening of the complete filter. Direct-form FIR polyphase filter structure
is proposed for the filters in each stage.
Ganglion cyst of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension in a patient presenting with seventh cranial nerve palsy
Authors: Mumert Michael L. , Altay Tamer , Shelton Clough , Harnsberger H. Ric , Couldwell William T.
Published: November 2011

Ganglion cysts arising from the temporomandibular joint are rare entities that often present with swelling and minimal to no pain in the preauricular region. To the authors' knowledge, a temporomandibular joint ganglion cyst occurring with acute facial nerve palsy and intracranial extension has never been reported. The patient in the current case initially underwent treatment for Bell palsy and then draining of the cyst at an outside hospital with no relief of symptoms. Repeat MR imaging showed an increase in the size of the cystic, enhancing, middle fossa lesion measuring 4 cm. Resection of the lesion was undertaken using a middle fossa approach. After a satisfactory surgical decompression, the patient demonstrated a significant recovery in her facial palsy over a 3-month period of time. This case presents new clinical and radiographic findings associated with these lesions.
Do statins reduce the risk of aneurysm development: a case-control study
Authors: Marbacher Serge , Schläppi Janine-Ai , Fung Christian , Hüsler Jürg , Beck Jürgen , Raabe Andreas
Published: November 2011

Object

Recent studies in rats have demonstrated that statins may have an inhibitory effect on intracranial aneurysm (IA) development. The purpose of this study was to assess whether long-term statin use is associated with a reduced risk of IA formation in humans.

Methods

This was a single-center case-control study that included consecutive patients admitted to the authors' institution between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008. A case was defined as a patient with a cerebral angiography–confirmed diagnosis of IA. Three controls were matched to each case based on age, sex, and index year of hospital admission. The primary exposure of interest was cumulative statin use. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between statin intake and incidence of IA.

Results

In total, 1200 patients were included in the study. No overall association was found between statin use and incidence of IA formation (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.69–1.69), nor when dichotomized into hydrophilic and lipophilic user, or between short (≤12-month) and long (≥36-month) duration of intake. Hypertension and smoking significantly increased the risk of IA development (OR 4.02, 95% CI 2.49–6.45, and OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, respectively).

Conclusions

In contrast to recent experimental reports of the association between statins and a reduction of IA formation, the authors' findings suggest that in humans statins may have no significant beneficial effect on IA suppression.
Thoracic spinal cord epidural hematoma after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Lee Sang-Bok , Lee Tae-Gyu , Yoo Do-Sung , Huh Pil-Woo , Cho Kyoung-Suok
Published: November 2011

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a well-established, safe, and effective therapeutic alternative to surgical treatment for urolithiasis. Complications of ESWL do occur in a small number of patients, and when they do, they typically involve the kidney. Formation of a spinal epidural hematoma is an extremely rare complication after ESWL for kidney stone removal. The authors present the case of a 61-year-old man in whom a large spinal epidural hematoma developed after ESWL. They discuss the possible pathogenic mechanism of such a complication.
Gold Functionalized Supported Ionic Liquids Catalyst for CO Oxidation
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana , Bobadilla Luis Francisco , Penkova Anna , Sarria Francisca Romero , Centeno Miguel Angel , Odriozola Jose Antonio
Published: November 2011

The present study tries to give an insight to the combination of the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic properties in a new class of materials. Well dispersed gold nanoparticles on an ionic liquid layer supported on a mineral carrier have been prepared. This work is concentrated on the characterizations and understanding of the interactions between all the components of the catalytic system. The application of the materials in the reaction of oxidation of carbon monoxide shows rather unexpected results—a good catalytic activity completely independent of the temperature.
In Situ Synthesis of Bimetallic Hybrid Nanocatalysts on a Paper-Structured Matrix for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Koga Hirotaka , Umemura Yuuka , Kitaoka Takuya
Published: November 2011

Bimetallic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention as their electrochemical and catalytic properties being superior to those of the individual component nanoparticles. In this study, gold-silver hybrid nanoparticles (AuAgNPs) with an Aucore-Agshell nanostructure were successfully synthesized on zinc oxide (ZnO) whiskers. The as-prepared nanocatalyst, denoted AuAgNPs@ZnO whisker, exhibits an excellent catalytic efficiency in the aqueous reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol; the turnover frequency was up to 40 times higher than that of each component nanoparticle. Their unique features were attributed to the electronic ligand effect at the bimetallic interface. In addition, the AuAgNPs were synthesized on a ZnO whisker-containing paper with a fiber-network microstructure, which was prepared via a papermaking technique. The paper-structured AuAgNPs composite possessed both a paper-like practical utility and a good catalytic performance. Furthermore, the on-paper synthesis process for these bimetallic nanocatalysts is facile. These easy-to-handle nanocatalyst hybrid composites are expected to find a wide range of applications in various chemical and catalytic processes.
Synthesis and Catalytic Features of Hybrid Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Azetsu Akihiro , Koga Hirotaka , Isogai Akira , Kitaoka Takuya
Published: November 2011

The structural and functional design of metal nanoparticles has recently allowed remarkable progress in the development of high-performance catalysts. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are among the most innovative catalysts, despite bulk Au metal being regarded as stable and inactive. The hybridization of metal NPs has attracted major interest in the field of advanced nanocatalysts, due to electro-mediated ligand effects. In practical terms, metal NPs need to be supported on a suitable matrix to avoid any undesirable aggregation; many researchers have reported the potential of polymer-supported AuNPs. However, the use of conventional polymer matrices make it difficult to take full advantage of the inherent properties of the metal NPs, since most of active NPs are imbedded inside the polymer support. This results in poor accessibility for the reactants. Herein, we report the topochemical synthesis of Au and palladium (Pd) bimetallic NPs over the surfaces of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNs), and their exceptional catalytic performance. Highly-dispersed AuPdNPs were successfully synthesized in situ on the crystal surfaces of TOCNs with a very high density of carboxylate groups. The AuPdNPs@TOCN nanocomposites exhibit excellent catalytic efficiencies in the aqueous reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, depending on the molar ratios of Au and Pd.
Ultrasonication-Assisted Solvent Extraction of Quercetin Glycosides from ‘Idared’ Apple Peels
Authors: Vasantha Rupasinghe H. P. , Kathirvel Priya , Huber Gwendolyn M.
Published: November 2011

Quercetin and quercetin glycosides are physiologically active flavonol molecules that have been attributed numerous health benefits. Recovery of such molecules from plant matrices depends on a variety of factors including polarity of the extraction solvent. Among the solvents of a wide range of dielectric constants, methanol recovered the most quercetin and its glycosides from dehydrated ‘Idared’ apple peels. When ultra-sonication was employed to facilitate the extraction, exposure of 15 min of ultrasound wavelengths of dehydrated apple peel powder in 80% to 100% (v/v) methanol in 1:50 (w:v) solid to solvent ratio provided the optimum extraction conditions for quercetin and its glycosides. Acidification of extraction solvent with 0.1% (v/v) or higher concentrations of HCl led to hydrolysis of naturally occurring quercetin glycosides into the aglycone as an extraction artifact.
Phenolics Content and Antioxidant Activity of Tartary Buckwheat from Different Locations
Authors: Guo Xu-Dan , Ma Yu-Jie , Parry John , Gao Jin-Ming , Yu Liang-Li , Wang Min
Published: November 2011

Two tartary buckwheat samples (Xingku No.2 and Diqing) grown at three locations were analyzed for free and bound phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Moreover, the relative contributions of variety and growing environment to phenolic content and antioxidant properties were determined, as well as correlations of these properties to growing conditions. The total phenolic contents varied from 5,150 to 9,660 μmol of gallic acid equivalents per 100 gram of dry weight (DW) of tartary buckwheat and the free phenolics accounted for 94% to 99%. Rutin content was in the range from 518.54 to 1,447.87 mg per 100 gram of DW of tartary buckwheat. p-Hydroxybenzoic, ferulic and protocatechuic acids were the prominent phenolic acids and other phenolics, including p-coumaric, gallic, caffeic, vanillic and syringic acids were also detected. Tartary buckwheat exhibited higher DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activities and was more effective at preventing the bleaching of β-carotene in comparison with reference antioxidant and plant phenolics constituents. Additionally, growing conditions and the interaction between variety and environment may have more contribution than variety to individual phenolics and antioxidant properties of tartary buckwheat. Environmental parameters such as higher altitudes may also have an increasing effect on rutin and phenolic acids. This study suggests that tartary buckwheat has potential health benefits because of its high phenolic content and antioxidant properties. These components could also be enhanced by optimizing the growing conditions of a selected variety.
Essential Oils from Different Plant Parts of Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Benth. (Myrtaceae) as a Source of 1,8-Cineole and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Silva Sayonara Mendes , Abe Simone Yae , Murakami Fábio Seigi , Frensch Gustavo , Marques Francisco A. , Nakashima Tomoe
Published: November 2011

Eucalyptus cinerea, known as silver dollar tree, has few descriptions in traditional medicine. Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of the essential oils of leaves, flowers and fruits, collected seasonally, were determined by GC/MS and disk diffusion/MIC, respectively. 1,8-Cineole was the main compound, particularly in fresh leaves—Spring (74.98%), dried leaves—Spring (85.32%), flowers—Winter (78.76%) and fruits—Winter (80.97%). Other compounds were found in the aerial parts in all seasons: α-pinene (2.41% to 10.13%), limonene (1.46% to 4.43%), α-terpineol (1.73% to 11.72%), and α-terpinyl acetate (3.04% to 20.44%). The essential oils showed antimicrobial activities against bacteria and yeasts, with the best results being found for the dried autumn and winter leaves oils (MIC < 0.39 mg/mL) against Streptococcus pyogenes. For the other tested microorganisms the following MIC results were found: Staphylococcus aureus—Dried leaves oil from summer (0.78 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa—Flowers oil from autumn and fruits oil from winter (1.56 mg/mL) and Candida albicans—Flowers oil from autumn and fruits oils from winter and spring (0.78 mg/mL).
The Human Antibody Response to Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Wahala Wahala M. P. B. , De Silva Aravinda M.
Published: November 2011

Dengue viruses (DENV) are the causative agents of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Here we review the current state of knowledge about the human antibody response to dengue and identify important knowledge gaps. A large body of work has demonstrated that antibodies can neutralize or enhance DENV infection. Investigators have mainly used mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to study interactions between DENV and antibodies. These studies indicate that antibody neutralization of DENVs is a “multi-hit” phenomenon that requires the binding of multiple antibodies to neutralize a virion. The most potently neutralizing mouse MAbs bind to surface exposed epitopes on domain III of the dengue envelope (E) protein. One challenge facing the dengue field now is to extend these studies with mouse MAbs to better understand the human antibody response. The human antibody response is complex as it involves a polyclonal response to primary and secondary infections with 4 different DENV serotypes. Here we review studies conducted with immune sera and MAbs isolated from people exposed to dengue infections. Most dengue-specific antibodies in human immune sera are weakly neutralizing and bind to multiple DENV serotypes. The human antibodies that potently and type specifically neutralize DENV represent a small fraction of the total DENV-specific antibody response. Moreover, these neutralizing antibodies appear to bind to novel epitopes including complex, quaternary epitopes that are only preserved on the intact virion. These studies establish that human and mouse antibodies recognize distinct epitopes on the dengue virion. The leading theory proposed to explain the increased risk of severe disease in secondary cases is antibody dependent enhancement (ADE), which postulates that weakly neutralizing antibodies from the first infection bind to the second serotype and enhance infection of FcγR bearing myeloid cells such as monocytes and macrophages. Here we review results from human, animal and cell culture studies relevant to the ADE hypothesis. By understanding how human antibodies neutralize or enhance DENV, it will be possible to better evaluate existing vaccines and develop the next generation of novel vaccines.
Approaches to nanostructure control and functionalizations of polymer@silica hybrid nanograss generated by biomimetic silica mineralization on a self-assembled polyamine layer
Authors: Yuan Jian-Jun , Jin Ren-Hua
Published: November 2011

We report the rational control of the nanostructure and surface morphology of a polyamine@silica nanoribbon-based hybrid nanograss film, which was generated by performing a biomimetic silica mineralization reaction on a nanostructured linear polyethyleneimine (LPEI) layer preorganized on the inner wall of a glass tube. We found that the film thickness, size and density of the nanoribbons and the aggregation/orientation of the nanoribbons in the film were facile to tune by simple adjustment of the biomimetic silicification conditions and LPEI self-assembly on the substrate. Our LPEI-mediated nanograss process allows the facile and programmable generation of a wide range of nanostructures and surface morphologies without the need for complex molecular design or tedious techniques. This ribbon-based nanograss has characteristics of a LPEI@silica hybrid structure, suggesting that LPEI, as a polymeric secondary amine, is available for subsequent chemical reaction. This feature was exploited to functionalize the nanograss film with three representative species, namely porphyrin, Au nanoparticles and titania. Of particular note, the novel silica@titania composite nanograss surface demonstrated the ability to convert its wetting behavior between the extreme states (superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic) by surface hydrophobic treatment and UV irradiation. The anatase titania component in the nanograss film acts as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the decomposition of the low-surface-energy organic components attached to the nanosurface. The ease with which the nanostructure can be controlled and facilely functionalized makes our nanograss potentially important for device-based application in microfluidic, microreactor and biomedical fields.
A viable Eurozone?
Authors: Le Cacheux Jacques
Published: November 2011

Résumé La crise de la zone euro ne pourra s’estomper avant que l’Union monétaire européenne ne démontre clairement sa viabilité. Ceci a diverses implications, notamment la soutenabilité des finances publiques. Des règles financières publiques européennes pourraient être un outil utile dans l’arsenal de la gouvernance économique, pour s’assurer que les gouvernements des États membres se comportent pas mal. Cependant, si ces règles deviennent plus strictes et plus automatiques, elles doivent s’accompagner de mécanismes de coordination politique plus efficaces et plus de solidarité financière. En outre, afin de promouvoir une croissance économique soutenue et soutenable, et pour s’assurer qu’elle soit répartie équitablement dans la zone euro, il est nécessaire de coordonner les politiques économiques, par exemple en faisant des choix collectifs sur la direction à suivre. Pour atteindre cela, il faut réformer les institutions, afin qu’une action collective puisse effectivement apparaître. Des institutions pour la seule zone euro, et non l’Union européenne, au-delà de l’Eurogroupe, rendraient possible une coopération fiscale et réalisables des objectifs de politique économique?: un gouvernement économique pour la zone euro.
Financial Derivatives and Responsibility – How to Deal Ethically With Financial Risk
Authors: Heinemann Simone
Published: November 2011

Résumé Les produits financiers dérivés ne se contentent pas de fournir un moyen d’échanger des risques financiers mais, en fait, peuvent aussi créer des risques et des incertitudes à l’avenir qui pourraient être - dans certains cas - éthiquement inacceptables. Tout d’abord, je montrerai que, depuis une perspective sociale, la transformation et la dispersion des risques causées par la négociation des dérivés pourraient poser des problèmes éthiques puisque les dérivés ont été impliqués dans la crise financière de 2007-2009 ainsi que dans d’autres débâcles financières désastreuses. Deuxièmement, j’identifierai trois critères ou directives qui sont indispensables lorsqu’il s’agit de traiter des risques financiers, et en particulier quand on négocie des dérivés. L’intégration de ces directives dans la théorie et la pratique peut aider les acteurs du marché à comprendre que prendre des risques d’une manière responsable fait partie d’un cadre nécessaire pour promouvoir l’éthique et l’intégrité dans le secteur financier.
Finance solidaire et démocratisation de la monnaie
Authors: Meyer Nicolás
Published: November 2011

Résumé La finance solidaire est une finance éthique, parce qu’elle répare les liens qui sont quotidiennement endommagés par un capitalisme de plus en plus agressif. Celui-ci propose comme modèle de développement communautaire l’accumulation d’actifs et de capitaux sous la logique de concentration et non par la répartition équitable de richesses. Les banques communales créent un espace où les femmes entrepreneures issues de quartiers vulnérables gèrent leur épargne d’une manière auto-gérée en toute sécurité et transparence en réparant la confiance ébranlée. Est-il possible de créer des mécanismes pour promouvoir la démocratisation de la monnaie?
A Critical View of the Financial Sector and the Behaviour of People. What to Do?
Authors: Viana Carlos Eduardo Estapé
Published: November 2011

Résumé Ces dernières années, beaucoup d’observateurs ont remis en question le comportement des acteurs individuels dans le secteur financier. En particulier, le comportement de certains de ses membres ayant agi de manière inappropriée a été critiqué. Ils auraient été motivés par le seul intérêt personnel au détriment des institutions pour lesquelles ils ont travaillé et au détriment du bien commun. L’auteur aborde certaines questions liées à la dynamique du secteur financier et analyse comment certains comportements des institutions et du secteur financier lui-même peuvent affecter le comportement personnel et entraîner l’émergence d’une conduite contraire à l’éthique des personnes. Au moment de conclure et de faire des propositions d’actions, l’auteur souligne une nouvelle fois l’importance de l’individu et de ses valeurs comme un élément essentiel pour faire face aux tentations et aux comportements contraires à l’éthique que le secteur financier permet et même semble parfois encourager. Enfin, l’auteur invite les institutions à s’attaquer au problème.
La signification dévore les signes
Authors: Goffard Serge
Published: November 2011

Alors que l’écriture, dans l’aire culturelle européenne, a été inventée il y a plus de cinq mille ans, son enseignement et sa pratique provoquent encore débats, malaises et échecs. On cherche donc à éclairer ce problème en parcourant l’histoire des écritures, de Sumer à la Grèce. Certaines écritures ont disparu, d’autres subsistent, en ayant fait des choix cognitivement et culturellement contraignants. Une dimension fondamentale de l’écriture est mise en relief, l’écriture n’est pas, seulement, un code objectivable. Elle est une pratique personnelle, une traversée de l’intime pour aller vers une socialisation. Les institutions scolaires ignorant cette dimension contribuent à l’échec de l’apprentissage de l’écriture par les élèves.
L'écriture en action et actions de l'écriture à l'école maternelle
Authors: David Jacques , Fraquet Sandrine
Published: November 2011

Comment les élèves de grande section d’école maternelle (5-6 ans) découvrent le pouvoir de l’écriture, et l’utilisent dans et hors l’école. En quoi les conceptualisations précoces de l’écriture modifient leur rapport aux savoirs, à la langue, aux autres. À travers l’étude d’un large corpus dont ont été extraits plusieurs écrits représentatifs et autant d’auto-explications associées, l’article propose une description précise et argumentée des procédures psycholinguistiques déployées par ces jeunes élèves. Elle analyse également les fonctions de l’écriture ainsi approchées, montrant que les apprentis-scripteurs parviennent à combiner différentes actions sémiologiques. L’ensemble conclut à la nécessité de mettre en œuvre de tels apprentissages autographiques afin d’aider les élèves à exercer précocement un véritable pouvoir scriptural.
Écrire pour mieux lire
Authors: Portelette Annie
Published: November 2011

Le contexte du travail présenté est celui de la lecture analytique de Perceval le Galois en cours de français d’une classe de cinquième de collège. Pour les élèves, il s’agit de rendre compte de leur compréhension du roman, pour le professeur d’articuler l’entrée dans le monde de l’écrit et l’appréhension par les élèves de la posture de lecture attendue en français : d’être le commentateur de sa lecture. Le dispositif pédagogique se fonde sur la réécriture utilisant la liste comme écrit intermédiaire. Cet écrit instrumental aide les élèves à penser et à reconfigurer leur premier écrit. L’article s’appuie sur l’analyse des indices de réflexivité dans les différents écrits produits par un élève. Il s’attache essentiellement aux traces des activités sémantiques, cognitives et linguistiques qu’a permis cette liste.
Former à (et par) l'écrit de recherche. Quels enjeux, quelles exigences ?
Authors: Rinck Fanny
Published: November 2011

Le genre du mémoire est emblématique de la formation à et par la recherche qui caractérise l’enseignement supérieur. Il s’agit de penser via l’écriture, pour l’appropriation des contenus disciplinaires et pour favoriser la réflexion, dans la perspective notamment de la professionnalisation. L’objectif est de discuter la formation à et par la recherche sous l’angle de l’écriture, en termes de constats et de propositions. L’analyse porte d’abord sur les écrits d’initiation à la recherche en licence 3 ème année, pour montrer que des difficultés de « posture » se manifestent. Elle envisage ensuite les attentes à avoir dans les écrits de recherche et, plus largement, les modèles rédactionnels à travailler à l’université pour faire penser – et former – par l’écriture.
Écrire pour apprendre en sciences physiques
Authors: Chairat Roux Stéphanie
Published: November 2011

L’usage de l’écrit et de la réécriture en sciences est un axe de travail visant l’amélioration, l’apprentissage et la maitrise de concepts scientifiques. L’élaboration d’activités par le professeur qui suit cette démarche permet de placer l’élève et le groupe classe dans une relation différente à l’écrit et au savoir. L’action du professeur s’ajuste en fonction du cheminement intellectuel des l’élèves au travers des écrits et des débats qu’ils suscitent. L’enseignement des sciences physiques contribue ainsi, par le développement de l’esprit scientifique, à la construction de l’élève en tant que sujet.
IVUS Image Processing Methodologies
Authors: Sakellarios Antonis A. , Bourantas Christos V. , Athanasiou Lambros S. , Fotiadis Dimitrios I. , Michalis Lampros K.
Published: November 2011

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is an invasive imaging technique that allows detailed visualization of the arterial lumen and outer vessel wall and permits characterization of the type of the plaque and quantification of its burden. Traditionally IVUS processing was performed manually. However, it became apparent that manual segmentation is time consuming, and the obtained results depend on the experience of the operators. To overcome these limitations and enhance the role of IVUS in clinical practice and research, several (semi-) automated methods have been developed that expedite detection of the regions of interest and/or characterization of the type of the plaque. In this chapter we review the available IVUS processing techniques and present the developed commercial solutions for IVUS segmentation and plaque characterization.
Analysis of Radiofrequency Ultrasound Signals
Authors: Thury Attila , Garcia-Garcia Héctor M. , Regar Evelyn
Published: November 2011

IVUS opened new perspectives in our understanding of human coronary atherosclerosis and triggers of ACS (especially plaque rupture as its most dominant cause). Throughout this chapter we list the shortcomings of conventional (greyscale) IVUS to characterize tissue components of plaques and the potentials of radiofrequency signal processing to overcome these. In recent years, the technology matured, and especially with VH and IB-IVUS, many clinical studies showed accurate plaque estimation. Results of a prospective, natural history study have just been presented and proved the ability of VH to predict ACS. Palpography derives compositional information from functional (strain) measurements. Assessing several characteristics of a given plaque could potentially enhance invasive risk stratification by identifying very high-risk plaques, thereby reducing the number of vulnerable plaques that need to be serially followed and ultimately treated. Moreover, if a safe prophylactic local treatment was available, a sophisticated IVUS procedure would be a part of a “one-stop-shop” in preventive cardiology.