bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinoic Acid Modulates the Subcellular Localization of Small Ubiquitin‐Related Modifier‐2/3 (SUMO‐2/3) in the Testis
Authors: Zhu Li , Doyle Timothy J. , Kim Kwan Hee
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: Covalent attachment of small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) to target proteins is an important posttranslational mechanism controlling diverse cellular functions. Recently, hypo‐ or hyper‐sumoylation by SUMO‐2/3 was shown to play a crucial role in male reproduction. However, the regulation of SUMO‐2/3 in the testis remains unknown. Here, we report that the subcellular localization of SUMO‐2/3 changes during testicular development. SUMO‐2/3 was mainly found localized in the nucleus of Sertoli cells and gonocytes early in testicular development, but the localization shifted to the cytoplasm in Sertoli and germ cells after meiotic initiation. This change in the subcellular localization was mimicked both in testes of postnatal day 10 (P10) rats injected with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and in organ cultures of testes from P10 rats treated with ATRA. These results suggest that retinoic acid might have a role in controlling the subcellular localization of SUMO‐2/3. Moreover, treatment of Sertoli cells with a retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA)–specific agonist changed the subcellular localization of SUMO‐2/3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, disruption of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (Rara) gene in the testis resulted in alteration of SUMO‐2/3 subcellular localization, indicating that its protein RARA might have a role in the nuclear trafficking of SUMO‐2/3. Because many SUMO target proteins are usually modified en masse after a biological stimulus, our results suggest that dysregulation of SUMO‐2/3 subcellular localization could easily be a pleiotropic contributing factor that can cause a male sterility phenotype in Rara‐null mice.
Molecular Analysis of the SRD5A2 in 46,XY Subjects With Incomplete Virilization: The P212R Substitution of the Steroid 5α‐Reductase 2 May Constitute an Ancestral Founder Mutation in Mexican Patients
Authors: Vilchis Felipe , Ramos Luis , Méndez Juan Pablo , Benavides Socorro , Canto Patricia , Chávez Bertha
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: Inactivating mutations of the SRD5A2 gene result in steroid 5α‐reductase 2 deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder expressed as a male‐limited disorder of sex development. Herein, genomic DNA was isolated from 11 new patients with apparent steroid 5α‐reductase 2 deficiency. Coding sequence abnormalities in SRD5A2 were assessed by exon‐specific polymerase chain reaction, single‐stranded conformation polymorphism, and direct sequencing. Likewise, enzymatic activity of the P212R gene variant of SRD5A2 was assessed. DNA analysis revealed mutations in all patients (G115D, R171S, N193S, E197D, G203S, P212R). Three individuals were compound heterozygotes, 6 were homozygotes, and 2 more were single heterozygotes for SRD5A2 mutations; remarkably, 40% of the mutant alleles (9/22) contained the gene variant P212R. The results described in this study represent, along with our previous reports, the largest number of patients with steroid 5α‐reductase 2 deficiency belonging to nonrelated families. Regarding the frequency of the p.P212R mutation in our population and its presence throughout all of our country, it allows us to hypothesize that the presence of this mutation may constitute a founder gene effect.
Antiatherosclerotic and Renoprotective Effects of Ebselen in the Diabetic Apolipoprotein E/GPx1-Double Knockout Mouse
Authors: Chew Phyllis , Yuen Derek Y.C. , Stefanovic Nada , Pete Josefa , Coughlan Melinda T. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin A. , Thomas Merlin C. , Rosenfeldt Franklin , Cooper Mark E. , Haan Judy B. de
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the GPx1-mimetic ebselen on diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and renal injury in a model of increased oxidative stress.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was performed using diabetic apolipoprotein E/GPx1 (ApoE−/−GPx1−/−)-double knockout (dKO) mice, a model combining hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia with increased oxidative stress. Mice were randomized into two groups, one injected with streptozotocin, the other with vehicle, at 8 weeks of age. Groups were further randomized to receive either ebselen or no treatment for 20 weeks.

RESULTS

Ebselen reduced diabetes-associated atherosclerosis in most aortic regions, with the exception of the aortic sinus, and protected dKO mice from renal structural and functional injury. The protective effects of ebselen were associated with a reduction in oxidative stress (hydroperoxides in plasma, 8-isoprostane in urine, nitrotyrosine in the kidney, and 4-hydroxynonenal in the aorta) as well as a reduction in VEGF, CTGF, VCAM-1, MCP-1, and Nox2 after 10 weeks of diabetes in the dKO aorta. Ebselen also significantly reduced the expression of proteins implicated in fibrosis and inflammation in the kidney as well as reducing related key intracellular signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Ebselen has an antiatherosclerotic and renoprotective effect in a model of accelerated diabetic complications in the setting of enhanced oxidative stress. Our data suggest that ebselen effectively repletes the lack of GPx1, and indicate that ebselen may be an effective therapeutic for the treatment of diabetes-related atherosclerosis and nephropathy. Furthermore, this study highlights the feasibility of addressing two diabetic complications with one treatment regimen through the unifying approach of targeted antioxidant therapy.
Computing Networks: A General Framework to Contrast Neural and Swarm Cognitions
Authors: Gershenson Carlos
Published: September 2010

This paper presents the Computing Networks (CNs) framework. CNs are used to generalize neural and swarm architectures. Artificial neural networks, ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, and realistic biological models are used as examples of instantiations of CNs. The description of these architectures as CNs allows their comparison. Their differences and similarities allow the identification of properties that enable neural and swarm architectures to perform complex computations and exhibit complex cognitive abilities. In this context, the most relevant characteristics of CNs are the existence multiple dynamical and functional scales. The relationship between multiple dynamical and functional scales with adaptation, cognition (of brains and swarms) and computation is discussed.
Enaction as a Conceptual Framework for Developmental Cognitive Robotics
Authors: Vernon David
Published: September 2010

This paper provides an accessible introduction to the cognitive systems paradigm of enaction and shows how it forms a practical framework for robotic systems that can develop cognitive abilities. The principal idea of enaction is that a cognitive system develops it own understanding of the world around it through its interactions with the environment. Thus, enaction entails that the cognitive system operates autonomously and that it generates its own models of how the world works. A discussion of the five key elements of enaction — autonomy, embodiment, emergence, experience, and sense-making — leads to a core set of functional, organizational, and developmental requirements which are then used in the design of a cognitive architecture for the iCub humanoid robot.
Acupressure to reduce labor pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hjelmstedt Anna , Shenoy Sheela T. , Stener‐Victorin Elisabeth , Lekander Mats , Bhat Mamta , Balakumaran Leena , Waldenström Ulla
Published: September 2010

Objective. To evaluate the effect of acupressure administered during the active phase of labor on nulliparous women's ratings of labor pain. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. Public hospital in India. Sample. Seventy‐one women randomized to receive acupressure at acupuncture point spleen 6 (SP6) on both legs during contractions over a 30‐minute period (acupressure group), 71 women to receive light touch at SP6 on both legs during the same period of time (touch group) and 70 women to receive standard care (standard care group). Methods. Experience of in‐labor pain was assessed by visual analog scale at baseline before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after treatment. Main outcome measure. Labor pain intensity at different time intervals after treatment compared with before treatment. Results. A reduction of in‐labor pain was found in the acupressure group and was most noticeable immediately after treatment (acupressure group vs. standard care group p < 0.001; acupressure group vs. touch group p < 0.001). Conclusion. Acupressure seems to reduce pain during the active phase of labor in nulliparous women giving birth in a context in which social support and epidural analgesia are not available. However, the treatment effect is small which suggests that acupressure may be most effective during the initial phase of labor.
Finale Ökosystemleistungen als Wohlfahrtsindikatoren | Final ecosystem services as welfare indicators
Authors: Staub Cornelia , Ott Walter
Published: September 2010

Existing environmental indicators focus primarily on the environmental impact of the economy and society. On the other hand, welfare measurement is largely restricted to the contribution that consumer goods make to our prosperity. The purpose of new environmental indicators is to show the contribution to national welfare made by ecosystem services that complement economic reporting and serve as an additional basis for national environmental and resource policies. Within the scope of a feasibility study, a new concept for the identification of “final” ecosystem services – ecosystem services that generate a direct effect on the population's welfare – was tested. The concept involves the listing and operationalisation of relevant final ecosystem services and the benefits they generate for the population in an inventory. The indicators developed in this way were tested for their validity, comprehensibility, usability, feasibility and compatibility. It showed that while they permit statements to be formulated on the effect on welfare made by ecosystem services, their validity for other issues associated with ecosystem services is restricted. Their contribution for environmental policies thus lies, in particular, in problem recognition and the setting of strategic goals. While the concept proves to be feasible, the demarcation of the individual services as well as their implementation based on already available data is challenging. On the basis of this analysis, work is currently taking place on an initial inventory of final ecosystem services for Switzerland.
Optimierung forstlicher Produktion unter Beachtung von finanziellen Restriktionen | Optimisation of forest production under financial restrictions
Authors: Möhring Bernhard
Published: September 2010

The question of efficiency of resources bound in the silvicultural (biological) production of forest enterprises strikes a central topic of forest management. Using simple spreadsheet calculation models, this paper tries to explicate the relations between silvicultural treatments and economic evaluation criteria under financial restrictions. By means of actual examples, concerning thinning intensity and final harvest age under the restriction of maintenance of capital, practical silvicultural behaviour can be seen as compatible with the optimal economic solutions, determined by the model calculations. This leads to the conclusion that commonly practiced concepts of thinning intensity and productivity dependent harvest age can be interpreted as rational economic behaviour. With reference to such an economic optimum the consequences of changes in forest management, as they are often claimed for instance by directives of nature conservation, water protection etc., can be evaluated based on opportunity costs.
Entwicklung von Märkten – unternehmerische Umsetzung am Beispiel Trinkwasser in Niedersachsen | Creating markets – entrepreneurial implementation by the example of drinking water in Lower Saxony
Authors: Merker Klaus
Published: September 2010

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive of the European Union on the national level has reactivated the discussion on a financial reward of forests for providing water protecting services. This paper deals with the actors in this discussion and their different points of interests. Recent developments and current state of this process in Lower Saxony (Germany) are described. Furthermore, promising perspectives for a successful marketing of groundwater protection services are highlighted.
A Low-Cost Multi-Touch Surface Device Supporting Effective Ergonomic Cognitive Training for the Elderly
Authors: Theodoreli Vasiliki , Petsatodis Theodore , Soldatos John , Talantzis Fotios , Pnevmatikakis Aristodemos
Published: September 2010

The emerging surface computing trend is a key enabler for a wide range of ergonomic interfaces and applications. Surface computing interfaces are considered appropriate toward facilitating elderly interaction with ICT devices and services. In this paper, the authors present the development of an innovative low-cost multi-surface device and its application in elderly cognitive training. The multi-touch device has been designed and implemented as a cost-effective motivating environment for elderly cognitive training. Along with the implementation of the device and the bundled services, this paper also presents a number of cognitive training exercises that have been developed on the device.
Information Technologies Socialise Geographies
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert , Strobl Josef
Published: September 2010

One of the ethical tasks and practical effects of IT is bridging and spanning different locations, thereby “socialising” across diverse “geographies of understanding”. A dozen documented case studies use IT (especially Geographic Information Sciences) in distance learning. The underlying conceptual model of a network society combined with empirical research on long-term civilisational and economic evolution leads to a general understanding of Information Technologies as facilitators of a multi-perspectivist and multi-disciplinary construction of world views (m:n type of science). Such a synopsis of education, structural evolution, social spaces and institutional change provides insight into IT’s strategic role of facilitating consensus building and constructing common world views that can socially converge (“socialise”) isolated cultures of understanding. “Geography” is here seen as a provider of world views that emerge from communicative action. The presented cases in this paper span both geographic locations as well as constructed cultures of understanding.
Education Balanced Scorecard for Online Courses
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: September 2010

This case presents a best-practice in higher education, whereby a balanced scorecard approach was used to assess the effectiveness of a distance education (online) course in an accredited business degree program at an Australian public university. The assessment rubric was created by applying the concept of the balanced scorecard (from management science) to measure student performance, satisfaction, as well as content and delivery effectiveness. Performance was derived from the course grades while a validated survey instrument was utilized to gather estimates of all other factors from the students. One of the key lessons-learned in the case was that rather than reinvent the wheel, it was better to reuse accreditation surveys designed for the classroom to assess online courses and leverage the management science philosophy of measuring more than just performance to evaluate program success. Similar scorecard concepts have already been applied in U.S. universities, thus their differences with this case are also discussed.
Live Interactive Virtual Explorations at a Southern California Native American Learning Center
Authors: Bruch Kimberly Mann , Braun Hans-Werner , Teel Susan
Published: September 2010

For the past decade, researchers affiliated with the National Science Foundation-funded High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network (HPWREN) have been working with Native American education communities on an array of Internet-enabled activities, including the Live Interactive Virtual Explorations (LIVE) pilot project. One of the communities involved with the pilot LIVE project is the Pala Native American Learning Center, which is located in rural San Diego County, California. This paper discusses five case studies encompassing LIVE activities between Pala tribal community members and field scientists/educators throughout southern California. Using laptops equipped with off-the-shelf accessories and freeware, the five pilot case studies demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing the LIVE concept for real-time distance education programs at rural Native American communities.
Mapping the Distribution of Tsetse Flies in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Nakato Teddy , Jegede O. O. , Ayansina Ayanlade , Olaleye V. F. , Olufemi Bolarin
Published: September 2010

This study demonstrates the ability of GIS and Remote Sensing in capturing spatial-temporal data on land use and land cover classes. The nine land cover classes captured were Built-up area, Secondary forests, Savannah, Grasslands, and Shrublands containing herbaceous, Rain-fed shrub crops, Fresh water swamps, Water bodies, and Farmlands. The remote sensed imageries also displayed how the land use and land cover classes changed between 1986 and 2001, while helping to identify the suitability of the land cover classes for tsetse fly habitation. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that GIS and remote sensing coupled with statistical analyses could help immensely in mapping tsetse habitats. Results show that the tsetse fly habitat area in Eastern Uganda has been decreasing with time due to the increase in the Savannah and grassland land cover types and urbanization.
Semantic Annotation of Process Models for Facilitating Process Knowledge Management
Authors: Lin Yun , Krogstie John
Published: September 2010

Enterprise/business process models that represent knowledge of business processes are generally designed for particular applications in a range of different enterprises. It is a considerable challenge to manage the knowledge of processes that are distributed throughout many different information systems, due to the heterogeneity of the process models used. In this paper, the authors present a framework for semantic annotation that tackles the problem of the heterogeneity of distributed process models to facilitate management of process knowledge. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by means of exemplar studies, and a comprehensive empirical evaluation is used to validate the authors’ approach.
A Data Model for Describing and Exchanging Personal Achieved Learning Outcomes (PALO)
Authors: Najjar Jad , Derntl Michael , Klobucar Tomaž , Simon Bernd , Totschnig Michael , Grant Simon , Pawlowski Jan
Published: September 2010

Employers seek people that match particular qualifications and graduates seek jobs that match their qualifications. This market is currently managed primarily using paper certificates and heterogeneous university management systems that capture achieved learning outcomes as well as corporate information systems that capture required qualifications. In light of trends toward increased student mobility, employability and lifelong learning, this situation is less than satisfactory. Therefore, in this paper, the authors propose a schema that facilitates interoperable storage and management of Personal Achieved Learning Outcomes (PALO) based on a common data model. This paper presents use case scenarios and implementations addressing these challenges and demonstrating the added value of using such a common model.
Irrigation Management and Water Pricing in Turkey
Authors: Cakmak Erol H.
Published: September 2010

Irrigated agriculture in Turkey currently consumes 75 percent of the total water consumption, which corresponds to about 30 percent of the renewable water supply. Unfavorable future global climate and economic conditions will increase the stress in the water sector. The operation and maintenance (O&M) of almost all large surface irrigation schemes developed by the state has been transferred to irrigation associations governed by the farmers. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of irrigation management practices and an evaluation of irrigation water pricing after the transfer using price data at the association level since 1999. Results indicate that both irrigation water charges and collection rates increased following the transfer. However, the recuperation of investment costs for irrigation development from the users has remained minimal. The price of the irrigation water continued to be on per hectare basis, and farmers using pumping water face 2.5 times higher water charge per hectare then the gravity water users. The uptake of more efficient water application technology accompanied by pricing mechanisms reflecting scarcity value of water will certainly ease the adjustment burden of the irrigation sector in the future.
Monitoring Buffer Overflow Attacks
Authors: Shahriar Hossain , Zulkernine Mohammad
Published: September 2010

Buffer overflow (BOF) is a well-known, and one of the worst and oldest, vulnerabilities in programs. BOF attacks overwrite data buffers and introduce wide ranges of attacks like execution of arbitrary injected code. Many approaches are applied to mitigate buffer overflow vulnerabilities; however, mitigating BOF vulnerabilities is a perennial task as these vulnerabilities elude the mitigation efforts and appear in the operational programs at run-time. Monitoring is a popular approach for detecting BOF attacks during program execution, and it can prevent or send warnings to take actions for avoiding the consequences of the exploitations. Currently, there is no detailed classification of the proposed monitoring approaches to understand their common characteristics, objectives, and limitations. In this paper, the authors classify runtime BOF attack monitoring and prevention approaches based on seven major characteristics. Finally, these approaches are compared for attack detection coverage based on a set of BOF attack types. The classification will enable researchers and practitioners to select an appropriate BOF monitoring approach or provide guidelines to build a new one.
A closer look at Arctic ozone loss and polar stratospheric clouds
Authors: Harris N. R. P. , Lehmann R. , Rex M. , von der Gathen P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The empirical relationship found between column-integrated Arctic ozone loss and the potential volume of polar stratospheric clouds inferred from meteorological analyses is recalculated in a self-consistent manner using the ERA Interim reanalyses. The relationship is found to hold at different altitudes as well as in the column. The use of a PSC formation threshold based on temperature dependent cold aerosol formation makes little difference to the original, empirical relationship. Analysis of the photochemistry leading to the ozone loss shows that activation is limited by the photolysis of nitric acid. This step produces nitrogen dioxide which is converted to chlorine nitrate which in turn reacts with hydrogen chloride on any polar stratospheric clouds to form active chlorine. The rate-limiting step is the photolysis of nitric acid: this occurs at the same rate every year and so the interannual variation in the ozone loss is caused by the extent and persistence of the polar stratospheric clouds. In early spring the ozone loss rate increases as the solar insolation increases the photolysis of the chlorine monoxide dimer in the near ultraviolet. However the length of the ozone loss period is determined by the photolysis of nitric acid which also occurs in the near ultraviolet. As a result of these compensating effects, the amount of the ozone loss is principally limited by the extent of original activation rather than its timing. In addition a number of factors, including the vertical changes in pressure and total inorganic chlorine as well as denitrification and renitrification, offset each other. As a result the extent of original activation is the most important factor influencing ozone loss. These results indicate that relatively simple parameterisations of Arctic ozone loss could be developed for use in coupled chemistry climate models.
Large scale modeling of the transport, the chemical transformation and the mass budget of the sulfur emitted during the eruption of April 2007 by the Piton de la Fournaise
Authors: Tulet P. , Villeneuve N.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. During April 2007, the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, La Réunion island, entered in its bigger eruption registered at least one century. Due to the absence of rapid captor in the vicinity of the volcano, the estimation of the degassing during the paroxysmal phase of the event has not been estimated. A modeling study that uses the mesoscale chemical model MesoNH-C, the spatial observation from the OMI sensor and the CALIOP spacelidar, have simulated the global mass of SO2 observed and the general shape of the SO2 plume spreading over the Indian ocean. Moreover, an analysis of the budget of the SO2 plume have permitted to estimate the total SO2 release to 159 Kt, the transformation in H2SO4 at 46.9 Kt and the surface dry deposition to 22 Kt and 17.9 Kt of SO2 and H2SO4 respectively. Then, this top down approach has retrieved an estimation of the temporal evolution of the SO2 emission during the most active period of the eruption, where the peak of degassing is estimated to 2000 kg s−1 in the morning of the 6 April. This temporal evolution of SO2 emission, given here, can also be used for more local studies.
Statistical issues about solar–climate relations
Authors: Yiou P. , Bard E. , Dandin P. , Legras B. , Naveau P. , Rust H. W. , Terray L. , Vrac M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The relationship between solar activity and temperature variation is a frequently discussed issue in climatology. This relationships is usually hypothesized on the basis of statistical analyses of temperature time series and time series related to solar activity. Recent studies (Le Mouël et al., 2008, 2009; Courtillot et al., 2010) focus on the variabilities of temperature and solar activity records to identify their relationships. We discuss the meaning of such analyses and propose a general framework to test the statistical significance for these variability-based analyses. This approach is illustrated using European temperature data sets and geomagnetic field variations. We show that tests for significant correlation between observed temperature variability and geomagnetic field variability is hindered by a low number of degrees of freedom introduced by excessively smoothing the variability-based statistics.
Evaluation of Compound Activity Against Hepatitis C Virus in Replicon Systems
Authors: Yang Guangwei , Huang Mingjun
Published: September 2010

Described in this unit are protocols for evaluation of new chemical entities for activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) using HCV replicon systems. While agents designed to target NS3 protease, NS3 helicase, and NS5B RNA polymerase can be evaluated in biochemical assays, it is important to confirm their inhibitory effect on HCV RNA replication using HCV replicon systems, especially since replication involves many components besides these enzymes. Screening of compound libraries using replicon systems has led to the discovery of replication inhibitors, which act through different viral targets. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 50:13B.1.1‐13B.1.21. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Efficient Enantioselective Syntheses of Sertraline, 2‐Epicatalponol and Catalponol from Tetralin‐1,4‐dione
Authors: Garcia Alvaro Enriquez , Ouizem Souad , Cheng Xin , Romanens Patrick , Kündig E. Peter
Published: September 2010

Tetralin‐1,4‐dione, the stable tautomer of dihydroxynaphthalene, was reduced with catecholborane in the presence of 3,3‐diphenyl‐1‐butyltetrahydro‐3H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐c][1,3,2]oxazaborole as catalyst to give enantiomerically highly enriched 4‐hydroxy‐1‐tetralone (99% ee) in an efficient one‐pot procedure. The R‐enantiomer provided a rapid access to sertraline while the S‐enantiomer was converted into 2‐epicatalponol and catalponol. A more selective enantioselective route to the antithermitic catalponol made use of the planar chiral tricarbonylchromium complex of hydroxytetralone. Its precursor chromium(tricarbonyl)[η6‐(1‐4,4a,8a)‐tetralin‐5,8‐dione] was obtained via direct complexation of 1,4‐dihydroxynaphthalene using chromium(tricarbonyl)‐ tris(ammonia) and boron trifluoride etherate as source of the chromium(tricarbonyl) fragment. Enolate prenylation was best carried out in the presence of a tetraamine ligand. Complete inversion of the stereogenic center bearing the prenyl group of the initially obtained tetralone complex was achieved via enolate formation followed by protonation.
Abbildung selbstorganisierter Strukturen: Interpretation von TEM‐ und Kryo‐TEM‐Aufnahmen
Authors: Friedrich Heiner , Frederik Peter M. , de With Gijsbertus , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M.
Published: September 2010

In der Materialchemie werden in Lösung gezüchtete Nanostrukturen oft mithilfe der Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie (TEM) untersucht. Häufig werden die TEM‐Proben bei der Probenvorbereitung getrocknet und kontrastiert, und bei der Bildaufnahme selbst kommt es zur Wechselwirkung zwischen der Probe und dem Elektronenstrahl. Beide Prozesse rufen zur Vorsicht bei der Interpretation der erhaltenen elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen auf. Alternativ dazu kann durch kryogene Probenpräparation und anschließende Abbildung mit kryogener Niederdosis‐TEM ein beinahe nativer solvatisierter Zustand konserviert werden. In unserem Kurzaufsatz geben wir eine kritische Analyse der Probenvorbereitung und, noch wichtiger, der Datenaufnahme und Interpretation von elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen. Die Übersicht soll auch Leitlinien für die Anwendung von (Kryo‐)TEM als leistungsstarkes und zuverlässiges Hilfsmittel für die Analyse kolloidaler und selbstorganisierter Strukturen mit Abmessungen im Nanometerbereich bieten.
cDNA cloning and induction of tyrosine hydroxylase gene from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Hwang Se Hui , Cho Saeyoull , Park Yong Chul
Published: September 2010

We cloned a full‐length tyrosine hydroxylase cDNA from the integument of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. In the phylogenetic tree, tyrosine hydroxylase (PxTH) clustered with the other lepidopteran THs. Serine residues in the PxTH sequence, namely Ser24, Ser31, Ser35, Ser53, and Ser65, were predicted to be the target sites for phosphorylation based on PROSITE analysis. In particular, Ser35 of PxTH is highly conserved across a broad phylogenetic range of animal taxa including rat and human. Western blot analysis using both PxTH‐Ab1 and PxTH‐Ab2 polyclonal antibodies verified the expression of PxTH in all life cycle stages of P. xylostella, namely the larval, pupal, and adult stages. To examine the possible immune function of PxTH in P. xylostella, PxTH gene expression was investigated by RT‐PCR and western blotting analysis after challenging P. xylostella with bacteria. PxTH expression was elevated 1 h post‐infection and was continued till 12 h of post‐infection relative to control larvae injected with sterile water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthese von 5H Pyrimido[4,5‐c]2‐Benzazepin‐2,4‐diaminen als rigiden Folatantagonisten
Authors: Troschütz Reinhard
Published: September 2010

Die Titelverbindungen 7 lassen sich aus den Malononitrilen 4 durch Umsetzung mit Guanidin oder durch Cyclisierung zu den funktionalisierten 2‐Benzazepinen 10 bzw. 11 und nachfolgende Reaktion mit Guanidin herstellen. Als reaktive Cyanketen‐O,N‐acetale werden Verbindungen 10 und 11 von Ammoniak oder Hydrazin zu 14a bzw. 13a aminolysiert. Ein Pyrimidobenzazepin‐4‐amin 18a ist aus 14a mit DMF‐DEA und Ammoniak zugänglich.
Properties and reactions of substituted 1,2‐thiazetidine 1,1‐dioxides: Aldol additions of ketones and aldehydes
Authors: Müller Martin , Otto Hans‐Hartwig
Published: September 2010

Aldol reactions between N‐silylated or 2,3‐disubstituted β‐sultams and ketones or aldehydes result in the C‐4 aldol derivatives 2 and 6. Desilylation of 2 with TBAF yields the N‐unsubstituted compounds 3. Mixtures of diastereomers obtained from reactions with aldehydes are separated by CC, and their structures are elucidated by spectroscopic data.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 and platelet‐derived growth factor, but not platelet lysate, induce proliferation‐dependent, functional class II major histocompatibility complex antigen in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bocelli‐Tyndall Chiara , Zajac Paul , Di Maggio Nunzia , Trella Emanuele , Benvenuto Federica , Iezzi Giandomenica , Scherberich Arnaud , Barbero Andrea , Schaeren Stefan , Pistoia Vito , Spagnoli Giulio , Vukcevic Mirko , Martin Ivan , Tyndall Alan
Published: September 2010

Objective

To document the specificity and the mechanism of induction of a novel class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen by mitogenic growth factors in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expanded in vitro for translational applications.

Methods

Expression of class II MHC molecules was measured in human MSCs and differentiated cells expanded in the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2), platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB), human platelet lysate, or interferon‐γ (IFNγ). The roles of cell proliferation and growth factor–induced signaling pathways were investigated as well as the class II MHC assembly machinery and functional capacity.

Results

FGF‐2 and, to a lesser extent, PDGF‐BB induced in adult human MSCs the expression of HLA–DR (normally induced by inflammatory cytokines), which was able to stimulate CD4+ T cells via superantigen binding. In contrast to IFNγ, FGF induced HLA–DR expression only in human MSCs proliferating under its mitogenic effect and not in mouse MSCs or in differentiated human cells. Although it induced cell proliferation, human platelet lysate did not cause HLA–DR expression in human MSCs. HLA–DR expression occurred following FGF‐specific binding to its receptor(s), mainly FGF receptor 1, without inducing IFNγ or tumor necrosis factor α expression. Both MAPK/ERK‐1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt controlled cell proliferation and HLA–DR expression, but only MAPK/ERK‐1/2 controlled the induction of the class II MHC transcription activator protein CIITA, the major determinant of HLA–DR transcription.

Conclusion

The induction of functional HLA–DR in proliferating progenitor MSCs is a property of human MSCs that have been expanded with mitogenic growth factors. This has potential biologic significance in the regulation and/or protection of progenitor cell subpopulations under sustained mitogenic proliferation and needs to be taken into account when expanding MSCs for use in in vivo applications.
Effect of surfactant pluronic F‐68 on CHO cell growth, metabolism, production, and glycosylation of human recombinant IFN‐γ in mild operating conditions
Authors: Clincke Marie‐Françoise , Guedon Emmanuel , Yen Frances T. , Ogier Virginie , Roitel Olivier , Goergen Jean‐Louis
Published: September 2010

The control of glycosylation to satisfy regulatory requirements and quality consistency of recombinant proteins produced by different processes has become an important issue. With two N‐glycosylation sites, γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) can be seen as a prototype of a recombinant therapeutic glycoprotein for this purpose. The effect of the nonionic surfactant Pluronic F‐68 (PF‐68) on cell growth and death was investigated, as well as production and glycosylation of recombinant IFN‐γ produced by a CHO cell line that was maintained in a rich protein‐free medium in the absence or presence of low agitation. Under these conditions, a dose‐dependent effect of PF‐68 (0–0.1%) was shown not only to significantly enhance growth but also to reduce cell lysis. Interestingly, supplementing the culture medium with PF‐68 led to increased IFN‐γ production as a result of both higher cell densities and a higher specific production rate of IFN‐γ. If cells were grown with agitation, lack of PF‐68 in the culture medium decreased the fraction of the fully glycosylated IFN‐γ glycoform (2N) from 80% to 65–70% during the initial period. This effect appeared to be due to a lag phase in cell growth observed during this period. Finally, a global kinetic study of CHO cell metabolism indicated higher efficiency in the utilization of the two major carbon substrates when cultures were supplemented with PF‐68. Therefore, these results highlight the importance of understanding how media surfactant can affect cell growth as well as cell death and the product quality of a recombinant glycoprotein expressed in CHO cell cultures. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Three‐dimensional computed tomography in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
Authors: Krishnaswamy Amar , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: September 2010

Objectives: To establish the feasibility of fusion of a 3‐dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) dataset to the routine fluoroscopic image in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Background: Routine fluoroscopic imaging in the cardiac catheterization laboratory often does not provide adequate anatomic detail for structural cardiac interventions. The modern C‐arm is capable of acquiring CT‐like 3D images (Syngo DynaCT), and the overlay of CT‐acquired details on the fluoroscopic image may be useful. The feasibility of this new technology has not yet been reported. Methods: Three patients (presenting with three different clinical indications) were selected, all of whom had previously undergone contrast‐enhanced chest CT. Anatomic details of interest were marked on the preprocedural CT, and the CT was registered to a DynaCT acquired in the catheterization laboratory. The CT:CT registration was then fused to the “real‐time” fluoroscopic image. Results: Fusion of the CT to the fluoroscopic image was successful in these three patients and provided a substantial degree of anatomic guidance for catheter and device manipulation. Conclusions: We have demonstrated the ability to delineate cardiovascular structures of interest on the “real‐time” fluoroscopic image using CT fusion. Future studies should address whether this technology can reduce overall contrast administration and radiation dose. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PCI using a 4‐Fr “child” guide catheter in a “mother” guide catheter: Kyushu KIWAMI® ST registry
Authors: Hiwatashi Atsushi , Iwabuchi Masashi , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Tayama Shinji , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Noda Katsuo , Shibata Yoshisato , Hikichi Yutaka , Node Koichi , Ueno Takafumi , Nobuyoshi Masakiyo
Published: September 2010

Objectives: With the development of PCI techniques, the indications for stents have been expanding as well. On the other hand, we often encounter the situations where deploying a stent/stents by the conventional method is technically challenging. We report a novel stent delivery system using a newly developed 4Fr. straight catheter with Mother‐and‐Child method. Methods and results: We collected the data on coronary angioplasty in which we experienced the difficulty to deliver coronary stents and used 4Fr. KIWAMI ST01. The case number amounts to 32 cases over a six‐month period from October 2009 through March 2010;76:919‐–923. The angioplasty was performed for lesions in the RCA in 9 patients (28%), lesions in the LAD in 15 patients (47%), lesions in the LCX in 5 patients (16%), lesions in the saphenous vein grafts in 2 patients (6%), and lesions in the internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafts in 1 patient (3%). And the reasons for the difficult stent delivery by the conventional methods were as follows: severe calcification in 12 patients (37%), intense tortuosity in 7 patients (22%), poor backup support for guide catheter in 8 patients (25%), and trapping of the stent proximal to the target lesion in 5 patients (16%). The dislodgment of stent did not happened in all cases. Conclusions: KIWAMI® ST01 stent delivery system is feasible, safer, and effective in cases where stent delivery is difficult by the conventional method. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wingspan stenting with modified predilation for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Li Jian , Zhao Zheng‐Wei , Gao Guo‐Dong , Cheng Jian‐Mei
Published: September 2010

Objectives:

Our purpose was to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a modified predilation for middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis.

Background:

Wingspan stenting of MCA remains a technical challenge, and rates of residual stenosis and restenosis must be lowered.

Methods:

A series of 48 patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis greater than 50% and refractory to medical therapy underwent Wingspan stenting with different balloon/artery ratios before (group 1, Boston guidelines predilation) or after (group 2, modified predilation) July of 2008. Technical success, periprocedural complications, recurrent symptoms, and restenosis were assessed retrospectively, and risk factors for restenosis were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:

Successful stenting occurred in 48 of 49 (98%) lesions. Primary endpoints within 30 days included one (2.12%) minor stroke and two (4.26%) transient ischemic attacks. Stenoses were reduced from 77.11% ± 10.09% to 27.50% ± 6.91% in group 1 versus from 72.56% ± 10.46% to 8.20% ± 5.41% in group 2. A total of 43 patients were followed up for 12.92 ± 5.08 months, and recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack occurred in two (4.65%) patients. Vessels were followed with transcranial Doppler (43 vessels), angiography (23 vessels), or computed tomographic angiography (one vessel). The restenosis rate was 8 of 18 (44%) in group 1 and 3 of 25 (12%) in group 2. Restenosis was associated with residual stenosis and diabetes.

Conclusions:

Wingspan stenting for symptomatic MCA stenosis can be performed with high success and low complication rates, and modified predilation with the Gateway balloon can reduce the rates of residual stenosis and restenosis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Four‐year clinical follow‐up of the XIENCE V everolimus‐eluting coronary stent system in the treatment of patients with de novo coronary artery lesions: The SPIRIT II trial
Authors: Garg Scot , Serruys Patrick W. , Miquel‐Hebert Karine ,   on behalf of the SPIRIT II Investigators
Published: September 2010

This report describes the 4‐year clinical outcomes of the SPIRIT II study, which randomized 300 patients to treatment with the XIENCE V everolimus‐eluting stent (EES), or the TAXUS paclitaxel‐eluting stent. At 4‐year clinical follow‐up, which was available in 256 (85.3%) patients, treatment with EES lead to a trend for lower rates of ischemia‐driven major adverse cardiovascular events, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization (EES 7.7% vs. paclitaxel‐eluting stent 16.4%, P = 0.056). Treatment with EES also resulted in a trend toward lower rates of cardiac death and numerically lower rates of myocardial infarction, ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Overall, this study reports numerically fewer clinical events in patients treated with EES at 4‐year follow‐up, which is consistent with results from earlier follow‐up. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localized Deposition of Au Nanoparticles by Direct Electron Transfer through Cellobiose Dehydrogenase
Authors: Malel Esteban , Ludwig Roland , Gorton Lo , Mandler Daniel
Published: September 2010

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is a fascinating extracellular fungal enzyme that consists of two domains, one carrying a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and the other a cytochrome‐type heme b group as cofactors. The two domains are interconnected by a linker and electrons can shuttle from the FAD to the heme group by intramolecular electron transfer. Electron transfer between CDH and an electrode can occur by direct electron transfer (DET) and by mediated electron transfer (MET). This characteristic makes CDH an interesting candidate for integration in systems such as biosensors and biofuel cells. Moreover, it makes CDH an alternative for the reduction of metal ions through DET and MET. In this work we have explored the localized deposition of gold on Pd substrates by CDH through DET and MET. For this purpose we exploited the advantage of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as a patterning tool. We first demonstrated that gold nanoparticles can be formed in homogenous solution. Then we showed that Au nanoparticles can also be locally formed and deposited on surfaces through DET at low pH and by MET at neutral pH using benzoquinone/hydroquinone as mediator.
Conversion of Methane to Methanol: Nickel, Palladium, and Platinum (d9) Cations as Catalysts for the Oxidation of Methane by Ozone at Room Temperature
Authors: Božović Andrea , Feil Stefan , Koyanagi Gregory K. , Viggiano Albert A. , Zhang Xinhao , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut , Bohme Diethard K.
Published: September 2010

The room‐temperature chemical kinetics has been measured for the catalytic activity of Group 10 atomic cations in the oxidation of methane to methanol by ozone. Ni+ is observed to be the most efficient catalyst. The complete catalytic cycle with Ni+ is interpreted with a computed potential energy landscape and, in principle, has an infinite turnover number for the oxidation of methane, without poisoning side reactions. The somewhat lower catalytic activity of Pd+ is reported for the first time and also explored with DFT calculations. Pt+ is seen to be ineffective as a catalyst because of the observed failure of PtO+ to convert methane to methanol.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure of CuZr2(PO4)3 by X‐Ray and Neutron Powder Diffraction.
Authors: BUSSEREAU I. , BELKHIRIA M. S. , GRAVEREAU P. , BOIREAU A. , SOUBEYROUX J. L. , OLAZCUAGA R. , LE FLEM G.
Published: September 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 Electrochemistry of Gold at Glassy Carbon in the Basic Aluminum Chloride‐1‐methyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium Chloride Molten Salt
Authors: XU X.‐H. , HUSSEY C. L.
Published: September 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: 1T‐MoS2, A New Metallic Modification of Molybdenum Disulfide.
Authors: WYPYCH F. , SCHOELLHORN R.
Published: September 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: Preparation and Characterization of Some New Compounds with Nasicon‐ Type Structures.
Authors: BERRY F. J. , OATES G. , SMART L. E. , VITHAL M. , COOK R. , RICKETTS H. G. , WILLIAMS R. , MARCO J. F.
Published: September 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: Photodissociation of Size‐Selected Benzene Cluster Ions: (C6H6)+ n with n = 2‐8.
Authors: NAKAI Y. , OHASHI K. , NISHI N.
Published: September 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.