bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Pathway by Ras Homolog Enriched in Brain in Pancreatic β-Cells Leads to Increased β-Cell Mass and Prevention of Hyperglycemia
Authors: Hamada Suirin , Hara Kenta , Hamada Takeshi , Yasuda Hisafumi , Moriyama Hiroaki , Nakayama Rika , Nagata Masao , Yokono Koichi
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

Components of insulin/IGF-1 receptor–mediated signaling pathways in pancreatic β-cells have been implicated in the development of diabetes, in part through the regulation of β-cell mass in vivo. Studies in vitro have shown that the protein Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) plays a key role as a positive upstream regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway in integrating inputs from nutrients and growth factors for cell growth. Our objective was to investigate the role of the mTORC1 pathway in the regulation of β-cell mass in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We generated transgenic mice that overexpress Rheb in β-cells. We examined the activation of the mTORC1 pathway and its effects on β-cell mass, on glucose metabolism, and on protection against hyperglycemia.

RESULTS

Immunoblots of islet extracts revealed that the phosphorylation levels of ribosomal protein S6 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, downstream effectors for mTORC1, were upregulated in transgenic β-cells. Immunostaining of the pancreatic sections with anti–phospho-S6 antibody confirmed upregulation of the mTORC1 pathway in β-cells in vivo. The mice showed improved glucose tolerance with higher insulin secretion. This arose from increased β-cell mass accompanied by increased cell size. The mice also exhibited resistance to hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of the mTORC1 pathway by Rheb led to increased β-cell mass in this mouse model without producing obvious unfavorable effects, giving a potential approach for the treatment of β-cell failure and diabetes.
Orwellianism and the Kafkaesque in the Israeli-Palestinian Discourse
Authors: Davidson Lawrence
Published: March 2009

Israeli perceptions and Palestinian conditions of life can be understood in terms of the literary worlds created by George Orwell and Franz Kafka. For Israel the relevant literary environment is that of George Orwell's novel 1984. Here Orwell pictures a community psychologically closed in by the twisted use of language and an incapacity for critical self-analysis. In the case of the Palestinians, the relevant literary world is that created in many of the novels of Franz Kafka. Kafka's literary world is characterised by unpredictability. It depicts oppressed societies in which the individual is subject to the arbitrary will of a greater power whose bureaucratic rules are beyond his comprehension. This essay demonstrates how Orwellian and Kafkaesque depictions define current Israeli perceptions of the Palestinians, and Palestinian life under Israeli occupation.
Palestinian Internal Refugees in the Galilee: From the Struggle to Survive to the New Narrative of Return (1948–2005)
Authors: Humphries Isabelle
Published: March 2009

The ongoing denial of rights to homes and land for Palestinian refugees holding Israeli citizenship is one of the starkest examples of ethnic discrimination within the State of Israel. Internally displaced Palestinians in the Galilee are not recognised internationally as refugees, unlike family and friends forced beyond the borders. This essay examines the evolution of official and unofficial Israeli policy towards the internally displaced, and discusses the changing refugee focus, a focus moving from the basic struggle to survive to community activism and frames the issue of the internally displaced as part of the wider national campaign for the right of return.
A House is Not A Home: Permanent Impermanence of Habitat for Palestinian Expellees in Lebanon
Authors: Sayigh Rosemary
Published: March 2009

Palestinian diaspora studies have neglected the temporary house/home as a site of reproduction. The question raised in this paper is in what ways shelters in camps in Lebanon are ‘home’ after fifty-five years of exile? The consideration of linguistic-cultural differences between ‘home’ and ‘beit’ (or ‘dar’) is prioritised. Two aspects of the Palestinian camp ‘beit’ in Lebanon – its insecurity and its sociality – are reviewed, with a focus on ways in which long-term exiles use impermanent housing to shelter objects and practices that memorialise ‘home’ while incorporating change. In a final section, stories of return to ‘al-balad – ‘home’, ‘the village’ ‘the country’ – are examined as reconnections inflected by class and generation.
St Jerome's Images of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives: A Critical Investigation ofEpistula108
Authors: Aist Rodney
Published: March 2009

The fallout between Jerome (Bethlehem) and Rufinus and Melania the Elder (Mount of Olives) is well-documented. Previously unnoticed, however, are the unusual geographical and exegetical distortions that occur in Jerome's treatment of the Mount of Olives material in his encomium of Paula (Epistula 108), written in 404. This paper exposes Jerome's singular treatment of the Mount of Olives by interrogating the text's respective images of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Mount of Olives. While a definitive link cannot be established, the paper questions the possible influence which the estranged relationship between Jerome and his former colleagues on the Mount of Olives may have had upon the relevant sections of Jerome's encomium of Paula.
Rewriting The History of 1948: The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Question Revisited
Authors: Esber Rosemarie M.
Published: March 2009

The existence of Palestinian refugees remains an unresolved grievance at the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and a major obstacle to peace. This paper places the Palestinian exodus in historiographical context, elucidates the arguments that have characterised the debate over the Palestinian refugees since their creation, and presents new research. The incorporation of the Palestinian viewpoint and British contemporary perspectives from oral histories and the documentary record demonstrate that the creation of the Palestinian refugees during the civil war period lay in the convergence of chaotic civil conflict, the British inaction to suppress the escalating violence, and Zionist offensive operations aimed at forcing out the Arab population.
Re-‘Femminising’ Diaspora: Contemporary Jewish Cultural Studies and Post-Zionism
Authors: Docker John
Published: March 2009

This essay creates a conversation between diaspora theory, the New Jewish Cultural Studies, post-Zionism, and colonialism. In this conversation, I focus on Jonathan Boyarin and Daniel Boyarin's Powers of Diaspora (2002), new thinking about Josephus, the myth of Masada, and rabbinic Judaism in antiquity, and on Ephraim Nimni's collection The Challenge of Post-Zionism (2003). The essay discusses the question of gender in Zionist mythology. It also probes the question of what internal powers diaspora communities, in multicultural societies, should ideally possess; for example, should Jewish diaspora communities around the world possess internal legal powers?
Dislocations as Active Components in Novel Silicon Devices
Authors: Kittler Martin , Reiche Manfred
Published: March 2009

The electrical and optical properties of dislocations in Si are reviewed, namely dislocation‐related recombination and luminescence, transport of minority and majority carriers along dislocations or the electric field around dislocations. It is shown that Si wafer direct bonding allows well‐controlled formation of dislocation networks, giving rise to adjustable dislocation properties. Ideas for novel Si devices utilizing dislocations as active components are presented. In particular, dislocation‐based light emitters at about 1.5 µm wavelength are demonstrated. Concepts for dislocation‐based conductive channels and fast FETs, manipulators of biomolecules or thermo‐electric generators are sketched.
Analysis of Improved Efficiency of InGaN Light‐Emitting Diode With Bottom Photonic Crystal Fabricated by Anodized Aluminum Oxidxe
Authors: Ryu Sang‐Wan , Park Joonmo , Oh Jin‐Kyoung , Long Dang Hoang , Kwon Kwang‐Woo , Kim Young‐Ho , Lee Jun Key , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: March 2009

The improved performance of a bottom photonic crystal (PC) light‐emitting diode (LED) is analyzed based on internal quantum efficiency (ηint) and light‐extraction efficiency (ηex). The bottom PC is fabricated by anodized aluminum oxide nanopatterns and InGaN quantum wells (QWs) are grown over it. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal that threading dislocations are blocked at the nanometer‐sized air holes, resulting in improved optical emission efficiency of the QWs. From temperature‐dependent photoluminescence measurements, the enhancement of ηint is estimated to be 12%. Moreover, the enhancement of ηex is simulated to be 7% by the finite‐difference time‐domain method. The fabricated bottom PC LED shows a 23% higher optical power than a reference, which is close to the summation of enhancements in ηint and ηex. Therefore, the bottom PC improves LED performance through higher optical quality of QWs as well as increased light extraction.
Inorganic Nanoparticles for MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Na Hyon Bin , Song In Chan , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: March 2009

Various inorganic nanoparticles have been used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents due to their unique properties, such as large surface area and efficient contrasting effect. Since the first use of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) as a liver contrast agent, nanoparticulate MRI contrast agents have attracted a lot of attention. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been extensively used as MRI contrast agents due to their ability to shorten T2* relaxation times in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. More recently, uniform ferrite nanoparticles with high crystallinity have been successfully employed as new T2 MRI contrast agents with improved relaxation properties. Iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with targeting agents have been used for targeted imaging via the site‐specific accumulation of nanoparticles at the targets of interest. Recently, extensive research has been conducted to develop nanoparticle‐based T1 contrast agents to overcome the drawbacks of iron oxide nanoparticle‐based negative T2 contrast agents. In this report, we summarize the recent progress in inorganic nanoparticle‐based MRI contrast agents.
Laccase from Basidiomycetous Fungus Catalyzes the Synthesis of Substituted 5‐Deaza‐10‐oxaflavins via a Domino Reaction
Authors: Kidwai Mazaahir , Poddar Roona , Diwaniyan Sarika , Kuhad Ramesh Chander
Published: March 2009

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The present investigation provides a simple and convenient route for the synthesis of substituted 5‐deaza‐10‐oxaflavins owing to their importance as probable redox coenzymes. The reaction of α,β‐unsaturated derivatives of barbituric acid and dimedone with catechol or 1,4‐hydroquinones was catalyzed using laccase in aqueous medium. Quinones, generated in situ by the oxidation of the corresponding catechol or 1,4‐hydroquinones, underwent a domino reaction with chalcones to produce 5‐deaza‐10‐oxaflavins and tetrahydroxanthen‐1‐ones.
Immobilisation of the BINAP Ligand on Dendrimers and Hyperbranched Polymers: Dependence of the Catalytic Properties on the Linker Unit
Authors: Kassube Jutta K. , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: March 2009

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A series of immobilised Carbo‐BINAP ligands has been synthesised using poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers as soluble supports. They contain up to 64 BINAP ligands at their periphery without an additional linking unit. Despite the high steric requirements of the ligand, all dendrimers could be completely functionalised, resulting in the immobilised systems in good yields. Furthermore, the immobilisation strategy that worked out for the fixation of AMINAP ligands with additional linking units as well as of Carbo‐BINAP ligands without additional linking units on dendrimers has thus been extended to less regularly hyperbranched poly(ethylene imines) (PEI) as soluble supports. In that way it has been possible to attach on average 9, 26, and 138 Glutaroyl‐AMINAP or Carbo‐BINAP ligands to PEIs of different molecular weights. The catalytic properties of these systems in the copper‐catalysed hydrosilylation of acetophenone were investigated. The dendritic PPI‐bound Carbo‐BINAP ligands displayed a strong dependence of enantioselectivity and activity on the generation of the dendrimer. For the Carbo‐BINAP and Glutaroyl‐AMINAP ligands immobilised on the hyperbranched polymers, however, activities and enantioselectivities comparable to those of the mononuclear catalysts were found. The macromolecular, immobilised BINAP ligands could be recycled several times without any observable loss of activity or enantioselectivity.
Highly Enantioselective Biphasic Iminium‐Catalyzed Epoxidation of Alkenes. On the Importance of the Counterion and of N(sp2)C(sp3) Rotamers
Authors: Novikov Roman , Bernardinelli Gérald , Lacour Jérôme
Published: March 2009

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Diastereomeric biaryliminium cations made of an (Ra)‐5,5′,6,6′,7,7′,8,8′‐octahydrobinaphthyl core and exocyclic appendages derived from (S)‐ or (R)‐3,3‐dimethylbutan‐2‐amine are effective asymmetric epoxidation catalysts for unfunctionalized alkenes. Herein, we report that the negative counterion of the iminium salts has to be chosen wisely. While the hexafluoroantimonate anion [SbF6−] is optimal for reliable results, one has to be careful about other anions and tetraphenylborate [BPh4−] in particular. We also detail that the so far unexplained “lack” of stereochemical control from the chiral exocyclic appendage in this type of catalysts is due to the existence of atropisomers around the N(sp2)C(sp3) bond that links the azepinium core to the exocyclic stereocenter. Finally, we develop a general model to predict with certainty the high selectivity in the formation of non‐racemic epoxides of defined absolute configuration.
Tradeoffs and sexual conflict over women's fertility preferences in Mpimbwe
Authors: Mulder Monique Borgerhoff
Published: March 2009

There are two principle evolutionary models for why women reduce their fertility, which can be used to explain the modern demographic transition. The first derives from optimality theory (specifically the “quantity‐quality” tradeoff hypothesis), and the second from models of biased cultural transmission (“prestige bias” and “kin influence” hypotheses). Data on family planning preferences collected in 1996 and 1998 in a rural African village (in Mpimbwe, Tanzania) are used to test predictions derived from each hypothesis and show that both “quantity‐quality” tradeoffs and biased cultural transmission underlie Pimbwe women's decisions. Reproductive decisions, however, are not made in a vacuum. Men and women's ideal family sizes often differ, and sexual conflict is particularly likely to affect a woman's success in limiting her family size. Pimbwe women's reproductive output between the initial family planning survey in 1996 and the most recent demographic survey (2006) is analyzed in relation to both the woman's preferences to limit her family and her exposure to husbands and husbands' kin. Despite wide differences in desired family sizes between men and women the extent of sexual conflict in this population is restricted to husbands and wives, and affects not a woman's use or planned use of modern contraception but her success in employing such methods effectively. There is also some evidence that a woman's mother and her kin assist in the use and effective use of modern methods, offering a prevailing force to the high‐fertility objectives of the husband. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relatives as spouses: Preferences and opportunities for kin marriage in a Western society
Authors: Bras Hilde , Van Poppel Frans , Mandemakers Kees
Published: March 2009

This article investigates the determinants of kin marriage on the basis of a large‐scale database covering a major rural part of The Netherlands during the period 1840–1922. We studied three types of kin marriage: first cousin marriage, deceased spouse's sibling marriage, and sibling set exchange marriage. Almost 2% of all marriages were between first cousins, 0.85% concerned the sibling of a former spouse, while 4.14% were sibling set exchange marriages. While the first two types generally declined across the study period, sibling set exchange marriage reached a high point of almost 5% between 1890 and 1900. We found evidence for three mechanisms explaining the choice for relatives as spouses, centering both on preferences and on opportunities for kin marriage. Among the higher and middle strata and among farmers, kin marriages were commonly practiced and played an important role in the process of social class formation in the late nineteenth century. An increased choice for cousin marriage as a means of enculturation was observed among orthodox Protestants in the Bible Belt area of The Netherlands. Finally, all studied types of kin marriage took place more often in the relatively isolated, inland provinces of The Netherlands. Sibling set exchange marriages were a consequence of the enlarged supply of same‐generation kin as a result of the demographic transition. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Durch oberflächeninitiierte Suzuki‐Polykondensation zu gepfropftem Polyfluoren
Authors: Beryozkina Tetyana , Boyko Ksenia , Khanduyeva Natalya , Senkovskyy Volodymyr , Horecha Marta , Oertel Ulrich , Simon Frank , Stamm Manfred , Kiriy Anton
Published: March 2009

Aufgepfropft: Erstmals wurde eine oberflächeninitiierte und regioselektive palladiumkatalysierte Suzuki‐Polykondensation entwickelt, die eine selektive Pfropfung und Strukturierung von halbleitendem und fluoreszierendem Poly(9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluoren) (1) bei Raumtemperatur ermöglicht (siehe Schema). Der Einschub rechts unten zeigt die AFM‐Topographie der strukturierten Oberfläche (Si‐, Glas‐ oder Quarzträger).

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Tough Supersoft Sponge Fibers with Tunable Stiffness from a DNA Self‐Assembly Technique
Authors: Lee Chang Kee , Shin Su Ryon , Mun Ji Young , Han Sung‐Sik , So Insuk , Jeon Ju‐Hong , Kang Tong Mook , Kim Sun I. , Whitten Philip G , Wallace Gordon G. , Spinks Geoffrey M. , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: March 2009

Tough and soft: Highly porous, spongelike materials self‐assemble by calcium ion condensation of DNA‐wrapped carbon nanotubes (SWNTs–DNA; see picture, IL=ionic liquid). The toughness, modulus, and swellability of the electrically conductive sponges can be tuned by controlling the density and strength of interfiber junctions. The sponges have compliances similar to the softest natural tissue, while robust interfiber junctions give high toughness.

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Grafting of Polyfluorene by Surface‐Initiated Suzuki Polycondensation
Authors: Beryozkina Tetyana , Boyko Ksenia , Khanduyeva Natalya , Senkovskyy Volodymyr , Horecha Marta , Oertel Ulrich , Simon Frank , Stamm Manfred , Kiriy Anton
Published: March 2009

Graft work: The first surface‐initiated and site‐specific palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki polycondensation that allows selective grafting and patterning of semiconducting and emissive poly[9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene] (1) at room temperature is developed (see scheme). The pattering is demonstrated by AFM (see image).

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Synthesis and characterization of star‐branched polyisobutylene with SIpS triblock copolymer core
Authors: Wu Yibo , Guo Wenli , Li Shuxin , Gong Huiqing
Published: March 2009

Well‐defined polystyrene‐b‐polyisoprene‐b‐polystyrene (SIpS) triblock copolymers with different microstructures were synthesized by living anionic polymerization. The synthesis of star‐branched polyisobutylene (PIB) was accomplished by the cationic polymerization in 2‐chloro‐2,4,4‐trimethylpentane/titanium tetrachloride/SIpS triblock copolymer/2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine initiating system. The double bonds in SIpS triblock copolymer were activated as starting points for isobutylene polymerization. The formation of star‐branched architecture was demonstrated by size‐exclusion chromatography with quadruple detection: refractive index, multiangle laser light scattering, viscometric, and ultraviolet detectors. SIpS triblock copolymer with high 3,4‐PIp content is more reactive than that with high 1,4‐PIp content in cationic initiating stage. The yields of star‐branched PIB were remarkably dependent on the reaction time of TMP+ with SIpS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Ultrathin Organically Modified Silica Layer Coated Carbon Nanotubes: Fabrication, Characterization and Electrical Insulating Properties
Authors: Pumera Martin , Sasaki Toshio , Šmíd Břetislav
Published: March 2009

Nice coat! Organically modified silica (ormosil) is used for the ultrathin nanoprecise coating of individual multiwall carbon nanotubes using a soft‐chemistry approach. The coating layer has a uniform thickness of about 3 nm. The ormosil coating demonstrates the favorable electrical insulating properties of individual multiwall carbon nanotubes.

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This paper describes the use of organically modified silica (ormosil) for the ultrathin nanoprecise coating of individual multiwall carbon nanotubes using a soft‐chemistry approach. Hybrid organic/inorganic ormosil nanocoated carbon nanotubes were successfully prepared by in‐situ deposition of 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane or N‐methylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane in an aqueous suspension by means of their electrostatic interactions with carboxylic group functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes. The coating layer was found to have a uniform thickness of about 3 nm. The products were characterized by high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), TEM/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, TEM/electron energy loss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and current–voltage measurements. The ormosil coatings demonstrated the favorable electrical insulating properties of individual multiwall carbon nanotubes. We also show that the resistance of the insulating thin layer can be tuned by altering the substituents of alkylmethoxysilanes.
Projected mature technology scenarios for conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol with coproduction thermochemical fuels, power, and/or animal feed protein
Authors: Laser Mark , Jin Haiming , Jayawardhana Kemantha , Dale Bruce E. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: March 2009

Seven process designs for producing ethanol and several coproducts from switchgrass are evaluated: four involving combinations of ethanol, thermochemical fuels (including Fischer‐Tropsch liquids, hydrogen, and methane) and/or power, and three coproducing animal feed protein. Material and energy balances – resulting from detailed Aspen Plus models – are reported and used to estimate processing costs and perform discounted cash flow analysis to assess plant profitability. In these mature technology designs, fossil fuel displacement is decidedly positive and production costs competitive with gasoline. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
What could be possible with mature biofuels technologies?
Authors: Wyman Charles E. , Huber George
Published: March 2009

Biofuels scenarios offer significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Directed Biosynthesis of Phytotoxic Alkaloids in the Cyanobacterium Nostoc 78–12A
Authors: Portmann Cyril , Prestinari Cora , Myers Theresa , Scharte Judith , Gademann Karl
Published: March 2009

Out of the green! Precursor‐directed biosynthesis allowed for the production of new nostocarboline derivatives that display phytotoxic and algicidal properties—in a phototrophic organism. The mechanism of action includes downregulation of photosynthesis, as demonstrated by chlorophyll‐a fluorescence imaging.

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Nostocarboline, a chlorinated and N‐methylated carbolinium alkaloid, displays potent and selective inhibition of photoautotrophic organisms as well as the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, while showing very low toxicity to bacterial and fungal pathogens, rat myoblasts and crustaceans. New derivatives of nostocarboline incorporating Br, F or methyl substituents have been obtained through precursor‐directed biosynthesis in Nostoc 78–12A (identical to Nostoc sp. ATCC 43238) by feeding this cyanobacterium with differently substituted tryptophan derivatives or 6‐Br‐norharmane (eudistomin N). These experiments substantiate the biosynthetic hypothesis and validate the inherent flexibility of the corresponding enzymes for metabolic engineering. The new derivatives inhibit the growth of the toxic‐bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 above 1 μM. The mode of action of nostocarboline was investigated by using chlorophyll‐a fluorescence imaging, and it was demonstrated that a decrease in photosynthesis precedes cell death, thus establishing the phytotoxic properties of this alkaloid.
Benzenoid and Quinonoid Nitrogen‐Containing Heteropentacenes
Authors: Tang Qin , Liu Jing , Chan Hoi Shan , Miao Qian
Published: March 2009

Benzenoid or quinonoid—that is the question? In connection with the debate on the structure of dihydro‐5,7,12,14‐tetraazapentacene, both benzenoid and quinonoid nitrogen‐containing heteropentacenes were successfully isolated and investigated (see picture). This report presents an exploratory study of the molecular and electronic structures, molecular packing, and semiconductor properties of the two compounds. These findings may lead to useful implications for the interesting ladder polymers.

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Morphological properties of chick retinal ganglion cells in relation to their central projections
Authors: Chen Yaoxing , Naito Jumpei
Published: March 2009

Morphological properties of chick retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were studied in relation to their central projections in 23 chicks. A total of 217 RGCs were retrogradely labeled by applying a carbocyanine dye (DiI) to the thalamus and optic tectum. The labeled RGCs were classified into six groups on the basis of their somal areas, dendritic fields, and branching patterns. The dendrites of these RGCs extended horizontally in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) forming eight dendritic strata. The RGCs in each group showed certain specificities in their central projections. Group Ic predominantly projected to the tectum. Groups IIs and IIIs showed a high thalamic dominance. Groups Is and IIc were nonspecific with regard to their tectal and thalamic projections. Group IVc showed tectal‐specific projections. Occurrence rates of the dendritic strata increased progressively toward the inner part of the IPL, i.e., DSs (dendritic strata) 1–4 were scantily distributed, DSs 5 and 6 were moderately distributed, and DSs 7 and 8 were the most frequently distributed. A total of 42 dendritic stratification patterns were identified, and of these, 18 patterns were common to the tectal RGCs (tec‐RGCs) and thalamic RGCs (tha‐RGCs). The common patterns were detected very frequently in the tec‐ and tha‐RGCs (≈85%), and the dendritic strata were largely distributed in the inner part of the IPL (DSs 5–8). In contrast, the remaining 24 noncommon stratification patterns showed low occurrence rates (≈15%); however, these dendritic strata were widely distributed in both the outer (DSs 1–4) and inner (DSs 5–8) IPL. J. Comp. Neurol. 514:117–130, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral Induction, Memory, and Amplification in Porphyrin Homoaggregates Based on Electrostatic Interactions
Authors: Zeng LiXi , He Yujian , Dai Zhifeng , Wang Jian , Cao Qian , Zhang Yuliang
Published: March 2009

Supramolecular chirality in two configurational homoaggregates of anionic meso‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) can be induced by D‐ and L‐alanine in acidic water (see picture). The chirality can be further memorized and enforced through strong electrostatic interactions between TPPS aggregates and achiral poly(allylamine) [PAA].

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Supramolecular chirality in two configurational homoaggregates of anionic meso‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) can be induced by D‐ and L‐alanine (Ala) in acidic water, respectively. The induced supramolecular chirality can be further memorized and enforced, even after complete removal of Ala or in the presence of excess Ala with the opposite configuration, through strong electrostatic interactions with achiral poly(allylamine) [PAA]. The ionic chiral interactions between TPPS and Ala or PAA are characterized by means of UV/Vis absorption and circular dichroism spectrometry. Fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy are used as complementary techniques. On the basis of the comprehensive experimental results, a possible mechanism for chiral induction, memory, and amplification of TPPS homoaggregates by chiral amino acids and achiral PAA is proposed. Thus, we demonstrate a novel strategy to realize chiral memory in supramolecular systems by polyelectrolytes through hierarchical electrostatic self‐assembly.
Ferrocene and Porphyrin Monolayers on Si(100) Surfaces: Preparation and Effect of Linker Length on Electron Transfer
Authors: Huang Kai , Duclairoir Florence , Pro Tiziana , Buckley Julien , Marchand Gilles , Martinez Eugénie , Marchon Jean‐Claude , De Salvo Barbara , Delapierre Guillaume , Vinet Françoise
Published: March 2009

The missing link: Ferrocene and porphyrin monolayers are tethered on silicon surfaces with short (see picture, left) or long (right) linkers. Electron transfer to the silicon substrate is faster for monolayers with a short linker.

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Ferrocene and porphyrin derivatives are anchored on Si(100) surfaces through either a short two‐carbon or a long 11‐carbon linker. The two tether lengths are obtained by using two different grafting procedures: a single‐step hydrosilylation is used for the short linker, whereas for the long linker a multistep process involving a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition is conducted, which affords ferrocene‐triazole‐(CH2)11‐Si or Zn(porphyrin)‐triazole‐(CH2)11‐Si links to the surface. The modified surfaces are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry experiments show that the redox activity of the tethered ferrocene or porphyrin is maintained for both linker types. Microelectrode capacitor devices incorporating these modified Si(100) surfaces are designed, and their capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G–V) profiles are investigated. Capacitance and conductance peaks are observed, which indicates efficient charge transfer between the redox‐active monolayers and the electrode surface. Slower electron transfer between the ferrocene or porphyrin monolayer and the electrode surface is observed for the longer linker, which suggests that by adjusting the linker length, the electrical properties of the device, such as charging and discharging kinetics and retention time, could be tuned.
Diagnostic value of endometrium associated with papillary metaplastic changes in endometrial cytopathology
Authors: Shimizu Keiko , Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Tadao K. , Sakurai Masami , Ogura Seiko , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Sakurai Takaki , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Miyake Yasuyuki , Aratake Yatsuki , Sakaguchi Takuya , Ohno Eiji
Published: March 2009

Papillary metaplastic changes especially occur in both non‐neoplastic and neoplastic endometrium. We tried to investigate to assess the relationship between endometrial cytologic diagnosis and papillary metaplasia. The material consists of 160 cases of cytologic smears obtained by direct sampling of the endometrial cavity comprising 54 cases of normal proliferative endometrium (NPE), 36 cases of glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD), and 70 cases of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (EH). As for the correlation between the appearance of papillary metaplasia and cytological diagnosis, a statistical significance test was performed. The material consists of 40 cases of cytologic smears examined by direct sampling of the endometrial cavity comprising 10 cases of EGBD with papillary metaplasia, 10 cases of G1 without pappilary metaplasia, 10 cases of NPE without papillary metaplasia, and 10 cases of EH without papillary metaplasia. Using the comparison between appearance of papillary metaplasia and cytological diagnosis, a significant difference was only seen in the rate of correct diagnoses in EGBD cases. The nuclear area of papillary metaplastic cells in EGBD was 888.8, G1 was 928.7, NPE was 682.0, and EH was 722.2. Significant difference was observed between ECC cells in EGBD to NPE, between papillary metaplastic cells in EGBD to EH, between G1 to NPE, or between G1 to EH.

This study provides new and important information on the correlation between endometrial cytological diagnosis and papillary metaplastic changes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drosophila cdk5 is needed for locomotive behavior and NMJ elaboration, but seems dispensable for synaptic transmission
Authors: Kissler Alexander E. , Pettersson Nina , Frölich Andreas , Sigrist Stephan J. , Suter Beat
Published: March 2009

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) functions in postmitotic neuronal cells and play roles in cell differentiation, cell migration, axonal guidance, and synaptic function. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila cdk5 is dispensable for adult viability and fertility, a feature that allows us to study its physiological function in the whole animal model. For the adult, cdk5 is needed for proper locomotion and flight performance. Larvae lacking cdk5 in the presynaptic tissue display abnormal crawling motion, and their neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) are elongated and contain a higher number of boutons that are smaller. As a result of these two counteracting effects, the total synaptic area/NMJ is similar to wild type, leading to normal synaptic transmission, indicating that a compensatory mechanism is capable of correcting the problem caused by the lack of cdk5. futsch, the Drosophila MAP1B homolog, is also involved in NMJ morphogenesis, and analysis of the NMJ phenotype of the double mutant futschK68; cdk5− indicates that cdk5 is epistatic to futsch in this process. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
GFP‐p65 knock‐in mice as a tool to study NF‐κB dynamics in vivo
Authors: De Lorenzi Rossana , Gareus Ralph , Fengler Sven , Pasparakis Manolis
Published: March 2009

The nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway regulates immune and inflammatory responses and is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. The principal mechanism controlling NF‐κB activation depends on the association of NF‐κB transcription factor dimers with IκB molecules, which prevents the accumulation of NF‐κB in the nucleus and the activation of target gene transcription. Monitoring the nucleocytoplalsmic shuttling of NF‐κB factors is a reliable method to study the dynamic regulation of NF‐κB activity. Here, we generated knock‐in mice expressing a fusion protein between the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the p65/RelA NF‐κB subunit (GFP‐p65) from the endogenous p65 genomic locus. Homozygous GFP‐p65 mice developed normally and showed normal NF‐κB activation, demonstrating that the GFP‐p65 fusion protein functionally substitutes for wild‐type p65. Live imaging of primary cells from GFP‐p65 mice allowed real‐time monitoring of p65 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling upon NF‐κB activation. Therefore, the GFP‐p65 knock‐in mice constitute an invaluable tool for studying the dynamic regulation of NF‐κB. genesis 47:323–329, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL7‐hCD25 and IL7‐Cre BAC transgenic mouse lines: New tools for analysis of IL‐7 expressing cells
Authors: Repass John F. , Laurent Micheline N. , Carter Carla , Reizis Boris , Bedford Mark T. , Cardenas Kim , Narang Priyanka , Coles Mark , Richie Ellen R.
Published: March 2009

IL‐7 is a cytokine that is required for T‐cell development and homeostasis as well as for lymph node organogenesis. Despite the importance of IL‐7 in the immune system and its potential therapeutic relevance, questions remain regarding the sites of IL‐7 synthesis, specific cell types involved and molecular mechanisms regulating IL‐7 expression. To address these issues, we generated two bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse lines in which IL‐7 regulatory elements drive expression of either Cre recombinase or a human CD25 (hCD25) cell surface reporter molecule. Expression of the IL‐7.hCD25 BAC transgene, detected by reactivity with anti‐hCD25 antibody, mimicked endogenous IL‐7 expression. Fetal and adult tissues from crosses between IL‐7.Cre transgenic mice and Rosa26R or R26‐EYFP reporters demonstrated X‐gal or YFP staining in tissues known to express endogenous IL‐7 at some stage during development. These transgenic lines provide novel genetic tools to identify IL‐7 producing cells in various tissues and to manipulate gene expression selectively in IL‐7 expressing cells. genesis 47:281–287, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Controlling Selectivity for Cycloadditions of Nitrones and Alkenes Tethered by Benzimidazoles: Combining Experiment and Theory
Authors: Meng Liping , Wang Selina C. , Fettinger James C. , Kurth Mark J. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: March 2009

Herein we describe a combined experimental/theoretical study on the effects of substituents on regio‐ and stereoselectivity in intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of nitrones and alkenes tethered by benzimidazoles. By employing a large substituent at position R2 or R3, complete selectivity was achieved for either the fused or bridged cycloadduct, respectively. In addition, these cycloadducts were formed as single diastereomers in all of the cycloadditions examined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Stress affects carers before patient's first visit to a memory clinic
Authors: Rosness Tor Atle , Ulstein Ingun , Engedal Knut
Published: March 2009

Objective

To measure and compare the burden on spousal carers of patients with and without dementia who were consulting a memory clinic for the first time.

Methods

We included 413 dyads of patients and their spousal carers consulting a memory clinic for the first time. Of them 276 had a diagnosis of Cognitive Impairment No Dementia (CIND) and 137 had a dementia diagnosis. The burden of care was measured with the Relative Stress Scale (RSS). The gender of patients and their spouses was recorded and measures of cognition, depression and functional capacity of the patients were included in the analysis.

Results

Of all carers, 27.6% had a score on the RSS of above 23, indicating a moderate to severe burden. The corresponding score for carers of patients with CIND was 20.3%, compared to 42.2% for those with dementia. However, in a linear regression analysis with RSS as the dependent variable, the dementia diagnosis variable was not significant. Three variables were significant (p < 0.05) and has explained 34% of the variance of the score on the RSS, impaired function in activities of daily living (ADL) was the most important variable (β 0.56), followed by female gender of carers (β 0.19) and the extent of the symptoms of depression observed in the patients (β 0.10).

Conclusion

Carers of both CIND and dementia patients when attending a memory clinic for initial diagnostic assessment experience high levels of stress. Impaired function in ADL in patients is the strongest predictor of this stress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of an arteriovenous fistula with two nidus between the inferior alveolar artery and the external jugular vein
Authors: Buiret Guillaume , Feugier Patrick , Plouin‐Gaudon Isabelle , Disant François , Faure Frédéric
Published: March 2009

Background.

Cervical arteriovenous fistulas are rare forms of head and neck tumors.

Methods.

We describe the case of a patient with an extensive fistula between the right inferior alveolar artery and the external jugular vein. The disorder had been diagnosed 30 years earlier and the patient had been followed clinically and radiologically ever since. The patient developed progressive cardiac failure and surgery was required when arteriovenous fistula expansion was found after 2 failed attempts at embolization.

Results.

During resection of the arteriovenous fistula, a second nidus in contact with the mandible was discovered, which excision led to severe hemorrhage and mandibulectomy was performed to obtain hemostasis.

Discussion.

This rare case was a true surgical challenge because the patient's life was at stake. In such difficult cases, preoperative assessment is essential because of the risk of major bleeding. Finally, CT angiogram reconstructions are undeniably helpful in elaborating the surgical treatment plan. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Influence of age and primary tumor size on the risk for residual/recurrent well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Orlov Steven , Orlov David , Shaytzag Michael , Dowar Mark , Tabatabaie Vafa , Dwek Philip , Yip Jonathan , Hu Cindy , Freeman Jeremy L. , Walfish Paul G.
Published: March 2009

Background.

Though age and primary tumor size predict cancer‐specific survival in well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC), their influence on residual/recurrent disease has not been elucidated.

Methods.

In a retrospective study, residual/recurrent disease was defined by the surrogate outcome of positive (≥2 μg/L) follow‐up stimulated thyroglobulin after surgery and radioactive remnant ablation. Age, primary tumor size, and clinical staging systems were examined in the context of stimulated thyroglobulin outcome.

Results.

A total of 246 patients were followed up for a mean of 5.8 years. No significant difference in age (t(239) = 0.61, p > .05) or tumor size (t(237) = 0.16, p > .05) was found among patients with positive follow‐up stimulated thyroglobulin compared with those with negative results. pTNM staging failed to demonstrate significant, stage‐dependent increase in the percentage of patients with positive stimulated thyroglobulin, χ2(2, N = 229) = 0.17, p > .05, unlike staging based solely on surgical pathology, χ2(2, N = 241) = 34.97, p < .001.

Conclusion.

Age, primary tumor size, and pTNM staging do not predict risk for residual/recurrent WDTC, whereas extrathyroidal extension at initial surgery is predictive. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Clinical impact of short tau inversion recovery MRI on staging and management in patients with cervical lymph node metastases of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: de Bondt Bert‐Jan , Stokroos Robert , Casselman Jan W. , van Engelshoven Jos M. A. , Beets‐Tan Regina G. H. , Kessels Fons G. H.
Published: March 2009

Background.

We investigated the incremental diagnostic value of short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MRI to detect cervical nodal metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods.

Thirty‐six patients with cervical nodal metastases underwent MRI preceding neck dissection. Two readers evaluated MRI versus MRI with STIR. Level‐based analysis was performed: interobserver agreements (kappa) for detecting normal and metastatic lymph nodes; sensitivities and specificities for detecting at least 1 metastatic lymph node per level; linear regression analysis to determine performances of MRI with STIR in detecting correct numbers of normal and metastatic lymph nodes. Histopathology was the reference standard.

Results.

One hundred eighty neck levels were evaluated. MRI with STIR showed better kappas for metastatic and normal lymph nodes, was more accurate to estimate numbers of metastatic and normal lymph nodes, and showed improvement of sensitivities and specificities.

Conclusion.

Incorporation of STIR into the conventional MR protocol significantly improves the detection of cervical lymph node metastases. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Thermal transport modelling in a fully integrated surface/subsurface framework
Authors: Brookfield A. E. , Sudicky E. A. , Park Y.‐J. , Conant B.
Published: March 2009

Thermal stream loadings from both natural and anthropogenic sources have significant relevance with respect to ecosystem health and water resources management, particularly in the context of future climate change. In recent years, there has been an increase in field‐based research directed towards characterizing thermal energy transport exchange processes that occur at the surface water/groundwater interface of streams. In spite of this effort, relatively little work has been performed to simulate these exchanges and elucidate their roles in mediating surface water temperatures and to simultaneously take into account all the pertinent hydrological, meteorological and surface/variably‐saturated subsurface processes. To address this issue, HydroGeoSphere, a fully‐integrated surface/subsurface flow and transport model, was enhanced to include fully integrated thermal energy transport. HydroGeoSphere can simulate water flow, evapotranspiration, and advective‐dispersive heat and solute transport over the 2D land surface and water flow and heat and solute transport in the 3D subsurface under variably saturated conditions. In this work, the new thermal capabilities of HydroGeoSphere are tested and verified by comparing HydroGeoSphere simulation results to those from a previous subsurface thermal groundwater injection study and also by simulating an example of atmospheric thermal energy exchange. High‐resolution 3D numerical simulations of a well‐characterized reach of the Pine River in Ontario, Canada are also presented to demonstrate thermal energy transport in an atmosphere–groundwater–surface water system. The HydroGeoSphere simulation successfully matched the spatial variations in the thermal patterns observed in the riverbed, the surface water and the groundwater. The computational framework can be used to provide quantitative guidance towards establishing the conditions needed to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fusion protein of adenovirus E4orf4 and human epidermal growth factor inhibits tumor cell growth
Authors: Zhou Yu , Chen Hong , Ma Xiao‐Li , Xie Hai‐Jun , Wang Cun‐Lin , Zhang Sheng‐Hua , Wang Xin , Huang Bing‐Ren
Published: March 2009

Adenovirus early region 4 open reading frame 4 (E4orf4) protein is a novel cell death factor that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This study evaluated tumor inhibitory effects of a protein made by fusion E4orf4 and human epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF was used to ensure the selective targeting of EGF receptor (EGFR)‐overexpressing tumor cells. Results showed that EGF‐E4orf4 stimulated EGFR phosphorylation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Confocal microscopy analysis showed both EGF‐E4orf4 and EGF could be internalized via EGFR but they had different intercellular trafficking pathways. In vitro study showed that EGF‐E4orf4 significantly inhibited the proliferation of BGC823 and in vivo study showed EGF‐E4orf4 suppressed tumor growth in a dose‐dependent fashion with an inhibition rate of 79% for MDA‐MB‐231 and 49% for BGC 823 (p < 0.05). No toxic effects were observed in the nude mice with a dose as high as 10 mg/kg of EGF‐E4orf4. These results indicated that EGF‐E4orf4 could be a potential drug for cancer therapy. © 2009 UICC