bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive biases in depressed and non‐depressed referred youth
Authors: Timbremont Benedikte , Braet Caroline , Bosmans Guy , Van Vlierberghe Leen
Published: September 2008

This study examined cognitive vulnerability in both depressed and non‐depressed referred youngsters. Formerly depressed (FD) children and adolescents (n = 16) were compared to a currently depressed (CD) group (n = 18) on a self‐referent encoding and memory task imbedded in a mood induction paradigm. In order to test the specificity of the findings to depression, the results of the FD were further compared with those of a clinical but never depressed (ND) group (n = 39) diagnosed with anxiety and/or disruptive behaviour disorders. The study confirmed the hypothesized differences between the groups in terms of self‐referent encoding bias. Both the ND (p < 0.001) and FD (p < 0.001) group rated more positive words than negative words as self‐descriptive while the CD endorsed a closer balance of positive and negative words (non‐significant difference). No interaction effect was found for the recall task. The FD group evinced a similar memory bias than the CD group. However, also in the ND group, the number of proportional recalled positive words did not differ from the proportional recalled negative words. The findings yielded no evidence for a depression‐specific information‐processing bias. However, all subjects (FD, CD as well as ND) exhibited a memory bias and therefore ‘clinical status’ is considered as a cognitive vulnerability risk factor for developing a depressive disorder in the future. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Counterfactual thinking and functional differences in depression
Authors: Quelhas Ana Cristina , Power Mick J. , Juhos Csongor , Senos Jorge
Published: September 2008

The purpose of the studies reported in this paper was to evaluate the function of counterfactual thinking (CT) in depression. In Experiment 1, depressed and non‐depressed participants were asked to imagine themselves as the protagonist of a hypothetical situation, and to think counterfactually about three different scenarios. The results showed that there was a similar CT style (in terms of direction, structure and focus of mutation) for the depressed and the non‐depressed groups. It was also found that the perceived preparation for a future similar situation increased after CT and, contrary to our hypotheses, this effect was observed in both groups. In Experiment 2, a real‐life situation was used (a course examination) in which participants experienced a negative outcome (a poor score on the test). Again, it was observed that depressed and non‐depressed participants showed the same CT style, but non‐depressed participants were more likely to use CT spontaneously. In addition, the second study showed further differences between the two groups: depressed participants not only showed a lack of cognitive benefits from thinking counterfactually (i.e., after CT they do not feel more prepared for future similar events, nor able to avoid a similar bad outcome, in contrast to the non‐depressed participants), but also show a lack of behavioural changes (both intentions to change and actual changes over the subsequent week). In conclusion, these results provide evidence about the function of CT both in depressed and in non‐depressed thinking, and highlight both the similarities and differences for these two groups. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving psychotherapy outcome: the use of immediate electronic feedback and revised clinical support tools
Authors: Slade Karstin , Lambert Michael J. , Harmon S. Cory , Smart David W. , Bailey Russ
Published: September 2008

The benefits of psychotherapy have been well documented; however, 5–10% of clients worsen while in treatment and another minority shows no response. The effects of feedback timing (delayed or immediate) and type (progress feedback and Clinical Support Tool [CST] feedback), aimed at reducing deterioration and improving outcomes, were examined in a sample of 1101 clients whose outcome was contrasted across experimental groups and with two archival groups: a delayed progress feedback and CST feedback group (n = 1374) and a treatment‐as‐usual control group (n = 1445). Progress feedback to therapists improved outcomes, especially for cases at risk for a negative outcome, but direct progress feedback to clients did not. Effects were significantly enhanced by using the manual‐based CST. There were no significant differences in outcome between the 1‐week‐delayed CST feedback and 2‐week‐delayed CST feedback groups; however, clients in the week‐delayed CST feedback timing condition attended three less sessions, on average, than their 2‐week‐delayed CST feedback counterparts while maintaining similar treatment gains. Results were interpreted as supporting the value of monitoring client progress and feeding back this information to therapists as well as assisting therapists in problem solving with cases at risk for treatment failure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting cardiac vagal regulation in early childhood from maternal–child relationship quality during toddlerhood
Authors: Calkins Susan D. , Graziano Paulo A. , Berdan Louise E. , Keane Susan P. , Degnan Kathryn A.
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of maternal–child relationship quality during toddlerhood on early childhood physiological regulation. A community sample of 447 children (215 males) was recruited at age 2 for participation in the study using the Child Behavior Checklist [Achenbach [1992] Manual for the child behavior checklist/2–3 & 1992 profile. Burlington, VT: University of VT Department of Psychiatry]. Mothers and children were observed across several interactions in the laboratory at age 2 and mothers completed the Parenting Stress Index [Abidin [1995] Manual for the parenting stress index. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources]. Relationship quality was assessed using laboratory measures of hostility, positive guidance, and stress related to the quality of the relationship as reported by mothers. Cardiac vagal regulation at age 2 was assessed across six challenge tasks, three in which the child and mother worked together and three in which the child worked independently, and was indexed by the magnitude of vagal withdrawal (decrease in respiratory sinus arrhythmia, RSA) to challenge. Results indicated that children displayed greater cardiac vagal regulation and heart rate acceleration during collaborative tasks versus independent tasks. In addition, maternal–child relationship quality predicted the degree of vagal regulation in children at age 5, even after controlling for early and concurrent level of behavior problems as well as 2‐year cardiac vagal regulation. Children with poorer quality relationships displayed significantly poorer vagal regulation and lower heart rate acceleration (p < .01). These findings are discussed in terms of the implications of environmental factors for the acquisition of fundamental self‐regulatory skills. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 751–766, 2008
Bridging and Terminal (Phosphanido)platinum Complexes
Authors: Mastrorilli Piero
Published: September 2008

The PR2– group (the phosphanido group, according to the modern IUPAC rules) possesses a strong nucleophilicity, a high bridging tendency and a remarkable flexibility. This review addresses the issue of (phosphanido)platinum complexes, subdividing them into terminal and bridging species. Terminal (phosphanido)platinum complexes are usually prepared by deprotonation of a coordinated secondary (or primary) phosphane on a cationic PtII complex, by an appropriate base. The terminally bonded phosphanide group shows no tendency to form multiple bonds with platinum: in all crystallographically characterised Pt complexes, the terminal phosphanido P atom is pyramidal. Due to the high nucleophilicity granted by the presence of the active lone pair on P, terminal (phosphanido)platinum complexes react with molecules such as O2 and S8, and they can be used for the synthesis of dimetallic compounds upon reaction with suitable metal fragments. The known PtI phosphanido‐bridged complexes are dinuclear, diamagnetic and endowed with a strong Pt–Pt bond. The μ‐PPh2 bridge in PtI dimers arises often by (thermal) activation of the P–C bond in coordinated PPh3 or dppm. PtI phosphanido‐bridged complexes are also prepared by reaction of (dichlorido)platinum complexes with reagents such as Na, NaOH, alcohols. For such complexes a multifaceted reactivity, including the substitution of a terminal ligand, the reaction with electrophiles such as H+ and its isolobal analogues, the insertion into the μ‐P–Pt bond, has been reported. Hydridophosphanido complexes are formed by oxidative addition of a P–H bond onto zero‐valent Pt complexes, by protonation of PtI dimers or by action of BH4– on halido species. Dehydrochlorination of secondary (and primary) phosphane complexes gives chlorido complexes which are mostly prepared in the anti‐[(PRR′2)(Cl)Pt(μ‐PR″2)]2 geometry. Chiral complexes are obtained when asymmetric phosphanido P atoms are present in the molecule. A rich coordination chemistry has been developed on organometallic phosphanido Pt complexes bearing the pentafluorophenyl group. In this framework, a great number of Pt complexes of various nuclearity have been crystallographically characterised and their reactivity towards oxidants studied. The class of polynuclear phosphanido Pt complexes is represented by triangulo species, in which the bridging phosphanide group is typically μ‐PPh2 or μ‐PtBu2, by linear complexes of various nuclearity and by bent species stemming from the presence of a triply bridging diphenylphosphanido ligand in the molecule. Applications of phosphanido Pt complexes in catalysis and materials chemistry are also discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Two Extended Organic‐Inorganic Assemblies Based on Polyoxometalates and Copper Coordination Polymers with Mixed 4,4′‐Bipyridine and 2,2′‐Bipyridine Ligands
Authors: Yuan Ling , Qin Chao , Wang Xinlong , Wang Enbo , Chang Song
Published: September 2008

Two new organic‐inorganic hybrid compounds {CuII4Cl(2,2′‐bipy)4(4,4′‐bipy)3(4,4′‐Hbipy)2[PMo12O40]}[PMo12O40]2·2H2O (1) and [CuI2(2,2′‐bipy)2(4,4′‐bipy)][CuI1.5(2,2′‐bipy)(4,4′‐bipy)]2[H3W12O40] (2) (2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, 4,4′‐bipy = 4,4′‐bipyridine) have been synthesised and subsequently characterised by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), electrochemical measurements and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The most interesting feature of compound 1 is the Cu–Cl bond in the mixed ligand complex. Furthermore, 1 shows a 2D grid layered structure constructed from the [PMo12O40]3– polyoxoanion building units and 1D [Cu4(2,2′‐bipy)4(4,4′‐bipy)5Cl]nn– hybrid chains which are decorated by dangling polyoxoanion clusters that are disposed in a mutual anti orientation with respect to the layer plane. As fas as we know, compound 1 is the first characterised 2D structure with polyoxometalate clusters as pendants. Compound 2 represents the first 1D structure formed by ispolyoxotungstate building blocks [H2W12O40]6– and transition metal complex fragments with mixed ligands.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis and Structure Determination of Selenium(IV) Cyanides
Authors: Fritz Stefanie , Lentz Dieter , Szwak Małgorzata
Published: September 2008

The reaction of SeF4 with Me3SiCN did not result in thepreparation of the designated Se(CN)4 but Se(CN)F3 and Se(CN)2F2 were obtained as first known selenium(IV)cyanide compounds and characterized by their NMR spectra. Se(CN)2F2 was crystallized as 1,2‐dimethoxyethane solvate as well as the corresponding tellurium compound Te(CN)2F2 with very similar structures. NMR spectroscopic data of some more miscellaneous tellurium cyanides and the crystal structures of solvates of Se(CN)2 and oxygen‐bridged TeO(CN)2 are presented. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Rational Assembly of High‐Spin Polynuclear Magnetic Complexes into Coordination Networks: the Case of a [Mn4] Single‐Molecule Magnet Building Block (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 28/2008)
Authors: Roubeau Olivier , Clérac Rodolphe
Published: September 2008

The cover picture shows the assembly of a [Mn4] single‐molecule magnet building block into various extended coordination networks of different dimensionalities. The rational assembly of such high‐spin complexes, as well as their original magnetic properties are reviewed and discussed in the Microreview by O. Roubeau and R. Clérac on p. 4325 ff.
Synthesis, Stability, and Crystal Structure of an Azulenium Cation Containing an Adamantyl Group
Authors: Oda Mitsunori , Nakajima Nobue , Thanh Nguyen Chung , Kitahara Kazuhiro , Miyatake Ryuta , Kuroda Shigeyasu
Published: September 2008

Starting from the trimethylsilyl enol ether of 1‐acetyl‐1,3,5‐cycloheptatriene, the title 1H‐azulenium cation was synthesized by a five‐step sequence that involved a Noyori–Mukaiyama aldol reaction, a Nazarov cyclization, a Shapiro reaction, and a hydride abstraction. The Nazarov reaction of the aldol‐type adduct resulted in the formation of an unusual double‐bond position isomer, which has never been obtained in similar reactions forming tetrahydroazulenones. The pKR+ value of the title cation was found to be 9.8, which is less than that expected by inductive stabilization from the number of carbons at the 1‐position. The X‐ray crystal structure of the title cation (ClO4– salt) reveals CH–O interactions and deformation of the azulenyl ion part.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Regioselective Domino Metathesis of 7‐Oxanorbornenes and Its Application to the Synthesis of Biologically Active Glutamate Analogues
Authors: Ikoma Minoru , Oikawa Masato , Gill Martin B. , Swanson Geoffrey T. , Sakai Ryuichi , Shimamoto Keiko , Sasaki Makoto
Published: September 2008

A highly regioselective domino metathesis reaction of 7‐oxanorbornene was developed that employed an intramolecular association of an amide carbonyl group to a ruthenium metal centre. By using this reaction, twelve glutamate analogues inspired by dysiherbaine were efficiently synthesized over 12–14 steps; one of the analogues exhibited bioactivity consistent with central nervous system depression.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
When scowling may be a good thing: The influence of anger expressions on credibility
Authors: Hareli Shlomo , Harush Raveh , Suleiman Ramzi , Cossette Michel , Bergeron Stephanie , Lavoie Veronique , Dugay Guillaume , Hess Ursula
Published: September 2008

Emotion displays do not only signal emotions but also have social signal value. A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that expressing anger when complaining may lead to positive outcomes for the complainant because anger signals goal obstruction and hence the presence of real harm. The results suggest that the social signal value of anger enhances the credibility of the complainant and hence leads to better compensation, but only when the complaint itself presents room for doubt. For highly justified complaints the additional expression of anger does not add information and is discounted. In contrast, showing an affiliative‐smiling demeanor was found to enhance credibility for both types of complaints. Overall, the present research confirmed the important role of emotion expressions as social signals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power system restoration plan using the characteristics of scale‐free networks
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Yoon Yong T. , Lee Sang‐Seung , Lee Song‐Keun
Published: September 2008

A reliable electricity supply infrastructure is fundamental to modern living. An interruption to electricity services has such far reaching impact to our everyday lives to various industries compared to other service interruptions, thus to build in significant redundancy and various preventive measures to electric power system operation and planning is needed. Just as important as to incorporate redundancy and preventive measures however, an effective restoration plan needs to be in place since the possibility of electricity service interruption cannot be eliminated completely.

In this paper, a novel power system restoration plan that utilizes the characteristic of so‐called scale‐free networks is proposed. For a scale‐free network, the importance of each node is determined based on the number of connections made to other nodes in that the nodes with many connections, thus important, are called “hubs.” A scale‐free network is a special complex network which follows a power law distribution, that is few hubs and many nodes with few connections at various system sizes. In the proposed plan the hubs are restored before other insignificant nodes in the system. It is shown that by doing so, the total restoration time can be reduced considerably, and notable improvements can be achieved with respect to the objective function in the mathematical formulation of electric power system restoration problem with a few constraints introduced in this paper. The effectiveness of proposed plan is tested with one of the planning problems such as valuation of black‐start capable generators using IEEE‐30 bus system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of wide and compact fourth‐order formulations of the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Erturk Ercan
Published: September 2008

In this study the numerical performances of wide and compact fourth‐order formulation of the steady 2D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations will be investigated and compared with each other. The benchmark driven cavity flow problem will be solved using both wide and compact fourth‐order formulations and the numerical performances of both formulations will be presented and also the advantages and disadvantages of both formulations will be discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome‐wide autozygosity mapping in human populations
Authors: Wang Shuang , Haynes Chad , Barany Francis , Ott Jurg
Published: September 2008

Individuals are frequently observed to have long segments of uninterrupted sequences of homozygous markers. One of the major mechanisms that gives rise to such long homozygous segments is consanguineous marriages, where parents pass shared chromosomal segments to their child. Such chromosomal segments are also known as autozygous segments. The clinical evidence that progeny from inbred individuals may have reduced health and fitness because of homozygosity of recessive alleles is well known. As the length of such homozygous segments depends on the degree of parental consanguinity, it would be logical to observe shorter homozygous segments in more outbred populations. However, a recent study identified long homozygous regions, thus likely to be autozygous segments in the HapMap populations. While an abundance of homozygous segments may significantly reduce the ability to fine map disease genes using association studies, detecting tracts of extended homozygosity related to disease status seems the natural next step in genome‐wide association studies beyond allele, genotype and haplotype association analyses. In this study, we propose a new algorithm to map disease‐related segments based on autozygosity using case‐control data. The underlying rationale for the proposed method is that shared autozygosity regions that differ between diseased and healthy individuals may harbor mutations underlying diseases. Specifically, our algorithm uses a sliding‐window framework and employs a logarithm of the odds score measure of autozygosity coupled with permutation‐based methods to identify disease‐related regions. We illustrate the advantage of the algorithm with its application to a genome‐wide association study on Parkinson's disease. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Power comparisons between similarity‐based multilocus association methods, logistic regression, and score tests for haplotypes
Authors: Lin Wan‐Yu , Schaid Daniel J.
Published: September 2008

Recently, a genomic distance‐based regression for multilocus associations was proposed (Wessel and Schork [2006] Am. J. Hum. Genet. 79:792–806) in which either locus or haplotype scoring can be used to measure genetic distance. Although it allows various measures of genomic similarity and simultaneous analyses of multiple phenotypes, its power relative to other methods for case‐control analyses is not well known. We compare the power of traditional methods with this new distance‐based approach, for both locus‐scoring and haplotype‐scoring strategies. We discuss the relative power of these association methods with respect to five properties: (1) the marker informativity; (2) the number of markers; (3) the causal allele frequency; (4) the preponderance of the most common high‐risk haplotype; (5) the correlation between the causal single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and its flanking markers. We found that locus‐based logistic regression and the global score test for haplotypes suffered from power loss when many markers were included in the analyses, due to many degrees of freedom. In contrast, the distance‐based approach was not as vulnerable to more markers or more haplotypes. A genotype counting measure was more sensitive to the marker informativity and the correlation between the causal SNP and its flanking markers. After examining the impact of the five properties on power, we found that on average, the genomic distance‐based regression that uses a matching measure for diplotypes was the most powerful and robust method among the seven methods we compared. Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the Schwann cell lineage: From the neural crest to the myelinated nerve
Authors: Woodhoo Ashwin , Sommer Lukas
Published: September 2008

The myelinating and nonmyelinating Schwann cells in peripheral nerves are derived from the neural crest, which is a transient and multipotent embryonic structure that also generates the other main glial subtypes of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cell development occurs through a series of transitional embryonic and postnatal phases, which are tightly regulated by a number of signals. During the early embryonic phases, neural crest cells are specified to give rise to Schwann cell precursors, which represent the first transitional stage in the Schwann cell lineage, and these then generate the immature Schwann cells. At birth, the immature Schwann cells differentiate into either the myelinating or nonmyelinating Schwann cells that populate the mature nerve trunks. In this review, we will discuss the biology of the transitional stages in embryonic and early postnatal Schwann cell development, including the phenotypic differences between them and the recently identified signaling pathways, which control their differentiation and maintenance. In addition, the role and importance of the microenvironment in which glial differentiation takes place will be discussed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CB1 cannabinoid receptor‐dependent and ‐independent inhibition of depolarization‐induced calcium influx in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Mato Susana , Alberdi Elena , Ledent Catherine , Watanabe Masahiko , Matute Carlos
Published: September 2008

Regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis plays a critical role in oligodendrocyte function and survival. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors have been shown to regulate Ca2+ levels and/or K+ currents in a variety of cell types. In this study we investigated the effect of cannabinoid compounds on the Ca2+ influx elicited in cultured oligodendrocytes by transient membrane depolarization with an elevated extracellular K+ concentration (50 mM). The CB1 receptor agonist arachidonoyl‐chloro‐ethanolamide (ACEA) elicited a concentration‐dependent inhibition of depolarization‐evoked Ca2+ transients in oligodendroglial somata with a maximal effect (94 ± 3)% and an EC50 of 1.3 ± 0.03 μM. This activity was mimicked by the CB1/CB2 agonist CP55,940, as well as by the endocannabinoids N‐arachidonoyl‐ethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), whereas the CB2 receptor selective agonist JWH133 was ineffective. The CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (1 μM) also reduced the Ca2+ response evoked by high extracellular K+ and did not prevent the inhibition elicited by ACEA (3 μM). Nevertheless, the ability of ACEA and AEA to reduce depolarization‐evoked Ca2+ transients was significantly reduced in oligodendrocytes from CB1 receptor knockout mice, as well as by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. Bath application of the inwardly rectifying K+ channels (Kir channels) blockers BaCl2 (300 μM) and CsCl2 (1 mM) reduced the size of voltage‐induced Ca2+ influx and partially prevented the inhibitory effect of ACEA. Our results indicate that cannabinoids inhibit depolarization‐evoked Ca2+ transients in oligodendrocytes via CB1 receptor‐independent and ‐dependent mechanisms that involve the activation of PTX‐sensitive Gi/o proteins and the blockade of Kir channels. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of syndecan‐2 in the amoeboid microglial cells and its involvement in inflammation in the hypoxic developing brain
Authors: Kaur C. , Sivakumar V. , Yip G. W. , Ling E. A.
Published: September 2008

The present study examined the expression of heparan sulphate proteoglycan, syndecan‐2 (Sdc‐2) in the corpus callosum and the amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) in the neonatal rat brain in response to hypoxia. In 1‐day old Wistar rats subjected to hypoxia the mRNA and protein expression of Sdc‐2 in the corpus callosum, heavily populated by AMC, was increased up to 3 days after the hypoxic exposure. Immunoexpression of Sdc‐2 was localized in AMC as confirmed by double labeling using microglial marker. Primary cultures of microglial cells subjected to hypoxia showed a significant increase in Sdc‐2 expression. Application of Sdc‐2 to microglial cultures under hypoxia increased the release of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) by the microglial cells. Additionally, Sdc‐2 enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by microglia subjected to hypoxia. Edaravone [3‐methyl‐1phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one], an antioxidant drug, suppressed the hypoxia‐ and Sdc‐2‐induced increased production of cytokines, chemokines, and ROS. In the light of these findings, we suggest that Sdc‐2 plays an important role in microglial production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and ROS in hypoxic conditions. In this connection, edaravone suppressed the hypoxia‐ and Sdc‐2‐induced increased cytokine and ROS production suggesting its therapeutic potential in ameliorating neuroinflammation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The glycoprotein fibulin‐3 regulates morphology and motility of olfactory ensheathing cells in vitro
Authors: Vukovic Jana , Ruitenberg Marc J. , Roet Kasper , Franssen Elske , Arulpragasam Ajanthy , Sasaki Takako , Verhaagen Joost , Harvey Alan R. , Busfield Samantha J. , Plant Giles W.
Published: September 2008

The primary olfactory pathway in adult mammals has retained a remarkable potential for self‐repair. A specialized glial cell within the olfactory nerve, called olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC), and their associated extracellular matrix are thought to play an important role during regenerative events in this system. To gain insight into novel molecules that could mediate the OEC‐supported growth of axons within the olfactory nerve, gene expression profiling experiments were conducted which revealed high expression of the glycoprotein fibulin‐3 in OECs. This observation was confirmed with quantitative PCR. In vivo, the distribution of all members of the fibulin family, fibulin‐3 included, was localized to the lamina propria underneath the olfactory epithelium, in close association within olfactory nerve bundles. To manipulate fibulin‐3 gene expression in cultured OECs, lentiviral vector constructs were designed to either transgenically express or knock‐down fibulin‐3. Experimental data showed that increased levels of fibulin‐3 induced profound morphological changes in cultured OECs, impeded with their migratory abilities and also suppressed OEC‐mediated neurite outgrowth. Knock‐down of fibulin‐3 levels resulted in reduced OEC proliferation. In conclusion, the data provide novel insights into a putative role for fibulin‐3 in the regulation of cell migration and neurite outgrowth within the primary olfactory pathway. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biology and pathology of nonmyelinating Schwann cells
Authors: Griffin John W. , Thompson Wesley J.
Published: September 2008

The CNS contains relatively few unmyelinated nerve fibers, and thus benefits from the advantages that are conferred by myelination, including faster conduction velocities, lower energy consumption for impulse transmission, and greater stability of point‐to‐point connectivity. In the PNS many fibers or regions of fibers the Schwann do not form myelin. Examples include C fibers nociceptors, postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and the Schwann cells associated with motor nerve terminals at neuromuscular junctions. These examples retain a degree of plasticity and a capacity to sprout collaterally that is unusual in myelinated fibers. Nonmyelin‐forming Schwann cells, including those associated with uninjured fibers, have the capacity to act as the “first responders” to injury or disease in their neighborhoods. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systematic review of randomized trials for hepatocellular carcinoma treated with percutaneous ablation therapies #
Authors: Cho Yun Ku , Kim Jae Kyun , Kim Mi Young , Rhim Hyunchul , Han Joon Koo
Published: September 2008

According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines, percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is a safe and highly effective treatment for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and should be the standard against which any new therapy is compared. The primary purpose of this study was to identify survival benefit of any percutaneous ablation therapy as compared with PEI in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. The secondary endpoints were initial tumor response, local tumor progression, and complications. Randomized controlled trials that compared pecutaneous ablative therapies with PEI were included. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CANCERLIT, and manual search from 1978 to July 2008 were used. To control the potential heterogeneity, the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird was used for a meta-analysis. Egger's test was performed to test a potential publication bias. We identified seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but only four RCTs including 652 patients that compared radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with PEI met the inclusion criteria to perform a meta-analysis assessing 3-year survival. A meta-analysis of the four RCTs demonstrated a significant improvement in 3-year survival favoring RFA over PEI (odds ratio 0.477, 95% confidence interval 0.340-0.670; P < 0.001). Heterogeneity among the four trials was not significant (Q = 4.586; P= 0.205). Egger's test revealed that the publication bias was not significant (P = 0.647). However, the number of patients included in the analysis was insufficient for a robust meta-analysis of initial tumor response. The definition of local tumor progression or major complication was not unified among the trials included in the meta-analysis. Conclusion: RFA demonstrated significantly improved 3-year survival status for patients with HCC, when compared to PEI. (Hepatology 2008.)
Serum hyaluronic acid with serum ferritin accurately predicts cirrhosis and reduces the need for liver biopsy in C282Y hemochromatosis #
Authors: Crawford Darrell H. G. , Murphy Therese L. , Ramm Louise E. , Fletcher Linda M. , Clouston Andrew D. , Anderson Gregory J. , Subramaniam Nathan V. , Powell Lawrie W. , Ramm Grant A.
Published: September 2008

Diagnosing the presence of cirrhosis is crucial for the management of patients with C282Y hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). HH patients with serum ferritin >1,000 μg/L are at risk of cirrhosis; however, the majority of these patients do not have cirrhosis. Noninvasive markers of hepatic fibrosis may assist in determining which patients with a serum ferritin >1,000 μg/L have cirrhosis and require liver biopsy. This study evaluated the utility of current diagnostic algorithms for detecting cirrhosis, including serum ferritin concentration, platelet counts, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, in combination with serum markers of fibrosis, hyaluronic acid and collagen type IV (CLIV), in predicting cirrhosis in HH patients. Stage of fibrosis, serum hyaluronic acid and CLIV levels, were measured in 56 patients with HH. No patient with a serum ferritin <1,000 μg/L had cirrhosis, but only 40% of patients with serum ferritin >1,000 μg/L were cirrhotic. A combination of platelet count (<200 × 109/L), elevated AST, and serum ferritin >1,000 μg/L did not detect 30% of cirrhotic subjects. Serum hyaluronic acid was increased in HH compared with controls (42.0 ± 9.8 ng/mL versus 19.3 ± 1.8 ng/mL; P = 0.02). A hyaluronic acid concentration >46.5 ng/mL was 100% sensitive and 100% specific in identifying patients with cirrhosis. In patients with serum ferritin >1,000 μg/L, hyaluronic acid levels were significantly elevated in patients with cirrhosis versus those without cirrhosis (137 ± 34.4 ng/mL versus 18.6 ± 1.5 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.006). CLIV >113 ng/mL was 100% sensitive but only 56% specific for cirrhosis (area under the curve = 0.78; P = 0.01). Conclusion: In HH, the measurement of hyaluronic acid in patients with serum ferritin >1,000 μg/L is a noninvasive, accurate, and cost-effective method for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2009;49:418–425.)
Eight full‐length abelson related gene (Arg) isoforms are constitutively expressed in caki‐1 cell line and cell distribution of two isoforms has been analyzed after transfection
Authors: Bianchi Cristina , Torsello Barbara , Angeloni Valentina , Bombelli Silvia , Soldi Monica , Invernizzi Lara , Brambilla Paola , Perego Roberto A.
Published: September 2008

The human Arg (Abl2) nonreceptor tyrosine kinase has a role in cytoskeletal rearrangements by its C‐terminal F‐actin‐ and microtubule‐binding sequences. We have previously identified Arg transcripts with different 5′‐ and 3′‐ends, named respectively long and short 1A and 1B (1AL, 1AS, 1BL, 1BS) and long and short C‐termini (CTL and CTS), that have different expression patterns in various cell types. The combination of the different ends permits to predict eight putative full‐length Arg transcripts and corresponding proteins. By Reverse Transcription‐Long PCR we show here that all eight full‐length transcripts are endogenously expressed in Caki‐1 cells and the two bands, ≃10 kDa different, shown by 1‐D Western blots of Hek293T and Caki‐1 lysates correspond to the full‐length Arg protein isoforms with different C‐termini. 2‐D Western blot analysis evidenced different high molecular weight and slight acidic specific spots in Hek293T and Caki‐1 lysates. The cellular localization of two Arg isoforms (1BLCTL and 1BLCTS) transfected in Caki‐1 and Hek293T cells was cytoplasmic, and some differences in cytoskeleton interactions have been evidenced. Moreover, in Hek293T cells only the transfected 1BLCTS isoform gives rise to a large intracytoplasmic cylindrical structure containing phalloidin‐positive amorphous actin aggregates. The presence of eight full‐length Arg isoforms with different cellular expression may imply a diverse functional role in normal and neoplastic cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1219–1227, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear receptor profile in calvarial bone cells undergoing osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation
Authors: Pirih Flavia Q. , Abayahoudian Rosette , Elashoff David , Parhami Farhad , Nervina Jeanne M. , Tetradis Sotirios
Published: September 2008

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are key regulators of cell function and differentiation. We examined NR expression during osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation of primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts (MOBs). MOBs were cultured for 21 days in osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation media. von Kossa and Oil Red O staining, and qRT‐PCR of marker genes and 49 NRs were performed. PCR amplicons were subcloned to establish correct sequences and absolute standard curves. Forty‐three NRs were detected at days 0–21. Uncentered average linkage hierarchical clustering identified four expression clusters: NRs (1) upregulated during osteogenic, but not adipogenic, differentiation, (2) upregulated in both conditions, with greater upregulation during adipogenic differentiation, (3) upregulated equally in both conditions, (4) downregulated during adipogenic, but not osteogenic, differentiation. One‐way ANOVA with contrast revealed 20 NRs upregulated during osteogenic differentiation and 12 NRs upregulated during adipogenic differentiation. Two‐way ANOVA demonstrated that 18 NRs were higher in osteogenic media, while 9 NRs were higher in adipogenic media. The time effect revealed 16 upregulated NRs. The interaction of condition with time revealed 6 NRs with higher expression rate during adipogenic differentiation and 3 NRs with higher expression rate during osteogenic differentiation. Relative NR abundance at days 0 and 21 were ranked. Basal ranking changed at least 5 positions for 13 NRs in osteogenic media and 9 NRs in adipogenic media. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation significantly altered NR expression in MOBs. These differences offer a fingerprint of cellular commitment and may provide clues to the underlying mechanisms of osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1316–1326, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional expression of β2 adrenergic receptors responsible for protection against oxidative stress through promotion of glutathione synthesis after Nrf2 upregulation in undifferentiated mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 stem cells
Authors: Takahata Yoshifumi , Takarada Takeshi , Iemata Mika , Yamamoto Tomomi , Nakamura Yukary , Kodama Ayumi , Yoneda Yukio
Published: September 2008

Adrenaline is believed to play a dual role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and an adrenomedullary hormone in the peripheral tissues. In contrast to accumulating evidence for the involvement in endochondral ossification, osteoblastogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis, little attention has been paid to the role of adrenergic signals in the mechanisms underlying proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells with self‐renewal capacity and multi‐potentiality to differentiate into osteoblast, chondrocyte, adipocyte, and myocyte lineages. Expression of mRNA was seen for different adrenergic receptor (AdR) subtypes, including β2AdR, in the mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 cells and mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells before differentiation. Exposure to adrenaline not only increased cAMP formation, phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) on serine133 and CRE reporter activity in a manner sensitive to propranolol, but also rendered C3H10T1/2 cells resistant to the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide, but not of either 2,4‐dinitirophenol or tunicamycin. Adrenaline induced a rapid but transient increase in mRNA expression of the antioxidative gene nuclear factor E2 p45‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) along with an increase in the cystine/glutamate antiporter subunit xCT mRNA expression. Hydrogen peroxide was less cytotoxic in cells overexpressing Nrf2, moreover, while adrenaline significantly increased xCT promoter activity with an increase in endogenous glutathione levels. These results suggest that adrenaline may selectively protect mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism related to the promoted biosynthesis of glutathione in association with transient Nrf2 expression after activation of β2AdR. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 268–275, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catalytically inactive SHIP2 inhibits proliferation by attenuating pdgf signaling in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Artemenko Yulia , Gagnon AnneMarie , Sorisky Alexander
Published: September 2008

Inadequate proliferation and/or differentiation of preadipocytes may lead to adipose tissue dysfunction characterized by hypertrophied, insulin‐resistant adipocytes. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) may alter adipose tissue function by promoting proliferation of preadipocytes. Two principal signaling pathways that regulate proliferation are PI3K/PI(3,4,5)P3/Akt and Shc/Ras/ERK1/2. SH2 domain‐containing inositol 5‐phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) dephosphorylates PI(3,4,5)P3, and also binds to Shc. Our goal was to determine how SHIP2 affects these PDGF signaling routes. To assess the role of the 5‐phosphatase domain, we expressed wild‐type or catalytically inactive dominant‐negative SHIP2 (P686A‐D690A‐R691A; PDR/AAA) in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Surprisingly, SHIP2 PDR/AAA inhibited proliferation more potently than wild‐type SHIP2. After three days of proliferation, phospho‐Akt, phospho‐ERK1/2, and PDGF receptor (PDGFR) levels were reduced in PDR/AAA‐expressing preadipocytes. SHIP2 PDR/AAA interference with PDGFR signaling was demonstrated using imatinib, an inhibitor of PDGFR tyrosine kinase. The anti‐proliferative effect of imatinib observed in control preadipocytes was not significant in SHIP2 PDR/AAA‐expressing preadipocytes, indicating a pre‐existing impairment of PDGFR‐dependent mitogenesis in these cells. The inhibition of PDGF‐activated mitogenic pathways by SHIP2 PDR/AAA was consistent with a decrease in PDGFR phosphorylation caused by a drop in receptor levels in SHIP2 PDR/AAA‐expressing cells. SHIP2 PDR/AAA promoted ubiquitination of the PDGFR and its degradation via the lysosomal pathway independently of the association between the E3 ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl and PDGFR. Overall, our findings indicate that SHIP2 PDR/AAA reduces preadipocyte proliferation by attenuating PDGFR signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 228–236, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Platelet‐derived growth factor stimulates osteoprotegerin production in osteoblastic cells
Authors: McCarthy Helen S. , Williams John H.H. , Davie Michael W.J. , Marshall Michael J.
Published: September 2008

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a major regulator of osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption and vascular calcification. OPG is produced by various cell types including mesenchymally derived cells, in particular, osteoblastic cells. Here we show OPG production by osteoblastic cells was stimulated by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) in two human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, Saos‐2), a mouse pre‐osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3‐E1) and human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSC) by 152%, 197%, 113% and 45% respectively over 24 h. OPG was measured in the cell culture medium by immunoassay. PDGF isoforms AA, BB and AB show similar stimulation of OPG production. Message for OPG was also increased similarly to the increased secretion into the culture medium. Using specific inhibitors of cell signalling we demonstrate that PDGF acts through the PDGF receptor, PKC, PI3K, ERK and P38 and not via NF‐kB or JNK. The importance of PDGF in fracture healing suggests a role for OPG production in countering bone resorption during the early phase of this process. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 350–354, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 increase αvβ3 integrin expression and invasion in human chondrosarcoma cells
Authors: Lai Tzu‐Hsiu , Fong Yi‐Chin , Fu Wen‐Mei , Yang Rong‐Sen , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: September 2008

Chondrosarcoma is a type of highly malignant tumor with a potent capacity to invade locally and cause distant metastasis. Chondrosarcoma shows a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. The stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1), constitutively secreted by human lung epithelium cells, has been shown to function in a key role for recruitment of neutrophils. Here, we found that human chondrosarcoma tissues and chondrosarcoma cell lines had significant expression of CXCR4 (SDF‐1 receptor), which was higher than normal cartilage and human chondrocyte. SDF‐1α and lung epithelium cells conditioned medium (LECM) induced the invasiveness of chondrosarcoma cells. SDF‐1 siRNA inhibited LECM‐induced invasion of chondrosarcoma cells and SDF‐1α also directly induced the cell surface expression of αvβ3 but not α2β1 and α5β1 integrin. Activations of ERK and NF‐κB pathways after SDF‐1 treatment was demonstrated, and SDF‐1α‐induced expression of αvβ3 integrin and invasion activity was inhibited by the specific inhibitor and mutant of ERK and NF‐κB cascades. Taken together, our results indicate that lung derived‐SDF‐1α enhances the invasiveness of chondrosarcoma cells by increasing αvβ3 integrin expression through the CXCR4/ERK/NF‐κB signal transduction pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 334–342, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soil organic‐carbon and total nitrogen stocks as affected by different land uses in Baden‐Württemberg (southwest Germany)
Authors: Chen Haiqing , Marhan Sven , Billen Norbert , Stahr Karl
Published: September 2008

Regional direct field measurements of potential response of soil organic‐carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks to different land uses is of great importance for the development of best‐management practices with respect to SOC and TN accumulation in soils of Baden‐Württemberg, SW Germany. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plow tillage (PT), reduced tillage (RT), and grassland (GL) on soil organic‐C and TN stocks in surface soils. Soils samples from 13 sites of adjacent paired PT, RT, and GL were taken at depths of 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm throughout Baden‐Württemberg. Averaged over the 13 sites, GL had significantly higher SOC concentrations in the 0–5 cm layer and significantly higher TN concentrations in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm layers, compared with soils under PT. Soils under RT tended to have higher SOC concentrations in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm layers and higher TN concentrations at all the three depths, compared with soils under PT. Grassland contained significantly higher SOC and TN stocks than soils under PT in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm layers. Soils under RT tended to have higher SOC and TN stocks than soils under PT in all the three layers. Grassland contained 44.5% (14.75 Mg C ha–1) more SOC and 43.5% (1.58 Mg N ha–1) more TN stocks than soils under PT, and soils under RT contained 7.3% (2.7 Mg C ha–1) more SOC and 7.9% (0.29 Mg N ha–1) more TN stocks than soils under PT in the 0–20 cm depth interval, respectively. We estimated that GL accumulated an average 1.27 Mg C ha–1 y–1 and 0.129 Mg N ha–1 y–1 more than soils under PT over an average period of 11 y, whereas soils under RT accumulated 0.32 Mg C ha–1 y–1 and 0.033 Mg N ha–1 y–1 relative to soils under PT in the top 20 cm, respectively. The outcomes of this study are significant for the assessment of C and N sequestration forecasting of land‐use management associated with grassland and reduced tillage in SW Germany.