bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Afferent sources to the inferior olive and distribution of the olivocerebellar climbing fibers in cyprinids
Authors: Xue Hao‐Gang , Yang Chun‐Ying , Yamamoto Naoyuki
Published: January 2008

The inferior olive in teleosts is a major afferent origin to the cerebellum. However, inputs to the inferior olive remain largely unknown. The present study examined fiber connections of the inferior olive by tract‐tracing methods in cyprinids. After tracer injections into the inferior olive, labeled somata were observed bilaterally in the pretectum, nucleus ruber, principal sensory trigeminal nucleus, descending trigeminal nucleus, inferior reticular formation, and cerebellar valvula. Principal sensory trigeminal and valvular afferents exhibited a clear contralateral preponderance, while afferents from the nucleus ruber were predominantly ipsilateral. Labeled somata were also seen ipsilaterally in the descending octaval nucleus, and contralaterally in the optic tectum, lateral funicular nucleus, cerebellar corpus, and inferior olive. A few somata were labeled in the inferior raphe. Climbing fibers terminated contralaterally in the ganglionic and molecular layers of the cerebellum, showing peculiar glomerular appearances. Labeled climbing fiber terminals were mainly distributed in the ventral region of cerebellar corpus, the medioventral region of lateral lobe of rostral cerebellar valvula, and the lateroventral region of medial lobe of cerebellar valvula in the present injection materials. Fiber connections of the inferior olive in teleosts thus appear quite similar to those in mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1409–1427, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative assessment of the knockdown efficiency of morpholino antisense oligonucleotides in zebrafish embryos using a luciferase assay
Authors: Kamachi Yusuke , Okuda Yuichi , Kondoh Hisato
Published: January 2008

Despite the broad use of morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MO) to knockdown gene function in zebrafish embryos, the efficiency of this method has not been successfully assessed, particularly in the cases of translation‐blocking MOs. In our current study, we describe a luciferase assay‐based system that can monitor the MO knockdown levels in zebrafish by the use of a fusion reporter construct containing the 5′‐mRNA sequence of the gene of interest and the luciferase coding sequence. The decrease in luciferase activity in zebrafish embryos that have been coinjected with this reporter RNA construct and a MO that targets the gene of interest correlated well with the level of inhibition of the corresponding endogenous protein synthesis, and also with the appearance of a knockdown phenotype. This indicates the usefulness of our method. We have also found that MOs can exert considerable knockdown effects upon unintended gene targets if 15 bases or longer of contiguous homology exists between these genes and the 25‐base MO in question. Our quantitative assessment method also reveals, however, that an effective and specific knockdown can be achieved when employing a strategy that takes advantage of the synergistic effect of double MOs used at low levels. genesis 46:1–7, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a pituitary‐specific cre line targeted to the Pit‐1 lineage
Authors: Yin Zhirong , Williams‐Simons Lisa , Rawahneh Lisa , Asa Sylvia , Kirschner Lawrence S.
Published: January 2008

Tissue‐specific expression of the Cre recombinase is a well‐established genetic tool to analyze gene function in specific tissues and cell types. In this report, we describe the generation of a new transgenic line that expresses Cre under the control of the rat growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (rGhrhr) promoter. This promoter, chosen to target the anterior pituitary, drives cre‐mediated recombination in cells of the Pit1 lineage, including somatotrophs, lactotrophs, and thyrotrophs. Cre activity is first detected at embryonic day 13.5, and gradually increases to reach high level expression by postnatal day 2. In addition to the pituitary, rGhrhr‐cre expression was detected in vibrissae and in hair follicles of the proximal limb, but not in other tissues. The rGhrhr‐cre line will be a valuable tool for the study of the development of the pituitary Pit1 lineage and for the study of tumorigenesis involving these cells. genesis 46:37–42, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional and bioinformatics analyses reveal conservation of cis‐regulatory elements between sciaridae and drosophilidae
Authors: Lecci Matheus S. , Malta Tathiane M. , Flausino Vinícius T. , Gitaí Daniel L.G. , Ruiz Jerônimo C. , Monesi Nadia
Published: January 2008

The sciarid DNA puff C4 BhC4‐1 gene is amplified and transcribed in salivary glands at the end of the larval stage. In transgenic Drosophila, the BhC4‐1 promoter drives transcription in prepupal salivary glands and in the ring gland of late embryos. A bioinformatics analysis has identified 162 sequences similar to distinct regions of the BhC4‐1 proximal promoter, which are predominantly located either in 5′ or 3′ regions or introns in the Drosophila melanogaster genome. A significant number of the identified sequences are found in the regulatory regions of Drosophila genes that are expressed in the salivary gland. Functional assays in Drosophila reveal that the BhC4‐1 proximal promoter contains both a 129 bp (−186/−58) salivary gland enhancer and a 67 bp (−253/−187) ring gland enhancer that drive tissue specific patterns of developmentally regulated gene expression, irrespective of their orientation. genesis 46:43–51, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CNS‐infiltrating CD4+ T lymphocytes contribute to murine spinal nerve transection‐induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Cao Ling , DeLeo Joyce A.
Published: January 2008

We previously reported leukocytic infiltration into the lumbar spinal cord in a rodent spinal nerve L5 transection (L5Tx) neuropathic pain model. Here, we further investigated the role of infiltrating T lymphocytes in the etiology of persistent pain following L5Tx. T lymphocyte‐deficient nude mice showed no evident mechanical hypersensitivity after day 3 of L5Tx compared to wild‐type BALB/c mice. Through FACS analysis, we determined that significant leukocytic infiltration (CD45hi) into the lumbar spinal cord peaked at day 7 post L5Tx. These infiltrating leukocytes contained predominantly CD4+ but not CD8+ T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages were not detected at day 7 post L5Tx. No differences in the activation of peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes were detected in either the spleen or lumbar lymph nodes between L5Tx and sham surgery groups. Further, CD4 KO mice displayed significantly decreased mechanical hypersensitivity after day 7 of L5Tx, and adoptive transfer of CD4+ leukocytes reversed this effect. Decreased immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein observed in CD4 KO mice post L5Tx indicated possible T lymphocyte‐glial interactions. These results strongly support a contributing role of spinal cord‐infiltrating CD4+ T lymphocytes versus peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes in the maintenance of nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain.
Ligand binding of leukocyte integrin very late antigen‐4 involves exposure of sulfhydryl groups and is subject to redox modulation
Authors: Liu Si‐Yen , Tsai Min‐Yi , Chuang Kuo‐Pin , Huang Ya‐Fang , Shieh Chi‐Chang
Published: January 2008

Activation of leukocyte integrins is important for selective recruitment of cells from the circulation to tissues. Our previous studies showed that the binding between the integrin very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) is modulated by reactive oxygen species. In this study, we investigated the molecular nature of redox modulation on the activation states of VLA‐4 on human leukocytes. We found that ligand binding of VLA‐4 induced exposure of sulfhydryl groups on the α4 peptide. Low concentrations (5–10 µM) of exogenous hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of added glutathione enhanced the ligand binding ability of VLA‐4 to VCAM‐1 and cell rolling on VCAM‐1, while higher concentrations (⩾100 µM) of hydrogen peroxide inhibited the binding. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide and glutathione induced molecular modification of S‐glutathionylation on the α4 peptide. The redox regulation of the VLA‐4 binding activity required outside‐in signaling and cytoskeleton rearrangement. Our results indicate that ligand binding of VLA‐4 involves redox modulations which may play a pivotal role in regulating the activation states of VLA‐4 in inflammatory tissues and hence direct leukocyte trafficking.
Mortality salience and religion: divergent effects on the defense of cultural worldviews for the religious and the non‐religious
Authors: Norenzayan Ara , Dar‐Nimrod Ilan , Hansen Ian G. , Proulx Travis
Published: January 2008

Religious and non‐religious individuals differ in their core beliefs. The religious endorse a supernatural, divinely inspired view of the world, while the non‐religious hold largely secular worldviews. As a result they may respond differently to existential threats. Three studies confirmed this prediction. After a mortality salience (MS) or control prime, Canadian participants read, and responded to, an essay hostile to Western civilization, allegedly written by a radical Muslim student. Results indicated that the non‐religious reliably showed the conventional cultural worldview defense by devaluating the content of the message and decreasing support for the civil rights of anti‐Western individuals when death was salient. No such effect was found for the religious. Religious and non‐religious participants did not differ in self‐esteem levels or in death‐thought accessibility. These results suggest that a religious stance among believers plays a defensive role against the awareness of death. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The threat of those who “understand”: ways in which out‐groups induce guilt
Authors: Zebel Sven , Doosje Bertjan , Spears Russell
Published: January 2008

Two types of out‐groups are hypothesized to make people feel guilty about their in‐group's misdeeds. Given its expertise and legitimacy, a disapproving victimized out‐group should raise guilt. However, when a morally tainted perpetrator out‐group is the evaluator, a need to differentiate the self from this out‐group should characterize the guilt responses. This out‐group's disapproval should therefore diminish guilt, whereas some understanding toward the in‐group's position may paradoxically increase guilt. Moreover, these patterns are likely to be accentuated as in‐group identification increases. Predictions were supported among Dutch participants (N = 145) who read how either the current Jewish Dutch (victimized out‐group) or Germans (perpetrator out‐group) evaluated the Dutch collaboration with the Nazis. Results indicated that compassion for the victimized partially mediated the guilt responses. Implications for how perpetrator groups are persuaded to acknowledge their misdeeds are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of deontological versus consequentialist orientations on act choices and framing effects: when principles are more important than consequences
Authors: Tanner Carmen , Medin Douglas L. , Iliev Rumen
Published: January 2008

A long tradition in decision making assumes that people usually take a consequentialist perspective, which implies a focus on the outcomes only when making decisions. Such a view largely neglects the existence of a deontological perspective, which implies that people are sensitive to moral duties that require or prohibit certain behaviors, irrespective of the consequences. Similarly, recent research has also suggested that people holding “protected values” (PVs) show increased attention to acts versus omissions and less attention to outcomes. The present research investigates the role of deontological versus consequentialist modes of thought and of PVs on framing effects and act versus omission choices. In a modification of Tversky and Kahneman's (1981) risky choice framing paradigm, we manipulated the framing of the outcomes (positive, negative), as well as whether the certain outcome was associated with an act or inaction. The main results suggest that act versus omission tendencies are linked to deontological focus and PVs. Framing effects, on the other hand, are driven by a consequentialist focus. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freestanding block overturning fragilities: Numerical simulation and experimental validation
Authors: Purvance Matthew D. , Anooshehpoor Abdolrasool , Brune James N.
Published: January 2008

The overturning fragilities of symmetric and asymmetric freestanding blocks, ranging in height from 0.54 to 3.6 m and with height‐to‐width ratios ranging from 2.1 to 6.6, are determined numerically. A probabilistic formulation regularizes the overturning responses when exposed to earthquake‐like random‐vibration waveforms. The peak amplitude of the forcing excitation (peak ground acceleration or PGA) is parameterized as a function of the block size, block shape, overturning probability, and either the PGA normalized peak ground velocity (PGV/PGA), spectral acceleration at 1 s (Sa(1)/PGA), or spectral acceleration at 2 s (Sa(2)/PGA). These later intensity measures are correlated with the duration of the predominant acceleration pulse. The overturning fragilities are compared with shake table experiments using blocks ranging in height from ∼0.2 to 1.2 m and with height‐to‐width ratios ranging from ∼2 to 10. Excitations utilized in the shake table experiments include recordings of the 1979 Imperial Valley, 1985 Michoacan, 1999 Duzce, 1999 Chi‐Chi, and 2002 Denali Earthquakes along with synthetic waveforms. The overturning fragilities accurately represent the overturning responses of blocks with simple basal contact conditions. Objects with multiple rocking points, such as precariously balanced rocks, are more fragile than predicted. Nondestructive tilting tests are used to account for blocks with complex basal contact conditions, demonstrating that these blocks overturn similarly to more slender blocks with simple contact conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic behaviour of hybrid systems made of PR composite frames coupled with dissipative bracings
Authors: Amadio C. , Clemente I. , Macorini L. , Fragiacomo M.
Published: January 2008

The paper investigates the dynamic behaviour of hybrid systems made of partially restrained (PR) steel–concrete composite frames coupled with viscoelastic dissipative bracings. A numerical model that accounts for both the resisting mechanisms of the joint and the viscoelastic contribution of the dissipative bracing is introduced and briefly discussed. The model is first validated against experimental outcomes obtained on a one‐storey two‐bay composite frame with partial strength semi‐rigid joints subjected to free vibrations. A number of time‐history analyses under different earthquake ground motions and peak ground accelerations are then carried out on the same type of frame. The purpose is to investigate the influence of the type of beam‐to‐column connection and property of the viscoelastic bracing on the performance of the hybrid system. The inherent stiffness of the bare PR frame and the plastic hysteresis of the beam‐to‐column joints, which always lead to only limited damage in the joint, are found to provide a significant contribution to the overall structural performance even under destructive earthquakes. This remark leads to the conclusion that the viscoelastic bracing can be effectively used within the hybrid system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier analysis of a class of upwind schemes in shallow water systems for gravity and Rossby waves
Authors: Mohammadian A. M. , Le Roux D. Y.
Published: January 2008

A Fourier analysis has been performed for a class of upwind finite volume schemes, including the study of phase speed, group velocity, damping and dispersion. In the first part, pure gravity waves are investigated. As expected, most upwind schemes lead to a significant damping, but they exhibit a better phase behavior than most centered schemes. In the second part, the Coriolis parameter is considered and the Rossby modes are studied. In this case, all selected upwind schemes lead to a severe damping. The numerical results are also compared with those obtained by using a slope limiter approach. It is concluded that most upwind schemes with or without slope limiters present poor results for an accurate calculation of the Rossby modes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrocortisone down‐regulates the tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 in mammary cells: A possible molecular link between stress and breast cancer
Authors: Antonova Lilia , Mueller Christopher R.
Published: January 2008

Psychological stress has been correlated with breast cancer development in numerous epidemiological studies. However, physiological and molecular models which may account for this association are not readily available. We have found that the stress hormone hydrocortisone (cortisol) down‐regulates the expression of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 in the nonmalignant mouse mammary cell line EPH4. This effect is concentration‐dependent, is reliant on the continuous presence of hydrocortisone, and is not affected by the addition of lactogenic hormones, or growth conditions. Hydrocortisone was also found to negate a known positive effect of estrogen on BRCA1 expression and, therefore, may interfere with estrogen‐related signaling in mammary epithelial cells. The repressive effect of hydrocortisone is diminished or lost in the mouse mammary lines HC‐11 and SP1, respectively, suggesting regulation of the BRCA1 may differ between lines. We have uncovered two promoter regulatory sites, which are involved in BRCA1 regulation by hydrocortisone, namely the RIBS and UP regulatory elements. Binding of the transcription factor GABP to both sites is lost upon hydrocortisone addition, though the levels of these factors are not altered by hydrocortisone treatment. Because BRCA1 activity is important for a number of intracellular pathways involved in prevention of tumorigenesis, its observed down‐regulation may represent a novel molecular mechanism for cortisol's involvement in breast cancer development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promoter analysis of epigenetically controlled genes in bladder cancer
Authors: Veerla Srinivas , Panagopoulos Ioannis , Jin Yuesheng , Lindgren David , Höglund Mattias
Published: January 2008

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that regulates several genes crucial for tumor development. To identify epigenetically regulated genes in bladder cancer, we performed genome wide expression analyses of eight‐bladder cancer cell lines treated with the demethylating agents 5‐aza‐2′‐cytidine and zebularine. To identify methylated C‐residues, we sequenced cloned DNA fragments from bisulfite‐treated genomic DNA. We identified a total of 1092 genes that showed ≥2‐fold altered expression in at least one cell line; 710 showed up‐regulation and 382 down‐regulation. Extensive sequencing of promoters from 25 genes in eight cell lines showed an association between methylation pattern and expression in 13 genes, including both CpG island and non‐CpG island genes. Overall, the methylation patterns showed a patchy appearance with short segments showing high level of methylation separated by larger segments with no methylation. This pattern was not associated with MeCP2 binding sites or with evolutionarily conserved sequences. The genes UBXD2, AQP11, and TIMP1 showed particular patchy methylation patterns. We found several high‐scoring and evolutionarily conserved transcription factor binding sites affected by methylated C residues. Two of the genes, FGF18 and MMP11, that were down‐regulated as response to 5‐aza‐2′‐cytidine and zebularine treatment showed methylation at specific sites in the untreated cells indicating an activating result of methylation. Apart from identifying epigenetically regulated genes, including TGFBR1, NUPR1, FGF18, TIMP1, and MMP11, that may be of importance for bladder cancer development the presented data also highlight the organization of the modified segments in methylated promoters. This article contains supplementary material available via the Internet at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic antitumor activity of the novel SN‐38‐incorporating polymeric micelles, NK012, combined with 5‐fluorouracil in a mouse model of colorectal cancer, as compared with that of irinotecan plus 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Yasunaga Masahiro , Kano Yasuhiko , Koizumi Fumiaki , Kato Ken , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Yamada Yasuhide , Shirao Kuniaki , Shimada Yasuhiro , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: January 2008

The authors reported in a previous study that NK012, a 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxy‐camptothecin (SN‐38)‐releasing nano‐system, exhibited high antitumor activity against human colorectal cancer xenografts. This study was conducted to investigate the advantages of NK012 over irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT‐11) administered in combination with 5‐fluorouracil (5FU). The cytotoxic effects of NK012 or SN‐38 (an active metabolite of CPT‐11) administered in combination with 5FU was evaluatedin vitroin the human colorectal cancer cell line HT‐29 by the combination index method. The effects of the same drug combinations was also evaluatedin vivousing mice bearing HT‐29 and HCT‐116 cells. All the drugs were administered i.v. 3 times a week; NK012 (10 mg/kg) or CPT11 (50 mg/kg) was given 24 hr before 5FU (50 mg/kg). Cell cycle analysis in the HT‐29 tumors administered NK012 or CPT‐11in vivowas performed by flow cytometry. NK012 exerted more synergistic activity with 5FU compared to SN‐38. The therapeutic effect of NK012/5FU was significantly superior to that of CPT‐11/5FU against HT‐29 tumors (p= 0.0004), whereas no significant difference in the antitumor effect against HCT‐116 tumors was observed between the 2‐drug combinations (p= 0.2230). Cell‐cycle analysis showed that both NK012 and CPT‐11 tend to cause accumulation of cells in the S phase, although this effect was more pronounced and maintained for a more prolonged period with NK012 than with CPT‐11. Optimal therapeutic synergy was observed between NK012 and 5FU, therefore, this regimen is considered to hold promise of clinical benefit, especially for patients with colorectal cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver on portal vein flow hemodynamics
Authors: Balci Ali , Karazincir Sinem , Sumbas Haldun , Oter Yasemin , Egilmez Ertugrul , Inandi Tacettin
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To investigate the effects of various degrees of diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver on portal vein blood flow with Doppler sonography.

Methods

One hundred forty subjects were examined with color and spectral Doppler sonography. The subjects were divided into 4 groups of 35 subjects each according to the degree (normal, grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3) of hepatic fatty infiltration assessed on gray‐scale images. The portal vein pulsatility index (VPI) and time‐averaged mean flow velocity (MFV) were calculated for each subject. VPI was calculated as (peak maximum velocity − peak minimum velocity) / peak maximum velocity.

Results

VPI and MFV values were, respectively, 0.32 ± 0.06 and 16.8 ± 2.6 cm/second in the normal group, 0.27 ± 0.07 and 14.2 ± 2.2 cm/second in the group with grade 1 fatty infiltration, 0.22 ± 0.06 and 12.2 ± 1.8 cm/second in the group with grade 2 fatty infiltration, and 0.18 ± 0.04 and 10.8 ± 1.5 cm/second in the group with grade 3 fatty infiltration. There was a negative inverse correlation between the grade of fatty infiltration and both VPI (f = 55.3, p < 0.001) and MFV (f = 43.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The pulsatility index and mean velocity of the portal vein blood flow decrease as the severity of fatty infiltration increases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
In vitro conversion of sex steroids and expression of sex steroidogenic enzyme genes in amphioxus ovary
Authors: Mizuta Takanobu , Asahina Kiyoshi , Suzuki Miwa , Kubokawa Kaoru
Published: January 2008

Sex steroids are essential hormones for reproduction in vertebrates. The existence of a sex steroidogenic pathway in invertebrates is controversial because cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes have not been detected in the genomes of an echinoderm and a urochordate. However, cloning and gene expressions of sex steroid‐metabolizing enzymes have been reported in a cephalochordate. In this study, in vitro conversion of sex steroids from pregnenolone (P5) to progesterone (P4), from 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17α‐P4) to 17α, 20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17α, 20β‐P) and 17α, 20α‐P, and from androstenedione (AD) to estrone (E1), estradiol‐17β (E2), and testosterone (T) were confirmed by an incubation experiment performed using14C‐labeled precursors and mature ovarian homogenates of the amphioxusBranchiostoma belcheri. In amphioxus, the ability of immature ovaries to synthesize sex steroids was much lower than that of mature ovaries. Post‐spawning, the mRNA of CYP11A significantly decreased in females. Transcripts of the CYP19 gene also declined in one‐fourth of the females after spawning, although this trend was not supported statistically. The mRNAs of CYP17 and 17β‐HSD did not change before and after spawning. Our results indicate the presence of Δ4and another derivative pathway in the amphioxus ovary and suggest that the synthesis of sex steroids, particularly estrogen synthesis, may be low in females after spawning behavior.J. Exp. Zool. 309A:83–93, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
History, power, and electricity: American popular magazine accounts of electroconvulsive therapy, 1940–2005
Authors: Hirshbein Laura , Sarvananda Sharmalie
Published: January 2008

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a psychiatric treatment that has been in use in the United States since the 1940s. During the whole of its existence, it has been extensively discussed and debated within American popular magazines. While initial reports of the treatment highlighted its benefits to patients, accounts by the 1970s and 1980s were increasingly polarized. This article analyzes the popular accounts over time, particularly the ways in which the debates over ECT have revolved around different interpretations of ECT's history and its power dynamics. © 2008Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional morphology of the pharyngeal jaw apparatus in moray eels
Authors: Mehta Rita S. , Wainwright Peter C.
Published: January 2008

Moray eels (Muraenidae) are a relatively large group of anguilliform fishes that are notable for their crevice‐dwelling lifestyle and renowned for their ability to consume large prey. Morays apprehend their prey by biting and then transport prey by extreme protraction and retraction of their pharyngeal jaw apparatus. Here, we present a detailed interpretation of the mechanisms of pharyngeal jaw transport based on work with Muraena retifera. We also review what is known of the moray pharyngeal jaw apparatus from the literature and provide comparative data on the pharyngeal jaw elements and kinematics for other moray species to determine whether interspecific differences in morphology and behavior are present. Rather than comprising broad upper and lower processing tooth plates, the pharyngeal jaws of muraenine and uropterygiine morays, are long and thin and possess large, recurved teeth. Compared with the muraenines, the pharyngobranchials of the uropterygiines do not possess a horn‐shaped process and their connection to the fourth epibranchial is dorsal rather than medial. In addition, the lower tooth plates do not exhibit a lateral groove that serves as a site of muscle attachment for the pharyngocleitheralis and the ventral rather than the lateral side of the lower tooth plate attaches to the fourth ceratobranchial. In all morays, the muscles positioned for protraction and retraction of the pharyngeal apparatus have undergone elongation, while maintaining the generalized attachment sites on the bones of the skull and axial skeleton. Uropterygiines lack a dorsal retractor muscle and we presume that retraction of the pharyngeal jaws is achieved by the pharyngocleitheralis and the esophagus. The fifth branchial adductor is greatly hypertrophied in all species examined, suggesting that morays can strongly adduct the pharyngeal jaws during prey transport. The kinematics of biting behavior during prey capture and transport resulted in similar magnitudes of cranial movements although the timing of kinematic events was significantly different and the duration of transport was twice as long as prey capture. We speculate that morays have evolved this alternative prey transport strategy as a means of overcoming gape constraints, while hunting in the confines of coral reefs. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of volatile components of drugs and explosives by solid phase microextraction‐ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Lai Hanh , Guerra Patricia , Joshi Monica , Almirall José R.
Published: January 2008

Current ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) devices are used to detect drugs and explosives in the form of particles and, in cases where the vapor pressure of the drugs or explosives is sufficiently high, the gas can be sampled and detected directly. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the use of solid phase microextraction (SPME) as a preconcentration technique coupled to an IMS for the detection of odor signature compounds of drugs and explosives. The reduced mobilities (Ko) and IMS operating conditions for the odor signature compounds of cocaine, marijuana, and 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methylamphetamine (MDMA) are reported for the first time. LODs, linear dynamic ranges (LDRs), and the precision of the analysis of these odor signature compounds, and the explosive taggant 2,3‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dinitrobutane (DMNB) were obtained by SPME‐IMS and normal IMS conditions. The systematic optimization of the IMS operating parameters for the detection of these odor compounds is also reported incorporating the use of genetic algorithms (GAs) for finding the optimal settings for the detection of these compounds of interest. These results support the case for targeting volatile components as a presumptive detection for the presence of the parent compounds of drugs and explosives. Furthermore, the IMS‐specific GA developed can be used as an optimization tool for the detection of other compounds of interest in future work.
Determination of vitexin and isovitexin in pigeonpea using ultrasonic extraction followed by LC‐MS
Authors: Fu Yujie , Zu Yuangang , Liu Wei , Zhang Lin , Tong Meihong , Efferth Thomas , Kong Yu , Hou Chunlian , Chen Liyan
Published: January 2008

A method based on ultrasonic extraction (USE) followed by LC‐MS is presented for the determination of vitexin and isovitexin in pigeonpea extracts in this study. The influential parameters of the USE procedure were optimized, and the optimal conditions were as follows: extraction solvent, 60% ethanol solution; liquid/solid ratio 10:1 (mL/g), extraction power, 250 W; temperature, 40–50°C; and three extraction cycles, each cycle 15 min. Validation of the USE method was performed in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. RSDs for extraction yields were lower than 5.85 and 8.09%, respectively. The LOD and LOQ of chromatographic determination were 0.96 and 3.2 ng/mL for vitexin and 0.84 and 2.8 ng/mL for isovitexin. The method was also successfully applied for the determination of vitexin and isovitexin in stems, leaves, and root extracts of pigeonpea. From all these results, we may conclude that the developed method is appropriate for the quality control of pigeonpea and other plant extract products developed from pigeonpea.
Determination of the enantiomeric impurity in S‐(–)pantoprazole using high performance liquid chromatography with sulfobutylether‐beta‐cyclodextrin as chiral additive
Authors: Guan Jin , Yang Jing , Bi Yujin , Shi Shuang , Yan Feng , Li Famei
Published: January 2008

A new and accurate HPLC method using sulfobutylether‐beta‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐beta‐CD) as chiral mobile phase additive (CMPA) was developed and validated for the determination of R‐(+)pantoprazole in S‐(–)pantoprazole. The influences of type and concentration of CD, ACN content and buffer pH of mobile phase on the resolution and retention of enantiomers were investigated. A baseline resolution of pantoprazole enantiomers was achieved on a Spherigel C18 column (150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) using ACN and 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) containing 10 mM SBE‐beta‐CD (15:85 v/v) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min at 20°C. The detection wavelength was set at 290 nm. The method was extensively validated in terms of accuracy, precision and linearity according to the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and proved to be robust. The LOD and LOQ for R‐(+)pantoprazole were 0.2 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively, with 5 μL injection volume. A good linear relationship was obtained in the concentration range of 0.5–6.0 μg/mL with r2 >0.999 for R‐(+)pantoprazole. The percentage recovery of the R‐(+)pantoprazole ranged from 92.1 to 101.2 in bulk drug of S‐(–)pantoprazole. The method is capable of determining a minimum limit of 0.05% w/w of R‐enantiomer in S‐(–)pantoprazole bulk samples.
Orthogonal array design for the optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of tanshinones from Danshen
Authors: Wang Longhu , Song Yanting , Cheng Yiyu , Liu Xuesong
Published: January 2008

Different from the west medicine, the therapeutic effect of the traditional Chinese medicine is usually based on multifarious essential components or the combination of them instead of only one component. In this paper, a novel supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method has been developed for extracting tanshinones (dihydrotanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone IIA) from Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Various experimental conditions were investigated to optimize the SFE. Under the appropriate conditions, extracting at 40 MPa, and 50°C and with CO2 flow rate of 25 L/h for 1 h, SFE can achieve a better yield as well as the recoveries of the tanshinones than the conventional extraction using methanol. Moreover, the target compounds were analyzed by HPLC with a C18 RP column by gradient elution using ACN and water as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and with UV detection at 270 nm. Four calibration equations were then established and good linear relationships were shown (r2 >0.999) in the investigated concentration range. The recoveries, measured at three concentration levels, varied from 97.2 to 103.8%. The method provided in this article could be applied as an improved quality control method for Danshen products.
Recognition of Staphylococcus enterotoxin via molecularly imprinted beads
Authors: Yao Wei , Ning Baoan , Zhou Huanying , Fang Yanjun , Gao Zhixian
Published: January 2008

The synthesis of molecularly imprinted beads for the recognition of the protein Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) is described. Two kinds of organic silane (3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) and octyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS)) were polymerized on the surface of polystyrene microspheres after the SEB template was covalently immobilized by forming imine bonds. The resulting imprinted beads were selective for SEB. The Langmuir adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. The results showed that an equal class of adsorption was formed in the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with the maximum adsorption capacity of 3.86 mg SEB/g imprinted beads. The MIP has much higher adsorption capacity for SEB than the nonimprinted polymer, and the MIP beads have a higher selectivity for the template molecule.
Nucleophilic heteroaromatic substitution: Kinetics of the reactions of nitropyridines with aliphatic amines in dipolar aprotic solvents
Authors: Isanbor Chukwuemeka , Emokpae Thomas A.
Published: January 2008

Rate data are reported for the reactions of 2‐chloro‐5‐nitropyridine 2a, 2‐chloro‐3‐nitropyridine 2b, and the corresponding 2‐phenoxy derivatives 2c with n‐butylamine, pyrrolidine and piperidine and 2d with n‐butylamine and pyrrolidine in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent. The same reactions in acetonitrile had been reported earlier (Crampton et al., Eur J Org Chem 2007, 1378–1383). Values in these solvents are compared with those of 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene 3a, 2,6‐dinitrochlorobenzene 3b, and the corresponding nitroactivated diphenyl ethers 3c and 3d. Reactions with n‐butylamine in both solvents gave values of kobs, which increase linearly with amine concentration indicating that nucleophilic attack is rate limiting. The only exception is the reactions in acetonitrile with 2c where base catalysis was observed. Values of k1, the rate constant for the nucleophilic attack, decrease in the order pyrrolidine > piperidine > n‐butylamine. In acetonitrile, kinetic data show that k/k ratios are more than unity while the inverse is the case in DMSO. With the phenoxy derivatives, substitution was the only process observed. Base catalysis detected in the reactions of the 1‐phenoxy derivatives is attributed to rate‐limiting deprotonation of the initially formed zwitterionic intermediate. Our results shed more light on fundamental aspects of activation, hydrogen bonding, and steric effects associated with an aza or a nitro group in the molecules investigated as it affects the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction pathways. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 125–135, 2008
Antistatic Epoxy Coatings With Carbon Nanotubes Obtained by Cationic Photopolymerization
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Pegel Sven , Pötschke Petra , Voit Brigitte
Published: January 2008

Antistatic epoxy coatings are obtained, for the first time, by cationic UV curing of an epoxy resin in the presence of a very low content of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is shown that the addition of only 0.025 wt.‐% of CNTs into the resin is sufficient to obtain a composite suitable for applications that require electrostatic discharge. An extended percolative structure that forms a conductive CNT network is clearly evidenced within the polymeric matrix, notwithstanding the very small CNT content. The use of such UV‐cured epoxy material systems for antistatic coatings is quite realistic and promising.

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Role of the major ecto‐phosphoprotein in sperm flagellar motility using a cell electroporation method
Authors: Maiti Arunima , Mishra K.P. , Majumder G.C.
Published: January 2008

Previous studies from our laboratory have identified MPS, a 100‐kDa protein, as the major phosphoprotein substrate of caprine sperm ecto‐cyclic AMP independent protein kinase. In this study the isolated 32P‐labelled MPS has been incorporated into mature caprine (Capra indicus) cauda‐epididymal spermatozoa with the help of cell electroporation technique to investigate the effect of MPS on sperm flagellar motility. The optimum conditions for electroporation of sperm cells consisted of exposure of 0.2 ml of sperm cells (2 × 108/ml) to external electric field of intensity 1.5 kV/cm and capacitation of 25 µF at 4°C and post‐pulse incubation at 37°C for 1 hr. when nearly 50% of the cells lost motility. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) demonstrate the formation of micro‐pores and local osmotic swelling in the electroporated spermatozoa. MPS incorporation was maximal when its concentration was 30 µg/ml (300 pmol) in the medium and when the post‐pulse incubation time was 60 min. At maximum (75%) MPS incorporation, total and forward motility increments were also maximum: 34% (P < 0.01) and 32% (P < 0.01), respectively. The subcellular fractionation data show that major portion of the introduced MPS was bound to the plasma‐membrane of spermatozoa. The 32P‐labelled electroporesed intact spermatozoa lost radioactivity due to the action of the endogenous ecto‐phosphoprotein phosphatase. Therefore MPS is primarily localised on the sperm external surface leaving its phosphate group(s) oriented in the extracellular medium. The data provided further evidence to strengthen the view that MPS is an ecto‐phosphoprotein and that it plays an important role in the regulation of sperm flagellar motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1185–1195, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of RNA polymerase I transcription and embryonic genome activation in nucleolar development in bovine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Svarcova O. , Strejcek F. , Petrovicova I. , Avery B. , Pedersen H.G. , Lucas‐Hahn A. , Niemann H. , Laurincik J. , Maddox‐Hyttel P.
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of RNA polymerase I (RPI) transcription in nucleolar development during major transcriptional activation (MTA) in cattle. Late eight‐cell embryos were cultured in the absence (control group) or presence of actinomycin D (AD) (RPI inhibition, AD 0.2 µg/ml; total transcriptional inhibition, AD 2.0 µg/ml). Late four‐cell embryos were cultured to late eight‐cell stage in 0.2 µg/ml AD (MTA prevention, ADLT (long‐term total transcriptional inhibition group). Embryos were processed for autoradiography, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescent in situ hybridization (ribosomal RNA, rRNA), silver staining (nucleolar proteins), and immunofluorescence (RPI). Control embryos displayed extranucleolar and nucleolar transcription, functional nucleoli, and distinct RPI localization. Nuclei (97%) showed large rRNA clusters, in 94.1% co‐localized with nucleolar proteins deposits. In AD 0.2 group, only extranucleolar transcription was detected. Segregated dense‐fibrillar and granular components, but no fibrillar centers, were observed. RPI was dispersed. Nuclei (55%) presented rRNA clusters, in 38.8% co‐localized with silver‐stained deposits. AD 2.0 and ADLT groups displayed no transcription and disintegrating nucleolar precursors. AD 2.0 (34%) and 14% (ADLT) of nuclei presented clusters of maternally inherited rRNA. In AD 2.0 group, RPI was dispersed, but 17.2% of nuclei showed colocalization of rRNA with nucleolar proteins. In ADLT group, RPI was lacking and clustering of nucleolar proteins was hampered. In conclusion, rDNA transcription is not required for targeting of rRNA processing proteins, rRNA is maternally inherited and target to rDNA independent of transcription, and de novo transcription is required for proper nucleologenesis in cattle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1095–1103, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aggregation of bovine cloned embryos at the four‐cell stage stimulated gene expression and in vitro embryo development
Authors: Zhou Wenli , Xiang Tianhao , Walker Shawn , Abruzzese Ronald V. , Hwang Earl , Farrar Vicki , Findeisen Brian , Sadeghieh Sanaz , Arenivas Fernando , Chen Shu‐Hung , Polejaeva Irina
Published: January 2008

Pre‐implantation embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have varied developmental potentials. The majority of SCNT blastocysts do not develop to term, and the mechanisms inhibiting development are still largely unknown. Aggregation of cloned embryos has been attempted to compensate for the developmental deficiency of individual cloned embryos. In this report, we investigated the impact of aggregation of bovine cloned embryos at the four‐cell stage on in vitro development and gene expression of the embryos. Cell numbers and development rate of aggregated (NTagg) and non‐aggregated (NT) blastocysts were characterized and compared. The blastocyst formation after aggregation was modeled using the binominal distribution. The results indicate that aggregation enhances the blastocyst formation but does not increase the overall blastocyst rate. Additionally, utilizing microarray gene chip analysis 8.8% of 8,059 genes analyzed were differentially expressed between NTagg and NT blastocysts, with more than 80% of the differentially expressed genes up‐regulated in the NTagg blastocysts. Up‐regulated genes include those involved in transcription, biosynthesis and signaling such as TDGF1, HNFA, CAV1, GLU5, and CD81. Our results indicate that aggregation of bovine cloned embryos at an early stage promotes the in vitro development of the resulting pre‐implantation embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1281–1289, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced sensitivity with fast three‐dimensional blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional MRI: comparison of SENSE–PRESTO and 2D‐EPI at 3 T
Authors: Neggers Sebastiaan F. W. , Hermans Erno J. , Ramsey Nick F.
Published: January 2008

A major impetus in functional MRI development is to enhance sensitivity to changes in neural activity. One way to improve sensitivity is to enhance contrast to noise ratio, for instance by increasing field strength or the number of receiving coils. If these parameters are fixed, there is still the possibility to optimize scans by altering speed or signal strength [signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR)]. We here demonstrate a very fast whole‐brain scan, by combining a three‐dimensional (3D)‐PRESTO (principle of echo shifting with a train of observations) pulse sequence with a commercial eight‐channel head coil and sensitivity encoding (SENSE). 3D‐PRESTO uses time optimally by means of echo shifting. Moreover, 3D scans can accommodate SENSE in two directions, reducing scan time proportionally. The present PRESTO–SENSE sequence achieves full brain coverage within 500 ms. We compared this with a two‐dimensional (2D) echo planar imaging (EPI) scan with identical brain coverage on 10 volunteers. Resting‐state temporal SNR in the blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) frequency range and T‐statistics for thumb movement and visual checkerboard activations were compared. Results show improved temporal SNR across the brain for PRESTO–SENSE compared with EPI. The percentage signal change and relative standard deviation of the noise were smaller for PRESTO–SENSE. Sensitivity for brain activation, as reflected by T‐values, was consistently higher for PRESTO, and this seemed to be mainly due to the increased number of observations within a fixed time period. We conclude that PRESTO accelerated with SENSE in two directions can be more sensitive to BOLD signal changes than the widely used 2D‐EPI, when a fixed amount of time is available for functional MRI scanning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National incidence of percutaneous injury in Taiwan healthcare workers
Authors: Shiao Judith S.C. , Lin Ming‐Siou , Shih Tung‐Sheng , Jagger Janine , Chen Chiou‐Jong
Published: January 2008

We established a standardized surveillance system using the Chinese Exposure Prevention Information Network to estimate the frequency of percutaneous injuries (PCIs) in Taiwanese healthcare workers (HCWs). Fourteen hospitals employing 8,132 HCWs participated and a total of 583 PCIs were reported. The annual number was estimated to be 8,058 PCIs per hospital size, 8,100 per HCWs, and 8,286 per inpatient‐day; indicating similar estimates using different denominators. The estimated annual frequency of pathogen‐specific PCIs was 1,168 for hepatitis B, 1,263 for hepatitis C, and 59 for HIV. This study documents the annual incidence of PCI among HCWs showing important potential exposure to viral hepatitis and HIV in Taiwan. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:172–179, 2008
Further psychometric testing of the home healthcare nurse job satisfaction scale
Authors: Ellenbecker Carol Hall , Byleckie James J. , Samia Linda W.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to refine the psychometric properties of the Home Healthcare Nurses' Job Satisfaction Scale (HHNJS). A theoretical model of job satisfaction had been used to develop the 30‐item HHNJS, representing nine components of job satisfaction. Psychometric properties suggested the need for further refinement. Revised items and construct definitions were subjected to psychometric testing with 2,274 home healthcare nurses. Eight independent subscales consistent with the theoretical model were validated by factor analysis. Estimated internal consistency reliability of six of the eight subscales was improved. Results suggest that the refined HHNJS has potential for improving retention through accurate measurement of job satisfaction of home health care nurses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:152–164, 2008