bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon‐Supported, Selenium‐Modified Ruthenium–Molybdenum Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction in Acidic Media
Authors: Guinel Maxime J.‐F. , Bonakdarpour Arman , Wang Biao , Babu Panakkattu K. , Ernst Frank , Ramaswamy Nagappan , Mukerjee Sanjeev , Wieckowski Andrzej
Published: June 2009

The stability and oxygen reduction activity of two carbon‐supported catalyst materials are reported. The catalysts, Se/Ru and Se/(Ru–Mo), were prepared by using a chemical reduction method. The catalyst nanoparticles were evenly dispersed onto globular amorphous carbon supports, and their average size was ca. 2.4 nm. Thermal treatment at 500 °C for 2 h in an inert argon atmosphere resulted in coarsening of the nanoparticles, and also in some decrease of their activity. A gradual reduction of activity was also observed for Se/Ru during potential‐cycle experiments. However, the incorporation of small amounts of Mo into the Se/Ru catalysts considerably improved the stability of the catalyst against dissolution. The Mo‐containing samples showed excellent oxygen reduction activities even after cycling the potential 1000 times between 0.7 and 0.9 V. Furthermore, they showed excellent fuel‐cell behavior. The performance of the Se/Ru catalysts is greatly improved by the addition of small amounts of elemental Mo. Possible mechanisms responsible for the improvement of the activity are discussed.
A critical appraisal of factors affecting the accuracy of results obtained when using flow cytometry in stem cell investigations: Where do you put your gates?
Authors: Hughes Owen R. , Stewart Rebecca , Dimmick Ian , Jones Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2009

Flow cytometry is used extensively in stem cell investigations but there is wide variation in the methods used for data analysis between laboratories. Data analysis can be challenging in stem cell biology as there is often no clear distinction between positive and negative populations. We have undertaken a critical appraisal of factors that affect the accuracy of results in stem cell applications. We used mouse embryonic stem cells and determined the expression of three common antigens in stem cell investigations, namely CD15, CD184, and c‐kit. We have compared different cell preparation methods and gating strategies and also evaluated the use of isotype controls and unstained cells as controls for the identification of positive populations. The use of a “doublet discriminator” using a side scatter area signal versus side scatter height signal dot plot to identify single cells for analysis increases the accuracy of results regardless of the method used to dissociate cells. Isotype controls can be helpful in mimicking cellular nonspecific binding of the experimental antibody reaction. Isotype controls behave differently on stem cells at different stages of differentiation. Analysis of a viable single cell population with careful selection of control cell populations increases the accuracy of results. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Can solving of wordchains be explained by phonological skills alone?
Authors: Asbjørnsen Arve E. , Obrzut John E. , Eikeland Ole‐Johan , Manger Terje
Published: June 2009

The present study focussed on the determinants for effective solving of the Wordchains Test (WCT) in a normative sample of Norwegian junior high‐school students. Forty voluntary participants from a rural school district in Western Norway completed the WCT along with tests of general intellectual capacity, single word and non‐word reading, auditory working memory, and visual scanning. All measures correlated significantly with each other except for general non‐verbal abilities were not correlated with visual scanning. A stepwise multiple regression analysis, using the WCT as the dependent variable, yielded a model that included single word reading, letter recognition, and working memory as independent variables. This model accounted for 75% of the variance in WCT performance. This finding suggests that phonological skills only have an indirect influence on WCT performance. Thus, the core deficit in dyslexia, i.e. impaired phonological skills, may be related to the development of word recognition skills, but have no direct effect on the WCT performance in a normative sample. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implicit solution of time spectral method for periodic unsteady flows
Authors: Su Xinrong , Yuan Xin
Published: June 2009

The present paper investigates the implicit solution of time spectral model for periodic unsteady flows. In the time spectral model, the physical time derivative is approximated using spectral method. The robustness issues associated with implicit solution of time spectral model are analyzed and validated by numerical results. It is found that spectral approximation of the time derivative weakens the diagonal dominance property of the Jacobian matrix, resulting in the deterioration of stability and convergence speed. In this paper we propose to solve the coupled governing equations implicitly using multigrid preconditioned generalized minimal residual (GMRES) method, which demonstrates favorable convergence speed. Also it is demonstrated that the current method is insensitive to the variations of frequency and number of harmonics. Comparison of computation results with dual time step unsteady computation validates the high efficiency of the current method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computation of heat transfer enhancement in a plate‐fin heat exchanger with triangular inserts and delta wing vortex generator
Authors: Sachdeva Gulshan , Vasudevan R. , Kasana K. S.
Published: June 2009

Longitudinal vortices disrupt the growth of the thermal boundary layer, thereby the vortex generators producing the longitudinal vortices are well known for the enhancement of heat transfer in compact heat exchangers. The present investigation determines the heat transfer characteristics with secondary flow analysis in plate fin triangular ducts with delta wing vortex generators. This geometrical configuration is investigated for various angles of attack of the wing i.e. 15°, 20°, 26° and 37° and Reynolds numbers 100 and 200. The constant wall temperature boundary condition is used. The solution of the complete Navier Stokes equation and the energy equation is carried out using the staggered grid arrangement. The performance of the combination of triangular secondary fins and delta wing with stamping on slant surfaces has also been studied. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed cell assemblies for general lexical and category‐specific semantic processing as revealed by fMRI cluster analysis
Authors: Pulvermüller Friedemann , Kherif Ferath , Hauk Olaf , Mohr Bettina , Nimmo‐Smith Ian
Published: June 2009

Here, we ask whether frontotemporal cortex is functionally dissociated into distributed lexical and category‐specific semantic networks. To this end, fMRI activation patterns elicited during the processing of words from different semantic categories were categorized usingk‐means cluster algorithms. Results showed a distributed pattern of inferiorfrontal, superiortemporal, and fusiform activation shared by different word categories. This shared activation contrasted with patterns of category‐specific semantic activation in widely distributed neural systems. Clustering revealed congruent functional specificity of focal area activations in frontal and temporal cortex; thus suggesting a correspondence between functional partitionings of frontocentral mirror neuron systems and those of inferiortemporal lexical and semantic circuits. Action words related to the face, arms, and legs specifically activated the motor system in a somatotopic manner, whereas form‐related words activated prefrontal areas. Similar functional specificity was evident in temporal cortex, where a different semantic topography emerged for form‐ and action‐related words. Results were replicated in a separate data set, therefore recommending fMRI cluster analysis as a reliable method for scrutinizing the brain basis of lexical, semantic, and conceptual systems in humans. As focal modules do not explain the distributed character of functionally specific clusters and their distinct topographies are at variance with general distributed processing accounts, the functionally‐homogenous distributed clusters specific to semantic types are best explained by specifically‐distributed cortical circuits which, similar to Hebbian cell assemblies, represent functional units with specific roles in cognitive processing, especially in lexical and semantic access and memory. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping brain abnormalities in boys with autism
Authors: Brun Caroline C. , Nicolson Rob , Leporé Natasha , Chou Yi‐Yu , Vidal Christine N. , DeVito Timothy J. , Drost Dick J. , Williamson Peter C. , Rajakumar Nagalingam , Toga Arthur W. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: June 2009

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit characteristic cognitive and behavioral differences, but no systematic pattern of neuroanatomical differences has been consistently found. Recent neurodevelopmental models posit an abnormal early surge in subcortical white matter growth in at least some autistic children, perhaps normalizing by adulthood, but other studies report subcortical white matter deficits. To investigate the profile of these alterations in 3D, we mapped brain volumetric differences using a relatively new method, tensor‐based morphometry. 3D T1‐weighted brain MRIs of 24 male children with ASD (age: 9.5 years ± 3.2 SD) and 26 age‐matched healthy controls (age: 10.3 ± 2.4 SD) were fluidly registered to match a common anatomical template. Autistic children had significantly enlarged frontal lobes (by 3.6% on the left and 5.1% on the right), and all other lobes of the brain were enlarged significantly, or at trend level. By analyzing the applied deformations statistically point‐by‐point, we detected significant gray matter volume deficits in bilateral parietal, left temporal and left occipital lobes (P= 0.038, corrected), trend‐level cerebral white matter volume excesses, and volume deficits in the cerebellar vermis, adjacent to volume excesses in other cerebellar regions. This profile of excesses and deficits in adjacent regions may (1) indicate impaired neuronal connectivity, resulting from aberrant myelination and/or an inflammatory process, and (2) help to understand inconsistent findings of regional brain tissue excesses and deficits in autism. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial deficits in a virtual water maze in amnesic participants with hippocampal damage
Authors: Goodrich‐Hunsaker Naomi J. , Livingstone Sharon A. , Skelton Ronald W. , Hopkins Ramona O.
Published: June 2009

The Morris water maze is a standard paradigm for the testing of hippocampal function in laboratory animals. Virtual versions of the Morris water maze are now available and can be used to assess spatial learning and memory ability in both healthy and brain injured participants. To evaluate the importance of the hippocampus in spatial learning and memory, we tested five amnesic participants with selective hippocampal damage using a virtual water maze called the Arena Maze. The amnesic participants with hippocampal damage were impaired on the invisible platform (place) task that required them to use distal cues, but were able to navigate almost as well as comparison participants when the invisible platform was marked by a single proximal cue. These results not only confirm that the hippocampus plays a necessary role in human navigation in large‐scale environments but also provides a new link between the mnemonic and navigational roles of the hippocampus. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of CaTiO3–CaCO3 prepared by alkoxide method on cell response
Authors: Rodriguez Andrea P. , Inoue Miho , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Miyake Michihiro , Sfer Ana M. , Kishimoto Etsuo , Tsujigiwa Hidetsugu , Rivera Rosario S. , Nagatsuka Hitoshi
Published: June 2009

In recent years, calcium titanate (CaTiO3) and carbon‐containing materials have gained much attention in a number of biomedical material researches. To maximize the advantages of both materials, we developed a novel alkoxide method to get “calcium titanate with calcium carbonate” (CaTiO3–CaCO3). The objective was to evaluate the crystallinity and elemental composition of CaTiO3–CaCO3 prepared by alkoxide method, CaTiO3–aC elaborated by modified thermal decomposition method, commercially‐prepared CaTiO3, and the effect of these materials on the bone marrow stromal cell. Hydroxyapatite was used as positive control material. We examined the cellular proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization of KUSA/A1 cells cultured with the materials. The results showed that CaTiO3–CaCO3 and CaTiO3–aC contained evidence of calcium carbonate enhancing cell proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization. On the contrary, the commercially‐prepared CaTiO3 revealed absence of calcium carbonate with lower cell response than the other groups. The results indicated that calcium carbonate could play a key role in the cell response of CaTiO3 material. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CaTiO3–CaCO3 could be considered an important candidate as a biomaterial for medical and dental applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Wnt antagonist SFRP3 inhibits the differentiation of mouse hepatic progenitor cells
Authors: Bi Yang , Huang Jiayi , He Yun , Zhu Gao‐Hui , Su Yuxi , He Bai‐Cheng , Luo Jinyong , Wang Yi , Kang Quan , Luo Qing , Chen Liang , Zuo Guo‐Wei , Jiang Wei , Liu Bo , Shi Qiong , Tang Min , Zhang Bing‐Qiang , Weng Yaguang , Huang Ailong , Zhou Lan , Feng Tao , Luu Hue H. , Haydon Rex C. , He Tong‐Chuan , Tang Ni
Published: June 2009

Wnt/β‐catenin pathway plays an important role in regulating embryonic development. Hepatocytes differentiate from endoderm during development. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) have been isolated from fetal liver and extrahepatic tissues. Most current studies in liver development and hepatic differentiation have been focused on Wnts, β‐catenin, and their receptors. Here, we sought to determine the role of Wnt antagonists in regulating hepatic differentiation of fetal liver‐derived HPCs. Using mouse liver tissues derived from embryonic day E12.5 to postnatal day (PD) 28, we found that 13 of the 19 Wnt genes and almost all of Wnt receptors/co‐receptors were expressed in most stages. However, Wnt antagonists SFRP2, SFRP3, and Dkk2 were only detected in the early stages. We established and characterized the reversible stable HPCs derived from E14.5 mouse fetal liver (HP14.5). HP14.5 cells were shown to express high levels of early liver progenitor cell markers, but low levels or none of late liver markers. HP14.5 cells were shown to differentiate into mature hepatocytes upon dexamethasone (Dex) stimulation. Dex‐induced late marker expression and albumin promoter activity in HP14.5 cells were inhibited by exogenous expression of SFRP3. Furthermore, Dex‐induced glycogen synthesis of PAS‐positive HP14.5 cells was significantly inhibited by SFRP3. Therefore, our results have demonstrated that the expression of Wnt antagonists decreases as hepatic differentiation progresses, suggesting that a balanced Wnt signaling may be critical during mouse liver development and hepatic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 295–303, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational determination of fundamental pathway and activation barriers for acetohydroxyacid synthase‐catalyzed condensation reactions of α‐keto acids
Authors: Xiong Ying , Liu Junjun , Yang Guang‐Fu , Zhan Chang‐Guo
Published: June 2009

Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) is the first common enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway leading to the production of various branched‐chain amino acids. AHAS is recognized as a promising target for new antituberculosis drugs, antibacterial drugs, and herbicides. Extensive first‐principles quantum mechanical (QM) and hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations have enabled us, in this study, to uncover the fundamental reaction pathway, determine the activation barriers, and obtain valuable insights concerning the specific roles of key amino acid residues for the common steps of AHAS‐catalyzed condensation reactions of α‐keto acids. The computational results reveal that the rate‐determining step of the AHAS‐catalyzed reactions is the second reaction step and that the most important amino acid residues involved in the catalysis include Glu144′, Gln207′, Gly121′, and Gly511 that form favorable hydrogen bonds with the reaction center (consisting of atoms from the substrate and cofactor) during the reaction process. In addition, Glu144′ also accepts a proton from cofactor thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) through hydrogen bonding during the catalytic reaction. The favorable interactions between the reaction center and protein environment remarkably stabilize the transition state and, thus, lower the activation barrier for the rate‐determining reaction step by ∼20 kcal/mol. The activation barrier calculated for the rate‐determining step is in good agreement with the experimental activation barrier. The detailed structural and mechanistic insights should be valuable for rational design of novel, potent AHAS inhibitors that may be used as promising new anti‐tuberculosis drugs, antibacterial drugs, and/or herbicides to overcome drug resistance problem. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Note on asymptotically good packings
Authors: Martin Daniel M. , Rödl Vojtěch
Published: June 2009

Given 𝓁<k<n, a partial Steiner (n, k, 𝓁)‐system 𝒫 is a family of k‐element subsets of an n‐element set such that every 𝓁‐element subset is contained in at most one member of 𝒫. The second author, followed by several others, verified a conjecture of P. Erdős and H. Hanani stating that, for every n, there exists a partial Steiner (n, k, 𝓁)‐system of size \documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$${{\left( {1 - o\left( 1 \right)} \right)\left( {_{\ell }^{n} } \right)} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\left( {1 - o\left( 1 \right)} \right)\left( {_{\ell }^{n} } \right)} {\left( {_{\ell }^{k} } \right)}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\left( {_{\ell }^{k} } \right)}}$$\end{document}. While all known proofs involve the “semi‐random method”, in this short manuscript we use an algebraic construction (European J Combin 16(1) (1995), 35–40; Problems Control Inform Theory/Problemy Upravlen Teor Inform 12(1) (1983), 3–10) and complement it by an elementary counting argument to obtain a simple proof of the above fact. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 448–455, 2009
E2F4 expression is required for cell cycle progression of normal intestinal crypt cells and colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Garneau Hugo , Paquin Marie‐Christine , Carrier Julie C. , Rivard Nathalie
Published: June 2009

The generation of knock‐out mice for E2F4 gene expression has suggested a role for this transcription factor in establishing and/or maintaining the intestinal crypt compartment. Having previously demonstrated that E2F4 is cytoplasmic in quiescent‐differentiated cells but nuclear in growth factor‐stimulated proliferative cells, the present study was aimed at determining the role of E2F4 in the control of human intestinal epithelial proliferation. Results herein demonstrate that lentiviral infection of an shRNA which specifically knocked‐down E2F4 expression slowed down G1/S phase transition and the proliferation rate of normal human intestinal epithelial cells (HIEC) and of colon cancer cells. Protein expression of Cdk2, cyclins D1 and A, Cdc25A and c‐myc was markedly down‐regulated in shE2F4‐expressing cells; by contrast, expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p21Cip/Waf and p27Kip1 was increased. In addition, the expression of many genes involved in DNA synthesis was down‐regulated in shE2F4‐expressing cells, whereas no modulation in E2F1 expression was observed. A decrease in E2F4 in colon cancer cell lines also resulted in a reduction in soft‐agar growth capacity. Immunofluorescence experiments in human fetal intestine revealed that cells expressing high nuclear levels of E2F4 also expressed cyclin A protein. Lastly, E2F4 and its target cyclin A were up‐regulated and mostly nuclear in human colorectal tumor cells in comparison to the corresponding benign epithelium. These results indicate that nuclear E2F4 may be determinant in the promotion of proliferation of human intestinal epithelial crypt cells and colorectal cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 350–358, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neural stem cells in the developing and adult brains
Authors: Qu Qiuhao , Shi Yanhong
Published: June 2009

Neural stem cells exist in the mammalian developing and adult nervous system. Recently, tremendous interest in the potential of neural stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries has substantially promoted research on neural stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation. Multiple cell‐intrinsic regulators coordinate with the microenvironment through various signaling pathways to regulate neural stem cell maintenance, self‐renewal, and fate determination. This review focuses on essential intracellular regulators that control neural stem cell maintenance and self‐renewal in both embryonic brains and adult nervous system. These factors include the orphan nuclear receptor TLX, the high‐mobility‐group DNA binding protein Sox2, the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor Hes, the tumor suppressor gene Pten, the membrane‐associated protein Numb, and its cytoplasmic homolog Numblike. The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of neural stem cell regulation through these important stem cell regulators. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 5–9, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Chemokine‐derived peptides as carriers for gene delivery to CXCR4 expressing cells
Authors: Egorova Anna , Kiselev Anton , Hakli Marika , Ruponen Marika , Baranov Vladislav , Urtti Arto
Published: June 2009

Background

Cell and tissue‐specific DNA delivery can be achieved by derivatizing vehicles with a targeting ligand for certain receptor. CXCR4 is a receptor of chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1 and viral protein viral macrophage inflammatory protein (vMIP)‐II. It is expressed on some types of stem and cancer cells. The present study aimed to design and characterize the group of CXCR4 targeted peptides for receptor‐mediated gene delivery. We focused on bifunctional peptide carriers: two derived from N‐terminal sequences of SDF‐1 and one from vMIP‐II.

Methods

Three synthetic chemokine‐derived peptides, designated long CDP (KPVSLSYRSPSRFFESH‐K9‐biotin), short CDP (KPVSLSYR‐K9‐biotin) and viral CDP (D‐LGASWHRPDK‐K9‐biotin), were evaluated for gene delivery to CXCR4 positive and negative cells. Oligolysine K9‐biotin was used as a control. The Lys 8 moiety binds DNA electrostatically, whereas C‐terminal lysine was modified with biotin to study intracellular uptake of the peptides. Complex formation with DNA was monitored by ethidium bromide fluorescence quenching.

Results

All peptides condensed plasmid DNA. Gene delivery by CDP/DNA complexes is glycerol‐dependent and the level of luciferase expression with signal modified carriers was comparable with the efficacy of polyethylenimine (PEI) in CXCR4 expressing cell lines (A172, HeLa) and was ten‐ to 50‐fold higher compared to unmodified peptide. By contrast, CDP transfection efficacy on CXCR4‐negative cells (chinese hamster ovary) was much lower than in PEI. Intracellular uptake analysis of biotin‐labeled peptides indicated that CDPs entered cells more efficiently than oligolysine.

Conclusions

The small, bifunctional peptides reported in the present study may be useful in gene delivery to (and gene therapy of) the different tumors and other cells expressing CXCR4. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic synthesis of N‐methylhistamine labeled with deuterium and tritium
Authors: Šamonina J. , Kańska M.
Published: June 2009

The isotopomers of Nπ‐methylhistamine (πMeHA) and Nτ‐methylhistamine (τMeHA) labeled with deuterium and tritium at the α‐carbon atom of the side chain were obtained using the enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC, EC 4.1.1.22) from Lactobacillus 30a. The deuterium labeled isotopomers [(αR)‐2H]‐πMeHA and [(αR)‐2H]‐τMeHA were synthesized by enzymatic decarboxylation of Nπ‐methyl‐, and Nτ‐methyl‐L‐histidines (respectively) in a fully deuteriated incubation medium. The same decarboxylation carried out in a tritiated medium resulted in tritiated [αR‐3H]‐πMeHA and [αR‐3H]‐τMeHA isotopomers of N‐methylhistamine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of highly pure 14C‐labelled DL‐allantoin and 13C NMR analysis of labelling integrity
Authors: Patching Simon G.
Published: June 2009

A number of synthetic approaches are assessed to prepare allantoin labelled with 14C given certain requirements and technical limitations. A method that fulfils these criteria is described to achieve the synthesis of highly pure 14C‐labelled allantoin with the label introduced to the ureido carbonyl group in the final step by reaction of 5‐chlorohydantoin with [14C]urea. The chosen method favours high purity at the expense of radiochemical yield, which is achieved at a level of 8%. The integrity of the label is then investigated by performing an NMR analysis of 13C‐labelled allantoin synthesized by the same method. The 13C NMR spectrum confirms partial scrambling of the label to the C‐2 position by equilibration of the product via a putative bicyclic intermediate, which had been suggested by other workers. The 14C‐labelled allantoin synthesized by this method is therefore assigned as DL‐[H2N14CO/14C‐2]allantoin. This study also includes the first full characterization of a side product, 5‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxyhydantoin, obtained by the reaction of a 5‐hydroxyhydantoin intermediate with the methanol solvent. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal factors for spatial variation in long‐term phenological trends in Ginkgo biloba L. in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuho
Published: June 2009

Distinct plant phenological changes caused by increasing temperature have been reported in several regions. However, spatial patterns in long‐term phenological trends and their causal factors have not been fully examined. Attempts were made to address these issues using a long‐term (1961–2000) phenological dataset (budding and leaf fall dates) for Ginkgo biloba L. from 60 meteorological stations in Japan. Although many stations indicated earlier budding and delayed leaf fall, there were large differences among stations. First, the author tried to understand the spatial variation patterns of the long‐term phenological trends relative to geography. However, there was no significant relationship between phenological trends and geographical variables: latitude, longitude, and altitude, with the exception of a negative relationship between the trend of leaf fall date and latitude. Second, relationships between phenological trends, long‐term trends in air temperature, and phenological sensitivity of Ginkgo to variations in air temperature were investigated as direct causal factors for spatial variations in phenological trends. With respect to the air temperature trend, a negative relationship was found with the budding trend, but there was no obvious relationship with the leaf fall trend. On the other hand, the spatial variability of the phenological sensitivity to temperature was relatively large and displayed a significant linear relationship with trends in budding and leaf fall. Where trees had higher sensitivity to temperature, they showed earlier budding and delayed leaf fall. The results obtained from multiple linear regressions indicated that the spatial variations in phenological trends were dependent more on phenological sensitivity to air temperature than temperature trends. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine labeling detects proliferating cells in the regenerating avian cochlea
Authors: Kaiser Christina L. , Kamien Andrew J. , Shah Priyanka A. , Chapman Brittany J. , Cotanche Douglas A.
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The avian cochlea regenerates hair cells following aminoglycoside treatment through supporting cell proliferation. Immunocytochemical labeling of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU), a thymidine analog, is a popular nonradioactive marker for identifying cells in the DNA synthesis (S phase) of the cell cycle. However, it requires harsh treatments to denature double‐stranded DNA for the antibody to bind BrdU. We explored a new method using 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) as a thymidine analog and a nonantibody azide/alkyne reaction between EdU and the fluorescent probe. We propose that EdU is as effective as BrdU, but without the requirement for harsh denaturation or the use of antibodies for detection.

Study Design:

Two‐week‐old chicks received a single gentamicin injection followed by a single EdU injection 72 hours later. Cochleae were extracted 4–8 hours later, fixed, and processed for fluorescent detection of EdU.

Methods:

Cochleae were processed for detection of incorporated EdU using the Click‐iT Imaging Kit (Invitrogen/Molecular Probes, Carlsbad, CA) and colabeled with Sox2, myosin VI, or myosin VIIa antibodies. Whole‐mount cochlear preparations were examined with confocal microscopy.

Results:

Supporting cells incorporated EdU into their newly synthesized DNA during the 4–8 hours following the EdU injection and were readily detected with little background signal. The intensity and quantity of cells labeled were similar to or better than that seen for BrdU.

Conclusions:

The EdU method is as effective as BrdU, without requiring harsh denaturation or secondary antibodies to identify proliferating cells. Thus, the nonantibody EdU system allows more flexibility by enabling colabeling with multiple antibodies to other cellular proteins involved in regeneration. Laryngoscope, 2009
Safety and efficacy of the endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Anderson Peter , Sindwani Raj
Published: June 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP; also known as Draf III or frontal drillout) has recently gained popularity as a minimally invasive alternative to frontal sinus obliteration. This systematic analysis was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the EMLP.

Study Design:

Literature review and meta‐analysis.

Methods:

We performed a search of all English studies published from 1990 to 2008 that reported results from a minimum of five patients undergoing the EMLP. Of the 33 papers reviewed, 18 studies (evidence level II‐2 or II‐3) containing data from 612 patients met inclusion criteria.

Results:

The most common indications for EMLP were chronic frontal sinusitis (75.2%) and mucocele (21.3%). Patients had an average age of 47.9 years (range, 14–89 years) and were followed for 28.5 months postoperatively. Only 20.3% of procedures were performed without image‐guidance. Stents were rarely used (6%). The rate of major and minor complications was <1% and 4%, respectively. No deaths were reported. A majority of patients were discharged within 24 hours. Postoperative endoscopic findings, qualitatively reported in 394 patients, demonstrated frontal sinus patency or partial stenosis in 95.9% at last follow‐up. Where specifically assessed (n = 430 patients), improvement in symptoms was achieved in 82.2% of cases, with 16% reporting no significant change, and 1.2% reporting worsening of symptoms. The overall failure rate (requiring further surgery) of EMLP was 13.9% (85/612). Of the failures, 80% underwent revision EMLP, whereas 20% elected osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration.

Conclusions:

When performed by an experienced surgeon, EMLP is a safe and efficacious procedure that is well tolerated. Laryngoscope, 2009
Outcome of Liver Transplantation for Drug-Induced Acute Liver Failure in the United States: Analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing Database
Authors: Mindikoglu Ayse L. , Magder Laurence S. , Regev Arie
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) is an uncommon but potentially lethal drug-related adverse effect that often leads to liver transplantation (LT) or death. A retrospective cohort study was performed with the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files. Recipients who underwent LT for drug-induced acute liver failure (DIALF) from 1987 through 2006 were analyzed. A total of 661 patients transplanted for DIALF were included in the analysis. The 4 leading implicated drug groups were acetaminophen (n = 265; 40%), antituberculosis drugs (n = 50; 8%), antiepileptics (n = 46; 7%), and antibiotics (n = 39; 6%). One-year estimated survival probabilities were 76%, 82%, 52%, 82%, and 79% for acetaminophen, antituberculosis drugs, antiepileptics, antibiotics, and others, respectively. The lower rate of survival among those exposed to antiepileptics was observed mainly in children. Of the 22 patients less than 18 years old who had ALF due to antiepileptics, 73% died within the first year. The difference in overall survival between acetaminophen-related and non–acetaminophen-related ALF was not statistically significant. Patients with acetaminophen-related ALF required dialysis prior to LT at a significantly higher rate than all other drug groups (27% versus 3%-10%, P < 0.0001). According to Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the independent pretransplant predictors of death after LT were being on life support, DIALF due to antiepileptic drugs at age less than 18, and elevated serum creatinine. In conclusion, the leading drug groups causing LT due to DIALF in the United States were acetaminophen, antituberculosis drugs, antiepileptics, and antibiotics. Children who had ALF due to antiepileptics had a substantially higher risk of death after LT in comparison with other drugs. Patients transplanted for acetaminophen-related ALF required dialysis at a significantly higher rate. Being on life support, DIALF due to antiepileptics (at age less than 18), and elevated serum creatinine were independent pretransplant predictors of poor survival after LT for DIALF. Liver Transpl 15:719–729, 2009. © 2008 AASLD.
Extended Right Liver Grafts Obtained by an Ex Situ Split Can Be Used Safely for Primary and Secondary Transplantation with Acceptable Biliary Morbidity
Authors: Takebe Atsushi , Schrem Harald , Ringe Bastian , Lehner Frank , Strassburg Christian , Klempnauer Juergen , Becker Thomas
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Split liver transplantation (SLT) is clearly beneficial for pediatric recipients. However, the increased risk of biliary complications in adult recipients of SLT in comparison with whole liver transplantation (WLT) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and clinical outcome of biliary complications in an SLT group using split extended right grafts (ERGs) after ex situ splitting in comparison with WLT in adults. The retrospectively collected data for 80 consecutive liver transplants using ERGs after ex situ splitting between 1998 and 2007 were compared with the data for 80 liver transplants using whole liver grafts in a matched-pair analysis paired by the donor age, recipient age, indications, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and high-urgency status. The cold ischemic time was significantly longer in the SLT group (P = 0.006). As expected, bile leakage from the transected surface occurred only in the SLT group (15%) without any mortality or graft loss. The incidence of all other early or late biliary complications (eg, anastomotic leakage and stenosis) was not different between SLT and WLT. The 1- and 5-year patient and graft survival rates showed no statistical difference between SLT and WLT [83.2% and 82.0% versus 88.5% and 79.8% (P = 0.92) and 70.8% and 67.5% versus 83.6% and 70.0% (P = 0.16), respectively]. In conclusion, ERGs can be used safely without any increased mortality and with acceptable morbidity, and they should also be considered for retransplantation. The significantly longer cold ischemic time in the SLT group indicates the potential for improved results and should thus be considered in the design of allocation policies. Liver Transpl 15:730–737, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Recurrent Familial Hypobetalipoproteinemia–Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease After Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Harada Noboru , Soejima Yuji , Taketomi Akinobu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Uchiyama Hideaki , Ikegami Toru , Saibara Toshiharu , Nishizaki Takashi , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is one of the causes of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and a codominant disorder. Patients heterozygous for FHBL may be asymptomatic, although they demonstrate low plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Here we report a nonobese 54-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis who underwent living donor liver transplantation with his son as the donor. Low albuminemia and refractory ascites persisted after transplantation. A biopsy specimen obtained 11 months after liver transplantation revealed severe steatosis and fibrosis, and recurrent NASH was diagnosed on the basis of pathological findings. Both the patient's and donor's laboratory tests demonstrated low LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein levels. Because mutations in messenger RNAs of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and apolipoprotein B genes were excluded neither in the recipient nor in the donor, both were clinically diagnosed as being heterozygous for FHBL. We successfully treated the recipient with heterozygous FHBL–induced recurrent NASH after liver transplantation using our diet and exercise programs. Liver Transpl 15:806–809, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Aprotinin and the Risk of Thrombotic Complications After Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Analysis of 1492 Patients
Authors: Warnaar Nienke , Mallett Susan V. , Klinck John R. , de Boer Marieke T. , Rolando Nancy , Burroughs Andrew K. , Jamieson Neville V. , Rolles Keith , Porte Robert J.
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Aprotinin is an antifibrinolytic drug that reduces blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Case reports have suggested that aprotinin may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Recent studies in cardiac surgery also have suggested a higher risk of renal failure and postoperative mortality. Despite these concerns, no large-scale safety assessment has been performed in OLT. In a retrospective observational study involving 1492 liver transplants, we studied the occurrence of postoperative thromboembolic or thrombotic events and mortality in patients who received aprotinin (n = 907) and patients who did not (n = 585). The overall incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis and central venous complications (pulmonary embolism or inferior vena cava thrombosis) was 3.2% and 0.9%, respectively. In propensity score–adjusted analyses (C-index = 0.79), aprotinin was not associated with an increased risk of hepatic artery thrombosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50-2.01, P = 0.86]. Although central venous complications were found more frequently in patients receiving aprotinin, the difference was not statistically significant (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 0.54-16.23, P = 0.32). In addition, no significant differences were found in 1-year mortality (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.86-1.71, P = 0.32). In conclusion, this study did not demonstrate an increased risk of thrombotic complications or mortality when aprotinin is used during OLT. Liver Transpl 15:747–753, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Embouchure dystonia—Portrait of a task‐specific cranial dystonia
Authors: Frucht Steven J.
Published: June 2009

Focal task‐specific dystonia (FTSD) is an unusual disorder of motor control, which typically affects the hand but may also involve the face, jaw, and tongue. We report 89 musicians with dystonia of the embouchure (ED), the muscles of the lower face, jaw, and tongue used to control the flow of air into the mouthpiece of a woodwind or brass instrument. Symptoms of ED began at an average age of 36, were typically painless and only rarely were preceded by trauma. Specific musical techniques commonly triggered dystonia, often in one instrumental register. Task‐specific embouchure tremor and lip‐pulling ED phenotypes were common among high‐register brass players (trumpet and French horn), whereas lip‐locking occurred exclusively in low‐register brass players (trombone and tuba). Jaw and tongue ED phenotypes occurred predominantly in woodwind players, and once present, frequently spread to speaking or eating. Six percent of all ED patients had coincident writer's cramp, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition to develop dystonia. We assessed two‐point sensory discrimination in the upper lip, lower lip, and hand in ED patients, normal musicians, and nonmusician age‐matched controls—there were no differences between groups. Once present, symptoms of ED did not remit and often disrupted careers and livelihoods. Better treatments are urgently needed for this unusual disorder of oral motor control. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Pallidal stimulation for segmental dystonia: Long term follow up of 11 consecutive patients
Authors: Sensi Mariachiara , Cavallo Michele A. , Quatrale Rocco , Sarubbo Silvio , Biguzzi Sara , Lettieri Cristian , Capone Jay G. , Tugnoli Valeria , Tola Maria Rosaria , Eleopra Roberto
Published: June 2009

Pallidal stimulation is a convincing and valid alternative for primary generalized dystonia refractory to medical therapy or botulinum toxin. However, the clinical outcome reported in literature is variable most likely because of heterogeneity DBS techniques employed and /or to clinical dystonic pattern of the patients who undergo surgery. In this study, we report the long term follow up of a homogeneous group of eleven subjects affected by segmental dystonia who were treated with bilateral stimulation of the Globus Pallidus pars interna (GPi) from the years 2000 to 2008. All the patients were evaluated, before surgery and at 6‐12‐24‐36 months after the treatment, in accordance with the Burke Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS). Our study indicates that DBS promotes an early and significant improvement at 6 months with an even and a better outcome later on. The analysis of specific sub items of the BFMDRS revealed an earlier and striking benefit not only as far as segmental motor function of the limbs but also for the complex cranial functions like face, (eyes and mouth), speech and swallowing, differently from results reported in primary generalized dystonia. Deep Brain Stimulation of GPi should be considered a valid indication for both generalized and segmental dystonia when other therapies appear ineffective. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Solution of arbitrarily dimensional matrix equation in computational electromagnetics by fast lifting wavelet‐like transform
Authors: Chen Ming‐Sheng , Sha Wei , Wu Xian‐Liang
Published: June 2009

A new wavelet matrix transform (WMT), operated by lifting wavelet‐like transform (LWLT), is applied to the solution of matrix equations in computational electromagnetics. The method can speedup the WMT without allocating auxiliary memory for transform matrices and can be implemented with the absence of the fast Fourier transform. Furthermore, to handle the matrix equation of arbitrarily dimension, a new in‐space preprocessing technique based on LWLT is constructed to eliminate the limitation in matrix dimension. Complexity analysis and numerical simulation show the superiority of the proposed algorithm in saving CPU time. Numerical simulations for scattering analysis of differently shaped objects are considered to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. In particular, due to its generality, the proposed preprocessing technique can be extended to other engineering areas and therefore can pave a broad way for the application of the WMT. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 34)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm
Published: June 2009

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since January, 2009 are reviewed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clinical approach to managing somatoform disorders
Authors: Hadler Andrew , Poole Norman A
Published: June 2009

Somatoform disorders, or medically unexplained symptoms, present a significant challenge to the clinician, who needs to establish and reassure the patient that the complaint is not serious, while at the same time try to avoid the symptoms being iatrogenically maintained. Here, Dr Hadler and Dr Poole suggest a practical approach to the management of such disorders. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Does Parkinson's disease increase mortality?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: June 2009

Whether Parkinson's disease (PD) increases mortality remains something of a moot point. Some studies suggest that mortality among PD patients is more than three'fold higher than the death rates in the general population. Other studies suggest there's no difference. Changes in mortality over time are also inconsistent.However,some researchers detect a decline in mortality beginning during the 1970s,around the time that levodopa entered clinical practice.1 Now a new study2 that followed PD patients for 20 years helps clarify this sometimes controversial relationship. Freelance medical writer, Mark Greener, reports. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Mood stabilisers in the management of bipolar disorder
Authors: Sie Michele
Published: June 2009

IIn the third of this series on the major psychiatric drug groups, the author discusses the choice and use of mood stabilisers in the management of bipolar affective disorder. Pharmacology, interactions and side‐effects, as well as information to give to patients are described. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Blind docking of pharmaceutically relevant compounds using RosettaLigand
Authors: Davis Ian W. , Raha Kaushik , Head Martha S. , Baker David
Published: June 2009

It is difficult to properly validate algorithms that dock a small molecule ligand into its protein receptor using data from the public domain: the predictions are not blind because the correct binding mode is already known, and public test cases may not be representative of compounds of interest such as drug leads. Here, we use private data from a real drug discovery program to carry out a blind evaluation of the RosettaLigand docking methodology and find that its performance is on average comparable with that of the best commercially available current small molecule docking programs. The strength of RosettaLigand is the use of the Rosetta sampling methodology to simultaneously optimize protein sidechain, protein backbone and ligand degrees of freedom; the extensive benchmark test described here identifies shortcomings in other aspects of the protocol and suggests clear routes to improving the method.