bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower expression levels of the programmed death 1 receptor on CD4+CD25+ T cells and correlation with the PD‐1.3A genotype in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kristjansdottir Helga , Steinsson Kristjan , Gunnarsson Iva , Gröndal Gerdur , Erlendsson Kristjan , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta E.
Published: February 2010

Objective

A genetic polymorphism in the programmed death 1 (PD‐1) gene encoding the coinhibitory PD‐1 immunoreceptor, PD‐1.3A, is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to assess PD‐1 receptor expression in patients with SLE, in comparison with relatives and unrelated healthy controls, and to identify correlations of lower expression levels of PD‐1 receptor with the PD‐1.3A genotype.

Methods

Patients with SLE, patients' relatives, and unrelated healthy control subjects from Iceland and Sweden were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28, and PD‐1 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. PD‐1.3A/G genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

PD‐1 expression on PBMCs was induced after antibody stimulation, showing increases of 2.1‐fold in SLE patients, 3.1‐fold in relatives, and 5.1‐fold in healthy controls. The frequency of PD‐1+ cells was significantly lower in SLE patients compared with relatives and healthy controls. PD‐1 expression on PD‐1+ cells and on CD4+CD25+ T cells was significantly lower in SLE patients and relatives compared with healthy controls. PD‐1 expression was significantly elevated on CD25high cells. Levels of PD‐1 expression on CD25high and CD25intermediate cells were significantly lower in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. PD‐1 was expressed on both FoxP3− and FoxP3+ cells. Lower expression of PD‐1 was significantly correlated with the PD‐1.3A/G genotype.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate significantly lower PD‐1 receptor expression in SLE patients and their relatives and reveal a significant correlation of lower PD‐1 expression with the PD‐1.3A allele. Thus, PD‐1.3A may contribute to abnormalities in PD‐1 receptor expression on CD4+CD25+ T cells in patients with SLE, providing support for an important role of the PD‐1 pathway in SLE and, possibly, in other autoimmune diseases.
Synthesis and Characterization of Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Cored Dendrimers Stabilized by Metal–Carbon Bonds
Authors: Kumar Venugopal K. Ratheesh , Gopidas Karical R.
Published: February 2010

Synthesis and characterization of gold‐nanoparticle‐cored dendrimers (NCDs), in which the dendrons are attached to the gold core through gold–carbon bonds, are described. Synthesis of these materials involved the simultaneous reduction of HAuCl4 and a Fréchet‐type dendron with a diazonium group at the focal point, all in an organic solvent such as toluene. These materials possess a nanometer‐sized gold core surrounded by a shell of polyaryl ether dendrons, which are connected radially to the core. The NCDs were characterized by TEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and IR, UV, and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Average particle diameter of the NCDs ranged from 4.7 to 5.5 nm for the different generations. All NCDs exhibit the characteristic plasmon absorption of gold nanoparticles at 520 nm. Average numbers of dendrons per NCD in AuGn were calculated using results from TGA and TEM studies. Multiple layering of the dendrons is proposed as a possible reason for the high dendron/NCD value.
Rapid determination of antigenic epitopes in human NGAL using NMR
Authors: Olejniczak Edward T. , Ruan Qiaoqiao , Ziemann Robert N. , Birkenmeyer Larry G. , Saldana Sylvia C. , Tetin Sergey Y.
Published: February 2010

The recent remarkable rise in biomedical applications of antibodies and their recombinant constructs has shifted the interest in determination of antigenic epitopes in target proteins from the areas of protein science and molecular immunology to the vast fields of modern biotechnology. In this article, we demonstrated that measuring binding induced changes in two‐dimensional NMR spectra enables rapid determination of antibody binding footprints on target protein antigens. Such epitopes recognized by six high‐affinity monoclonal murine antibodies (mAbs) against human neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were determined by measuring chemical shifts or broadening of peaks in 1H‐15N‐TROSY HSQC and 1H‐13C HSQC spectra of isotope‐labeled NGAL occurring upon its binding to the antibodies. Locations of the epitopes defined by the NMR studies are in good agreement with the results of antibody binding pairing observed by dual‐color fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy. In all six cases, the antibodies recognize conformational epitopes in regions of relatively rigid structure on the protein. None of the antibodies interact with the more flexible funnel‐like opening of the NGAL calyx. All determined epitope areas in NGAL reflect the dimensions of respective antibody binding surface (paratopes) and contain amino acid residues that provide strong interactions. This NMR‐based approach offers comprehensive information on antigenic epitopes and can be applied to numerous protein targets of diagnostic or therapeutic interest. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 657–667, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
High‐level recombinant protein production in CHO cells using lentiviral vectors and the cumate gene‐switch
Authors: Gaillet Bruno , Gilbert Rénald , Broussau Sophie , Pilotte Amélie , Malenfant Félix , Mullick Alaka , Garnier Alain , Massie Bernard
Published: February 2010

Fast and efficient production of recombinant proteins for structural and functional studies is a crucial issue for research and for industry. To this end, we have developed an efficient system to generate in less than 2 months, starting from the cDNA, pools of CHO cells stably expressing high‐level of recombinant proteins. It is based on lentiviral vectors (LVs) for stable transduction coupled with the cumate gene‐switch for inducible and efficient gene expression. Transcription is initiated upon binding of the cumate transactivator (cTA) or the reverse cTA (rcTA) to the CR5 promoter. Binding of cTA or rcTA is prevented or induced by addition of cumate respectively. We first validated the CHO/LV production system with an LV carrying the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), whose expression was linked to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) through an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). CHO cells stably expressing the cTA (CHO‐cTA) were transduced at various multiplicity of infection (MOI). Pools of cells were incubated at 37 and 30°C during 10 days. Optimal SEAP production (65 µg/mL) was achieved at 30°C with a MOI of 200. The pool stability was demonstrated for 48 days of culture by GFP expression analysis. The system was also evaluated using LV expressing three typical therapeutic proteins (a protein made up of the extracellular domain of CD200 fused to IgG Fc region [CD200Fc], a chimeric antibody [chB43], and erythropoietin [EPO]). CHO cells expressing rcTA (CHO‐Cum2) were transduced with these LVs at a MOI of 200 and production was tested at 30°C. After 13 days of culture, 235, 160, and 206 µg/mL of CD200Fc, chB43, and EPO were produced, respectively. The ON/OFF ratio of these pools was equal to 6 for CD200Fc, 16 for chB43, and 74 for EPO. In conclusion, this system should be very useful to produce mg quantities of recombinant proteins in a timely manner in serum free suspension culture of CHO cells for preclinical studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 203–215. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the long‐term storage of a mammalian biosensor cell line via genetic engineering
Authors: Petrovick Martha S. , Nargi Frances E. , Towle Theresa , Hogan Kristine , Bohane Marie , Wright Deborah J. , MacRae Thomas H. , Potts Malcolm , Helm Richard F.
Published: February 2010

The unique properties of mammalian cells make them valuable for a variety of applications in medicine, industry, and diagnostics. However, the utility of such cells is restricted due to the difficulty in storing them non‐frozen for an extended time and still maintaining their stability and responsiveness. In order to extend the active life span of a mammalian biosensor cell line at room and refrigerated temperatures, we have over expressed genes that are reported to provide protection from apoptosis, stress, or oxidation. We demonstrated that over expression of genes from the extremophile, Artemia franciscana, as well as GADD45β, extends room‐temperature storage of fully active cells 3.5‐fold, while over production of several anti‐apoptotic proteins extended 4°C storage 2‐ to 3‐fold. Methodologies like these that improve the stability of mammalian‐cell‐based technologies in the absence of freezers may enable widespread use of these tools in applications that have been considered impractical based solely on limited storage characteristics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 106: 474–481. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel method for measuring active tension generation by C2C12 myotube using UV‐crosslinked collagen film
Authors: Fujita Hideaki , Shimizu Kazunori , Nagamori Eiji
Published: February 2010

We have developed a novel method for measuring active tension generated by cultured myotubes using UV‐crosslinked collagen film. Skeletal myoblasts cell line C2C12 or human primary skeletal myoblasts were seeded onto a thin (35 µm) collagen film strip, on which they proliferated and upon induction of differentiation they formed multinucleated myotubes. The collagen film–myotube complex contracted upon electric pulse stimulation which could be observed by light microscope. When collagen film–myotube complex were attached to force transducer, active tension generation was observed upon electric pulse stimulation. Measurement of active tension was possible for multiple times for more than 1 month with the same batch of collagen film–myotube complex. Active tension generation capability of C2C12 myotubes increased with progression of differentiation, reaching maximal value 6 days after induction of differentiation. Using this method, we measured the effect of artificial exercise induced by electric pulse on active tension generation capability of C2C12 myotubes. When the electric pulses of 1 Hz were continuously applied to induce artificial exercise, the active tension augmentation was observed. After 1 week of artificial exercise, the active tension reached ∼10× of that before the exercise. The increased active tension is attributable to the formation of the sarcomere structure within the myotubes and an increased amount of myotubes on the collagen film. The increased amount of myotubes is possibly due to the suppressed atrophy of myotubes by enhanced expression of Bcl‐2. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 106: 482–489. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Standstill frequency response test analyzer by using Excel Macros for educational purposes
Authors: Vahidi B. , Tavakoli M. R. Bank
Published: February 2010

Accurate knowledge characteristics of a synchronous generator are very essential to have an idea of its operation conditions. In the presented paper generator standstill frequency response tests is used as an approach to derive dynamic models and equivalent circuits descriptive of machine behavior for dynamic studies by using Excel Macros. The method is described and applied to a case study. The extraction process for obtaining the parameters is demonstrated. Evaluation of the method with 20 senior under graduate students and 20 junior power system engineers is very positive in terms of their developing confidence in and understanding of this test and deriving the dynamic model. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 474–483, 2012
Teaching short‐circuit withstand test on power transformers to M.Sc. students and junior engineers using MATLAB‐SIMULINK
Authors: Vahidi B. , Agheli Smieee A. , Jazebi S.
Published: February 2010

This article describes an efficient method of teaching short‐circuit withstand test on power transformer to power system graduate students and junior power engineers. The purpose of the presented method could be a part of a high‐voltage course for M.Sc. students in electrical engineering departments and a train for junior engineers in industry. The article shows how to simulate the components of testing circuit and transformer to teach them the test. Evaluation of the simulations with 20 students and 20 junior engineers was very positive in terms of their developing confidence and understanding short‐circuit withstand test on power transformers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 484–492, 2012
2‐(1‐Ethynylpyrene)‐Adenosine as a Folding Probe for RNA—Pyrene in or out
Authors: Förster Ute , Lommel Katharina , Sauter Daniel , Grünewald Christian , Engels Joachim W. , Wachtveitl Josef
Published: February 2010

A series of short RNA duplexes containing one or two 1‐ethynylpyrene‐modified adenine bases was synthesised. The melting behaviour of these duplexes was examined by monitoring temperature‐dependent pyrene fluorescence. In the singly modified RNA duplexes, the bases flanking the ethynylpyrene‐rA were varied to examine the sequence specificity of the fluorescence change of pyrene upon RNA hybridisation. Because an increase in pyrene fluorescence upon melting of the duplex can be correlated with intercalation of pyrene, and a decrease is usually associated with the position of pyrene outside the strand, a relationship between the flanking bases and the tendency of the dye to intercalate has been established. It was found that pyrene intercalation is less likely to take place if the modified base is flanked only by A–U base pairs. Flanking G–C base pairs, even only in the 5′‐direction of the modified base, will favour intercalation. In addition, we examined a doubly modified compound that had a pyrene located on each strand. The spectra indicated that the two pyrenes were close enough for interaction. Upon melting of the strand, a fluorescence blue shift corresponding to the dissociation of the pyrene–pyrene complex could be observed in addition to the intensity effect already known from the singly modified compounds. Two melting curves based on the different properties of the fluorophore could be extracted, leading to different melting points corresponding to the global duplex melting and to the change of local pyrene environment, respectively.
Ligand Close Packing, Molecular Compactness, the Methyl Tilt, Molecular Conformations, and a New Model for the Anomeric Effect
Authors: Gillespie Ronald J. , Robinson Edward A. , Pilmé Julien
Published: February 2010

All the atoms in a molecule attract each other until they reach their equilibrium positions at which point the repulsive forces between the atoms just balance the attractive forces and there are no resultant forces acting on any of the atoms in the molecule. Thus, we can consider that in the equilibrium geometry the atoms in a molecule are arranged as compactly as possible. This is the basis of the ligand close packing (LCP) model according to which three or four monatomic ligands X, such as F, Cl or O (formally O or O−) pack as closely as possible around a small central atom such as a boron or carbon atom giving a truly close‐packed equilateral triangular AX3molecule or a tetrahedral AX4molecules. Such monatomic ligands can, to a good approximation, be described as having a spherical shape with a single ligand radiusrX. In contrast, ligands with donor atoms with lone pairs such as the oxygen atom in an OX group have a less symmetrical electron density requiring two ligand radii,rin the lone pair direction, andrin the bonding direction, wherer<rfor an approximate description. On this basis we propose an explanation for the “methyl tilt”, in methanol and many related molecules, and in conjunction with the concept of compactness, a model for explaining the relative energies of the conformations of molecules containing OH and OMe ligands, including molecules that exhibit the anomeric effect. We compare our model for the anomeric effect with the widely accepted “hyperconjugation” model. We also discuss the relationship between the concept of compactness and the concept of hardness.
[(NHC)(NHCewg)RuCl2(CHPh)] Complexes with Modified NHCewg Ligands for Efficient Ring‐Closing Metathesis Leading to Tetrasubstituted Olefins
Authors: Sashuk Volodymyr , Peeck Lars H. , Plenio Herbert
Published: February 2010

Imidazolium salts (NHCewg⋅HCl) with electronically variable substituents in the 4,5‐position (H,H or Cl,Cl or H,NO2 or CN,CN) and sterically variable substituents in the 1,3‐position (Me,Me or Et,Et or iPr,iPr or Me,iPr) were synthesized and converted into the respective [AgI(NHC)ewg] complexes. The reactions of [(NHC)RuCl2(CHPh)(py)2] with the [AgI(NHCewg)] complexes provide the respective [(NHC)(NHCewg)RuCl2(CHPh)] complexes in excellent yields. The catalytic activity of such complexes in ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions leading to tetrasubstituted olefins was studied. To obtain quantitative substrate conversion, catalyst loadings of 0.2–0.5 mol % at 80 °C in toluene are sufficient. The complex with the best catalytic activity in such RCM reactions and the fastest initiation rate has an NHCewg group with 1,3‐Me,iPr and 4,5‐Cl,Cl substituents and can be synthesized in 95 % isolated yield from the ruthenium precursor. To learn which one of the two NHC ligands acts as the leaving group in olefin metathesis reactions two complexes, [(FL‐NHC)(NHCewg)RuCl2(CHPh)] and [(FL‐NHCewg)(NHC)RuCl2(CHPh)], with a dansyl fluorophore (FL)‐tagged electron‐rich NHC ligand (FL‐NHC) and an electron‐deficient NHC ligand (FL‐NHCewg) were prepared. The fluorescence of the dansyl fluorophore is quenched as long as it is in close vicinity to ruthenium, but increases strongly upon dissociation of the respective fluorophore‐tagged ligand. In this manner, it was shown for ring‐opening metathesis ploymerization (ROMP) reactions at room temperature that the NHCewg ligand normally acts as the leaving group, whereas the other NHC ligand remains ligated to ruthenium.
VCD study of α‐methylbenzyl amine derivatives: Detection of the unchanged chiral motif
Authors: Merten Christian , Amkreutz Marc , Hartwig Andreas
Published: February 2010

Chiral α‐methylbenzyl amine is a well known and often used chiral auxiliary, e.g., in the resolution of racemates or asymmetric catalysis. In this work, α‐methylbenzyl amine and its derivatives N,α‐dimethylbenzyl amine, N,N,α‐trimethylbenzyl amine, and bis[α‐methylbenzyl] amine were investigated by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT). For all compounds, stable low energy conformers were obtained by the DFT calculations and based on those, the theoretical vibrational absorption (VA) and VCD spectra were calculated and compared with experimental spectra. Hence, the absolute configurations and conformational preferences were determined. A qualitative comparison of all the experimental VCD spectra of the investigated chiral molecules supported by the calculated ones is given which clearly shows similarities between the spectra of the different chiral amines. These can be assigned to vibrations of the unchanged chiral center. Chirality 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vibrational circular dichroism of 3‐(trifluoroacetyl)‐camphor and its interaction with chiral amines
Authors: Merten Christian , Jalkanen Karl J. , Weiss Volker C. , Hartwig Andreas
Published: February 2010

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the keto–enol equilibrium of 3‐(trifluoroacetyl)‐camphor (TFC) and to study the interaction of TFC with chiral amines in deuterated Chloroform. It is shown that the VCD spectra of the enol‐ and keto forms of TFC can clearly be distinguished and that the enol form is favored. By deprotonation of the TFC enol with chiral amines, no indication of a mutual diasteriomeric influence on the VCD spectra induced by transfer of stereochemical information between the chiral ionic species is found, neither experimentally nor theoretically. Chirality 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zusammenhang zwischen Trocknungsverlauf und Gutsdicke bei wasserfeuchten, plattenförmigen Gütern Teil 1: Trocknungsexperimente und Modellierung der Trocknungskinetik
Authors: Gierecki Ł. , Kind M.
Published: February 2010

In dieser Arbeit wurden Trocknungsverlaufskurven für ein breites Spektrum an plattenförmigen, porösen Feststoffen unterschiedlicher Gutsdicken mit einem Versuchsprallstrahltrockner aufgenommen. Die gemessenen Trocknungsverlaufskurven und der Einfluss der Gutsdicke konnten mit einem geeigneten Modell, das den flüssigen Stofftransport im Gut berücksichtigt, gut wiedergeben werden. In einem folgenden Teil 2 der Veröffentlichung werden die Möglichkeiten für eine einfache Umrechnung der Trocknungszeiten auf eine andere Plattendicke anhand der gemessenen Trocknungsverlaufskurven diskutiert.
Racial differences in the perception of lung cancer
Authors: Lathan Christopher S. , Okechukwu Cassandra. , Drake Bettina F. , Bennett Gary G.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Racial disparities in lung cancer have been described well in the literature; however, little is known about perceptions of lung cancer in the general population and whether these perceptions differ by race.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) survey. The authors used a sample design of random digit dialing of listed telephone exchanges in the United States. Complete interviews were conducted with 5491 adults, including 1872 respondents who were assigned to receive questions pertaining to lung cancer. All analyses were conducted on this subset of respondents. A statistical software program was used to calculate chi‐square tests and to perform logistic regression analyses that would model racial differences in perceptions of lung cancer. All estimates were weighted to be nationally representative of the US population; a jack‐knife weighting method was used for parameter estimation.

RESULTS:

Black patients and white patients shared many of the same beliefs about lung cancer mortality, and etiology. African Americans were more likely than whites 1) to agree that it is hard to follow recommendations about preventing lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19‐3.53), 2) to avoid an evaluation for lung cancer for fear that they have the disease (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.84‐5.98), and 3) to believe that patients with lung cancer would have pain or other symptoms before diagnosis (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.27‐3.79).

CONCLUSIONS:

African Americans were more likely to hold beliefs about lung cancer that could interfere with prevention and treatment. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Two members of the SIBLING family of proteins, DSPP and BSP, may predict the transition of oral epithelial dysplasia to oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ogbureke Kalu U. E. , Abdelsayed Rafik A. , Kushner Harvey , Li Li , Fisher Larry W.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Patients with oral premalignant lesions (OPL) present with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) at a much higher rate than the general population. There are currently no useful markers that indicate specifically which OPLs are most likely to progress. Three small integrin binding ligands N‐linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family proteins, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), have been shown to be up‐regulated in many cancers, including OSCC. The status of SIBLING expression in OPLs and their correlation to transition to oral cancer are unknown.

METHODS:

Sixty archival surgical biopsies of dysplastic OPLs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for expression of BSP, DSPP, and OPN and correlated with local transformation to OSCC at sites adjacent to surgically removed dysplastic OPL.

RESULTS:

The OPL patient population was representative of previous studies with 20% progressing to OSCC, and no correlation between degree of dysplasia and progression. Eighty‐seven percent were positive for at least 1 SIBLING protein. OPN expression had no correlation with progression. The BSP+/DSPP− expression pattern however correlated with decreased transformation to OSCC (point prevalence = 0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0‐20.6), whereas the BSP−/DSPP+ pattern was associated with more frequent progression (point prevalence = 77.8%; 95%CI, 47.8‐95.4). Incrementally higher expression scores (0 to 3) of BSP and DSPP were also associated with increased predictive values (odds ratio, 25.53; 95% CI, 2.14‐304.7 and 10.13; 95% CI, 2.0‐50.0, respectively, for each increment).

CONCLUSIONS:

BSP and DSPP are excellent candidate markers for successful OPL surgical intervention and may be predictors of OPL‐OSCC progression. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Cumulative evaluation of a quantitative immunochemical fecal occult blood test to determine its optimal clinical use
Authors: Rozen Paul , Comaneshter Doron , Levi Zohar , Hazazi Rachel , Vilkin Alex , Maoz Eran , Birkenfeld Shlomo , Niv Yaron
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND:

Quantified, human hemoglobin (Hb)‐specific, immunochemical fecal occult blood test (IFOBT) measurements are now used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The objective was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity for CRC and advanced adenomatous polyps (APs) by the fecal Hb threshold used to determine a positive test and the number of IFOBTs prepared per test, so as to determine the least number of colonoscopies required to detect a neoplasm.

METHODS:

Cumulative data were analyzed from a prospective cross‐sectional double‐blind study of 1682 consecutive, ambulatory, nonbleeding colonoscopy patients who volunteered for IFOBTs, most of above average risk, from 3 ambulatory‐endoscopy centers. Fecal Hb was measured in 3 samples and analyzed by an automated instrument, and the highest result ≥50 ng Hb/mL of buffer was related to findings.

RESULTS:

Colonoscopy identified CRC in 20 patients and advanced APs in 129. Sensitivity for either was best when any of 3 tests had ≥50 ng Hb/mL of buffer; sensitivity was 61.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53.2‐68.9), and specificity was 87.8% (95% CI, 86.2‐89.4). Positive tests identified 100% of CRCs and 55% of advanced APs every 3.1 colonoscopies. Sensitivity of a single test at the commonly used 100‐ng Hb/mL threshold was lower at 31.5% (95% CI, 24.1‐39.0) (P<.001), but specificity was higher at 96.4% (95% CI, 95.5‐97.3) (P<.001). Positive tests identified 65% of CRCs and 26.4% of advanced APs every 2.2 colonoscopies.

CONCLUSIONS:

The fecal Hb cutoff chosen by the screener and the number of samples collected per patient determine sensitivity and specificity for CRC/advanced AP; these factors determine the number of colonoscopies needed for positive tests and neoplasia yield. This information provides guidelines for IFOBT screening. Limitations are 1‐time screening and most examinees not being at average risk for CRC. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Model Studies on CO Oxidation Catalyst Systems: Titania and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Christmann Klaus , Schwede Sebastian , Schubert Susanne , Kudernatsch Wilhelmine
Published: February 2010

The peculiar catalytic activity of Au‐supported titanium dioxide surfaces in the CO oxidation reaction has been a focus of interest for more than twenty years. Herein, recent data concerning preparation and structural characterisation of planar catalyst model systems consisting of single‐crystalline titania and/or gold nanoparticles deposited thereon is presented and reviewed. We first expand on the deposition and growth of TiO2 films on selected metal host surfaces and then consider the deposition of Au nanoparticles on these surfaces, including information on their geometric and electronic structures. The second issue is the interaction of these materials with carbon monoxide (one of the essential ingredients of the CO oxidation reaction) which serves as a probe molecule and monitor of the chemical activity of the model catalyst samples. Concerted efforts relating the structural and chemical properties of the respective binary materials (titania support plus deposited gold) can help to tackle and finally resolve the still open problems concerning the high activity of Au–TiO2 catalysts in the CO oxidation reaction.
Self‐Assembly of Photosynthetic Membranes
Authors: Hsin Jen , Chandler Danielle E. , Gumbart James , Harrison Christopher B. , Sener Melih , Strumpfer Johan , Schulten Klaus
Published: February 2010

Bacterial photosynthetic membranes, also known as chromatophores, are tightly packed with integral membrane proteins that work together to carry out photosynthesis. Chromatophores display a wide range of cellular morphologies; spherical, tubular, and lamellar chromatophores have all been observed in different bacterial species, or with different protein constituents. Through recent computational modeling and simulation, it has been demonstrated that the light‐harvesting complexes abundant in chromatophores induce local membrane curvature via multiple mechanisms. These protein complexes assemble to generate a global curvature and sculpt the chromatophores into various cellular‐scale architectures.
Supramolecular Organization and Chiral Resolution of p‐Terphenyl‐m‐Dicarbonitrile on the Ag(111) Surface
Authors: Marschall Matthias , Reichert Joachim , Seufert Knud , Auwärter Willi , Klappenberger Florian , Weber‐Bargioni Alexander , Klyatskaya Svetlana , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Nefedov Alexei , Strunskus Thomas , Wöll Christof , Ruben Mario , Barth Johannes V.
Published: February 2010

The supramolecular organization and layer formation of the non‐linear, prochiral molecule [1, 1′;4′,1′′]‐terphenyl‐3,3“‐dicarbonitrile adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface is investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS). Upon two‐dimensional confinement the molecules are deconvoluted in three stereoisomers, that is, two mirror‐symmetric trans‐ and one cis‐species. STM measurements reveal large and regular islands following room temperature deposition, whereby NEXAFS confirms a flat adsorption geometry with the electronic π‐system parallel to the surface plane. The ordering within the expressed supramolecular arrays reflects a substrate templating effect, steric constraints and the operation of weak lateral interactions mainly originating from the carbonitrile endgroups. High‐resolution data at room temperature reveal enantiormorphic characteristics of the molecular packing schemes in different domains of the arrays, indicative of chiral resolution during the 2D molecular self‐assembly process. At submonolayer coverage supramolecular islands coexist with a disordered fluid phase of highly mobile molecules. Following thermal quenching (down to 6 K) we find extended supramolecular ribbons stabilised again by attractive and directional noncovalent interactions, the formation of which reflects a chiral resolution of trans‐species.
New dynamic ID authentication scheme using smart cards
Authors: Tsai Jia‐Lun , Wu Tzong‐Chen , Tsai Kuo‐Yu
Published: February 2010

Recently, Yoonet al. and Wanget al. independently proposed a dynamic ID authentication scheme and claimed that their schemes can withstand the risk of ID‐theft, and several attacks. In this paper, we first demonstrate that both of the proposed schemes cannot achieve the security requirement for user anonymity and resist an impersonation attack yet. Then, we shall propose a new dynamic ID authentication scheme to overcome the above security weaknesses. We formally analyzed our proposed scheme with the BAN‐logic and shown that it can withstand the several possible attacks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of BDNF and its receptors in depression and antidepressant drug action: Reactivation of developmental plasticity
Authors: Castrén Eero , Rantamäki Tomi
Published: February 2010

Recent evidence suggests that neuronal plasticity plays an important role in the recovery from depression. Antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive shock treatment increase the expression of several molecules, which are associated with neuronal plasticity, in particular the neurotrophin BDNF and its receptor TrkB. Furthermore, these treatments increase neurogenesis and synaptic numbers in several brain areas. Conversely, depression, at least in its severe form, is associated with reduced volumes of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and in at least some cases these neurodegenerative signs can be attenuated by successful treatment. Such observations suggest a central role for neuronal plasticity in depression and the antidepressant effect, and also implicate BDNF signaling as a mediator of this plasticity. The antidepressant fluoxetine can reactivate developmental‐like neuronal plasticity in the adult visual cortex, which, under appropriate environmental guidance, leads to the rewiring of a developmentally dysfunctional neural network. These observations suggest that the simple form of the neurotrophic hypothesis of depression, namely, that deficient levels of neurotrophic support underlies mood disorders and increases in these neurotrophic factors to normal levels brings about mood recovery, may not sufficiently explain the complex process of recovery from depression. This review discusses recent data on the role of BDNF and its receptors in depression and the antidepressant response and suggests a model whereby the effects of antidepressant treatments could be explained by a reactivation of activity‐dependent and BDNF‐mediated cortical plasticity, which in turn leads to the adjustment of neuronal networks to better adapt to environmental challenges. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
Nerve growth factor as a paradigm of neurotrophins related to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Calissano P. , Matrone C. , Amadoro G.
Published: February 2010

Converging lines of evidence on the possible connection between NGF signaling and Alzheimer's diseases (AD) are unraveling new facets which could depict this neurotrophin (NTF) in a more central role. AD animal models have provided evidence that a shortage of NGF supply may induce an AD‐like syndrome. In vitro experiments, moreover, are delineating a possible temporal and causal link between APP amiloydogenic processing and altered post‐translational tau modifications. After NGF signaling interruption, the pivotal upstream players of the amyloid cascade (APP, β‐secretase, and active form of γ‐secretase) are up‐regulated, leading to an increased production of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and to its intracellular aggregation in molecular species of different sizes. Contextually, the Aβ released pool generates an autocrine toxic loop in the same healthy neurons. At the same time tau protein undergoes anomalous, GSKβ‐mediated, phosphorylation at specific pathogenetic sites (Ser262 and Thr 231), caspase(s) and calpain‐ I‐ mediated truncation, detachment from microtubules with consequent cytoskeleton collapse and axonal transport impairment. All these events are inhibited when the amyloidogenic processing is reduced by β and γ secretase inhibitors or anti‐Aβ antibodies and appear to be causally correlated to TrkA, p75CTF, Aβ, and PS1 molecular association in an Aβ‐mediated fashion. In this scenario, the so‐called trophic action exerted by NGF (and possibly also by other neurotrophins) in these targets neurons is actually the result of an anti‐amyloidogenic activity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
Neurotrophin receptors: Old friends with new partners
Authors: Schecterson Leslayann C. , Bothwell Mark
Published: February 2010

Neurotrophins are important regulators of embryonic development and adult function of most populations of neurons in vertebrate nervous systems. This signaling system regulates many diverse activities, including survival, axon outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity. In mammals, neurotrophin action is mediated by four receptors, p75NTR, TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC. Although early studies viewed these receptors as solitary agents in the cells outer membrane, recent discoveries reveal that the cell outer membrane is a crowded and highly interactive neighborhood. Neurotrophin receptors partner with a diverse array of membrane proteins, dramatically expanding their functional repertoire. This review will focus on some of the most recent discoveries concerning the promiscuous partnering of neurotrophin receptors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
Understanding proneurotrophin actions: Recent advances and challenges
Authors: Teng Kenneth K. , Felice Sarah , Kim Taeho , Hempstead Barbara L.
Published: February 2010

Neurotrophins are initially synthesized as larger precursors (proneurotrophins), which undergo proteolytic cleavage to yield mature forms. Although the functions of the mature neurotrophins have been well established during neural development and in the adult nervous system, roles for the proneurotrophins in developmental and injury‐induced cell death, as well as in synaptic plasticity, have only recently been appreciated. Interestingly, both mature neurotrophins and proneurotrophins utilize dual‐receptor complexes to mediate their actions. The mature neurotrophin coreceptors consist of the Trk receptor tyrosine kinases and p75NTR, wherein Trk transduces survival and differentiative signaling, and p75NTR modulates the affinity and selectivity of Trk activation. On the other hand, proneurotrophins engage p75NTR and the structurally distinct coreceptor sortilin, to initiate p75NTR‐dependent signal transduction cascade. Although the specificity of mature neurotrophins vs. proneurotrophins actions is due in part to the formation of distinct coreceptor complexes, a number of recent studies highlight how different p75NTR‐mediated cellular actions are modulated. Here, we review emerging evidence for a novel transmembrane mechanism for ligand‐specific p75NTR activation and several mechanisms by which p75NTR‐dependent apoptotic and nonapoptotic responses can be selective activated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
Assembly and activation of neurotrophic factor receptor complexes
Authors: Simi Anastasia , Ibáñez Carlos F.
Published: February 2010

Neurotrophic factors play important roles in the development and function of both neuronal and glial elements of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Their functional diversity is in part based on their ability to interact with alternative complexes of receptor molecules. This review focuses on our current understanding of the mechanisms that govern the assembly and activation of neurotrophic factor receptor complexes. The realization that many, if not the majority, of these complexes exist in a preassembled form at the plasma membrane has forced the revision of classical ligand‐mediated oligomerization models, and led to the discovery of novel mechanisms of receptor activation and generation of signaling diversity which are likely to be shared by many different classes of receptors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010
Stiff‐person syndrome presenting as eating disorder: A case report
Authors: Cuturic Miroslav , Harden Laurie M. , Kannaday Melissa H. , Campbell Nioaka N. , Harding Richard K.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To report a case of a 35‐year‐old female initially treated for anorexia nervosa who was found to have Stiff‐Person Syndrome (SPS).

Method:

Case report.

Results:

The patient reported panic attacks at meal times that were found to consist of tetanic contractions of the axial musculature. Swallowing initiated reflexive painful muscle spasms that consequently resulted in cibophobia and significant weight loss. Her serum tested positive for anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, and she subsequently improved with appropriate treatment for SPS.

Discussion:

SPS has not been previously reported in the context of eating disorders, although it has been linked to other psychiatric disorders. Often the psychiatrist may be the first physician to diagnose SPS. We present this case to alert practitioners to the potential co‐morbidity and symptom overlap between SPS and eating disorders, to aid in early recognition and appropriate treatment of this rare illness. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:284–286)
Update on course and outcome in eating disorders
Authors: Keel Pamela K. , Brown Tiffany A.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To review recent studies describing eating disorder course and outcome.

Method:

Electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify relevant articles published since 2004.

Results:

Twenty‐six articles were identified. For anorexia nervosa (AN), most patients ascertained through outpatient settings achieved remission by 5‐year follow‐up. Inpatient treatment predicted poor prognosis as inpatient samples demonstrated lower remission rates. Outcome differed between bulimia nervosa (BN) and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), including binge eating disorder (BED), for shorter follow‐up durations; however, outcomes appeared similar between BN and related EDNOS by 5‐year follow‐up. Greater psychiatric comorbidity emerged as a significant predictor of poor prognosis in BN, whereas few prognostic indicators were identified for BED or other EDNOS.

Discussion:

Results support optimism for most patients with eating disorders. However, more effective treatments are needed for adult AN inpatients and approximately 30% of patients with BN and related EDNOS who remain ill 10–20 years following presentation. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Abuse and clinical value of diuretics in eating disorders therapeutic applications
Authors: Mascolo Margherita , Chu Eugene S. , Mehler Philip S.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

Diuretic abuse as a means of purging is common in patients with bulimia nervosa. We sought to illustrate the pathophysiologic effects of diuretics and purging on a patient with bulimia nervosa's fluid and electrolyte status and to clarify the role of diuretics in the management of volume status during refeeding.

Method:

We reviewed the literature pertaining to diuretic abuse, purging, bulimia nervosa, and diuretic therapy.

Results:

Purging behaviors lead to volume depletion and a state of heightened aldosterone production. Patients with bulimia nervosa commonly undergo rapid rehydration with intravenous fluid administration. In the setting of hyperaldostreronism, aggressive rehydration leads to avid salt retention and the development of marked amounts of edema.

Discussion:

Providers should understand both the background renal pathophysiology of the patient with bulimia nervosa and the mechanisms of action of diuretics to correctly use diuretics as focused therapeutic agents for this patient population. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:200–202)
An experimental study on wideband wave absorber using periodically‐arranged short carbon fibers
Authors: Doi Toru , Hashimoto Osamu , Tanaka Takao , Umemura Ichiro
Published: February 2010

This paper examines λ/4 type wave absorbers using periodically‐arranged short carbon fibers whose length is λ/2 or λ/4 for two arbitrary frequencies. Measurements on these wave absorbers show wideband absorption characteristics of about 20 dB from 4 to 7 GHz, and the thickness of the absorbers is 34% that of traditional λ/4 wave absorbers at 4.5 GHz. We also estimated the surface resistance of the aspect‐arranged short carbon fibers to support the theoretical design of the absorber, and agreement of the calculated and measured absorption characteristics of the wave absorbers was obtained. Then, for various thicknesses and materials of the spacer, we calculated the absorption characteristics by using the estimated surface impedance. The calculated spacer thickness was smaller and the absorption characteristic was wider than the measured values. The results show that the design of wave absorbers using periodically‐arranged short carbon filters is theoretically possible. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(3): 16–23, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10209
Analysis of millimeter‐wave amplifier module with surface wave mode transmission line by FDTD electromagnetic‐semiconductor device co‐simulation
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Honjo Kazuhiko , Nakajima Masayuki
Published: February 2010

Direct analysis of a millimeter‐wave amplifier module by using FDTD electromagnetic and semiconductor device co‐simulation technique is demonstrated. The millimeter‐wave amplifier module consists of an HFET and planar dielectric transmission lines (PDTL) for the 60‐GHz region. A PDTL with a surface wave transmission mode has a low‐loss transmission characteristic in the millimeter‐wave region when a low‐loss ceramic substrate is used. However, the transmission wave of the PDTL tends to be scattered by irregular structures and impedance mismatching. Furthermore, it is predicted that scattered waves reflected at the edges of the substrate will interfere with incident and transmission waves on the PDTL. Using the co‐simulation technique, the influence of the scattering waves is investigated in detail for the amplifier module. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(3): 8–15, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10211
Complement fragments C3a and C5a: The salt and pepper of the immune response
Authors: Sacks Steven H.
Published: February 2010

The influence of complement on B‐cell responses has been known for many years, but the notion that T‐cell recognition, expansion and differentiation are complement dependent has only recently gained impetus. DC, and to a lesser extent T cells, produce a range of complement components necessary for complement activation, and these cells also express receptors that detect complement‐activation products such as C3a and C5a (anaphylatoxins). In the absence of C3a‐receptor (C3aR) signalling, DC lose their capacity to induce potent Th1 responses against alloantigen and also favour the emergence of Treg. A study in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology not only spotlights the importance of C5aR signalling in DC interaction with T cells, but also shows how cooperation with other signalling pathways determines the outcome of T‐cell activation. Remove C5aR from the equation, TLR2‐stimulated DC induce naive CD4+ Th cells to undergo differentiation not only mainly to Th17 cells but also to Treg, via a TGF‐β‐dependent pathway. Thus, anaphylatoxins in conjunction with other danger signalling pathways modify the function of DC in antigen presentation and help to shape the primary immune response. Future work will need to address the impact of anaphylatoxins on protective immunity in vivo and determine the wider implications of anaphylatoxins for allo‐ and autoimmunity.
O,N‐Bidentate Ruthenium Azo Complexes as Catalysts for Olefin Isomerization Reactions
Authors: Ding Fu , Sun Yaguang , Verpoort Francis
Published: February 2010

A series of ruthenium complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl(L)] [ligands L incorporate an azo group (1–5) or an imino group (6–7)] have been synthesized and studied as olefin isomerization catalyst with allylbenzene and 1‐octene as model substrates. Temperature and catalyst/substrate mol ratio have been taken into account as parameters to optimize the isomerization reaction conditions. By using 1H, 13C NMR, FT‐IR and microanalysis, the new complexes have been characterized and the molecular structure of complex 4 has been determined by crystal structure determination.