bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual, lateral line, and auditory ascending pathways to the dorsal telencephalic area through the rostrolateral region of the lateral preglomerular nucleus in cyprinids
Authors: Yamamoto Naoyuki , Ito Hironobu
Published: March 2008

Fiber connections of the rostrolateral region of the lateral preglomerular nucleus (PGlr) were studied by tract‐tracing methods in carp and goldfish. The PGlr receives fibers from the optic tectum, ventrolateral nucleus of semicircular torus, ventromedial thalamic nucleus, medial pretoral nucleus, anterior tuberal nucleus, subglomerular nucleus, and (unexpectedly) also from the retina. Dendritic morphology of tecto‐preglomerular neurons suggests that they receive retinal inputs. The PGlr can be further subdivided into dorsal (PGlr‐d) and ventral (PGlr‐v) zones, both of which are composed of somata and neuropil layers. Retinal and tectal fibers terminate mostly in the neuropil layer of the PGlr‐d with the retinal terminals concentrated medially and tectal terminals laterally. Lateral line toral fibers terminate mainly in a lateral portion and ventromedial thalamic fibers in a medial portion of the somata layer of the PGlr‐d. Auditory fibers from the medial pretoral nucleus and anterior tuberal nucleus terminate in the PGlr‐v. The central nucleus of the semicircular torus also projects sparse fibers to the PGlr‐v. The PGlr projects to the lateral, central, and medial parts of the dorsal telencephalic area, and the latter telencephalic part sends descending fibers to the PGlr. Differential distribution patterns of PGlr‐d and PGlr‐v fibers are noted within the dorsal telencephalic parts, suggesting that different sensory modalities may be represented in distinct regions at least to a certain degree. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:615–647, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genes, chromosomes and the development of testicular germ cell tumors of adolescents and adults
Authors: McIntyre Alan , Gilbert Duncan , Goddard Neil , Looijenga Leendart , Shipley Janet
Published: March 2008

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) of adults and adolescents are thought to be derived from primordial germ cells or gonocytes. TGCTs develop postpuberty from precursor lesions known as intratubular germ cell neoplasia undifferentiated. The tumors can be divided into two groups based on their histology and clinical behavior; seminomas resemble primordial germ cells or gonocytes and nonseminomas resemble embryonic or extraembryonic tissues at various stages of differentiation. The most undifferentiated form of nonseminoma, embryonal carcinoma, resembles embryonic stem cells in terms of morphology and expression profiling, both mRNAs and microRNAs. Evidence supports both environmental factors and genetic predisposition underlying the development of TGCTs. Various models of development have been proposed and are discussed. In TGCTs, gain of material from the short arm of chromosome 12 is invariable: genes from this region include the proto‐oncogene KRAS, which has activating mutations in ∼10% of tumors or is frequently overexpressed. A number of different approaches to increase the understanding of the development and progression of TGCTs have highlighted the involvement of KIT, RAS/RAF/MAPK, STAT, and PI3K/AKT signaling. We review the role of these signaling pathways in this process and the potential influence of environmental factors in the development of TGCTs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Facies and depositional environments of the Devonian–Carboniferous succession of Iraq
Authors: Al‐Juboury Ali , Al‐Hadidy Aboosh
Published: March 2008

Facies associations and depositional environments of the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous succession in Iraq have been studied in several boreholes from north and northwestern Iraq. The >400 m‐thick succession comprises the Kaista, Ora, Harur and Raha formations which are composed generally of mixed siliciclastic‐carbonate facies. The Kaista Formation consists of sandstones intercalated with siltstones and calcareous shale that were deposited in a mixed fluvial‐marine environment. The Ora Formation is composed dominantly of black shale with subordinate sandstone and dolomite deposited in a shallow‐marine, sub‐tidal shelf environment. The Harur Formation is composed mainly of dolomite with subordinate shale and was deposited in a deep sub‐tidal environment. The Raha Formation consists mainly of marine shales intercalated with sandstones and concluded the Kaskaskia megasequence. The depositional setting is considered as a subsiding basin with a wide geographic distribution. It extended from the Ora region in the extreme north of Iraq to west and southwestern Iraq and reflects an epicontinental or epeiric sea setting on a homoclinal ramp inclined to the southeast. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase in the latent phase and chronic phase in the kainate model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Hammer Janniche , Alvestad Silje , Osen Kirsten K. , Skare Øivind , Sonnewald Ursula , Ottersen Ole Petter
Published: March 2008

It has been suggested that astrocytic glutamate release or perturbed glutamate metabolism contributes to the proneness to epileptic seizures. Here we investigated whether astrocytic contents of the major glutamate degrading enzymes glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) decreases on moving from the latent phase (prior to seizures) to the chronic phase (after onset of seizures) in the kainate (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Western blotting and immunogold analysis of hippocampal formation indicated similar levels of GDH in the latent and chronic phases of KA injected rats and in corresponding controls. In contrast, the level of GS was increased in the latent phase compared with controls, as assessed by Western blots of whole hippocampal formation and subregions. The increase in GS paralleled that of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Compared with the latent phase, the chronic phase revealed a lower level of GS (approaching control levels) but an unchanged GFAP content. The decrease in GS from latent to chronic phase was significant in whole hippocampal formation, dentate gyrus and CA3. It is concluded that kainate treated rats show an initial increase in GS, pari passu with the increase in GFAP, and a secondary decrease in GS that is not accompanied by a similar loss of GFAP. In a situation where glutamate catabolism is in high demand the secondary reduction in GS level may be sufficient to contribute to the seizure proneness that develops between the latent and chronic phases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of olfactory and trigeminal cortical areas following stimulation of the nasal mucosa with low concentrations of S(−)‐nicotine vapor—An fMRI study on chemosensory perception
Authors: Albrecht Jessica , Kopietz Rainer , Linn Jennifer , Sakar Vehbi , Anzinger Andrea , Schreder Tatjana , Pollatos Olga , Brückmann Hartmut , Kobal Gerd , Wiesmann Martin
Published: March 2008

Applied to the nasal mucosa in low concentrations, nicotine vapor evokes odorous sensations (mediated by the olfactory system) whereas at higher concentrations nicotine vapor additionally produces burning and stinging sensations in the nose (mediated by the trigeminal system). The objective of this study was to determine whether intranasal stimulation with suprathreshold concentrations of S(−)‐nicotine vapor causes brain activation in olfactory cortical areas or if trigeminal cortical areas are also activated. Individual olfactory detection thresholds for S(−)‐nicotine were determined in 19 healthy occasional smokers using a computer‐controlled air‐dilution olfactometer. Functional magnetic resonance images were acquired using a 1.5T MR scanner with applications of nicotine in concentrations at or just above the individual's olfactory detection threshold. Subjects reliably perceived the stimuli as being odorous. Accordingly, activation of brain areas known to be involved in processing of olfactory stimuli was identified. Although most of the subjects never or only rarely observed a burning or painful sensation in the nose, brain areas associated with the processing of painful stimuli were activated in all subjects. This indicates that the olfactory and trigeminal systems are activated during perception of nicotine and it is not possible to completely separate olfactory from trigeminal effects by lowering the concentration of the applied nicotine. In conclusion, even at low concentrations that do not consistently lead to painful sensations, intranasally applied nicotine activates both the olfactory and the trigeminal system. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of dual growth factor delivery on chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit marrow mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in injectable hydrogel composites
Authors: Park Hansoo , Temenoff Johnna S. , Tabata Yasuhiko , Caplan Arnold I. , Raphael Robert M. , Jansen John A. , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: March 2008

An injectable hydrogel composite consisting of oligo(poly(ethylene glycol)fumarate) (OPF) and gelatin microparticles has been developed as a novel carrier system for cells and growth factors. Rabbit marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and gelatin microparticles (MPs) loaded with insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), or a combination of both growth factors were mixed with OPF, a poly(ethylene glycol)‐diacrylate crosslinker and the radical initiators ammonium persulfate and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine, and then crosslinked at 37°C for 8 min to form hydrogel composites. Hydrogel composites encapsulating rabbit marrow MSCs and blank MPs served as controls. At day 14, confocal fluorescent images of OPF hydrogels showed a strong aggregation of rabbit marrow MSCs when encapsulated with IGF‐1‐loaded MPs with or without TGF‐β1‐loaded MPs. Quantitative RT‐PCR results showed that rabbit marrow MSCs encapsulated with MPs loaded with TGF‐β1 or both TGF‐β1 and IGF‐1 had a significant increase in the expression of chondrocyte‐specific genes such as collagen type II and aggrecan at day 14 as compared with the control group. Specifically, samples with both TGF‐β1‐loaded MPs and IGF‐1‐loaded MPs exhibited a 121 ± 20‐fold increase of type II collagen gene expression and a 71 ± 24‐fold increase of aggrecan gene expression after 14 days of in vitro culture as compared with controls at day 0. These results suggest that hydrogel composites based on OPF and gelatin microparticles have great potential as carriers for MSCs and multiple growth factors for cartilage tissue engineering applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Fibronectin modulates osteoblast behavior on Nitinol
Authors: Muhonen V. , Fauveaux C. , Olivera G. , Vigneron P. , Danilov A. , Nagel M.‐D. , Tuukkanen J.
Published: March 2008

We have previously demonstrated that primary rat osteoclasts behave differently when cultured on austenite and martensite Nitinol. In this study, we coated the two phases of Nitinol with plasma fibronectin and studied if this modifies the proliferation and cell cycle of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. The influence of the crystalline structure of Nitinol on the remodeling and conformation of fibronectin was also studied. The results on austenite demonstrated that fibronectin was more strongly remodeled and the cells spread better compared with the martensite phase. Interestingly, the conformation of the protein showed no differences between austenite and martensite. In addition, fibronectin improved cell proliferation in both phases, but the effect of fibronectin coating was stronger on the austenite surface. In addition, in both Nitinol phases, the proportion of cells in the G1 phase was observed to grow in the presence of fibronectin. This could indicate cell differentiation on Nitinol. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Ion flux through membrane channels—An enhanced algorithm for the Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck model
Authors: Dyrka Witold , Augousti Andy T. , Kotulska Malgorzata
Published: March 2008

A novel algorithmic scheme for numerical solution of the 3D Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck model is proposed. The algorithmic improvements are universal and independent of the detailed physical model. They include three major steps: an adjustable gradient‐based step value, an adjustable relaxation coefficient, and an optimized segmentation of the modeled space. The enhanced algorithm significantly accelerates the speed of computation and reduces the computational demands. The theoretical model was tested on a regular artificial channel and validated on a real protein channel—α‐hemolysin, proving its efficiency. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Time‐dependent quantum study of the kinetics of the H(2S) + FO(2II) → OH(2II) + F(2P) reaction
Authors: Gogtas Fahrettin
Published: March 2008

Quantum mechanical wave packet calculations are carried out for the H(2S) + FO(2II) → OH(2II) + F(2P) reaction on the adiabatic potential energy surface of the ground 3A″ triplet state. The state‐to‐state and state‐to‐all reaction probabilities for total angular momentum J = 0 have been calculated. The probabilities for J > 0 have been estimated from the J = 0 results by using J‐shifting approximation based on a capture model. Then, the integral cross sections and initial state‐selected rate constants have been calculated. The calculations show that the initial state‐selected reaction probabilities are dominated by many sharp peaks. The reaction cross section does not manifest any sharp oscillations and the initial state‐selected rate constants are sensitive to the temperature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Synergistic anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity of combined therapy with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) drugs in human cancer cells
Authors: Cascone Tina , Morelli Maria Pia , Morgillo Floriana , Kim Woo‐Young , Rodolico Gabriella , Pepe Stefano , Berrino Liberato , Lee Ho‐Young , Heymach John V. , Ciardiello Fortunato
Published: March 2008

The proteasome plays a pivotal role in the turnover of regulatory transduction proteins induced by activated cell membrane growth factor receptors. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is crucial in the development and progression of human epithelial cancers. Proteasome inhibition may sensitize human cancer cell lines to EGFR inhibitors. We investigated the growth inhibitory and pro‐apoptotic effects of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in combination with anti‐EGFR drugs, such as gefitinib, vandetanib, and cetuximab in EGFR‐expressing human cancer cell lines. Bortezomib determined dose‐dependent growth inhibition in a nine cancer cell line panel (IC50 values, range 6–42 nM). A significant synergistic growth inhibitory effect was observed with the combination of bortezomib and each EGFR inhibitor in all cell lines (combination index, CI, range 0.10–0.55), which was accompanied by a significant induction in apoptosis by the combined treatment with bortezomib, cetuximab and vandetanib. In HCT‐116 colon cancer and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, bortezomib plus EGFR inhibitor treatment induced a more effective inhibition of EGFR‐activated down‐stream signals, including a marked suppression in activated, phosphorylated Akt (P‐Akt). In contrast, overexpression of a constitutively active P‐Akt protected A549 cells by cell growth inhibition and apoptosis following treatment with bortezomib and EGFR inhibitors. The combined treatment with bortezomib and EGFR inhibitors has a synergistic growth inhibitory and pro‐apoptotic activity in different human cancer cells which possess a functional EGFR‐dependent autocrine growth pathway through to a more efficient and sustained inhibition of Akt. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 698–707, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of HBV gene expression and replication by stably expressed interferon‐α1 via adeno‐associated viral vectors
Authors: Li Zhi , Yao Hong , Ma Yan , Dong Qingming , Chen Yangchao , Peng Ying , Zheng Bo‐jian , Huang Jian‐dong , Chan Chu‐yan , Lin Marie C. , Sung Joseph J , Yuen Kwok Yun , Kung Hsiang‐fu , He Ming‐Liang
Published: March 2008

Background

Interferon‐α2 (IFNα2) is routinely used for anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. However, the therapeutic efficiency is unsatisfactory, particularly in East Asia. Such inefficiency might be a result of the short half‐life, relatively low local concentration and strong side‐effects of interferons. Frequent and repeated injection is also a big burden for patients. In the present study, a single dose of vector‐delivered IFNα1 was tested for its anti‐HBV effects.

Methods

Adeno‐associated viral vector (AAV‐IFNα1) was generated to deliver the IFNα1 gene into hepatocytes. IFNα1, hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) and e (HBeAg) antigens were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and/or western blotting. The level of viral DNA was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

AAV‐IFNα1 effectively transduced HBV‐producing cells (HepAD38) and mouse hepatocytes, where IFNα1 was expressed in a stable manner. Both intracellular and extracellular HBsAg and HBeAg were significantly reduced in vitro. In the HBV‐producing mice, the concentration of IFNα1 in the liver was eight‐fold higher than that in plasma. Compared with control groups, HBeAg/HBsAg antigen levels were reduced by more than ten‐fold from day 1–5, and dropped to an undetectable level on day 9 in the AAV‐IFNα1 group. Concurrently, the level of viral DNA decreased over 30‐fold for several weeks.

Conclusions

A single dose administration of AAV‐IFNα1 viral vector displayed prolonged transgene expression and superior antiviral effects both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the use of AAV‐IFNα1 might be a potential alternative strategy for anti‐HBV therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
z‐Polarization sensitive detection in micro‐Raman spectroscopy by radially polarized incident light
Authors: Saito Y. , Kobayashi M. , Hiraga D. , Fujita K. , Kawano S. , Smith N. I. , Inouye Y. , Kawata S.
Published: March 2008

We demonstrate z‐polarization sensitive detection in micro‐Raman spectroscopy by introducing a radially distributed polarized light and by employing a high numerical aperture objective lens and circular mask. The radial polarization is provided by a radial‐waveplate consisting of an 8‐way segmented half‐waveplate with each segment having a different orientation of the optical axis. The segmented waveplate allows for both z‐polarization (perpendicular to the sample plane) and xy‐polarization (parallel to the sample plane) of the electric field at the focus by selecting the proper polarization of the incident field. The z‐polarization Raman components that are barely detectable in conventional measurements can be clearly observed in this experimental setup. Alpha‐quartz, which is well known in terms of polarized Raman spectroscopy, is utilized as a test sample. We have succeeded in extracting the z‐Raman tensor components, and the intensity ratio of each measured tensor value in our experiment is in good agreement with previously reported work. The Raman spectral intensity ratios are greatly modified when observed under polarization control, and we can clearly see a small isolated Raman peak that usually appears only as a shoulder of a strong neighboring peak. The effect of the confocal detection setup on the accuracy of depolarization measurements is also discussed and the relationship between the depolarization ratio and pinhole size is shown. In this research, we aim to provide a solid basis for z‐polarization imaging in a micro‐Raman configuration under high numerical aperture objective lenses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FT‐Raman and FTIR spectroscopic characterization of biogenic carbonates from Philippine venus seashell and Porites sp. coral
Authors: Zakaria Fadhlia Zafarina , Mihály Judith , Sajó István , Katona Róbert , Hajba László , Aziz Fauziah Abdul , Mink János
Published: March 2008

Some seashells of the Philippine venus species and sea coral of Porites sp. were studied by means of FT‐Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Far‐FTIR spectroscopic methods. The Raman spectra show that both Porites sp. and P. venus are of aragonite‐structured CaCO3. Detailed spectral analysis, however, reveals some small differences, due to differences in the crystallite size or habit and to different minor element contents. IR spectra show that Porites sp. contains also some small quantities of calcite‐structured carbonates. The ν2 band (shoulder) of calcite at 875.7 cm−1 is present in the IR spectrum. The separation of the two ν2 bands (856.4 cm−1 for aragonite and 875.7 cm−1 for calcite) suggests the absence of solid solution of the two polymorphic phases of CaCO3. Spectroscopic results were confirmed also by X‐ray powder diffraction measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minerals from Macedonia. XXII. Laser‐induced fluorescence bands in the FT‐Raman spectrum of almandine mineral
Authors: Makreski Petre , Jovanovski Gligor
Published: March 2008

Two strong bands centered at 446 and 607 cm−1 have been observed in the FT‐Raman spectrum of almandine [Fe3Al2(SiO4)3] excited with 1064 nm, which were completely absent in the corresponding dispersive Raman spectra obtained using 488, 514.5 and 532 nm excitation. Furthermore, the mentioned strong bands have not been registered in the anti‐Stokes side of the FT‐Raman spectrum, and were therefore assigned to laser‐induced fluorescence bands. Their appearance is related to the presence of rare‐earth element traces as impurities in the almandine sample. Additionally, the FT‐Raman (and dispersive Raman) spectrum of the isomorphous spessartine [Mn3Al2(SiO4)3] mineral has been introduced, which did not show the presence of these fluorescence emission bands. The purity of the minerals was confirmed by study of their powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of hydroxy nickel carbonate minerals nullaginite and zaratite
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Dickfos Marilla J. , Jagannadha Reddy B.
Published: March 2008

Raman spectroscopy combined with infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the minerals, nullaginite and zaratite. Raman bands are observed at 3650, 3556 and 3309 cm−1 for nullaginite and 3609, 3516 and 3336 cm−1 for zaratite. By using a Libowitzky‐type empirical function, estimation of the hydrogen‐bond distances of the OH and water units has been made, which vary from 0.268 to 0.332 nm. Hydrogen‐bond distances of OH units are less than those for the water units. The observation of multiple asymmetric stretching and bending modes for nullaginite suggests that the carbonate is strongly distorted in contrast to zaratite for which only single bands are found. Raman bands at around 935 and 980 cm−1 are assigned to OH deformation modes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) in frozen mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the presence and absence of green tea
Authors: Alghazeer Rabia , Howell Nazlin K
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Aldehydes are secondary lipid oxidation products formed during processing and storage of food. 4‐Hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) is a major toxic lipid peroxidation product which has been extensively investigated in the clinical field but less so in food products. The aim of the present study was to investigate the formation of aldehydes in stored frozen fish (Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus) with and without antioxidant (green tea).

RESULTS: The presence of 4‐HNE in frozen fish was detected for the first time. 4‐HNE was extracted from frozen fish and identified using high‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The amount of 4‐HNE increased throughout storage for 26 weeks at − 10 °C in the absence of antioxidant. A significant decrease was observed in fish samples stored at −10 °C with green tea. Minimal amounts of 4‐HNE were formed in fish stored at −80 °C. A similar increase in 4‐HNE was found for methyl linoleate and extracted fish oil exposed to UV irradiation.

CONCLUSION: The toxic aldehyde 4‐HNE can be formed in badly stored frozen mackerel and is an indicator of reduced texture quality and nutritional value of fish. Addition of instant whole green tea as an antioxidant can provide a cheap and effective way of enhancing safety, especially in developing countries. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective detoxification and decoloration of Lupinus mutabilis seed derivatives, and effect of these derivatives on bread quality and acceptance
Authors: Güémes‐Vera Norma , Peña‐Bautista Roberto J , Jiménez‐Martínez Cristian , Dávila‐Ortiz Gloria , Calderón‐Domínguez Georgina
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: A study was done to develop procedures for detoxifying Lupinus mutabilis seeds, and decreasing or eliminating yellow colour in derivatives from them. An evaluation was done of the effect of replacement of wheat flour with the detoxified and decolorized L. mutabilis derivatives on the quality properties of three types of bread products (loaf, bun and sweet).

RESULTS: Physicochemical and nutritional analyses coincided with previous reports. The Lupinus protein concentrate and isolate had lower phenolic compound and oligosaccharide concentrations than the untreated seeds. Amino acid composition was determined for wheat flour (WF), L. mutabilis defatted and detoxified flour (LF), L. mutabilis protein concentrate (LPC) and L. mutabilis protein isolate (LPI). The resulting values were used to calculate the replacement levels at which lysine content would be increased significantly in WF–lupin blends. Replacement levels were: LF (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%); LPC (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%); LPI (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%).

CONCLUSION: The detoxifying treatments employed decreased non‐nutritional and toxic compounds present in original lupin seed. use of citric acid (1%) reduced yellow coloration in LF and LPC. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of inulin and Lactobacillus paracasei on sensory and instrumental texture properties of functional chocolate mousse
Authors: Cardarelli Haíssa R , Aragon‐Alegro Lina C , Alegro João H A , de Castro Inar A , Saad Susana M I
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of a potentially probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 82), added solely or together with the prebiotic ingredient inulin on instrumental texture attributes and sensory properties of a functional chocolate mousse during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for up to 28 days.

RESULTS: The addition of Lactobacillus paracasei resulted in a firmer and more adhesive chocolate mousse. This effect was intensified with the presence of inulin in the synbiotic formulation (5.24 N and − 0.956 N, respectively, for firmness and adhesiveness after 28 days of storage) (P < 0.05). L. paracasei population did not vary (P > 0.05) during storage (always between 7.27 and 7.35 log cfu g−1), both for the probiotic and the synbiotic mousses. Synbiotic mousse differed from control and probiotic mousses during storage with respect to the color attribute. Moreover, both probiotic and synbiotic mousses presented taste, aroma and texture perceptions which were different from one another and from the control mousse after 14 and 21 days of storage.

CONCLUSION: The use of inulin, together with the potentially probiotic strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, is advantageous, conferring potentially symbiotic potential to the chocolate mousse, as well as favorable texture and sensory properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune response of broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with a culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Authors: Apata DF
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are being developed for use in animal feed to enhance production performance and prevention of gastrointestinal infections. The ban on using antibiotics as growth promoters, antibiotic resistance and the inherent problems of developing new vaccines make a compelling case for developing alternatives for in‐feed antibiotics. The alternatives of choice have to be considered under the environmental conditions of the animal. Among the probiotics in use today, Lactobacillus has been shown to play a vital role in disease prevention, immune enhancement, improved growth and carcass yield in poultry. The present study investigates the effect of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB)‐based probiotic on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune response of broilers under tropical environmental conditions.

RESULTS: Broilers fed LB diets consumed more feed (P < 0.05) and had greater body weight gain than the control group. Feed/gain ratio improved significantly (P < 0.05) with the 20, 40 and 60 mg kg−1 LB diets compared with the control or 80 mg kg−1 LB diet. The apparent digestibilities of nitrogen and fat increased with LB supplementation. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in fibre digestibility. White blood cell count increased significantly in broilers fed higher levels (>40 mg kg−1) of LB compared with the control group. Antibody production measured as antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccine showed a curvilinear response over the range of LB concentrations examined.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that LB addition to broiler chick diets significantly improved growth performance, increased nutrient digestibility and stimulated humoral immune response. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface Functionalization of Porous Resorbable Scaffolds by Covalent Grafting
Authors: Källrot Martina , Edlund Ulrica , Albertsson Ann‐Christine
Published: March 2008

Resorbable porous scaffold discs and solid films were prepared from poly[(1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one)‐co‐(L‐lactide)] and poly[(ε‐caprolactone)‐co‐(L‐lactide)]. The surfaces of the scaffolds were functionalized to increase their hydrophilicity. A total of 90 samples were prepared to cover all important combinations of experimental and material factors, and all experimental data were fitted by a partial least square model. As a result of grafting, the porous discs and solid films exhibited a tremendous increase in wettability. The functionalized discs were hygroscopic so that water was instantly absorbed and thoroughly wet the substrates.

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Determination of the Crystal Structure of Isotactic cis‐1,4‐Poly(1,3‐hexadiene) by X‐Ray Diffraction and Molecular Mechanics
Authors: Pirozzi Beniamino , Napolitano Roberto , Giusto Giovangiuseppe , Ricci Giovanni
Published: March 2008

The crystal structure of isotactic cis‐1,4‐poly(1,3‐hexadiene) has been determined through a combination of X‐ray diffraction analysis and molecular mechanics. Two reasonable values for unit cell parameters were obtained from the fiber diffraction pattern of a well‐oriented sample. Energy maps performed on a molecular model of the polymer chain yielded an absolute minimum corresponding to a conformation having the internal parameters similar to those of an s(2/1) helical polymer chain. Packing energy minimizations performed for all the orthorhombic and monoclinic space groups having crystallographic s(2/1) chain symmetry indicate unequivocally that the best mode of packing is obtained for a crystal structure characterized by a unit cell with parameters a = 8.98 Å, b = 7.82 Å, and c = 8.10 Å in the P212121 space group. The calculated powder and fiber diffraction patterns of this structural model are in very good agreement with the experimental diffraction patterns. Similarities and differences with the crystal structures of isotactic cis‐1,4‐poly(1,3‐pentadiene) and isotactic cis‐1,4‐poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐pentadiene) are discussed.

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Macromol. Chem. Phys. 7/2008
Authors: Curran Katherine , Risse Wilhelm , Boggioni Laura , Tritto Incoronata
Published: March 2008

Cover: A rigid, cycloaliphatic polymer, poly(6,7‐bicyclo[3.2.0]heptylene), was synthesised via the olefin addition polymerisation of the cyclobutene derivative, bicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐6‐ene. Early and late transition metal catalysts were used for these polymerisations. The cover graphic also shows the preferred conformation of the monomer. Further details can be found in the article by K. Curran,* W. Risse,* L. Boggioni, I. Tritto on page 707 Larry Dalton is acknowledged for the design of the cover picture.
Density Fluctuations during the Early Stages of Polymer Crystallization: An Overview
Authors: Baert Jimmy , Van Puyvelde Peter
Published: March 2008

The present work provides a critical review of polymer crystallization studies using SALS; experimental methods, analysis techniques, observations and their relations with respect to other techniques are discussed. Furthermore, the fact that nucleation might be accompanied by large scale density fluctuations has been investigated for the flow‐induced crystallization of iPB. SALS was applied to measure density and orientation fluctuations, whereas complementary results were obtained from optical microscopy. The observations from both crystallization and melting experiments seem to indicate that the detected density fluctuations result from the presence of weakly anisotropic structures, rather than being an indication of densification before the onset of crystallization.

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Potentially functional polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Ke Qiao , Liang Jie , Wang Li‐Na , Hu Zhi‐Bin , Jin Guang‐Fu , Zhou Yan , Wang Jian‐Ming , Tan Yong‐Fei , Hua Zhao‐Lai , Xu Yao‐Chu , Shen Jing , Shen Hong‐Bing
Published: March 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key mediator of angiogenesis, plays an important role in the development of different kind of tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that genetic variants of VEGF are associated with risk of GC. We genotyped four potentially functional polymorphisms (−2578C > A, −1498T > C, −634G > C, and +936C > T) of the VEGF gene in a population‐based case–control study of 540 GC cases and 561 frequency‐matched cancer‐free controls in a high risk Chinese population. We found that none of the four polymorphisms or their haplotypes achieved significant difference in their distributions between GC cases and controls. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that GC risk was not significantly associated with the variant genotypes of the four VEGF polymorphisms as compared with their wild‐type genotypes. In conclusion, our data did not support a significant association between VEGF SNPs and the risk of GC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of the eukaryotic initiation factor 3f in melanoma
Authors: Doldan Adriana , Chandramouli Anupama , Shanas Reneé , Bhattacharyya Achyut , Leong Stanley P.L. , Nelson Mark A. , Shi Jiaqi
Published: March 2008

Aberrant regulation of the translation initiation is known to contribute to tumorigenesis. eIF3 plays an important role in translation initiation. eIF3f is the p47 subunit of the eIF3 complex whose function in cancer is not clear. Initial studies from our group indicated that eIF3f expression is decreased in melanoma. Overexpression of eIF3f inhibits translation and induces apoptosis in melanoma cells. The eIF3f gene is located at chromosome region 11p15.4. Loss of 11p15.4 is a common event in many tumors including melanoma. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism of the decreased expression of eIF3f in melanoma, we performed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis in 24 melanoma specimens using three microsatellite markers encompassing the eIF3f gene. We showed that the prevalence of LOH ranged from 75% to 92% in melanoma. We also performed eIF3f gene copy number analysis using quantitative real‐time PCR to further confirm the specific allelic loss of the eIF3f gene in melanoma. We demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of the eIF3f gene copy number in melanoma compared with normal tissues with a tumor/normal ratio of 0.52. To further elucidate the somatic genetic alterations, we carried out mutation analysis covering the entire coding region and 5′UTR of the eIF3f gene in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Despite some polymorphisms, we did not find any mutations. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that eIF3f protein expression is decreased in melanoma compared to benign nevi. These data provide new insight into the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of eIF3f during melanoma tumorigenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Populations of p53 codon 270 CGT to TGT mutant cells in SKH‐1 mouse skin tumors induced by simulated solar light
Authors: Verkler Tracie L. , Delongchamp Robert R. , Couch Letha H. , Miller Barbara J. , Warbritton Alan , Mellick Paul W. , Howard Paul C. , Parsons Barbara L.
Published: March 2008

The p53 codon 270 CGT to TGT mutation was investigated as a biomarker of sunlight‐induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. The relationship between tumor development and abundance of this hotspot mutation was analyzed in mouse skin tumors induced by chronic exposure to simulated solar light (SSL). The 24 tumors analyzed had similar growth kinetics, with an average doubling time of ∼16.4 d. Levels of the p53 codon 270 mutation were quantified in the 24 mouse skin tumors using allele‐specific competitive blocker‐polymerase chain reaction (ACB‐PCR). All tumors contained measurable amounts of the mutation. The p53 codon 270 CGT to TGT mutant fraction (MF) ranged from 2.29 × 10−3 to 9.42 × 10−2, with 3.26 × 10−2 as the median. These p53 MF measurements are lower than expected for an initiating mutation involved in the development of tumors of monoclonal origin. There was no evidence of a correlation between p53 codon 270 MF and either tumor area or an estimate of tumor cell number. Thus, the data do not support the idea that p53 mutation accumulates linearly during tumor development. To investigate how p53 mutation was distributed within tumors, 19 needle biopsies from seven different tumors were analyzed by ACB‐PCR. This analysis demonstrated that p53 codon 270 mutation is heterogeneously distributed within tumors. The long‐term goal of this research is to combine morphological and p53 MF measurements from tissues corresponding to the various stages of tumor development, in order to derive mathematical models relating the p53 codon 270 mutation to the development of SSL‐induced skin tumors. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome wide transcriptional profiling in breast cancer cells reveals distinct changes in hormone receptor target genes and chromatin modifying enzymes after proteasome inhibition
Authors: Kinyamu H. Karimi , Collins Jennifer B. , Grissom Sherry F. , Hebbar Pratibha B. , Archer Trevor K.
Published: March 2008

Steroid hormone receptors, like glucocorticoid (GR) and estrogen receptors (ER), are master regulators of genes that control many biological processes implicated in health and disease. Gene expression is dependent on receptor levels which are tightly regulated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. Previous studies have shown that proteasome inhibition increases GR, but decreases ER‐mediated gene expression. At the gene expression level this divergent role of the proteasome in receptor‐dependent transcriptional regulation is not well understood. We have used a genomic approach to examine the impact of proteasome activity on GR‐ and ER‐mediated gene expression in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells treated with dexamethasone (DEX) or 17β‐estradiol (E2), the proteasome inhibitor MG132 (MG) or MG132 and either hormone (MD or ME2) for 24 h. Transcript profiling reveals that inhibiting proteasome activity modulates gene expression by GR and ER in a similar manner in that several GR and ER target genes are upregulated and downregulated after proteasome inhibition. In addition, proteasome inhibition modulates receptor‐dependent genes involved in the etiology of a number of human pathological states, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, breast/prostate cancer, HIV/AIDS, and neurodegenerative disorders. Importantly, our analysis reveals that a number of transcripts encoding histone and DNA modifying enzymes, prominently histone/DNA methyltransferases and demethylases, are altered after proteasome inhibition. As proteasome inhibitors are currently in clinical trials as therapy for multiple myeloma, HIV/AIDS and leukemia, the possibility that some of the target molecules are hormone regulated and chromatin modifying enzymes is intriguing in this era of epigenetic therapy. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Falls and gait disturbances in Huntington's disease
Authors: Grimbergen Yvette A.M. , Knol Mirjam J. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Kremer Berry P.H. , Roos Raymund A.C. , Munneke Marten
Published: March 2008

Falls are common in patients with Huntington's disease, but the incidence, falling circumstances and contributing factors have never been examined. We recorded falls in 45 early to midstage Huntington's disease patients, both retrospectively (12 months) and prospectively (3 months). Fall rates were related to relevant baseline measures, including the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) and quantitative measures of balance (using angular velocity sensors) and gait (using a pressure‐sensitive walkway). Balance and gait measures were compared between patients and 27 healthy age‐matched controls. Twenty‐seven patients (60%) reported two or more falls in the previous year and were classified as fallers. During prospective follow‐up 40% reported at least one fall. A high proportion of falls (72.5%) caused minor injuries. Compared to nonfallers, fallers showed significantly higher scores for chorea, bradykinesia and aggression, as well as lower cognitive scores. Compared to controls, Huntington patients had a decreased gait velocity (1.15 m/s versus 1.45 m/s, P < 0.001) and a decreased stride length (1.29 m versus 1.52 m, P < 0.001). These abnormalities were all significantly greater in fallers compared to nonfallers. In addition, fallers had an increased stride length variability and a significantly greater trunk sway in medio‐lateral direction compared to nonfallers. We conclude that falls are common in Huntington's disease. Contributing factors include a combination of “motor” deficits (mainly gait bradykinesia, stride variability and chorea, leading to excessive trunk sway), as well as cognitive decline and perhaps behavioral changes. These factors should be considered as future targets for therapies that aim to reduce falls in Huntington's disease. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease‐cognitive rating scale: A new cognitive scale specific for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime , Llebaria Gisela , García‐Sánchez Carmen , Pascual‐Sedano Berta , Gironell Alexandre
Published: March 2008

Cognitive defects associated with cortical pathology may be a marker of dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD). There is a need to improve the diagnostic criteria of PD dementia (PDD) and to clarify the cognitive impairment patterns associated with PD. Current neuropsychological batteries designed for PD are focused on fronto‐subcortical deficits but are not sensitive for cortical dysfunction. We developed a new scale, the Parkinson's Disease‐Cognitive Rating Scale (PD‐CRS), that was designed to cover the full spectrum of cognitive defects associated with PD. We prospectively studied 92 PD patients [30 cognitively intact (CogInt), 30 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 32 PDD] and 61 matched controls who completed the PD‐CRS and neuropsychological tests assessing the cognitive domains included in the PD‐CRS. Acceptability, construct validity, reliability, and the discriminative properties of the PD‐CRS were examined. The PD‐CRS included items assessing fronto‐subcortical defects and items assessing cortical dysfunction. Construct validity, test‐retest and inter‐rater reliability of PD‐CRS total scores showed an intraclass correlation coefficient >0.70. The PD‐CRS showed an excellent test accuracy to diagnose PDD (sensitivity 94%, specificity 94%). The PD‐CRS total scores and confrontation naming item scores‐assessing “cortical” dysfunction—independently differentiated PDD from non‐demented PD. Alternating verbal fluency and delayed verbal memory independently differentiated the MCI group from both controls and CogInt. The PD‐CRS appeared to be a reliable and valid PD‐specific battery that accurately diagnosed PDD and detected subtle fronto‐subcortical deficits. Performance on the PD‐CRS showed that PDD is characterized by the addition of cortical dysfunction upon a predominant and progressive fronto‐subcortical impairment. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The montreal cognitive assessment as a screening tool for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gill David J. , Freshman Arielle , Blender Jennifer A. , Ravina Bernard
Published: March 2008

Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and can occur early in the disease course. No effective screening test exists for detection of early or mild cognitive impairment in PD. We examined the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool for cognitive dysfunction in PD. The test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.79 and the interrater intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.81. The correlation coefficient between the MoCA and a neuropsychologic battery was 0.72. The MoCA is reliable and valid in the PD population and warrants further study as a screening tool for cognitive dysfunction. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Numerical simulation of fully saturated porous materials
Authors: Jeremić Boris , Cheng Zhao , Taiebat Mahdi , Dafalias Yannis
Published: March 2008

Fully coupled, porous solid–fluid formulation, implementation and related modeling and simulation issues are presented in this work. To this end, coupled dynamic field equations with u−p−U formulation are used to simulate pore fluid and soil skeleton (elastic–plastic porous solid) responses. Present formulation allows, among other features, for water accelerations to be taken into account. This proves to be useful in modeling dynamic interaction of media of different stiffnesses (as in soil–foundation–structure interaction). Fluid compressibility is also explicitly taken into account, thus allowing excursions into modeling of limited cases of non‐saturated porous media. In addition to these features, present formulation and implementation models in a realistic way the physical damping, which dissipates energy. In particular, the velocity proportional damping is appropriately modeled and simulated by taking into account the interaction of pore fluid and solid skeleton. Similarly, the displacement proportional damping is physically modeled through elastic–plastic processes in soil skeleton. An advanced material model for sand is used in present work and is discussed at some length. Also explored in this paper are the verification and validation issues related to fully coupled modeling and simulations of porous media.

Illustrative examples describing the dynamical behavior of porous media (saturated soils) are presented. The verified and validated methods and material models are used to predict the behavior of level and sloping grounds subjected to seismic shaking. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the mixed finite volume method for Stokes and Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Droniou Jérôme , Eymard Robert
Published: March 2008

We present finite volume schemes for Stokes and Navier‐Stokes equations. These schemes are based on the mixed finite volume introduced in (Droniou and Eymard, Numer Math 105 (2006), 35‐71), and can be applied to any type of grid (without “orthogonality” assumptions as for classical finite volume methods) and in any space dimension. We present numerical results on some irregular grids, and we prove, for both Stokes and Navier‐Stokes equations, the convergence of the scheme toward a solution of the continuous problem. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009