bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition Abolishes Neuron Apoptosis Induced by Chronic Hypoxia Independently of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Signaling
Authors: Caretti Anna , Bianciardi Paola , Ronchi Raffaella , Fantacci Monica , Guazzi Marco , Samaja Michele
Published: July 2008

Exposure to hypoxia triggers a variety of adverse effects in the brain that arise from metabolic stress and induce neuron apoptosis. Overexpression of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is believed to be a major candidate in orchestrating the cell’s defense against stress. To test the impact of HIF-1α on apoptosis during chronic hypoxia in vivo, we examined the protective effect of modulating the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway by sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). Male ICR/CD-1 mice were divided into 3 groups ( n = 6/group): normoxic (21% O2), hypoxic (9.5% O2), and hypoxic with sildenafil (1.4-mg/kg intraperitoneal injections daily). At the end of the 8-day treatment period, the mice were euthanized and cerebral cortex biopsies were harvested for analyses. We found that sildenafil: (1) did not significantly alter the hypoxia-induced weight loss and hemoglobin increase, but did augment plasma nitrates+nitrites and the tissue content of cGMP and phosphorylated (P) NO synthase III; (2) reversed the hypoxia-induced neuron apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase positivity and double-staining immunofluorescence, P = 0.009), presumably through increased bcl-2/Bax ( P = 0.0005); and (3) did not affect HIF-1α, but rather blunted the hypoxia-induced increase in P-ERK1/2 ( P = 0.0002) and P-p38 ( P = 0.004). We conclude that upregulating the NO/cGMP pathway by PDE-5 inhibition during hypoxia reduces neuron apoptosis, regardless of HIF-1α, through an interaction involving ERK1/2 and p38.
Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Response Is Suppressed by Sophorae Flos: Inhibition of Src-Family Kinase
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Kim Jie Wan , Ko Na Young , Mun Se Hwan , Kim Do Kyun , Kim Ju Dong , Won Hyung Sik , Shin Hwa Sup , Kim Hyung Sik , Her Erk , Kim Young Mi , Choi Wahn Soo
Published: July 2008

Complementary and alternative medicines are considered as a promising direction for the development of anti-allergic therapies in oriental countries. We screened approximately 100 oriental herbal medicines for anti-allergic activity. Sophorae flos exhibited the most potent effect on degranulation in antigen-stimulated mast cells. We further investigated the effect of Sophorae flos on the IgE-mediated allergic response in vivo and its mechanism of action in mast cells. Sophorae flos exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on degranulation in antigen-stimulated mast cells with IC50 values of ~31.6 μg/mL (RBL-2H3 mast cells) and ~47.8 μg/mL (bone marrow-derived mast cells). Sophorae flos also suppressed the expression and secretion of TNF-α and IL-4 in the cells and IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. Sophorae flos inhibited the activating phosphorylation of Syk and LAT in mast cells. Further downstream, activating phosphorylation of Akt and the prototypic MAP kinases, namely, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK, were also inhibited. These results suggest that Sophorae flos inhibits the Src family kinase-dependent signaling cascades in mast cells and may thus exert anti-allergic activity.
Retinol to Retinol-Binding Protein (RBP) Is Low in Obese Adults due to Elevated apo-RBP
Authors: Mills Jordan P. , Furr Harold C. , Tanumihardjo Sherry A.
Published: July 2008

Elevated serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) concentration has been associated with obesity and insulin resistance, but accompanying retinol values have not been reported. Assessment of retinol is required to discriminate between apo-RBP, which may act as an adipokine, and holo-RBP, which transports vitamin A. The relations between serum RBP, retinol, retinyl esters, BMI, and measures of insulin resistance were determined in obese adults. Fasting blood (≥8 h) was collected from obese men and women ( n = 76) and blood chemistries were obtained. Retinol and retinyl esters were quantified by HPLC and RBP by ELISA. RBP and retinol were determined in age and sex-matched, nonobese individuals ( n = 41) for comparison. Serum apo-RBP was two-fold higher in obese (0.90 ± 0.62 μM) than nonobese subjects (0.44 ± 0.56 μM) ( P < 0.001). The retinol to RBP ratio (retinol:RBP) was significantly lower in obese (0.73 ± 0.13) than nonobese subjects (0.90 ± 0.22) ( P < 0.001) and RBP was strongly associated with retinol in both groups ( r = 0.71 and 0.90, respectively, P < 0.0001). In obese subjects, RBP was associated with insulin ( r = 0.26, P < 0.05), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ( r = 0.29, P < 0.05), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index ( r = −0.27, P < 0.05). RBP was associated with BMI only when obese and nonobese subjects were combined ( r = 0.25, P < 0.01). Elevated serum RBP, derived in part from apo-RBP, was more strongly associated with retinol than with BMI or measures of insulin resistance in obese adults. Investigations into the role of RBP in obesity and insulin resistance should include retinol to facilitate the measurement of apo-RBP and retinol:RBP. When evaluating the therapeutic potential of lowering serum RBP, consideration
Climate Change Impacts on Seals and Whales in the North Atlantic Arctic and Adjacent Shelf Seas
Authors: Kovacs Kit M. , Lydersen Christian
Published: July 2008

In a warmer Arctic, endemic marine mammal species will face extreme levels of habitat change, most notably a dramatic reduction in sea ice. Additionally, the physical environmental changes, including less ice and increased water (and air) temperatures will result in alterations to the forage base of arctic marine mammals, including density and distributional shifts in their prey, as well as potential losses of some of their traditionally favoured fat-rich prey species. In addition they are likely to face increased competition from invasive temperate species, increased predation from species formerly unable to access them in areas of extensive sea ice or simply because the water temperature was restrictive, increased disease risk and perhaps also increased risks from contaminants. Over the coming decades it is also likely that arctic marine mammals will face increased impacts from human traffic and development in previously inaccessible, ice-covered areas. Impacts on ice-associated cetaceans are difficult to predict because the reasons for their affiliation with sea ice are not clearly understood. But, it is certain that ice-breeding seals will have marked, or total, breeding-habitat loss in their traditional breeding areas and will certainly undergo distributional changes and in all probability abundance reductions. If species are fixed in traditional spatial and temporal cycles, and are unable to shift them within decadal time scales, some populations will go extinct. In somewhat longer time frames, species extinctions can also be envisaged.
Global Warming and effects on the Arctic Fox
Authors: Fuglei Eva , Ims Rolf Anker
Published: July 2008

We predict the effect of global warming on the arctic fox, the only endemic terrestrial predatory mammals in the arctic region. We emphasize the difference between coastal and inland arctic fox populations. Inland foxes rely on peak abundance of lemming prey to sustain viable populations. In the short-term, warmer winters result in missed lemming peak years and reduced opportunities for successful arctic fox breeding. In the long-term, however, warmer climate will increase plant productivity and more herbivore prey for competitive dominant predators moving in from the south. The red fox has already intruded the arctic region and caused a retreat of the southern limit of arctic fox distribution range.

Coastal arctic foxes, which rely on the richer and temporally stable marine subsidies, will be less prone to climate-induced resource limitations. Indeed, arctic islands, becoming protected from southern species invasions as the extent of sea ice is decreasing, may become the last refuges for coastal populations of arctic foxes.
Climate Change and the Microbiology of the Antarctic Peninsula Region
Authors: Pearce David A.
Published: July 2008

Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems are cold, dry, low nutrient environments, with large temperature fluctuations and paradoxically low levels of water availability. These extreme environments are dominated by microorganisms (viruses, archaea, eubacteria, fungi and microsporidia, alveolata, stramenopila, rhodophyta, green algae and protists), which can either tolerate or are adapted to exploit unfavourable growth conditions. However, climate change is altering the growth environment in Antarctica, and so selection pressures on these microorganisms are changing which, in turn, might affect microbial activity in key processes such as biogeochemical cycling. Although the direct effect of a change in, for example, temperature, is known for very few Antarctic microorganisms, molecular techniques (to monitor population structure) and genomic techniques (to identify specific gene function) are starting to give us an insight into what the potential effects of climate change might be at the cellular level. The key to how microorganisms respond to such change depends upon the rate and magnitude of the change along with the physiological capability of microorganisms to adapt or tolerate those changes. Here we will examine a number of case studies in which the effects of factors such as temperature, nutrient availability, grazing, salinity, seasonal cycle and carbon dioxide concentration have each been demonstrated to affect bacterial community structure in polar and alpine ecosystems. The results suggest that the spatial distribution of genetic variation and, hence, comparative rates of evolution, colonization and extinction are particularly important when considering the response of microbial communities to climate change.
Hearing Rehabilitation in a Patient with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Only Hearing Ear
Authors: Hawkins David B.
Published: July 2008

A case report is presented of a 62-year-old software product manager who had normal hearing in one ear and a congenital profound hearing loss in the other ear and then sustained a sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the only hearing ear. The approach to amplification decisions, cochlear
implant evaluation, and rehabilitation options are discussed. Providing aural rehabilitation and continually updating and providing new amplification options and accessories are described. Se presenta un reporte de caso de un gerente de productos de software de 62 años de edad quien
tenía audición normal en un oído y un sordera congénita profunda en el otro, y quién súbitamente sufrió una sordera sensorineural súbita en el único oído con audición. Se discute el enfoque de decisiones de amplificación,
la evaluación para implante coclear, y las opciones de rehabilitación. Se describen las pautas para proveer rehabilitación aural y para actualizar continuamente y aportar nuevas opciones de amplificación.
Implanting outside the Guidelines: A Case Study
Authors: Seymour Millicent K. , Lundy Larry
Published: July 2008

An 81-year-old female was referred for cochlear implantation due to difficulty communicating in her daily activities despite the use of appropriate amplification. The poorer ear was unable to tolerate amplification for the past 15 years. The open-set sentence-recognition test score
in quiet in her "good" ear was 85 percent correct, indicating that the patient was not a traditional cochlear implant candidate. However, the sentence-recognition score in noise at +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio was 0 percent, demonstrating a significant breakdown in the patient's
speech understanding in more difficult listening situations. This speech-in-noise score appeared to correlate with the patient's reported communication difficulties as well as with the communicative breakdowns that were observed clinically. The patient underwent cochlear implantation in the
better ear. Cochlear implantation in this nontraditional patient provided objective and subjective benefit over hearing aid use. Una mujer de 81 años de edad fue referida para implante coclear debido a sus dificultades para comunicarse en sus actividades diarias, a pesar del uso de
amplificación apropiada. El oído peor había sido incapaz de tolerar la amplificación durante los últimos 15 años. El puntaje de la prueba de reconocimiento de palabras de lista abierta en silencio en su oído "bueno" fue de un 85%,
indicando que le paciente no era una candidata tradicional para un implante coclear. Sin embargo, los puntajes de reconocimiento de frases en ruido, a una tasa señal/ruido de ±10 dB fueron de 0%, demostrando un colapso en la comprensión del lenguaje por parte de la paciente
en situaciones auditivas más difíciles. Este puntaje de lenguaje en ruido pareció correlacionar con las dificultades reportadas por la paciente, así como con el colapso comunicativo que se observó clínicamente. La paciente fue sometida a una implantación
coclear en el mejor oído. El implante coclear en esta paciente no tradicional aportó un beneficio objetivo y subjetivo sobre el uso de auxiliares auditivos.
Delayed Endolymphatic Hydrops: A Case Study
Authors: Lazaro Rachel , Lundy Larry , Zapala David
Published: July 2008

Delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) is an unusual variation of Ménière's disease characterized by episodic vertigo that develops some time after the onset of a profound, typically unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. This case study describes a 48-year-old male who presented
with complaints of episodic vertigo and disequilibrium 15 years following the onset of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patient's history, audiologic findings, and vestibular evaluation led to the diagnosis of DEH. The case highlights the diagnostic and treatment challenges associated
with this condition and focuses attention on principles that guide the audiologist in collecting evidence that aids in solving these challenges. El hidrops endolinfático retardado (DEH) es una variante inusual de la Enfermedad de Ménière, caracterizada por vértigo
episódico que se desarrolla en el tiempo luego del inicio de una hipoacusia sensorineural unilateral típica. Este estudio de caso describe una varón de 48 años que presentó quejas de vértigo episódico y desequilibrio, 15 años después
del inicio de una hipoacusia sensorineural unilateral. La historia del paciente, los hallazgos audiológicos y la evaluación vestibular llevaron al diagnóstico de DEH. El caso destaca los retos diagnósticos y terapéuticos asociados con esta condición
y concentra su atención en los principios que guían al audiólogo en la recolección de evidencia que ayude a resolver estos retos.
Audiologic Management of a Patient with a Sudden Hearing Loss and Vestibular Schwannoma in the Contralateral Ear
Authors: Schaedler Anne , Hawkins David
Published: July 2008

The case of a 59-year-old male with a sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss in one ear and an incidental finding of an intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma in the contralateral, normally hearing ear is reported. The patient was successfully fitted with a hearing aid in the ear with
the sudden hearing loss, which notably had very poor word recognition. The questionable value of word-recognition scores in determining hearing aid candidacy is discussed. The importance of considering nonaudiologic factors in determining hearing aid candidacy is also highlighted. Se reporta
el caso de una mujer de 59 años de edad con una hipoacusia sensorineural de inicio súbito en un oído, y el hallazgo incidental de un schwanoma vestibular intracanalicular en el oído contralateral con audición normal. Al paciente se le adaptó exitosamente
un auxiliar auditivo en el oído con la hipoacusia súbita, que notablemente tenía un reconocimiento de palabras muy pobre. Se discute el cuestionable valor de los puntajes de reconocimiento de palabras para determinar la candidatura a un auxiliar auditivo. También
se destaca la importancia de considerar los factores no audiológicos a la hora de determinar la candidatura para un auxiliar auditivo.
Hearing Loss and Speech Privacy in the Health Care Setting: A Case Study
Authors: Zapala David A. , Hawkins David B.
Published: July 2008

Ensuring speech privacy has become an important consideration in the design of health care environments. The Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements include the establishment of reasonable technical and procedural methods to protect patient privacy. However,
specific standards for meeting speech privacy requirements are not currently established. This article presents a case study of two clinical environments, one where speech privacy was judged by health care workers to be adequate and one where speech privacy was judged to be inadequate. Careful
study of both environments revealed three factors that led to the perception of inadequate speech privacy. First, sound attenuation between adjacent rooms was slightly poorer by 5 dB in the inadequate environments. Second, ambient noise levels were lower by 9 dB in the inadequate environment.
Finally, geriatric patients with hearing loss prompted health care workers to increase their speech intensity, decrease language complexity, and decrease the speed at which speech was articulated. These factors made it more probable that speech was overheard and understood. Existing methods
to calculate speech privacy in health care settings need to consider the effect of hearing loss on the acoustics of the oral communication transaction. El aseguramiento de la privacidad para el lenguaje se ha convertido en una consideración importante en el diseño de ambiente
de atención en salud. Los requisitos de la Ley de Responsabilidad y Portabilidad de Seguros de Salud incluyen el establecimiento de métodos técnicos y de procedimiento para proteger razonablemente la privacidad del paciente. Sin embargo, los estándares específicos
para cumplir los requisitos de privacidad para el lenguaje no están actualmente establecidos. Este artículo presenta un estudio de caso de dos ambientes clínicos, uno donde la privacidad para el lenguaje se juzgó adecuada por parte de trabajadores de salud, y otro
donde se consideró que la privacidad para el lenguaje era inadecuada. Un estudio cuidadoso de ambos ambientes reveló tres factores que condujeron a la percepción de una privacidad inadecuada para el lenguaje. Primero, la atenuación del sonido entre habitaciones
adyacentes fue levemente menor de 5 dB para los ambientes inadecuados. Segundo, los niveles de ruido ambiental fueron 9 dB más bajos en el ambiente inadecuado. Finalmente, los pacientes geriátricos con hipoacusia pidieron al personal de salud que aumentaran la intensidad de su
lenguaje, que disminuyeran la complejidad del mismo, y que disminuyeran la velocidad a la cuál se articulaba el lenguaje. Estos factores hicieron que fuera posible que el lenguaje se oyera y entendiera mejor. Los métodos actuales para calcular la privacidad en el lenguaje en
establecimientos de salud deben considerar el efecto de la hipoacusia en la acústica de la transacción oral de la comunicación.
A Review of Common Dermatologic Disorders of the External Ear
Authors: Garvey Christopher , Garvey Kathleen , Hendi Ali
Published: July 2008

Skin disorders of the external ear are common. Although audiologists will not necessarily treat these conditions, it is important for them to be aware of these disorders and refer patients to a specialist in some instances. This report summarizes eight of the most commonly encountered
skin conditions with an emphasis on recognition and appropriate referral. The cutaneous disorders of the external ear discussed in the article are divided into benign, premalignant, and malignant groups. Los trastornos de la piel en el oído externo son comunes. Aunque los audiólogos
no necesariamente tratan estas condiciones, es importante que sean concientes de estos problemas para referir el paciente a un especialista en algunos casos. Este reporte resume ocho de las condiciones de piel más comúnmente descritas, con un énfasis en su reconocimiento
y en una referencia apropiada. Los trastornos cutáneos del oído externo discutidos en este artículo se dividen en benignos, pre-malignos y malignos
Fall Risk, Vestibular Schwannoma, and Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Shelfer Janet , Zapala David , Lundy Larry
Published: July 2008

Elderly patients with balance problems are at high risk for falls. When these same patients are also on anticoagulants, the consequences of a fall can be serious. Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Even mild head trauma can cause a fatal cerebral hemorrhage
when anticoagulants are used. However, this risk needs to be weighed against the possibility of spontaneous stroke. The decision to choose anticoagulant therapy can become even more complicated if the patient has an increased risk of falling. A case is presented of an 87-year-old female with
balance problems, in part from a small unilateral vestibular schwannoma. She was also receiving Coumadin anticoagulant therapy. When she began to fall, a decision had to be made about the relative risks and benefits of Coumadin therapy. The risk/benefit calculation could change, however, depending
on whether her fall risk could be improved. This article presents the diagnostic test results and medical opinions surrounding this case. The importance of assessing patients' overall situation is stressed in planning rehabilitation. Los pacientes ancianos con problemas del equilibrio tienen
un alto riesgo para caídas. Cuando esos mismos pacientes toman anticoagulantes, las consecuencias de una caída pueden ser serias. La terapia anticoagulante aumenta el riesgo de una hemorragia cerebral. Aún un trauma cefálico leve puede causar una hemorragia cerebral
fatal cuando se usan anticoagulantes. Sin embargo, este riesgo debe ser ponderado contra la posibilidad de una apoplejía espontánea. La decisión de escoger una terapia anticoagulante puede volverse aún más complicada si el paciente tiene un riesgo aumentado
de caídas. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 87 años de edad con problemas de equilibrio, en parte por un pequeño schwanoma vestibular unilateral. Ella también estaba recibiendo terapia con el anticoagulante Coumadin. Cuando ella empezó a caerse, se tuvo
que tomar una decisión sobre el riesgo relativo y los beneficios de la terapia con Coumadin. El cálculo del riesgo/beneficio podría cambiar, sin embargo, dependiendo de si su riesgo para caídas puede ser mejorado. Este artículo presenta los resultados de
las pruebas diagnósticas y las opiniones médicas al respecto del caso. La importancia de evaluar la situación global del paciente se enfatiza a la hora de planear la rehabilitación.
Dorsolateral Medullary Infarction: A Neurogenic Cause of a Contralateral, Large-Amplitude Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential
Authors: Lundy Larry , Zapala David , Olsholt Ketil
Published: July 2008

The vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) has become a useful tool to assess the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve function. Vestibulopathies involving the saccule or inferior vestibular nerve typically result in VEMP responses that are diminished or absent on the involved
side. Abnormally large VEMPs are rare. Large VEMPs have been associated with superior canal dehiscence, Ménière's disease, and labyrinthine fistula. In all of these cases, the abnormally large VEMP can be explained on the basis of labyrinthine hydromechanical changes that result
in excessive saccular displacement in response to intense sound. In this report, a case is presented of a 74-year-old male with dorsal lateral medullary infarction (Wallenberg's syndrome) who presented with an enlarged VEMP—a finding that has not been reported to date as a result of
a brain stem lesion. Particularly perplexing, the enlarged VEMP was on the contralesional side. A proposed mechanism of contralateral vestibular nuclei disinhibition secondary to the brain stem stroke is discussed. El potencial miogénico vestibular evocado (VEMP) se ha convertido en
una herramienta útil para evaluar el sáculo y la función del nervio vestibular inferior. Las vestibulopatías que involucran el sáculo y el nervio vestibular inferior típicamente generan respuestas del VEMP que están disminuidas o ausentes en
lado involucrado. Los VEMP anormalmente grandes son raros. Los VEMP grandes se han asociado con dehiscencia del canal superior, con enfermedad de Ménière y con fístula del laberinto. En todos estos casos, el VEMP anormalmente grande puede explicarse sobre la base de cambios
hidromecánicos del laberinto, que producen un desplazamiento excesivo del sáculo, en respuesta a un estímulo sonoro intenso. En este reporte, se presenta un caso de un hombre de 74 años de edad con un infarto medular dorsolateral (Síndrome de Wallenberg),
quien mostró un VEMP grande—un hallazgo que a la fecha no ha sido reportado como resultado de una lesión del tallo cerebral. Sorprendentemente, el VEMP agrandado estaba en el lado contrario a la lesión. Se discute un mecanismo propuesto de desinhibición de
los núcleos vestibulares contralaterales, producto de la apoplejía en el tallo cerebral.
Silica adsorbent design and process evaluation for recovery of homogeneous catalysts by reverse flow adsorption
Authors: Zivkovic T. Dekic , de Haan A. B.
Published: July 2008

The goal of this work is to demonstrate the stability of reverse flow adsorption process for recovery of homogeneous catalysts and to study the influence of catalyst and adsorbent properties for optimizing the RFA process operation. Data used in simulations were obtained from our previous work. Two models are developed to describe the reversible adsorption. One which describes the adsorption of the metal containing species and second model that describes adsorption of the free ligand. It is shown that stable operation is reached, where leaching of metal is prevented. The RFA process can be applied for wide ranges of the catalyst's stability constants [100–1012 (dm3/mol)2] and it is specially applicable for the recovery of homogeneous catalysts that have a low metal concentration. Values of the adsorbent (βM = 0.8, α = 1850, PeP = 376.4, dp = 100 μm and εb = 0.5) and the column characteristics (Bo = 1.74 × 104 and N = 6.6 × 104) that provide a sharp concentration profile inside the bed are determined. Simulation of the recovery of Rh catalyst in the BASF hydroformylation process required a total adsorption bed volume of 6% of reactor volume. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Design of a silicon‐based microscale trickle‐bed system for singlet‐oxygen production
Authors: Wilhite Benjamin A. , Jensen Klavs F. , Hill Tyrone F. , Velásquez‐García Luis Fernando , Epstein Alan H. , Livermore Carol
Published: July 2008

Design methodology and flow characterization of a miniaturized trickle‐bed system for singlet‐oxygen production via exothermic reaction of chlorine gas and basic hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution are reported. Miniaturized singlet oxygen production is accomplished by integration of several components developed for microsystems (uniform phase distributors, integrated on‐chip cooling, and capillary‐based phase separation) within a single device. Macroscale design equations for pressure‐drop and heat‐transfer rates are verified experimentally in the miniature trickle‐bed reactor. Flow regime data from the present study are summarized with previous reports in microdevices and compared to conventional multiphase flow maps; these maps are found to be incapable of accurately predicting the flow regime trends within the miniaturized trickle‐bed system. Operation of the silicon‐based miniaturized trickle‐bed reactor achieved estimated singlet‐oxygen yields of 78%, comparing well with the reactor model predictions. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Effects of caller activity and habitat visibility on contact call rate of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Koda Hiroki , Shimooka Yukiko , Sugiura Hideki
Published: July 2008

A major function of contact calls in nonhuman primates is to maintain spatial cohesion among individuals in a group. The risks of spatial/visual separation from the group are likely to affect auditory contact behavior, in particular by increasing the call rate. We tested whether the risk of separation influences coo call emission by investigating the variation in call rate among behavioral contexts in two wild populations of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We focused on caller activity and the degree of visibility within the habitat as primary potential factors mediating call rate. We first estimated the habitat visibility of the two research sites at Yakushima Island (YK) and Kinkazan Island (KZ), Japan. The habitat visibility of YK was significantly more restricted than that of KZ. We then compared the call rate of 20 adult and 12 juvenile female macaques between the two wild populations to examine the potential effects of environmental differences. Both populations had a lower call rate during grooming than during feeding and moving, which are behaviors associated to higher interindividual distances. The call rate of YK adult females was significantly greater than that of both juveniles and KZ adult females, independently of activity. The call rate increased as macaques matured in the YK population, but not in the KZ population, suggesting that different developmental processes involved in contact calling of the two populations. Our findings suggest that separation risk influences call rate, and also imply a possibility of social influence that social structure change effects on the call rates. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1055–1063, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperprogesteronemia in response to Vitex fischeri consumption in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)
Authors: Emery Thompson Melissa , Wilson Michael L. , Gobbo Grace , Muller Martin N. , Pusey Anne E.
Published: July 2008

Chimpanzees in Gombe National Park consume fruits of Vitex fischeri during a short annual fruiting season. This fruit species is a member of a genus widely studied for phytoestrogen composition and varied physiological effects. One particularly well‐studied species, V. agnus‐castus, is noted for its documented effects on female reproductive function, evidenced in increased progesterone levels and consequent regulation of luteal function. We examined reproductive hormone levels in both male and female chimpanzees during a 6‐week period of intense V. fischeri consumption. V. fischeri consumption was associated with an abrupt and dramatic increase in urinary progesterone levels of female chimpanzees to levels far exceeding the normal range of variation. Female estrogen levels were not significantly impacted, nor were male testosterone levels. These are some of the first data indicating that phytochemicals in the natural diet of a primate can have significant impacts on the endocrine system, though the fluctuating nature of chimpanzee diet and reproductive function does not allow us to determine whether the effects observed during this short period had a broader positive or negative impact on female fertility. Given the widespread use of various Vitex species by African primates and the as‐yet‐undescribed phytochemical properties of these species, we predict that our observations may be indicative of a broader phenomenon. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1064–1071, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of cachexia mediators by Walker 256 cells from ascitic tumors
Authors: Rebeca Rosilene , Bracht Lívia , Noleto Guilhermina Rodrigues , Martinez Glaucia Regina , Cadena Silvia Maria Suter Correia , Carnieri Eva Gunilla Skare , Rocha Maria Eliane Merlin , de Oliveira Maria Benigna Martinelli
Published: July 2008

In neoplasic cachexia, chemical mediators seem to act as initiators or perpetuators of this process. Walker 256 cells, whose metabolic properties have so far been little studied with respect to cancer cachexia, are used as a model for the study of this syndrome. The main objective of this research was to pinpoint the substances secreted by these cells that may contribute to the progression of the cachectic state. Since inflammatory mediators seem to be involved in the manifestation of this syndrome, the in vitro production of nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was evaluated in Walker 256 cells isolated from ascitic tumors. After 4 or 5 h, a significant increase in NO production was observed (2.55 ± 1.56 and 4.05 ± 1.99 nmol NO per 107 cells, respectively). When isolated from a 6‐day‐old tumor, a significantly lower production of IL‐6 and higher production of TNF‐α than in cells from a 4‐day‐old tumor were observed, indicating a relationship between the production of cytokines and the time of tumor development after implantation. Considerable production of PGE2 by Walker 256 cells isolated from the 6‐day‐old tumor was also observed. Polyamines were also determined in Walker 256 cells. Levels of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine did not show significant differences in tumors developed during 4 or 6 days. Direct evidence of the release of proinflammatory cytokines and PGE2 by Walker 256 cells suggests that these mediators can drive the cachectic syndrome in the host, the effect being dependent on tumor development time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐block and path modelling procedures
Authors: Höskuldsson Agnar
Published: July 2008

The author has developed a unified theory of path and multi‐block modelling of data. The data blocks are arranged in a directional path. Each data block can lead to one or more data blocks. It is assumed that there is given a collection of input data blocks. Each of them is supposed to describe one or more intermediate data blocks. The output data blocks are those that are at the ends of the paths and have no succeeding data blocks. The optimisation procedure finds weights for the input data blocks so that the size of the total loadings for the output data blocks are maximised. When the optimal weight vectors have been determined, the score and loading vectors for the data blocks in the path are determined. Appropriate adjustment of the data blocks is carried out at each step. Regression coefficients are computed for each data block that show how the data block is estimated by data blocks that lead to it. Methods of standard regression analysis are extended to this type of modelling. Three types of ‘strengths’ of relationship are computed for each set of two connected data blocks. First is the strength in the path, second the strength where only the data blocks leading to the last one are used and third if only the two are considered. Cross‐validation and other standard methods of linear regression are carried out in a similar manner. In industry, processes are organised in different ways. It can be useful to model the processes in the way they are carried out. By proper alignment of sub‐processes, overall model can be specified. There can be several useful path models during the process, where the data blocks in a path are the ones that are actual or important at given stages of the process. Data collection equipments are getting more and more advanced and cheap. Data analysis need to ‘catch up’ with the challenges that these new technology provides with. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Probes Showing Specific Fluorescence Enhancement on Binding to a Hexahistidine Tag
Authors: Kamoto Mie , Umezawa Naoki , Kato Nobuki , Higuchi Tsunehiko
Published: July 2008

The introduction of hexahistidine (His tag) is widely used as a tool for affinity purification of recombinant proteins, since the His tag binds selectively to nickel–nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni2+–NTA) complex. To develop efficient “turn‐on” fluorescent probes for His‐tagged proteins, we adopted a fluorophore displacement strategy, that is, we designed probes in which a hydroxycoumarin fluorophore is joined via a linker to a metal–NTA moiety, with which it forms a weak intramolecular complex, thereby quenching the fluorescence. In the presence of a His tag, with which the metal–NTA moiety binds strongly, the fluorophore is displaced, which results in a dramatic enhancement of fluorescence. We synthesized a series of hydroxycoumarins that were modified by various linkers with NTA (NTAC ligands), and investigated the chemical and photophysical properties of the free ligands and their metal complexes. From the viewpoint of fluorescence quenching, Ni2+ and Co2+ were the best metals. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a 1:1 binding stoichiometry for the Ni2+ and Co2+ complexes of NTACs in pH 7.4 aqueous buffer. As anticipated, these complexes showed weak intrinsic fluorescence, but addition of a His‐tagged peptide (H‐(His)6‐Tyr‐NH2; Tyr was included to allow convenient concentration measurement) in pH 7.4 aqueous buffer resulted in up to a 22‐fold increase in the fluorescence quantum yield. We found that the Co2+ complexes showed superior properties. No fluorescence enhancement was seen in the presence of angiotensin I, which contains two nonadjacent histidine residues; this suggests that the probes are selective for the polyhistidine peptide.
Extended Surface Chirality for Enantiospecific Adsorption
Authors: Szabelski Pawel
Published: July 2008

A rapid development of nanotechnology opens up a way for the fabrication of solid surfaces containing unique adsorption properties. In this article, we present the concept of a chiral nanostructured surface as a potential environment for the separation of chiral molecules. In particular, we focus on the effect of size and shape of the adsorbing molecules on the effectiveness of their separation on a surface with a special distribution of active sites. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to study enantiospecific adsorption of model chiral molecules that differ in molecular footprint and adsorption energy. It was demonstrated that manipulating the footprint offers many possibilities for tuning the preference of the surface for adsorption of a selected enantiomer. One interesting finding was that subtle differences in the interaction pattern of the molecule with the chiral surface can lead to a reversal of enantioselectivity. The results of this work highlight the role of extended surface chirality in enantiospecific adsorption of enantiomers. They also suggest that the proposed mechanism of chiral selection can be a realistic alternative to those inherent in conventional enantioselective adsorbents.
How Elementary Mercury Reacts in the Presence of Halogen Radicals and/or Halogen Anions: A DFT Investigation
Authors: Maron Laurent , Dommergue Aurélien , Ferrari Christophe , Delacour‐Larose Marlène , Faïn Xavier
Published: July 2008

Reactions of elementary mercury in the gas phase (GEM) have been investigated at the DFT level in the presence of halogen radicals and/or halogen anions. In the presence of radicals, the formation of HgX3. and HgX42. is predicted to be favourable. Moreover, in the presence of anions, the free‐radical liberation is enhanced from these two species allowing the presence of halogen free radicals even without the presence of light radiation. This enhancement is associated with the formation of HgX3−, which is predicted to be the most stable species. In solution, redox chemistry can occur and transform GEM in the presence of X2. The redox potentials of the couples HgX2/Hg for X=Cl, Br and I were calculated to be 0.52, 0.48 and 0.04 V, respectively. This study gives new opportunities to elucidate the environmental chemistry of Hg in the polar regions. In these areas GEM has a unique and fast reactivity due to a combination of factors such as the polar sunrise, the presence of halogenated radicals, snow and ice surfaces and cold temperatures. This reactivity, known as atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs), leads to the deposition of significant amounts of Hg2+ in these regions. The reaction pathways of AMDEs are as yet unknown and the DFT approach may contribute to their elucidation and to the proposal of new mechanisms. Additionally, this study introduces hypotheses concerning the reactivity of GEM inside snowpacks.
Fullerene Nanowires: Self‐Assembled Structures of a Low‐Molecular‐Weight Organogelator Fabricated by the Langmuir–Blodgett Method
Authors: Tsunashima Ryo , Noro Shin‐ichiro , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Takayoshi , Kawakami Hiroko , Toma Kazunori
Published: July 2008

Fullerene derivative C60TT, which is substituted with the low‐molecular‐weight organogelator tris(dodecyloxy)benzamide, formed nanowire structures on application of the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) method. The surface morphology of the C60TT LB film was dependent on the holding time before deposition at a surface pressure of 5 mN m−1; it changed from a homogeneous monolayer to a bilayer fibrous structure via a fibrous monolayer structure, which was estimated to have dimensions of 1.2 nm in height, 8 nm in width, and 5–10 μm in length. From the structural and spectroscopic data, it is inferred that close packing of the fullerene moiety occurs along with intermolecular hydrogen bonding within the monolayer fibrous structure. The morphological changes in the LB film are explained kinetically by the Avrami theory, based on the decrease in the surface area of the monolayer at the air/water interface. The growth of the quasi‐one‐dimensional fibrous monolayer structures at holding times from 0 to 0.2 h is considered to be an interface‐controlled process, whereas the growth of the quasi‐one‐dimensional bilayer fibrous structures from 0.2 to 18 h is thought to be a diffusion‐controlled process.
Cooperative Binding of Calix[4]pyrrole–Anion Complexes and Alkylammonium Cations in Halogenated Solvents
Authors: Gross Dustin E. , Schmidtchen Franz P. , Antonius Wiebke , Gale Philip A. , Lynch Vincent M. , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: July 2008

Calix[4]pyrrole–chloride interactions are affected not only by the choice of countercation in halogenated solvents, but show a specific dependence on the way in which these cations are bound within the electron rich, bowl‐like calix[4]pyrrole cavity formed upon chloride anion complexation. In dichloromethane, the affinities of simple meso‐octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (1) for methyl‐, ethyl‐, and n‐butylammonium chlorides are on the order of 105, 104, and 102 M−1, respectively, as determined from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analyses. These cation‐dependent anion affinity effects, while clearly evident, are less pronounced in other halogenated solvents, such as 1,2‐dichloroethane. Support for the proposed cation complexation selectivity is provided by solid state X‐ray crystallographic analyses.
Phase 1/2 dose‐escalation study of a GM‐CSF‐secreting, allogeneic, cellular immunotherapy for metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Higano Celestia S. , Corman John M. , Smith David C. , Centeno Arthur S. , Steidle Christopher P. , Gittleman Marc , Simons Jonathan W. , Sacks Natalie , Aimi Junko , Small Eric J.
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND

This open‐label, multicenter, dose‐escalation study evaluated multiple dose levels of immunotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The immunotherapy, based on the GVAX platform, consisted of 2 allogeneic prostate‐carcinoma cell lines modified to secrete granulocyte‐macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF).

METHODS

Dose levels ranged from 100 × 106 cells q28d × 6 to 500 × 106 cells prime/300 × 106 cells boost q14d × 11. Endpoints included safety, immunogenicity, overall survival, radiologic response, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) kinetics, and serum GM‐CSF pharmacokinetics.

RESULTS

Eighty men, median age 69 years (range, 49‐90 years), were treated. The most common adverse effect was injection‐site erythema. Overall, the immunotherapy was well tolerated. A maximal tolerated dose was not established. The median survival time was 35.0 months in the high‐dose group, 20.0 months in the mid‐dose, group, and 23.1 months in the low‐dose group. PSA stabilization occurred in 15 (19%) patients, and a >50% decline in PSA was seen in 1 patient. The proportion of patients who generated an antibody response to 1 or both cell lines increased with dose and included 10 of 23 (43%) in the low‐dose group, 13 of 18 (72%) in the mid‐dose group, and 16 of 18 (89%) in the high‐dose group (P = .002; Cochran‐Armitage trend test).

CONCLUSIONS

This immunotherapy was well tolerated. Immunogenicity and overall survival varied by dose. Two phase 3 trials in patients with metastatic HRPC are underway. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Wolfram syndrome 1 (Wfs1) gene expression in the normal mouse visual system
Authors: Kawano June , Tanizawa Yukio , Shinoda Koh
Published: July 2008

Confocal laser scanning microscope image of double immunostaining for Wfs1 protein (green) and for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP; an astrocyte marker; red) in the normal mouse retina and optic nerve. Cell nuclei are labeled in blue. The Wfs1 protein, also called wolframin, is the Wolfram syndrome 1 (Wfs1) gene product. Wfs1 is the disease gene for Wolfram syndrome, a neurodegenerative disorder defined by insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and progressive optic atrophy. This image shows that Wfs1 immunoreactivity is observed in the GFAP‐rich part of the optic nerve immediately behind the eye (central part of the image), and in most of the retinal layers (lower part of the image). J. Comp. Neurol. 510:1–23, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sox9 is expressed in mouse multipotent retinal progenitor cells and functions in Müller Glial cell development
Authors: Poché Ross A. , Furuta Yasuhide , Chaboissier Marie‐Christine , Schedl Andreas , Behringer Richard R.
Published: July 2008

Cryosection of an embryonic day 12.5 eye labeled for Sox9 (orange), Pax6 (blue), and DAPI (purple). J. Comp. Neurol. 510:237–250, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication and Visualization of Metal‐Ion Patterns on Glass by Dip‐Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Basabe‐Desmonts Lourdes , Wu Chien‐Ching , van der Werf Kees O. , Peter Maria , Bennink Martin , Otto Cees , Velders Aldrik H. , Reinhoudt David N. , Subramaniam Vinod , Crego‐Calama Mercedes
Published: July 2008

Fluorescent self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are used as dip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) substrates for the fabrication of patterns of Ca2+ and Cu2+ ions. The driving force for the transfer of these ions from an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip to the surface is their complexation to organic ligands on the monolayer. By means of fluorescent surfaces, the patterns can be visualized under a fluorescence microscope. We use a custom‐built atomic force fluorescence microscope (AFFM), a combination of atomic force and confocal fluorescence microscopes, to deposit the metal ions onto the sensing SAMs by DPN and to subsequently visualize modulations of fluorescence intensity in a sequential write–read mode.
Agents and conflict: Adaptation and the dynamics of war
Authors: Findley Michael G.
Published: July 2008

Civil wars pose one of the most challenging threats to peace in the post‐WWII era. The successful resolution of ongoing civil wars is particularly difficult. Parties opposing peace successfully subverted negotiated agreements in contexts as diverse as Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia. Despite growing attention to civil wars in the empirical literature, little formal‐theoretic work addresses the dynamics of civil wars. Empirical work demonstrates that the resolution of civil wars is both complex and uncertain: civil war combatants are heterogeneous in their traits, incompletely informed, and thus, boundedly rational, capable of learning from history and adapting their behavior—all hallmarks of a complex adaptive system. I employ an agent‐based model, therefore, to capture these characteristics and address the conditions affecting the dynamics and evolution of civil wars. In particular, I focus on the evolutionary context of civil wars including learning and adaption and find that civil wars with adaptive combatants exhibit vastly different behavior than those without adaptive agents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008