bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast NO2 retrievals from Odin-OSIRIS limb scatter measurements
Authors: Bourassa A. E. , McLinden C. A. , Sioris C. E. , Brohede S. , Llewellyn E. J. , Degenstein D. A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The feasibility of retrieving vertical profiles of NO2 from space-based measurements of limb scattered sunlight has been demonstrated using several different data sets since the 1980's. The NO2 data product routinely retrieved from measurements made by the Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS) instrument onboard the Odin satellite uses a spectral fitting technique over the 437 to 451 nm range, over which there are 36 individual wavelength measurements. In this work we present a proof of concept technique for the retrieval of NO2 using only 4 of the 36 OSIRIS measurements in this wavelength range, which reduces the computational cost by almost an order of magnitude. The method is an adaptation of a triplet analysis technique that is currently used for the OSIRIS retrievals of ozone at Chappuis band wavelengths. The results obtained are shown to be in very good agreement with the spectral fit method, and provide an important alternative for two dimensional tomographic algorithms where the computational burden is very high. Additionally this provides a baseline for future instrument design in terms of cost effectiveness and boosting signal to noise by reducing spectral resolution requirements.
Technical note on measuring run-off dynamics from pavements using a new device: the weighable tipping bucket
Authors: Nehls T. , Rim Y.-N. , Wessolek G.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Due to climate change, cities need to adapt to changing rainfall and rainwater run-off dynamics. In order to develop an corresponding process based run-off model for pavements, we had to improve the measurement technique to detect run-off dynamics in an appropriate high resolution. Traditional tipping buckets (TB) have a comparable low volume resolution, capable to quantify the highest intensities in a range of expected flows. This results in varying temporal resolutions for varying flow intensities, especially in low resolutions for small flow events. Therefore, their applicability for run-off measurements and other hydrological process studies is limited, especially when the dynamics of both small and big flow events shall be described. We improved a TB by coupling it to a balance and called it weighable tipping bucket (WTB). This paper introduces the device set up and the according data processing concept. The improved volume and temporal resolution of the WTB are demonstrated. A systematic uncertainty of TB measurements compared to WTB measurements is calculated. The impact of that increased resolution on our understanding of run-off dynamics from paved urban soils are discussed, exemplary for the run-off and the surface storage of a paved urban soil. The study was conducted on a permeably paved lysimeter situated in Berlin, Germany. Referring to the paved surface, the TB has a resolution of 0.1 mm, while the WTB has a resolution of 0.001 mm. The temporal resolution of the WTB is 3 s, the TB detects individual tippings with 0.4 s between them. Therefore, the data processing concept combines both the benefits of the balance to measure small intensities with that of the TB to measure high flow intensities. During a five months period (July to November 2009) 154 rain events were detected. Accordingly, the TB and WTB detected 47 and 121 run-off events. The total run-off was 79.6 mm measured by the WTB which was 11% higher than detected by the TB. 95% of that difference can be appointed to water, which evaporated from the TB. To derive a surface storage estimation, we analyzed the WTB and TB data for rain events without run-off. According to WTB data, the surface storage of the permeable pavement is 1.7 mm, while using TB data leads to an overestimation of 47% due to low volume resolution of the TB. Combining traditional TB with modern, fast, high resolution digital balances offers the opportunity to upgrade existing TB systems in order to improve their volume detection limit and their temporal resolution, which is of great advantage for the synchronization of water balance component measurements and the investigation of hydrological processes.
Open Plot Project: an open-source toolkit for 3-D structural data analysis
Authors: Tavani S. , Arbues P. , Snidero M. , Carrera N. , Muñoz J. A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. In this work we present the Open Plot Project, a software for structural data analysis including a 3-D environment. This first alpha release represents a stand-alone toolkit for structural data analysis and, due to many import/export facilities and to the presence of a 3-D environment, also candidates as a tool to be incorporated in workflows for 3-D geological modelling. The software (for both Windows and Linux O.S.), the User Manual, a set of example movies, and the source code are provided as Supplement. It is our purpose that the publication of the source code sets the base for the development of a public and free software that, hopefully, the structural geologists community will use, modify, and implement. The creation of additional public controls/tools is strongly encouraged.
Photoswitchable Superabsorbency Based on Nanocellulose Aerogels
Authors: Kettunen Marjo , Silvennoinen Riitta J. , Houbenov Nikolay , Nykänen Antti , Ruokolainen Janne , Sainio Jani , Pore Viljami , Kemell Marianna , Ankerfors Mikael , Lindström Tom , Ritala Mikko , Ras Robin H. A. , Ikkala Olli
Published: December 2010

Chemical vapor deposition of a thin titanium dioxide (TiO2) film on lightweight native nanocellulose aerogels offers a novel type of functional material that shows photoswitching between water‐superabsorbent and water‐repellent states. Cellulose nanofibrils (diameters in the range of 5–20 nm) with native crystalline internal structures are topical due to their attractive mechanical properties, and they have become relevant for applications due to the recent progress in the methods of their preparation. Highly porous, nanocellulose aerogels are here first formed by freeze‐drying from the corresponding aqueous gels. Well‐defined, nearly conformal TiO2 coatings with thicknesses of about 7 nm are prepared by chemical vapor deposition on the aerogel skeleton. Weighing shows that such TiO2‐coated aerogel specimens essentially do not absorb water upon immersion, which is also evidenced by a high contact angle for water of 140° on the surface. Upon UV illumination, they absorb water 16 times their own weight and show a vanishing contact angle on the surface, allowing them to be denoted as superabsorbents. Recovery of the original absorption and wetting properties occurs upon storage in the dark. That the cellulose nanofibrils spontaneously aggregate into porous sheets of different length scales during freeze‐drying is relevant: in the water‐repellent state they may stabilize air pockets, as evidenced by a high contact angle, in the superabsorbent state they facilitate rapid water‐spreading into the aerogel cavities by capillary effects. The TiO2‐coated nanocellulose aerogels also show photo‐oxidative decomposition, i.e., photocatalytic activity, which, in combination with the porous structure, is interesting for applications such as water purification. It is expected that the present dynamic, externally controlled, organic/inorganic aerogels will open technically relevant approaches for various applications.
Design of Catalytically Active Cylindrical and Macroporous Gold Microelectrodes
Authors: Reculusa Stéphane , Heim Matthias , Gao Feng , Mano Nicolas , Ravaine Serge , Kuhn Alexander
Published: December 2010

Porous gold structures with a well‐defined pore size and thickness are obtained through electrochemical deposition of gold in a colloidal crystal template synthesized by the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique. Cylindrical gold wires were used as substrates for the LB deposition of successive monolayers of silica particles of various sizes, and the electrodeposition of gold through this inorganic template led to a homogeneous, porous metal structure. These materials were characterized through typical electrochemical experiments and showed high surface‐to‐volume ratios with promising features for their further use in miniaturized electrocatalytic devices.
Imidazolium Polyesters: Structure–Property Relationships in Thermal Behavior, Ionic Conductivity, and Morphology
Authors: Lee Minjae , Choi U. Hyeok , Salas‐de la Cruz David , Mittal Anuj , Winey Karen I. , Colby Ralph H. , Gibson Harry W.
Published: December 2010

New bis(ω‐hydroxyalkyl)imidazolium and 1,2‐bis[N‐(ω‐hydroxyalkyl)imidazolium]ethane salts are synthesized and characterized; most of the salts are room temperature ionic liquids. These hydroxyl end‐functionalized ionic liquids are polymerized with diacid chlorides, yielding polyesters containing imidazolium cations embedded in the main chain. By X‐ray scattering, four polyesters are found to be semicrystalline at room temperature: mono‐imidazolium‐C11‐sebacate‐C6 (4e), mono‐imidazolium‐C11‐sebacate‐C11 (4c), bis(imidazolium)ethane‐C6‐sebacate‐C6 (5a), and bis(imidazolium)ethane‐C11‐sebacate‐C11 (5c), all with hexafluorophosphate counterions. The other imidazolium polyesters, including all those with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI−) counterions, are amorphous at room temperature. Room temperature ionic conductivities of the mono‐imidazolium polyesters (4 × 10−6 to 3 × 10−5 S cm−1) are higher than those of the corresponding bis‐imidazolium polyesters (4 × 10−9 to 8 × 10−6 S cm−1), even though the bis‐imidazolium polyesters have higher ion concentrations. Counterions affect ionic conduction significantly; all polymers with TFSI− counterions have higher ionic conductivities than the hexafluorophosphate analogs. Interestingly, the hexafluorophosphate polyester, 1,2‐bis(imidazolium)ethane‐C11‐sebacate‐C11 (5c), displays almost 400‐fold higher room temperature ionic conductivity (1.6 × 10−6 S cm−1) than the 1,2‐bis(imidazolium)ethane‐C6‐sebacate‐C6 analog (5a, 4.3 × 10−9 S cm−1), attributable to the differences in the semicrystalline structure in 5c as compared to 5a. These results indicate that semicrystalline polymers may result in high ionic conductivity in a soft (low glass tranition temperature, Tg) amorphous phase and good mechanical properties of the crystalline phase.
Reconstructing sickle cell disease: A data‐based analysis of the “hyperhemolysis paradigm” for pulmonary hypertension from the perspective of evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Hebbel Robert P.
Published: December 2010

The “hyperhemolytic paradigm” (HHP) posits that hemolysis in sickle disease sequentially and causally establishes increased cell‐free plasma Hb, consumption of NO, a state of NO biodeficiency, endothelial dysfunction, and a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. The basic science underpinning this concept has added an important facet to the complexity of vascular pathobiology in sickle disease, and clinical research has identified worrisome clinical issues. However, this critique identifies and explains a number of significant concerns about the various HHP component tenets. In addressing these issues, this report presents: a very brief history of the HHP, an integrated synthesis of mechanisms underlying sickle hemolysis, a review of the evidentiary value of hemolysis biomarkers, an examination of evidence bearing on existence of a hyperhemolytic subgroup, and a series of questions that should naturally be applied to the HHP if it is examined using critical thinking skills, the fundamental basis of evidence‐based medicine. The veracity of different HHP tenets is found to vary from true, to weakly supported, to demonstrably false. The thesis is developed that the HHP has misidentified the mechanism and clinical significance of its findings. The extant research questions identified by these analyses are delineated, and a conservative, evidence‐based approach is suggested for application in clinical medicine. Am. J. Hematol. 86:123–154, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Death among geladas (Theropithecus gelada): a broader perspective on mummified infants and primate thanatology
Authors: Fashing Peter J. , Nguyen Nga , Barry Tyler S. , Goodale C. Barret , Burke Ryan J. , Jones Sorrel C.Z. , Kerby Jeffrey T. , Lee Laura M. , Nurmi Niina O. , Venkataraman Vivek V.
Published: December 2010

Despite intensive study in humans, responses to dying and death have been a neglected area of research in other social mammals, including nonhuman primates. Two recent reports [Anderson JR, Gillies A, Lock LC. 2010. Pan thanatology. Current Biology 20:R349–R351; Biro D, Humle T, Koops K, Souse C, Hayashi M, Matsuzawa T. 2010. Chimpanzee mothers at Bossou, Guinea carry the mummified remains of their dead infants. Current Biology 20:R351–R352] offered exciting new insights into behavior toward dying and dead conspecifics in our closest living relatives—chimpanzees. Here, we provide a comparative perspective on primate thanatology using observations from a more distant human relative—gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada)—and discuss how gelada reactions to dead and dying groupmates differ from those recently reported for chimpanzees. Over a 3.75‐year study period, we observed 14 female geladas at Guassa, Ethiopia carrying dead infants from 1 hr to ≥48 days after death. Dead infants were carried by their mothers, other females in their group, and even by females belonging to other groups. Like other primate populations in which extended (>10 days) infant carrying after death has been reported, geladas at Guassa experience an extreme climate for primates, creating conditions which may favor slower rates of decomposition of dead individuals. We also witnessed the events leading up to the deaths of two individuals and the responses by groupmates to these dying individuals. Our results suggest that while chimpanzee mothers are not unique among primates in carrying their dead infants for long periods, seemingly “compassionate” caretaking behavior toward dying groupmates may be unique to chimpanzees among nonhuman primates (though it remains unknown whether such “compassionate” behavior occurs outside captivity). Am. J. Primatol. 73:405–409, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of mineral lick visitation by spider monkeys and howler monkeys in Amazonia: are licks perceived as risky areas?
Authors: Link Andres , Galvis Nelson , Fleming Erin , Di Fiore Anthony
Published: December 2010

Mineral licks—also known as “salados,” “saladeros,” or “collpas”—are specific sites in tropical and temperate ecosystems where a large diversity of mammals and birds come regularly to feed on soil. Although the reasons for vertebrate geophagy are not completely understood, animals are argued to obtain a variety of nutritional and health benefits from the ingestion of soil at mineral licks. We studied the temporal patterns of mineral lick use by white‐bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth) and red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) in a lowland rain forest in Amazonian Ecuador. Using camera and video traps at four different mineral licks, combined with behavioral follows of one group of spider monkeys, we documented rates of mineral lick visitation by both primate species and the relative frequency and intensity of mineral lick use by spider monkeys. On the basis of 1,612 days and 888 nights of mineral lick monitoring, we found that A. belzebuth and A. seniculus both visit mineral licks frequently throughout the year (on average ∼14% of days for both species), and mineral lick visitation was influenced by short‐term environmental conditions (e.g. sunny and dry weather). For spider monkeys, the area surrounding the lick was also the most frequently and most intensively used region within the group's home range. The fact that spider monkeys spent long periods at the lick area before coming to the ground to obtain soil, and the fact that both species visited the lick preferentially during dry sunny conditions (when predator detectability is presumed to be relatively high) and visited simultaneously more often than expected by chance, together suggest that licks are indeed perceived as risky areas by these primates. We suggest that howler and spider monkeys employ behavioral strategies aimed at minimizing the probability of predation while visiting the forest floor at risky mineral lick sites. Am. J. Primatol. 73:386–396, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The COMT Val158Met polymorphism affects the response to entacapone in Parkinson's disease: A randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Bonnet Cécilia , Charbonnier‐Beaupel Fanny , Bonnet Anne‐Marie , Fiévet Marie‐Hélène , Bellanger Agnès , Roze Emmanuel , Meliksetyan Gayané , Ben Djebara Mouna , Hartmann Andreas , Lacomblez Lucette , Vrignaud Cédric , Zahr Noël , Agid Yves , Costentin Jean , Hulot Jean‐Sébastien , Vidailhet Marie
Published: December 2010

Objective

In Parkinson disease (PD), the selective C‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor entacapone prolongs the effect of levodopa on motor symptoms (ON time) by increasing its bioavailability. The COMT Val158Met polymorphism is equally distributed in PD patients and modulates COMT activity, which can be high (Val/Val, COMTHH), intermediate (Val/Met, COMTHL), or low (Met/Met, COMTLL). The objective of this study was to determine the response to entacapone in COMTHH and COMTLL PD patients.

Methods

Thirty‐three PD patients, homozygous for the COMT alleles COMTHH (n = 17) and COMTLL (n = 16), were randomized in a double‐blind crossover trial consisting of 2 successive acute levodopa challenges associated with 200mg entacapone or placebo. The primary endpoint was the gain in the best ON time. Secondary endpoints were levodopa pharmacokinetics and COMT activity in red blood cells.

Results

The gain in the best ON time was higher in COMTHH than in COMTLL patients (39 ± 10 vs 9 ± 9 minutes, p = 0.04, interaction between treatment and genotype). Area under the concentration over time curve of levodopa increased more after entacapone in COMTHH than in COMTLL patients (+62 ± 6% vs +34 ± 8%, p = 0.01). COMT inhibition by entacapone was higher in COMTHH than in COMTLL patients (−0.54 ± 0.07 vs −0.31 ± 0.06 pmol/min/mg protein, p = 0.02).

Interpretation

The COMTHH genotype in PD patients enhances the effect of entacapone on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of levodopa. The response to entacapone after repeated administrations and in heterozygous patients remains to be determined. ANN NEUROL 2011;;69:111–118.
Identification of two arginases generated by alternative splicing in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Nagaoka Sumiharu , Takata Yuki , Kato Kumiko
Published: December 2010

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine to ornithine and urea. Here, we have cloned two arginase cDNAs from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The analysis of exon/intron structures showed that the two mRNAs named bmarg‐r and bmarg‐f were generated from a single gene by alternative usage of exons. The bmarg‐r and bmarg‐f were predicted to encode almost the same amino acid sequences, except that the latter had additional ten N‐terminal residues. Recombinant bmARG‐r and bmARG‐f in Escherichia coli cell lysates were roughly similar to each other in enzymatic characteristics, which did not show large difference from those of arginases assayed by using tissue extracts. Differential RT‐PCR experiments and tissue distribution analyses of arginase activity indicated that the bmarg‐r gene is expressed in the male reproductive organs, especially in the glandula lacteola and vesicular seminalis, from which it is secreted to the seminal fluid and transferred to the female during copulation, whereas the bmarg‐f gene is expressed in the larval and adult nonreproductive organs including the fat body and muscle, where the produced arginase proteins are considered to stay in the cells. Thus, the two silkworm arginase isoforms may have a difference in whether or not the product is excreted out of the cells in which it is synthesized. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust designs for Haar wavelet approximation models
Authors: Xu Xiaojian , Zhao Lin
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we discuss the construction of robust designs for heteroscedastic wavelet regression models when the assumed models are possibly contaminated over two different neighbourhoods: G1 and G2. Our main findings are: (1) A recursive formula for constructing D‐optimal designs under G1; (2) Equivalency of Q‐optimal and A‐optimal designs under both G1 and G2; (3) D‐optimal robust designs under G2; and (4) Analytic forms for A‐ and Q‐optimal robust design densities under G2. Several examples are given for the comparison, and the results demonstrate that our designs are efficient. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Brown–Proschan model when repair effects are unknown
Authors: Doyen Laurent
Published: December 2010

A device is repaired after failure. The Brown–Proschan (BP) model assumes that the repair is perfect with probability p and minimal with probability (1−p). Theoretical results usually suppose that each repair effect (perfect or minimal repair) is known. However, this is not generally the case in practice. In this paper, we study the behavior of the BP model when repair effects are unknown. In this context, the main features of the failure process are derived: distribution functions of times between failures, failure intensity, likelihood function, etc. We propose to estimate the repair efficiency parameter p and the parameters of the first time to failure distribution with the likelihood function or equivalently the EM algorithm. We also propose to combine a moment estimation of the scale parameter and a maximum likelihood estimation of other parameters. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Letter 1: Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open left colonic resection (Br J Surg 2010; 97: 1180–1186)
Authors: Sarin A , Milsom J W , Shukla P J
Published: December 2010

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Photolysis of Acetaldehyde in Air: CH4, CO and CO2Quantum Yields
Authors: Moortgat Geert K. , Meyrahn Horst , Warneck Peter
Published: December 2010

The quantum yields for CO and CH4, formed in the photolysis of about 200 μmol mol−1of acetaldehyde in air at atmospheric pressure, were determined at 15 wavelengths in the range: 250–330 nm. The quantum yields for CO2were determined at nine wavelengths in the range: 250–315 nm. The products are mainly assigned to three primary processes: I) CH3CHO*→CH3+HCO, II) CH3CHO*→CH4+CO, III) CH3CHO*→CH3CO+H, with dissociation occurring from the initially populated S1singlet state of acetaldehyde. The pressure dependence of the quantum yields at wavelengths of 270, 304.4, and 313 nm exhibits a Stern–Volmer behavior in all cases. Collisional quenching is shown to deactivate the singlet state S1by pressure‐induced intersystem crossing to the neighboring triplet state, which is subsequently rapidly quenched by oxygen. Quenching coefficients as a function of excitation energy are obtained by comparison with literature data; the wavelength dependence of individual primary quantum yields is also derived. CO2quantum yields at 304.4 and 313 nm were found to increase with rising CH3CHO concentrations due to secondary reactions. The reaction mechanism responsible for this effect was explored by means of computer simulations.
Quantification of Photosensitized Singlet Oxygen Production by a Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Ragàs Xavier , Cooper Laurie P. , White John H. , Nonell Santi , Flors Cristina
Published: December 2010

Fluorescent proteins are increasingly becoming actuators in a range of cell biology techniques. One of those techniques is chromophore‐assisted laser inactivation (CALI), which is employed to specifically inactivate the function of target proteins or organelles by producing photochemical damage. CALI is achieved by the irradiation of dyes that are able to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The combination of CALI and the labelling specificity that fluorescent proteins provide is useful to avoid uncontrolled photodamage, although the inactivation mechanisms by ROS are dependent on the fluorescent protein and are not fully understood. Herein, we present a quantitative study of the ability of the red fluorescent protein TagRFP to produce ROS, in particular singlet oxygen (1O2). TagRFP is able to photosensitize 1O2 with an estimated quantum yield of 0.004. This is the first estimation of a quantum yield of 1O2 production value for a GFP‐like protein. We also find that TagRFP has a short triplet lifetime compared to EGFP, which reflects relatively high oxygen accessibility to the chromophore. The insight into the structural and photophysical properties of TagRFP has implications in improving fluorescent proteins for fluorescence microscopy and CALI.
Environmental Implications of the Surfactant Effect on the Photochemistry of (Substituted) 4‐Chlorophenols in Water
Authors: Canevari Veronica , Fagnoni Maurizio , Bortolus Pietro , Albini Angelo
Published: December 2010

The effect of surfactants (cationic, anionic, and nonionic) on the direct photochemistry of selected chlorophenol antimicrobials in aqueous solution has been investigated. The inclusion of the starting aromatics into micelles markedly directs the reaction towards a cleaner process (mainly photoreduction), contrasting with the variety of processes observed when the irradiation is carried out in neat water. This could have some implications from the environmental point of view because such paths may be significant in natural aquatic systems.
Expression and function of PD‐1 in human γδ T cells that recognize phosphoantigens
Authors: Iwasaki Masashi , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Kobayashi Hirohito , Murata‐Hirai Kaoru , Miyabe Hideto , Sugie Tomoharu , Toi Masakazu , Minato Nagahiro
Published: December 2010

Programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) is an inhibitory receptor and plays an important role in the regulation of αβ T cells. Little is known, however, about the role of PD‐1 in γδ T cells. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of PD‐1 in human γδ T cells. Expression of PD‐1 was rapidly induced in primary γδ T cells following antigenic stimulation, and the PD‐1+γδ T cells produced IL‐2. When PD‐1+γδ T cells were stimulated with Daudi cells with and without programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression, the levels of IFN‐γ production and cytotoxicity in response to PD‐L1+Daudi cells were diminished compared to the levels seen in response to PD‐L1−Daudi cells. The attenuated effector functions were reversed by anti‐PD‐L1 mAb. When PD‐1+γδ T cells were challenged by PD‐L1+tumors pretreated with zoledronate (Zol), which induced γδ TCR‐mediated signaling, the resulting reduction in cytokine production was only slight to moderate compared to the reduction seen when PD‐1+γδ T cells were challenged by PD‐L1−tumors. In addition, cytotoxic activity of PD‐1+γδ T cells against Zol‐treated PD‐L1+tumors was comparable to that against Zol‐treated PD‐L1−tumors. These results suggest that TCR triggering may partially overcome the inhibitory effect of PD‐1 in γδ T cells.
An intrinsic B‐cell defect supports autoimmunity in New Zealand black chromosome 13 congenic mice
Authors: Loh Christina , Pau Evelyn , Chang Nan‐Hua , Wither Joan E.
Published: December 2010

Introgression of a New Zealand Black (NZB) chromosome 13 interval onto a C57BL/6 (B6) background (B6.NZBc13) is sufficient to produce many hallmarks of lupus, including high‐titre anti‐chromatin antibody production, abnormal B‐ and T‐cell activation, and renal disease. In this study we sought to characterize the immune defects leading to these abnormalities. By generating hematopoietic chimeras and BCR transgenic mice, we show that the congenic autoimmune phenotype can be transferred by BM cells and requires the presence of autoreactive B cells. Using the hen egg white lysozyme immunoglobulin transgenic mouse model, we demonstrate that B‐cell anergy, deletion, and receptor editing are intact. Nevertheless, congenic B cells exhibit altered peripheral B‐cell selection, as demonstrated by enhanced survival and activation of endogenous B cells with autoreactivity to chromatin and Sm/ribonucleoprotein. Given the autoantibody specificities to nuclear antigens, TLR signalling was assessed. B6.NZBc13 B cells were hyper‐responsive to poly(I:C), a TLR3 ligand, demonstrating enhanced proliferation and survival as compared to B6 B cells. Our findings indicate the presence of an intrinsic B‐cell defect on NZB chromosome 13 that results in hyper‐responsiveness to a dsRNA analogue and implicates its potential supporting role in the generation of autoimmunity in B6.NZBc13 mice.
Contrasting models for the roles of Aire in the differentiation program of epithelial cells in the thymic medulla
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuru
Published: December 2010

The current prevailing view regarding the role of Aire in self‐tolerance is that it is involved in the transcriptional control of many tissue‐restricted self‐antigen genes in thymic epithelial cells in the medulla (mTECs); however, accumulating evidence also suggests that Aire has other roles, e.g. in mTEC differentiation, and furthermore that Aire can either promote or inhibit the mTEC differentiation program, i.e. Aire does not play a neutral role in mTEC differentiation. This review discusses when and how Aire plays an important role in controlling the organization of mTECs required for the expression of self‐antigen genes.
Vegetable oils as platform chemicals for polymer synthesis
Authors: Ronda Juan Carlos , Lligadas Gerard , Galià Marina , Cádiz Virgínia
Published: December 2010

Natural vegetable oils have been transformed in polymers following three main routes. The first is the direct polymerization through the double bonds of the fatty acid chain. The cationic copolymerization of soybean oil with styrene, divinylbenzene, and different amounts of styrenic monomers containing Si allows producing materials with improved mechanical and flame retardant properties. The second route is the functionalization of the triglyceride double bonds to introduce readily polymerizable groups: The singlet oxygen photoperoxidation–dehydration of the allylic positions of the high oleic sunflower oil allows producing enone‐containing triglycerides that are chemically crosslinked with aromatic diamines through aza‐Michael reactions. At high temperatures, this curing reaction proceeds through a complex mechanism leading to quinoline moieties. This new crosslinking approach can be also applied to aldehyde containing triglycerides. The third route consists of using plant oil‐derived chemicals like 10‐undecenoic acid to produce tailor made monomers. Acyclic diene metathesis polymerization has been applied to allyl 10‐undecenoate, 10‐[2′,5′‐bis(10‐undecenoyloxy)phenyl]‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phospha‐phenanthrene‐10‐oxide, and 1,3‐bis(10‐undecenoyl)glycerol to prepare a set of polyesters with different phosphorus and hydroxyl contents. Moreover thiol‐ene “click” coupling of allyl 10‐undecenoate with mercaptoethanol, 3‐mercaptopropanoic acid, and 3‐mercaptopropyl‐trimethoxysilane has been used to produce difunctional telechelic polyesters.
Asymmetric Synthesis and in vivo Biological Inactivity of the Right‐Hand Terpenoid Fragment of Terpendole E
Authors: Oikawa Masato , Hashimoto Ryo , Sasaki Makoto
Published: December 2010

Synthesis of the DEF‐ring terpenoid fragment of terpendole E, an Eg5 inhibitor, is described. The DE‐ring was constructed by a modification of Barrero's radical cyclization. The F‐ring tetrahydropyran was then constructed by acid‐induced cyclization of an epoxy alcohol, which was prepared by cross‐metathesis followed by Shi's epoxidation. Cell‐based assays indicated that the DEF‐ring fragment is not capable of inhibiting cell growth and cell cycle progression of human cancer cell lines, indicating that the DEF‐ring fragment alone is not sufficient for the biological activity.
On the security of an enhanced UMTS authentication and key agreement protocol
Authors: Hwang Min‐Shiang , Chong Song‐Kong , Ou Hsia‐Hung
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we propose a practical and secure authentication and key agreement (AKA) scheme for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The paper introduces a new requirement, ‘home network should be partially trusted in an authentication scheme’ to the UMTS. The scheme integrates symmetric and public key cryptosystem. Issues such as kinds of ‘subscriber identity/location confidential’ and ‘non‐repudiation services’ are solved in the scheme. The paper provides computational analysis, messages transmission length analysis to the proposed scheme. Furthermore, comparisons with other schemes are also given. The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is practical and secure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemistry of the heartwood from fragrant Santalum species: a review
Authors: Baldovini Nicolas , Delasalle Céline , Joulain Daniel
Published: December 2010

A comprehensive review is presented on the constituents of the heartwood from fragrant sandalwood species, including Santalum album, S. spicatum and S. austrocaledonicum, which are important raw materials in the fragrance industry, and S. insulare, a closely related species. Analytical aspects are discussed in detail, both on qualitative and quantitative standpoints, and sensory properties are also reviewed. It is shown that more than 230 constituents have been identified so far in the heartwood of these sandalwood species. These components belong to many different chemical classes and are mainly terpenoids, but some other families are also represented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keeping the CNS clear: Glial phagocytic functions in Drosophila
Authors: Kurant Estee
Published: December 2010

Elimination of unwanted and potentially harmful matter is crucial for nervous system development and function. Glia are the main cleaners of the CNS that perform their function through engulfment and degradation of dying neurons and degenerating neuronal branches, developing excessive axons and synapses. Recent studies in Drosophila melanogaster have enhanced significantly our understanding of the phagocytic functions of glia and demonstrated that Drosophila provides an excellent model for investigating the molecular and cellular basis of glial phagocytosis. The current knowledge and great potential of this model, which is reviewed here, can open new directions in mammalian glial biology. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinicopathologic features as stronger prognostic factors than histology or grade in risk stratification of primary parotid malignancies
Authors: Walvekar Rohan R. , Filho Pedro A. Andrade , Seethala Raja R. , Gooding William E. , Heron Dwight E. , Johnson Jonas T. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: December 2010

Background.

The aim of this study, using a retrospective chart review as the primary study design, was to determine the relative contribution of clinicopathologic risk factors versus low‐ and high‐risk grade histologic groups to assist management of primary parotid cancers.

Methods.

In all, 168 primary parotid malignancies were treated surgically at a tertiary care center from 1982 to 2005. Of these, 115 patients with complete follow‐up information were further analyzed. Pathologic updating and reclassification in 28% of cases enabled comparison of tumor histology or grade with current consensus criteria. Clinical outcomes of high‐ and low‐risk histology and grade were compared with the influence of traditional clinicopathologic risk factors.

Results.

Of 115 cases, the male:female ratio was equal and the median age was 63 years (range, 15 to 89 years). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 28) was the most common histology. The median follow‐up was 44 months (range, 0–278 months). Of low‐risk histology patients who underwent neck dissection 40% had pN+ disease. The median time to recurrence was not reached for low‐risk tumors, compared with 29 months for high‐risk tumors (p = .0001). Interestingly, extracapsular spread (ECS) and margin status were independent prognostic factors and conferred significantly greater prognostic value than histologic grade risk group. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 5 years for the entire cohort were 51% and 57%, respectively. Risk group was a strong independent predictor of OS but not DFS

Conclusions.

Risk group defined by histology and grade was associated with DFS. ECS and margin status were independent predictors of DFS. Inclusion of ECS and margin status substantially improved the prediction of disease recurrence, supporting elective neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy for high‐grade tumors or low‐risk histologies with positive margins or ECS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Increased frequencies of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in human nasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Gu Yili , Wang Chengshuo , Han Demin , Zhang Luo
Published: December 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells both in peripheral blood and local tumors in patients with nasal inverted papilloma (NIP).

Methods

By using flow cytometry, the frequencies of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells in both peripheral blood and tissues from 18 patients with NIP and 8 control subjects were determined. CCL22 and CCL17 proteins in NIP tumors were analyzed by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The suppressive capacity of Treg cells was estimated by WST‐8 and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; interferon‐gamma [IFN‐γ] and interleukin‐4 [IL‐4]) analysis.

Results

Patients with NIP showed increased CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cell frequencies in tumor tissues and CD4+ T cell fraction rather than in peripheral blood. CCL22 increased in NIP tumors. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced proliferation and cytokine production of CD4+CD25‐ T cells were suppressed equally well by CD4+CD25high cells from both patients with NIP and controls.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the increased frequencies of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells in NIP tumors, which might be influenced by CCL22. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Utility of CT surveillance for primary site recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Sullivan Brian P. , Parks Karen A. , Dean Nichole R. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Carroll William R. , Magnuson J. Scott
Published: December 2010

Background

The literature directly comparing the utility of clinical examination (CE) to that of CT in detecting recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for primary site recurrences is lacking.

Methods

Patients who received both CT scans and CEs after primary treatment for SCC of the upper aerodigestive tract (oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx) were identified. Individual CT scans and CEs were evaluated for their ability to detect recurrence status.

Results

One hundred thirty‐one patients underwent a total of 886 CEs and 346 CT scans during the follow‐up period. The sensitivity for CE and CT was 84.0% and 66.7%, respectively; for specificity, 98.7% and 90.7%, respectively; for positive predictive value, 65.6% and 31.8%, respectively; and for negative predictive value the values were 99.5% and 97.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Due to the low sensitivity and positive predictive value of CT scans compared to physical examination in evaluating primary site tumor recurrences, the utility of CT for surveillance may be limited. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Up-Regulation of the Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 Subfamily in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Cell Survival and Neoangiogenesis Δσ
Authors: Gauglhofer Christine , Sagmeister Sandra , Schrottmaier Waltraud , Fischer Carina , Rodgarkia-Dara Chantal , Mohr Thomas , Stättner Stefan , Bichler Christoph , Kandioler Daniela , Wrba Fritz , Schulte-Hermann Rolf , Holzmann Klaus , Grusch Michael , Marian Brigitte , Berger Walter , Grasl-Kraupp Bettina
Published: December 2010

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their high-affinity receptors [fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs)] contribute to autocrine and paracrine growth stimulation in several nonliver cancer entities. Here we report that at least one member of the FGF8 subfamily (FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18) was up-regulated in 59% of 34 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples that we investigated. The levels of the corresponding receptors (FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4) were also elevated in the great majority of the HCC cases. Overall, 82% of the HCC cases showed overexpression of at least one FGF and/or FGFR. The functional implications of the deregulated FGF/FGFR system were investigated by the simulation of an insufficient blood supply. When HCC-1.2, HepG2, or Hep3B cells were subjected to serum withdrawal or the hypoxia-mimetic drug deferoxamine mesylate, the expression of FGF8 subfamily members increased dramatically. In the serum-starved cells, the incidence of apoptosis was elevated, whereas the addition of FGF8, FGF17, or FGF18 impaired apoptosis, which was associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and ribosomal protein S6. In contrast, down-modulation of FGF18 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced the viability of the hepatocarcinoma cells. siRNA targeting FGF18 also impaired the cells' potential to form clones at a low cell density or in soft agar. With respect to the tumor microenvironment, FGF17 and FGF18 stimulated the growth of HCC-derived myofibroblasts, and FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18 induced the proliferation and tube formation of hepatic endothelial cells.

Conclusion:

FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18 are involved in autocrine and paracrine signaling in HCC and enhance the survival of tumor cells under stress conditions, malignant behavior, and neoangiogenesis. Thus, the FGF8 subfamily supports the development and progression of hepatocellular malignancy. (Hepatology 2011)
Early exercise promotes positive hippocampal plasticity and improves spatial memory in the adult life of rats
Authors: Gomes da Silva Sérgio , Unsain Nicolas , Mascó Daniel Hugo , Toscano‐Silva Michelle , de Amorim Henrique Alves , Silva Araújo Bruno Henrique , Simões Priscila Santos Rodrigues , da Graça Naffah‐Mazzacoratti Maria , Mortara Renato Arruda , Scorza Fulvio Alexandre , Cavalheiro Esper Abrão , Arida Ricardo Mario
Published: December 2010

There is a great deal of evidence showing the capacity of physical exercise to enhance cognitive function, reduce anxiety and depression, and protect the brain against neurodegenerative disorders. Although the effects of exercise are well documented in the mature brain, the influence of exercise in the developing brain has been poorly explored. Therefore, we investigated the morphological and functional hippocampal changes in adult rats submitted to daily treadmill exercise during the adolescent period. Male Wistar rats aged 21 postnatal days old (P21) were divided into two groups: exercise and control. Animals in the exercise group were submitted to daily exercise on the treadmill between P21 and P60. Running time and speed gradually increased over this period, reaching a maximum of 18 m/min for 60 min. After the aerobic exercise program (P60), histological and behavioral (water maze) analyses were performed. The results show that early‐life exercise increased mossy fibers density and hippocampal expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor tropomyosin‐related kinase B, improved spatial learning and memory, and enhanced capacity to evoke spatial memories in later stages (when measured at P96). It is important to point out that while physical exercise induces hippocampal plasticity, degenerative effects could appear in undue conditions of physical or psychological stress. In this regard, we also showed that the exercise protocol used here did not induce inflammatory response and degenerating neurons in the hippocampal formation of developing rats. Our findings demonstrate that physical exercise during postnatal development results in positive changes for the hippocampal formation, both in structure and function. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early life stress stimulates hippocampal reelin gene expression in a sex‐specific manner: Evidence for corticosterone‐mediated action
Authors: Gross Claus M. , Flubacher Armin , Tinnes Stefanie , Heyer Andrea , Scheller Marie , Herpfer Inga , Berger Mathias , Frotscher Michael , Lieb Klaus , Haas Carola A.
Published: December 2010

Early life stress predisposes to the development of psychiatric disorders. In this context the hippocampal formation is of particular interest, because it is affected by stress on the structural and cognitive level. Since little is known how early life stress is translated on the molecular level, we mimicked early life stress in mouse models and analyzed the expression of the glycoprotein Reelin, a master molecule for development and differentiation of the hippocampus. From postnatal day 1 (P1) to P14, mouse pups were subjected to one of the following treatments: nonhandling (NH), handling (H), maternal separation (MS), and early deprivation (ED) followed by immediate (P15) or delayed (P70) real time RT‐PCR analysis of reelin mRNA expression. We show that at P15, reelin mRNA levels were significantly increased in male H and ED groups when compared with the NH group. In contrast, no stress‐induced alterations of reelin mRNA expression were found in female animals. This sex difference in stress‐mediated stimulation of reelin expression was maintained into adulthood, since at P70 intergroup differences were still found in male, but not in female mice. On the cellular level, however, we did not find any significant differences in cell densities of Reelin‐immunolabeled neurons between treatment groups or sexes, but an overall reduction of Reelin‐expressing neurons in the adult hippocampus when compared to P15. To address the question whether corticosterone mediates the stress‐induced up‐regulation of reelin gene expression, we used age‐matched hippocampal slice cultures derived from male and female mouse pups. Quantitative determination of mRNA levels revealed that corticosterone treatment significantly up‐regulated reelin mRNA expression in male, but not in female hippocampi. Taken together, these results show a sex‐specific regulation of reelin gene expression by early life experience, most likely mediated by corticosterone. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.