bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence of a Turkey BAC Clone Identifies MHC Class III Orthologs and Supports Ancient Origins of Immunological Gene Clusters
Authors: Chaves L.D. , Krueth S.B. , Bauer M.M. , Reed K.M.
Published: November 2010

Two genetically unlinked gene clusters currently define the turkey major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Previous studies identified turkey bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones hypothesized as orthologs of the MHC-B and MHC-Y regions of the chicken. Physical mapping assigned these clones to the same microchromosome (MGA18) and sequencing of the MHC-B BAC found near synteny with a portion of the chicken B-locus. This study examines the sequence of the second MHC BAC clone that was hypothesized, based on subclone sequences, to be orthologous to the MHC-Y. Sequencing of this clone identified a class I locus and orthologs of additional genes found in the mammalian class III region. Approximately 50% of the BAC insert is comprised of sequence corresponding to the centromeric repeat, MGASat2. This turkey MHC BAC sequence is unique from sequences assigned to the MHC-Y in the chicken. Based on sequence comparisons, the class I gene appears to be a nonfunctional pseudogene. The class III genes (BAT1, BAT3, STK19, and a G4-like locus) represent the second class III gene cluster identified in the galliform genome. This cluster appears to be of ancient origin and provides insight into the evolution of the avian MHC.
The Cain and Abl of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Transforming Growth Factor-β in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Allington Tressa M. , Schiemann William P.
Published: November 2010

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) normally inhibits breast cancer development by preventing mammary epithelial cell (MEC) proliferation, by inducing MEC apoptosis, and by creating cell microenvironments that maintain MEC homeostasis and prevent their uncontrolled growth and motility. Mammary tumorigenesis elicits dramatic alterations in MEC architecture and microenvironment integrity, which collectively counteract the tumor-suppressing activities of TGF-β and enable its stimulation of breast cancer invasion and metastasis. How malignant MECs overcome the cytostatic actions imposed by normal microenvironments and TGF-β, and how abnormal microenvironments conspire with TGF-β to stimulate the development and progression of mammary tumors remains largely undefined. These knowledge gaps have prevented science and medicine from implementing treatments effective in simultaneously targeting abnormal cellular microenvironments, and in antagonizing the oncogenic activities of TGF-β in developing and progressing breast cancers. c-Abl is a ubiquitously expressed nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase that essentially oversees all aspects of cell physiology, including the regulation of cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, as well as that of cell survival. Thus, the biological functions of c-Abl are highly reminiscent of those attributed to TGF-β, including the ability to function as either a suppressor or promoter of tumorigenesis. Interestingly, while dysregulated Abl activity clearly promotes tumorigenesis in hematopoietic cells, an analogous role for c-Abl in regulating solid tumor development, including those of the breast, remains controversial. Here, we review the functions of c-Abl in regulating breast cancer development and progression, and in alleviating the oncogenic activities of TGF-β and its stimulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition during mammary tumorigenesis.
Smaddening Complexity: The Role of Smad3 in Epithelial-Myofibroblast Transition
Authors: Masszi András , Kapus András
Published: November 2010

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has emerged as a major mechanism in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. The epithelium has been proposed to be a significant source of matrix-producing fibroblasts and of myofibroblasts (MFs), a motile and contractile cell type hallmarked by the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Importantly, tissue accumulation of MFs shows strong correlation with the severity and progression of fibrotic diseases. The pleiotropic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 has been long known as the chief inducer of fibrosis, EMT and MF generation. Accordingly, receptor Smads (Smad2 and particularly Smad3), the direct targets of the activated transforming growth factor-β receptor have been implicated as critical mediators in fibrogenesis and EMT. However, evidence is accumulating that the role of Smad3 is complex and apparently controversial; in fact, Smad3 may differentially affect the various components of EMT, including the loss of epithelial markers (de-epithelialization), the production of extracellular matrix (fibrogenesis) and the expression of SMA (myogenic program). In this review, we revisit the role of Smad3 in epithelial-myofibroblast transition (EMyT). We first summarize the evidence supporting the thesis that Smad3 is a key mediator of EMT and MF generation; next, we present evidence supporting the antithesis that Smad3 is in fact a negative regulator of SMA expression and the activation of the myogenic program in the epithelium; finally, we propose a synthesis, which depicts Smad3 as a timekeeper and context-dependent modulator of EMyT. We suggest that EMyT is composed of an early, mesenchymal, Smad3-promoted phase and a late, myogenic, Smad3-inhibitable phase.
Meiotic Studies in Infertile Domestic Pig-Babirusa Hybrids
Authors: Thomsen P.D. , Schauser K. , Bertelsen M.F. , Vejlsted M. , Grøndahl C. , Christensen K.
Published: November 2010

Mating of a babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) boar and a domestic sow (Sus scrofa) resulted in the birth of 5 live domestic pig-babirusa hybrid piglets. Chromosome analysis of one of the surviving males confirmed that they were domestic pig-babirusa hybrids by revealing the presence of a complete haploid set of 19 porcine chromosomes as well as a complete haploid set of 19 babirusa chromosomes in the karyotype. None of the surviving piglets, two males and one female, had shown signs of sexual maturity at age 27 months. Histological examination of gonadal biopsies from the 2 males revealed that both were azoospermatic. Immunostaining revealed SCP3-positive axial elements in the nuclei of primary spermatocytes, indicating that they were progressing through leptotene and zygotene of meiotic prophase. However, the presence of multiple short stretches of axial elements in pachytene nuclei indicated that this phase was blocked, probably due to aberrant chromosome pairing. Histological examination of the ovaries revealed follicular structures, but oocytes within them were generally degenerated. We conclude that both male and female pig-babirusa hybrids were infertile, most likely due to germ cell death resulting from abnormalities of chromosome pairing during meiotic prophase.
Correlation between the Degree of Left Subclavian Artery Stenosis and the Left Vertebral Artery Waveform by Pulse Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: Sakima Hirokuni , Wakugawa Yoshiyuki , Isa Katsunori , Yasaka Masahiro , Ogata Toshiyasu , Saitoh Masaki , Shimada Hiroshi , Yasumori Kotaro , Inoue Tooru , Ohya Yusuke , Okada Yasushi
Published: November 2010

Background:Development of retrograde blood flow may be observed in the vertebral artery and is associated with progressive ipsilateral proximal subclavian or innominate artery stenosis. The subclavian steal phenomenon is more prevalent in the left subclavian artery (LSA). The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the degree of LSA stenosis and pulse Doppler waveforms of the left vertebral artery (LVA). Methods:A retrospective analysis of LVA waveforms was performed in 22 cases with LSA proximal stenosis before the origin of the LVA in conventional angiograms. The degree of LSA stenosis was classified into 5 groups (<50, 50–59, 60–69, 70–89, 90–100%). Pulse Doppler waveforms of the LVA were also classified into 5 subtypes depending on the depth of the mid-systolic notch representing retrograde blood flow (normal, mid-systolic notch, retrograde flow smaller than antegrade flow, retrograde flow larger than antegrade flow, retrograde flow without antegrade flow). Results:A statistically significant correlation (R2 = 0.646, p < 0.0001) was found between the degree of LSA stenosis and the LVA waveform. Conclusions:The pattern analysis of LVA pulse Doppler waveforms seems to be useful in determining the degree of LSA stenosis.
Evaluation of the Summertime Low-Level Winds Simulated by MM5 in the Central Valley of California
Authors: Michelson Sara A. , Djalalova Irina V. , Bao Jian-Wen
Published: November 2010

A season-long set of 5-day simulations between 1200 UTC 1 June and 1200 UTC 30 September 2000 are evaluated using the observations taken during the Central California Ozone Study (CCOS) 2000 experiment. The simulations are carried out using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5), which is widely used for air-quality simulations and control planning. The evaluation results strongly indicate that the model-simulated low-level winds in California’s Central Valley are biased in speed and direction: the simulated winds tend to have a stronger northwesterly component than observed. This bias is related to the difference in the observed and simulated large-scale, upper-level flows. The model simulations also show a bias in the height of the daytime atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), particularly in the northern and southern Central Valley. There is evidence to suggest that this bias in the daytime ABL height is not only associated with the large-scale, upper-level bias but also linked to apparent differences in the surface forcing.
The relation between adolescent self assessment of health and risk behaviours
Authors: Nkansah-Amankra Stephen , Walker Ashley Dawn
Published: November 2010

Objective: Self-rated health (SRH) has become a key organizing construct for assessing multiple dimensions of populations’ physical and psychosocial health functioning. However, it is unclear how adolescents’ subjective self assessment of health reflects health risk exposures, co-occurring health risks (problem behaviours) and other pre-existing health conditions. It is unknown whether adolescents place more emphasis on mental or physical health functioning in determining overall health.

Methods: We evaluated the association between SRH and a set of behavioural and other psychosocial health risks including pre-existing medical conditions using Colorado Youth Risk Behavioural Survey (2005). We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.

Results: Adolescents with behavioural problems were at increased risk of poor health, and in particular females were at a higher risk of poor health compared with boys. However, in sub-group analyses boys with risks of sexual abuses were more likely to report worse health. Current smoking status, perception of body image as overweight and suicidal attempts were the most consistent predictors of poor health among this sampled population.

Conclusions: SRH could be an indicator of health risk in situations where other biomedical information about an adolescent is unavailable. It appears that mental health functioning might be one of the most important factors used to determine the overall health in this population of adolescents. The role of parents and other adult mentors might be crucial in assisting adolescents to make appropriate choices regarding underlying health risks related to overall health functioning.
Mathematical results concerning a class of incompressible viscoelastic solids of differential type
Authors: Quintanilla Ramón , Rajagopal Kumbakonam R.
Published: November 2010

In this paper we investigate several mathematical aspects concerning a class of incompressible viscoelastic solids of the differential type. The model that we consider can be viewed as a generalization of the Kelvin—Voigt viscoelastic solid. We obtain a uniqueness result and show that when the shear modulus of the viscoelastic solid is positive the solutions decay exponentially. We also show that if the shear modulus is negative, a physically unacceptable situation, we have exponential growth of the solutions, which is in keeping with physical expectations. The impossibility of localization of the solutions in finite time is also proved. The last section is devoted to the development of spatial decay estimates in the quasi-static case.
Gene Expression in First Trimester Preeclampsia Placenta
Authors: Founds Sandra A. , Terhorst Lauren A. , Conrad Kirk P. , Hogge W. Allen , Jeyabalan Arun , Conley Yvette P.
Published: November 2010

Background. The goal of this study was to further validate eight candidate genes identified in a microarray analysis of first trimester placentas in preeclampsia. Material and method. Surplus chorionic villus sampling (CVS) specimens of 4 women subsequently diagnosed with preeclampsia (PE) and 8 control women (C) without preeclampsia analyzed previously by microarray and 24 independent additional control samples (AS) were submitted for confirmatory studies by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results. Downregulation was significant in FSTL3 in PE as compared to C and AS (p = .04). PAEP was downregulated, but the difference was only significant between C and AS (p = .002) rather than between PE and either of the control groups. Expression levels for CFH, EPAS1, IGFBP1, MMP12, and SEMA3C were not statistically different among groups, but trends were consistent with microarray results; there was no anti-correlation. S100A8 was not measurable in all samples, probably because different probes and primers were needed. Conclusions. This study corroborates reduced FSTL3 expression in the first trimester of preeclampsia. Nonsignificant trends in the other genes may require follow-up in studies powered for medium or medium/large effect sizes. qRT-PCR verification of the prior microarray of CVS may support the placental origins of preeclampsia hypothesis. Replication is needed for the candidate genes as potential biomarkers of susceptibility, early detection, and/or individualized care of maternal—infant preeclampsia.
A novel technique for the treatment of recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome: ulnar nerve wrapping with a tissue engineered bioscaffold
Authors: Puckett B. N. , Gaston R. G. , Lourie G. M.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess subjective and objective outcomes in treating recurrent cubital tunnel at secondary neurolysis by nerve wrapping with a tissue engineered three-dimensional biomatrix. Five patients with a mean age of 44.1 years and an average follow-up of 13.3 months were included in the study. All patients had improvement in visual analogue scales. Four patients that had preoperative intrinsic atrophy with clawing had no clawing or intrinsic atrophy at final follow-up. Postoperatively, four of the five patients had two-point discrimination of 5 mm. Grip strength on average increased 90%. Three patients had an excellent outcome, one patient had a good outcome, and one patient had a fair outcome. All five patients said they would have surgery again.
Saliva levels of Abeta1-42 as potential biomarker of Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study
Authors: Bermejo-Pareja Felix , Antequera Desiree , Vargas Teo , Molina Jose A , Carro Eva
Published: November 2010

Background

Simple, non-invasive tests for early detection of degenerative dementia by use of biomarkers are urgently required. However, up to the present, no validated extracerebral diagnostic markers for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) are available. The clinical diagnosis of probable AD is made with around 90% accuracy using modern clinical, neuropsychological and imaging methods. A biochemical marker that would support the clinical diagnosis and distinguish AD from other causes of dementia would therefore be of great value as a screening test. A total of 126 samples were obtained from subjects with AD, and age-sex-matched controls. Additionally, 51 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients were used as an example of another neurodegenerative disorder. We analyzed saliva and plasma levels of β amyloid (Aβ) using a highly sensitive ELISA kit.

Results

We found a small but statistically significant increase in saliva Aβ42 levels in mild AD patients. In addition, there were not differences in saliva concentration of Aβ42 between patients with PD and healthy controls. Saliva Aβ40 expression was unchanged within all the studied sample. The association between saliva Aβ42 levels and AD was independent of established risk factors, including age or Apo E, but was dependent on sex and functional capacity.

Conclusions

We suggest that saliva Aβ42 levels could be considered a potential peripheral marker of AD and help discrimination from other types of neurodegenerative disorders. We propose a new and promising biomarker for early AD.
Periodontal disease and some adverse perinatal outcomes in a cohort of low risk pregnant women
Authors: Vogt Marianna , Sallum Antonio W , Cecatti Jose G , Morais Sirlei S
Published: November 2010

Objective

To evaluate the association of periodontal disease (PD) in pregnancy with some adverse perinatal outcomes.

Method

This cohort study included 327 pregnant women divided in groups with or without PD. Indexes of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession were evaluated at one periodontal examination below 32 weeks of gestation. The rates of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) were evaluated using Risk Ratios (95%CI) and Population Attributable Risk Fractions.

Results

PD was associated with a higher risk of PTB (RRadj.3.47 95%CI 1.62-7.43), LBW (RRadj.2.93 95%CI 1.36-6.34) and PROM (RRadj.2.48 95%CI 1.35-4.56), but not with SGA neonates (RR 2.38 95%CI 0.93 - 6.10).

Conclusions

PD was a risk factor for PT, LBW and PROM among Brazilian low risk pregnant women.
Endogenous siRNAs and noncoding RNA-derived small RNAs are expressed in adult mouse hippocampus and are up-regulated in olfactory discrimination training
Authors: Smalheiser Neil R. , Lugli Giovanni , Thimmapuram Jyothi , Cook Edwin H. , Larson John
Published: November 2010

We previously proposed that endogenous siRNAs may regulate synaptic plasticity and long-term gene expression in the mammalian brain. Here, a hippocampal-dependent task was employed in which adult mice were trained to execute a nose-poke in a port containing one of two simultaneously present odors in order to obtain a reward. Mice demonstrating olfactory discrimination training were compared to pseudo-training and nose-poke control groups; size-selected hippocampal RNA was subjected to Illumina deep sequencing. Sequences that aligned uniquely and exactly to the genome without uncertain nucleotide assignments, within exons or introns of MGI annotated genes, were examined further. The data confirm that small RNAs having features of endogenous siRNAs are expressed in brain; that many of them derive from genes that regulate synaptic plasticity (and have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases); and that hairpin-derived endo-siRNAs and the 20- to 23-nt size class of small RNAs show a significant increase during an early stage of training. The most abundant putative siRNAs arose from an intronic inverted repeat within the SynGAP1 locus; this inverted repeat was a substrate for dicer in vitro, and SynGAP1 siRNA was specifically associated with Argonaute proteins in vivo. Unexpectedly, a dramatic increase with training (more than 100-fold) was observed for a class of 25- to 30-nt small RNAs derived from specific sites within snoRNAs and abundant noncoding RNAs (Y1 RNA, RNA component of mitochondrial RNAse P, 28S rRNA, and 18S rRNA). Further studies are warranted to characterize the role(s) played by endogenous siRNAs and noncoding RNA-derived small RNAs in learning and memory.
Interaction Between Enfuvirtide, an Injectable Fusion Inhibitor, and Niacin in an HIV-Infected Patient
Authors: Oates Elizabeth , Dzintars Kathryn
Published: November 2010

Objective:

To report a potential drug-drug interaction between enfuvirtide, an injectable HIV fusion inhibitor, and niacin in an HIV-infected man with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Case Summary:

A 47-year-old HIV-infected man with dilated cardiomyopathy and prolonged QT syndrome with an automatic implantable cardiovascular defibrillator device was prescribed subcutaneous enfuvirtide 90 mg twice daily as part of his antiretroviral regimen and oral extended-release niacin 500 mg/day for a high-density lipoprotein level of 8 mg/dL After 1 week of concomitant therapy, the patient began experiencing extreme redness, edema, and swelling at the injection site that corresponded with the flushing sensation due to niacin. This interfered with his daily activities, leading to self-discontinuation of both agents. As the patient had tolerated enfuvirtide therapy prior to the addition of niacin, we reinitiated enfuvirtide with close follow-up, and the patient has been maintained on this agent since then without consequence. Based on the Horn Drug Interaction Probability Scale, a probable interaction occurred between enfurvirtide and niacin.

Discussion:

We hypothesize that a drug-drug interaction occurs between enfuvirtide and niacin related to prostaglandin synthesis and mobilization of inflammatory cells, specifically Langerhans cells. A theoretical mechanism for this interaction is that the Langerhans cells in the epidermis function improperly due to the presence of HIV and the attachment of enfuvirtide. When these cells are exposed to nicotinic acid, an exaggerated immune response is produced that may lead to pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Prostaglandins, cytokines, and other inflammatory molecules may all have a role in this interaction.

Conclusions:

Caution should be used when coadministering enfuvirtide and niacin to HIV-infected patients.
Habitat use and demographic characteristics of the west Mexican cotton rat (Sigmodon mascotensis)
Authors: Schnell Gary D. , de Lourdes Romero-Almaraz María , Martínez-Chapital Sara T. , Sánchez-Hernández Cornelio , Kennedy Michael L. , Best Troy L. , Wooten Michael C. , Owen Robert D.
Published: November 2010

In tropical deciduous forest along the Pacific coast in Colima, Mexico, we conducted eight-night mark-recapture studies of Sigmodon mascotensis (January 2003–2005), evaluating habitat preferences and demography. Yearly we established five grids with 100 trapping stations (one ground and one elevated trap; 24,000 trap-nights), each evaluated for 14 environmental measures. We captured 96 S. mascotensis 274 times on 10 grids, most at ground level (85.6%), with densities of 0.84–25.31 individuals/ha. Adults predominated (88.2%), sex ratio (males:females) was 1:0.74, and males were heavier. Sigmodon mascotensis co-occurred with Oryzomys couesi and Baiomys musculus more often and Heteromys pictus less often than chance expectation. For 2004, univariate analyses indicated that stations frequented had more ground cover in woody plants, forbs and grasses; less in litter and bare ground; more vegetation low and less high; lower and more open canopy; and longer distance to nearest tree. Logistic regression indicated preference for open canopy, dense low vegetation, little litter and longer distance to nearest tree. Nonparametric multiplicative regression showed occurrence likelihood decreased as litter increased and increased with increasing slope, average hits at 1 m and average distance to nearest tree. The likelihood was high with no or low canopy, as well as high canopy.
Behavioral and Cerebellar Transmission Deficits in Mice Lacking the Autism-Linked Gene Islet Brain-2
Authors: Giza Joanna , Urbanski Michael J. , Prestori Francesca , Bandyopadhyay Bhaswati , Yam Annie , Friedrich Victor , Kelley Kevin , D'Angelo Egidio , Goldfarb Mitchell
Published: November 2010

Deletion of the humanSHANK3gene near the terminus of chromosome 22q is associated with Phelan–McDermid syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Nearly all such deletions also span the tightly linkedIB2gene. We show here that IB2 protein is broadly expressed in the brain and is highly enriched within postsynaptic densities. Experimental disruption of theIB2gene in mice reduces AMPA and enhances NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission in cerebellum, changes the morphology of Purkinje cell dendritic arbors, and induces motor and cognitive deficits suggesting an autism phenotype. These findings support a role for humanIB2mutation as a contributing genetic factor in Chr22qter-associated cognitive disorders.
Supplementary Motor Area Exerts Proactive and Reactive Control of Arm Movements
Authors: Chen Xiaomo , Scangos Katherine Wilson , Stuphorn Veit
Published: November 2010

Adaptive behavior requires the ability to flexibly control actions. This can occur either proactively to anticipate task requirements, or reactively in response to sudden changes. Here we report neuronal activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA) that is correlated with both forms of behavioral control. Single-unit and multiunit activity and intracranial local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded in macaque monkeys during a stop-signal task, which elicits both proactive and reactive behavioral control. The LFP power in high- (60–150 Hz) and low- (25–40 Hz) frequency bands was significantly correlated with arm movement reaction time, starting before target onset. Multiunit and single-unit activity also showed a significant regression with reaction time. In addition, LFPs and multiunit and single-unit activity changed their activity level depending on the trial history, mirroring adjustments on the behavioral level. Together, these findings indicate that neuronal activity in the SMA exerts proactive control of arm movements by adjusting the level of motor readiness. On trials when the monkeys successfully canceled arm movements in response to an unforeseen stop signal, the LFP power, particularly in a low (10–50 Hz) frequency range, increased early enough to be causally related to the inhibition of the arm movement on those trials. This indicated that neuronal activity in the SMA is also involved in response inhibition in reaction to sudden task changes. Our findings indicate, therefore, that SMA plays a role in the proactive control of motor readiness and the reactive inhibition of unwanted movements.
Insula and Striatum Mediate the Default Bias
Authors: Yu Rongjun , Mobbs Dean , Seymour Ben , Calder Andrew J.
Published: November 2010

Humans are creatures of routine and habit. When faced with situations in which a default option is available, people show a consistent tendency to stick with the default. Why this occurs is unclear. To elucidate its neural basis, we used a novel gambling task in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral results revealed that participants were more likely to choose the default card and felt enhanced emotional responses to outcomes after making the decision to switch. We show that increased tendency to switch away from the default during the decision phase was associated with decreased activity in the anterior insula; activation in this same area in reaction to “switching away from the default and losing” was positively related with experienced frustration. In contrast, decisions to choose the default engaged the ventral striatum, the same reward area as seen in winning. Our findings highlight aversive processes in the insula as underlying the default bias and suggest that choosing the default may be rewarding in itself.
Differential Short-Term Plasticity at Convergent Inhibitory Synapses to the Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata
Authors: Connelly William M. , Schulz Jan M. , Lees George , Reynolds John N. J.
Published: November 2010

Inhibitory projections from the striatum and globus pallidus converge onto GABAergic projection neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Based on existing structural and functional evidence, these pathways are likely to differentially regulate the firing of SNr neurons. We sought to investigate the functional differences in inhibitory striatonigral and pallidonigral traffic using whole-cell voltage clamp in brain slices with these pathways preserved. We found that striatonigral IPSCs exhibited a high degree of paired-pulse facilitation. We tracked this facilitation over development and found the facilitation as the animal aged, but stabilized by postnatal day 17 (P17), with a paired pulse ratio of 2. We also found that the recovery from facilitation accelerated over development, again, reaching a stable phenotype by P17. In contrast, pallidonigral synapses show paired-pulse depression, and this depression could be solely explained by presynaptic changes. The mean paired-pulse ratio of 0.67 did not change over development, but the recovery from depression slowed over development. Pallidonigral IPSCs were significantly faster than striatonigral IPSCs when measured at the soma. Finally, under current clamp, prolonged bursts of striatal IPSPs were able to consistently silence the pacemaker activity of nigral neurons, whereas pallidal inputs depressed, allowing nigral neurons to reinstate firing. These findings highlight the importance of differential dynamics of neurotransmitter release in regulating the circuit behavior of the basal ganglia.
The Sensorimotor Striatum Is Necessary for Serial Order Learning
Authors: Yin Henry H.
Published: November 2010

Central to the production of adaptive behavior is the ability to learn the temporal order of behavioral elements (e.g., A, B, C). Yet little is known about neural substrates of serial order in self-initiated behavioral sequences. The present study assessed the contributions of specific dorsal striatal regions to the acquisition of serial order in mice, using a two-action sequence task without instructive cues. Excitotoxic lesions of the sensorimotor (dorsolateral) striatum dramatically impaired the acquisition of a simple sequence; in contrast, lesions of the associative (dorsomedial) striatum had no significant effect. Neither lesion caused gross motor impairments or affected the learning of nonsequential actions. These results demonstrate for the first time a critical role of the sensorimotor striatum in the learning of serial order.
Developmental Origin of PreBötzinger Complex Respiratory Neurons
Authors: Gray Paul A. , Hayes John A. , Ling Guang Y. , Llona Isabel , Tupal Srinivasan , Picardo Maria Cristina D. , Ross Sarah E. , Hirata Tsutomu , Corbin Joshua G. , Eugenín Jaime , Del Negro Christopher A.
Published: November 2010

A subset of preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) and somatostatin peptide (SST)-expressing neurons are necessary for breathing in adult rats,in vivo. Their developmental origins and relationship to other preBötC glutamatergic neurons are unknown. Here we show, in mice, that the “core” of preBötC SST+/NK1R+/SST 2a receptor+(SST2aR) neurons, are derived from Dbx1-expressing progenitors. We also show that Dbx1-derived neurons heterogeneously coexpress NK1R and SST2aR within and beyond the borders of preBötC. More striking, we find that nearly all non-catecholaminergic glutamatergic neurons of the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) are also Dbx1 derived. PreBötC SST+neurons are born between E9.5 and E11.5 in the same proportion as non-SST-expressing neurons. Additionally, preBötC Dbx1 neurons are respiratory modulated and show an early inspiratory phase of firing in rhythmically active slice preparations. Loss of Dbx1 eliminates all glutamatergic neurons from the respiratory VLM including preBötC NK1R+/SST+neurons. Dbx1 mutant mice do not express any spontaneous respiratory behaviorsin vivo. Moreover, they do not generate rhythmic inspiratory activity in isolateden blocpreparations even after acidic or serotonergic stimulation. These data indicate that preBötC core neurons represent a subset of a larger, more heterogeneous population of VLM Dbx1-derived neurons. These data indicate that Dbx1-derived neurons are essential for the expression and, we hypothesize, are responsible for the generation of respiratory behavior bothin vitroandin vivo.
Longitudinal Growth Differences and the Influence of Diet Quality on Atka Mackerel of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Using a Bioenergetics Model to Explore Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Rand K. M. , Beauchamp D. A. , Lowe S. A.
Published: November 2010

Atka mackerel Pleurogrammus monopterygius make up the single largest biomass of groundfish in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and are an important component of this marine ecosystem. Atka mackerel show a significant decrease in size from east to west. We compared fish from two study areas reflecting this size cline: Seguam Pass in the eastern Aleutians and Amchitka Island in the western Aleutians. At any given age, the Atka mackerel at the former location are larger than those at the latter (e.g., 5-year-old fish average 732 g and 39 cm fork length at Seguam Pass but only 575 g and 36 cm at Amchitka Island). Our objectives were to determine the mechanisms underlying the observed differences in growth, such as prey availability, prey quality, and thermal experience. We used a bioenergetics model to examine the effects of diet and temperature on growth. The model estimates of consumption fell within the range of those observed for Atka mackerel, suggesting that the model was an appropriate tool for exploring these effects. The results obtained with the model suggest that prey quality is the main factor in the observed size differences. At Seguam Pass Atka mackerel ate a more energetically rich diet consisting of euphausiids and fish, whereas at Amchitka Island copepods dominated the diet and there was little to no fish consumption. The model results also suggest that thermal experience contributed less to the observed differences in growth than did the composition of the diet. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the growth of Atka mackerel will improve predictions of biomass and yield within the framework of a dynamic ecosystem and a changing climate.
The aulacopleurid trilobiteMaurotarionAlberti, 1969, in the Silurian-Devonian of Argentina: systematic, phylogenetic and paleobiogeographic significance
Authors: Rustán Juan J. , Vaccari N. Emilio
Published: November 2010

Five new species ofMaurotarionAlberti, 1969 from the Silurian Lipeón Formation and Lower Devonian Talacasto Formation of Argentina are recognized. The comparisons with Bolivian and South African species support a Malvinokaffric clade based on librigenal synapomorphies, here erected asMaurotarion(Malvinotarion) new subgenus. The Malvinokaffric origin of the family would not be a migration from lower paleolatitudes but an Early Silurian stock of rare cosmopolitan ancestors which underwent a great Devonian radiation. Two lineages can be recognized within MalvinokaffricMaurotarion.The Silurian-Pragiandereimsilineage is a plesiomorphic one resembling Silurian representatives and involvesM.(Malvinotarion)dereimsi, M.(Malvinotarion)talacastoensenew species,M.(Malvinotarion?) new species A,M.(Malvinotarion?) new species B,M.(Malvinotarion) sp., and eventuallyM. (Malvinotarion?)cf.dereimsi.Theisaacsonilineage ranges from the Lower Pragian to Eifelian exhibiting a defined morphologic trend in the librigena. This lineage comprisesM.(Malvinotarion)isaacsoni, M.(Malvinotarion) sp. A from South Africa,M.(Malvinotarion)gauchonew species,M.(Malvinotarion)haudeinew species andM.(Malvinotarion)legrandi.A Lochkovian diversification probably took place yet an adequate assessment remains difficult. In contrast, a great evolutionary burst is recognized during the Emsian and is related to Pragian-Emsian global relative sea level curves which are coincident with those proposed from Bolivian and Argentinian basins.
Casablanca-Marina : un nouvel urbanisme marocain des grands projets
Authors: Barthel Pierre-Arnaud
Published: November 2010

Après une décennie de blocage, la marina de Casablanca est devenue l’un des grands projets de la métropole marocaine des années 2000 pilotée par la Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), holding marocaine en pleine expansion, en partenariat avec un investisseur émirati de grande envergure (Sama Dubaï). La reprise en main du projet par un acteur émergent, l’implication directe du Roi, l’arrivée des capitaux du Golfe au Maroc, la refonte de la gouvernance locale et régionale et la construction d’une stratégie métropolitaine sont autant d’éléments permettant de comprendre la relance actuelle d’un processus global de revalorisation de la façade maritime. L’analyse de la fabrique du projet lui-même révèle aussi la mise en place d’un nouvel urbanisme au Maroc dans des situations de « grand projet » : privatisation de l’aménagement, financiarisation des enjeux, management sophistiqué de la conduite de l’action, recours à un système d’expertise internationalisée visant à accélérer la mise sur le marché des différents programmes immobiliers. Véritable « success story » pour la CDG, la marina a été un laboratoire urbanistique et sa réalisation va consacrer l’entrée en scène de l’opérateur dans le développement de Casablanca.
Le soignant en son miroir
Authors: Vasseur Patricia , Vidal Laurent
Published: November 2010

La prise en charge des accouchements difficiles génère au Sénégal une morbidité et une mortalité importantes. Dans le cadre d’un projet de recherche et d’intervention (AQUASOU), associant disciplines et expertises diverses, des anthropologues se sont penchés sur les mécanismes de prise en charge des parturientes, afin de mettre en place une intervention visant à les transformer. De 2003 à 2006, dans une maternité d’un hôpital de la périphérie de Dakar, ils ont étudié les facteurs compliquant leur prise en charge. Des « rencontres-miroirs » ont été créées et se sont tenues régulièrement, dans un cadre préservant la confidentialité. Les professionnels de santé ont progressivement accepté de discuter collectivement de leurs pratiques, ce qui a transformé les gestes de soins et le fonctionnement de l’équipe.
A model for higher education campus health services
Authors: Ricks Esmeralda J. , Strümpher Johanita , Van Rooyen Dalena
Published: November 2010

This study was undertaken in order to develop a holistic healthcare model that would assist registered nurses who are employed at a higher education campus’ health service to render a healthcare service relevant to the healthcare needs of the campus healthcare consumers.A theory-generative, qualitative, explorative,descriptive and contextual research design for theory generation was used to develop a holistic healthcare model for a higher education campus’ health service. It became evident throughout the study that the participants experienced a need for a more comprehensive healthcare service on campus. The main concepts of holistic healthcare were identified from the information obtained from the in-depth, focus group interviews that were conducted with the participants. The process of theoretical model generation was conducted according to the steps of theory generation as proposed by Walker and Avant (1995:39), namely that of concept analysis,the placing of concepts in relationships, a description of the model and guidelines to operationalise the model.This model provides a structured holistic healthcare frame of reference for registered nurses employed in a campus health service at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) and could be used to assist all campus healthcare consumers to become balanced whole persons who are able to realise their dreams and maintain consistency with regard to optimal health and capacity.OpsommingHierdie studie is onderneem om teneinde ‘n holistiese gesondheidsorgmodel te ontwikkel wat geregistreerde verpleegkundiges, werksaam by ‘n hoër onderwys kampusgesondheidsorgdiens,kan help om ‘n gesondheidsorgdiens te kan lewer wat relevant is tot die gesondheidsbehoeftes vandie kampusgesondheidsorg verbruikers.‘n Teorie-generende, kwalitatiewe,eksplorerende, beskrywende en kontekstuele navorsingsontwerp vir teorie genering is gebruik om ‘n holistiese gesondheidsorgmodel vir hoër onderwys kampusgesondheidsorgdienste te ontwikkel. Tydens die studie het dit duidelik geword dat die deelnemers ‘n behoefte het daaraan om ‘n meer omvattende gesondheidsorgdiens op kampus te ervaar. Die hoof konsepte van holistiese gesondheidsorg was geïdentifiseer vanuit die data wat verkry was deur die in-diepte fokusgroep onderhoude wat met die deelnemers gevoer is. Die proses van model-generering is uitgevoer volgens die stappe soos voorgestel deur Walker en Avant(1995:30) naamlik dit van konsep-analise, die plasing van konsepte in verhoudings, die beskrywing van die model en die riglyne om die model operatief te maak.Die model maak voorsiening vir ‘n gestruktureerde holistiese gesondheidsorgraamwerk wat as verwysing kan dien vir geregistreerde verpleegkundiges werksaam by ‘n kampus gesondheidsorgdiens by ‘n Hoër Onderwys Instansie(HOI) en kan gebruik word om alle kampus gesondheidsorgverbruikers te help om gebalanseerde, heel persone te word wat in staat is om hul drome te vervul en konsekwentheid met betrekking tot optimale gesondheid en kapasiteit te handhaaf.
Full‐Space Electric Field in Mo‐Decorated Zn2In2S5 Polarization Photocatalyst for Oriented Charge Flow and Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Wan Jun , Wang Yu , Liu Jiaqing , Song Ru , Liu Lin , Li Yaping , Li Jiayi , Low Jingxiang , Fu Feng , Xiong Yujie
Published: May 2024

Integration of photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution with oxidative organic synthesis presents a highly attractive strategy for the simultaneous production of clean H2 fuel and high‐value chemicals. However, the sluggish dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers across the photocatalysts result in low photoconversion efficiency, hindering the wide applications of such a technology. Herein, this work overcomes this limitation by inducing the full‐space electric field via charge polarization engineering on a Mo cluster‐decorated Zn2In2S5 (Mo‐Zn2In2S5) photocatalyst. Specifically, this full‐space electric field arises from a cascade of the bulk electric field (BEF) and local surface electric field (LSEF), triggering the oriented migration of photogenerated electrons from [Zn–S] regions to [In–S] regions and eventually to Mo cluster sites, ensuring efficient separation of bulk and surface charge carriers. Moreover, the surface Mo clusters induce a tip enhancement effect to optimize charge transfer behavior by augmenting electrons and proton concentration around the active sites on the basal plane of Zn2In2S5. Notably, the optimized Mo1.5‐Zn2In2S5 catalyst achieves exceptional H2 and benzaldehyde production rates of 34.35 and 45.31 mmol gcat−1 h−1, respectively, outperforming pristine ZnIn2S4 by 3.83‐ and 4.15‐fold. These findings mark a significant stride in steering charge flow for enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Breaking the Tumor Chronic Inflammation Balance with a Programmable Release and Multi‐Stimulation Engineering Scaffold for Potent Immunotherapy
Authors: Liang Xiuqi , Li Xinchao , Wu Rui , He Tao , Liu Furong , Li Lu , Zhang Yi , Gong Songlin , Zhang Miaomiao , Kou Xiaorong , Chen Tao , You Yanjie , Shen Meiling , Wu Qinjie , Gong Changyang
Published: May 2024

Tumor‐associated chronic inflammation severely restricts the efficacy of immunotherapy in cold tumors. Here, a programmable release hydrogel‐based engineering scaffold with multi‐stimulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐response (PHOENIX) is demonstrated to break the chronic inflammatory balance in cold tumors to induce potent immunity. PHOENIX can undergo programmable release of resiquimod and anti‐OX40 under ROS. Resiquimod is first released, leading to antigen‐presenting cell maturation and the transformation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and M2 macrophages into an antitumor immune phenotype. Subsequently, anti‐OX40 is transported into the tumor microenvironment, leading to effector T‐cell activation and inhibition of Treg function. PHOENIX consequently breaks the chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and leads to a potent immune response. In mice bearing subcutaneous triple‐negative breast cancer and metastasis models, PHOENIX effectively inhibited 80% and 60% of tumor growth, respectively. Moreover, PHOENIX protected 100% of the mice against TNBC tumor rechallenge by electing a robust long‐term antigen‐specific immune response. An excellent inhibition and prolonged survival in PHOENIX‐treated mice with colorectal cancer and melanoma is also observed. This work presents a potent therapeutic scaffold to improve immunotherapy efficiency, representing a generalizable and facile regimen for cold tumors.
3,6‐Divinyl‐N‐arylcarbazoles‐bridged diruthenium complexes bearing two Ru(CO)Cl(PiPr3)2 moieties: Polyelectrochromism and electronic coupling
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Obadah S.
Published: May 2024

A series of five 3,6‐divinyl‐N‐arylcarbazoles‐bridged diruthenium complexes with a general formula of [{Ru(CO)Cl(PiPr3)2}2(μ‐(CH=CH)2‐(N‐arylcarbazole)‐3,6); aryl = 4‐anisyl; [1a], 4‐tolyl; [1b], phenyl; [1c], 4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; [1d], and 4‐nitrophenyl; [1e]] were successfully synthesized. These new square‐pyramidal bis(ruthenium‐vinyl)‐type complexes were characterized in their neutral state via classical NMR, UV/Vis, and IR spectroscopic techniques and in their three various accessible oxidized states via electrochemical techniques and ESR spectroscopy along with UV/Vis/NIR and IR spectroelectrochemistry as well as with DFT calculations. Our obtained results were compared with the closely related bis(ruthenium‐vinyl)‐appended N‐(4‐anisyl)diphenylamine TAARu2 counterpart of [1a]. Electrochemical studies on complexes [1a]–[1e] revealed three consecutive, chemically and electrochemically, well‐separated, reversible one‐electron oxidation processes at low and well‐accessible potentials. Their half‐wave potential separations ΔE½ between the individual redox waves and the derived comproportionation constants Kc1–Kc3 attribute to noteworthy stability of every oxidized intermediate state. The concert electrochemical and UV/Vis/NIR/IR spectro(electro)scopic results on these rotationally restricted N‐arylcarbazoles‐bridged bis(ruthenium‐alkenyl)‐type complexes [1a]–[1e] confirmed the relative weakness influence of altering the para‐substituent on the peripheral aryl ring. This is most probably due to the sizable torsion with nearly 55° between the co‐planarity of the carbazole heterocycle core and the peripheral N‐bound aryl ring. In their mixed‐valent (MV) radical states [1a]+–[1e]+, the observed pattern of two well‐separated Ru(C≡O) bands mirrors the uneven distribution of the uni‐positive charge over the two chemically equivalent bis(ruthenium‐vinyl) moieties as indicated by classical class II of Robin–Day classification of MV states.