bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein tyrosine phosphatase activity is necessary for E‐cadherin‐activated Src signaling
Authors: McLachlan Robert W. , Yap Alpha S.
Published: October 2010

Co‐operation between cadherin adhesion molecules and the cytoskeleton is a key aspect of tissue morphogenesis that is mediated by cortical signaling at adhesive junctions. One such signal is the non‐receptor tyrosine kinase, Src, which acts in several pathways at epithelial junctions, including E‐cadherin signaling itself. We now present two new insights into junctional Src signaling. Firstly, we report that upstream protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity is required to stimulate E‐cadherin‐activated Src signaling at junctions. Perturbing PTP activity with vanadate selectively reduced the activity of Src tyrosine kinases at junctions. Moreover, E‐cadherin homophilic ligation could not stimulate Src signaling in vanadate‐treated cells. Additionally, vanadate treatment phenocopied the effects of Src inhibition on the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that PTP activity is required for the dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton by cadherin‐activated Src signaling. Secondly, we identified a role for PTP‐activated Src signaling in supporting apical junctional tension by targeting non‐muscle myosin IIB. The linear shape of the apical junctions was lost in PTP‐ and Src‐inhibited cells, and inhibiting Src selectively affected the junctional localization of myosin IIB but not of myosin IIA. We conclude that PTP‐activated Src signaling is a possible upstream regulator of myosin IIB at the epithelial zonula adherens. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marijuana use and testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Trabert Britton , Sigurdson Alice J. , Sweeney Anne M. , Strom Sara S. , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Since the early 1970s, the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) in the United States has been increasing; however, potential environmental exposures accounting for this increase have not been identified. A previous study reported a significant association between frequent and long‐term current marijuana users and TGCT risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between marijuana use and TGCTs in a hospital‐based case‐control study.

METHODS:

TGCT patients diagnosed between January 1990 and October 1996 (n = 187) and male friend controls (n = 148) were enrolled in the study. All participants were between the ages of 18 and 50 at the time of diagnosis and resided in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, or Oklahoma. Associations of marijuana use and TGCTs were estimated using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, race, prior cryptorchidism, cigarette smoking, and alcohol intake.

RESULTS:

Overall, patients with TGCTs were more likely to be frequent marijuana users (daily or greater) compared with controls (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0‐5.1). Histological‐specific analyses revealed that patients with nonseminoma were significantly more likely than controls to be frequent users (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2‐8.2) and long‐term (≥10 years) users (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0‐6.1).

CONCLUSIONS:

The finding of an association between frequent marijuana use and TGCTs, particularly among men with nonseminoma, was consistent with the findings of a previous report. Additional studies of marijuana use and TGCTs are warranted, especially studies evaluating the role of endocannabinoid signaling and cannabinoid receptors in TGCTs. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Effect of isomorphic atom substitution on the refractive index and oscillator parameters of TlInS2xSe2(1‐x) (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1) layered mixed crystals
Authors: Gasanly N. M.
Published: October 2010

The optical properties of TlInS2xSe2(1‐x)mixed crystals (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1) have been studied at room temperature through the transmittance and reflectivity measurements in the wavelength range of 400–1100 nm. The spectral dependence of the refractive index for all compositions of studied crystals were obtained. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the Wemple–DiDomenico single‐effective‐oscillator model. The compositional dependencies of refractive index dispersion parameters: oscillator energy, dispersion energy and zero‐frequency refractive index were revealed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamic Lkb1‐TORC1 signaling as a possible mechanism for regulating the endoderm‐intestine transition
Authors: Marshall Kathryn E. , Tomasini Amber J. , Makky Khadijah , N. Kumar Suresh , Mayer Alan N.
Published: October 2010

The intestinal epithelium arises from undifferentiated endoderm via a developmental program known as the endoderm‐intestine transition (EIT). Previously we found that the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) regulates intestinal growth and differentiation during the EIT in zebrafish. Here we address a possible role for the tumor‐suppressor kinase Lkb1 in regulating TORC1 in this context. We find that TORC1 activity is transiently upregulated during the EIT in both zebrafish and mouse. Concomitantly, Lkb1 becomes transiently localized to the nucleus, suggesting that these two phenomena may be linked. Morpholino‐mediated knockdown of lkb1 stimulated intestinal growth via upregulation of TORC1, and also induced precocious intestine‐specific gene expression in the zebrafish gut epithelium. Knockdown of tsc2, which acts downstream of lkb1, likewise induced early expression of intestine‐specific genes. These data suggest that programmed localization of Lkb1 could represent a novel mechanism for regulating the EIT during intestinal development in vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 239:3000–3012, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
White adipose tissue development in zebrafish is regulated by both developmental time and fish size
Authors: Imrie Dru , Sadler Kirsten C.
Published: October 2010

Adipocytes are heterogeneous. Whether their differences are attributed to anatomical location or to different developmental origins is unknown. We investigated whether development of different white adipose tissue (WAT) depots in zebrafish occurs simultaneously or whether adipogenesis is influenced by the metabolic demands of growing fish. Like mammals, zebrafish adipocyte morphology is distinctive and adipocytes express cell‐specific markers. All adults contain WAT in pancreatic, subcutaneous, visceral, esophageal, mandibular, cranial, and tail‐fin depots. Unlike most zebrafish organs that form during embryogenesis, WAT was not found in embryos or young larvae. Instead, WAT was first identified in the pancreas on 12 days postfertilization (dpf), and then in visceral, subcutaneous, and cranial stores in older fish. All 30 dpf fish exceeding 10.6 mm standard length contained the adult repertoire of WAT depots. Pancreatic, esophageal, and subcutaneous WAT appearance correlated with size, not age, as found for other features appearing during postembryonic zebrafish development. Developmental Dynamics 239:3013–3023, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The G‐protein‐coupled receptor, GPR84, is important for eye development in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Perry Kimberly J. , Johnson Verity R. , Malloch Erica L. , Fukui Lisa , Wever Jason , Thomas Alvin G. , Hamilton Paul W. , Henry Jonathan J.
Published: October 2010

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent diverse, multifamily groups of cell signaling receptors involved in many cellular processes. We identified Xenopus laevis GPR84 as a member of the A18 subfamily of GPCRs. During development, GPR84 is detected in the embryonic lens placode, differentiating lens fiber cells, retina, and cornea. Anti‐sense morpholino oligonucleotide‐mediated knockdown and RNA rescue experiments demonstrate GPR84's importance in lens, cornea, and retinal development. Examination of cell proliferation using an antibody against histone H3 S10P reveals significant increases in the lens and retina following GPR84 knockdown. Additionally, there was also an increase in apoptosis in the retina and lens, as revealed by TUNEL assay. Reciprocal transplantation of the presumptive lens ectoderm between uninjected controls and morpholino‐injected embryos demonstrates that GPR84 is necessary in the retina for proper development of the retina, as well as other eye tissues including the lens and cornea. Developmental Dynamics 239:3024–3037, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Photophysical Measurements of Phosphite‐Substituted Schiff Base and Azobenzene Li­gands
Authors: Murphy‐Jolly Makeba B. , Owens Samuel B. , Freeman Jason L. , Gray Gary M. , Lawson Christopher M. , Shelton David P.
Published: October 2010

Organic chromophores with charge asymmetry may exhibit significant second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. Metal complexes have been used as the donor, the acceptor, or as the bridge in some of these chromophores. Metal complexes may also be useful in dipolar chromophore orientation and in the building of large molecular structures, but this approach remains largely unexplored. We herein report the syntheses and characterization of a novel class of phosphite‐containing chromophores, O2N‐1‐C6H4‐4‐CH=N‐1‐C6H4‐4‐OP(OC6H4)2 (2) and O2N‐1‐C6H4‐4‐X=N‐1‐C6H4‐4‐OP(OC10H6)2 [X = CH (3), N (4)], and their transition‐metal complexes, cis‐Mo(CO)4(2)2 (5), PdCl2(2)2 (6), and cis‐Mo(CO)4(3)2 (7). The X‐ray crystal structures of 2 and 5 show that coordination of the phosphite ligand to the metal atom does not alter the conformation of the chromophore. Hyper‐Rayleigh scattering (HRS) measurements of the compounds in 1,4‐dioxane at 1064 nm indicate that phosphite functionalization causes a small decrease in the β values of the Schiff‐base chromophores {β [esu]: 47 × 10–30 (1), 25 × 10–30 (2), 30 × 10–30 (3} and no change in the β value of the azo chromophore {β [esu]: 62 × 10–30 (4)}. The larger β values of the cis‐Mo(CO)4L2 complexes {β [esu]: 38 × 10–30 (5), 41 × 10–30 (7)} as compared to those of the ligands (2 and 3) are consistent with the 90° orientation of two chromophores in the complexes.
Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Amination of Aryl Halides Using Aqueous Ammonia in Water
Authors: Meng Fei , Zhu Xinhai , Li Ying , Xie Jianwei , Wang Bo , Yao Junhua , Wan Yiqian
Published: October 2010

TheN2,N2′‐diisopropyloxalohydrazide/CuO system efficiently catalyzed the direct amination of aryl bromides andiodides with aqueous ammonia in water at 60 °C in 24 h or at 120 °C in only 20–30 min. Both activated and unactivated aryl and heteroaryl bromides and iodides were readily aminated in good to excellent yields.
A fluorescence‐based sequence‐specific primer PCR for the screening of HLA‐B*57:01
Authors: Giardina Emiliano , Stocchi Laura , Cuzzola Valeria Foti , Zampatti Stefania , Gambardella Stefano , Patrizi Maria Patrizia , Bramanti Placido , Pirazzoli Antonella , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: October 2010

Abacavir (ABC) is an antiretroviral drug highly effective in the treatment of HIV, but its intake can cause severe hypersensitivity reaction (HSR). A strong association between HLA‐B*57:01 and ABC HSRs was reported by several studies, which demonstrated that HLA‐B*57:01 screening had a 100% negative predictive value and that it could accurately identify patients at high risk of ABC HSRs. We propose a new sequence‐specific primer PCR assay based on fluorescence detection through CE which is highly sensitive, allowing the use of non‐infective sources of DNA such as saliva and buccal swabs, in addition to blood and reproducible, allowing automation of the analytical process. The results of our study were first compared with a standard sequence‐specific primer PCR technique and reported a concordance of 100%, and then a blind external validation further confirmed the accuracy of our method.
Neues Werkzeug für alte Gemäuer
Authors: Drewello Rainer , Freitag Burkhard , Schlieder Christoph
Published: October 2010

Baudenkmäler sind permante Baustellen. Für ihre Restaurierung sind historische Pläne, Entwürfe und Fotos unverzichtbar. Doch die Archive vieler Kirchen, Burgen und Schlösser sind in schlechtem Zustand oder schwer zugänglich. Nun bereiten Kultur‐ und Ingenieurwissenschaftler die Quellen in einem Datenbanksystem auf und machen sie nutzbar.
Winzige Helfer gegen die Pest
Authors: Boetius Antje
Published: October 2010

Das Bohrloch im Golf von Mexiko ist versiegelt, doch die Folgen der Öko‐Kastastrophe sind noch immer unabsehbar. Zum Abbau der gewaltigen Verschmutzung tragen auch Mikroorganismen bei, die das Öl im Wasser und auf dem Grund des Ozeans buchstäblich auffressen. Meeresforscher sind den hungrigen Bakterien schon lange auf der Spur.
Socializing geoarchaeology: Insights from Bourdieu's theory of practice applied to Neolithic and Bronze Age Crete
Authors: Jusseret Simon
Published: October 2010

Because the history of human life is about ways of inhabiting the world, geoarchaeology should play a central role in the archaeological program and cannot be reduced to a mere subspecialty of archaeology with its own autonomous theories and concerns. Hence there is a pressing need for theorizing; geoarchaeology cannot ignore nearly five decades of theoretical debates in archaeology. This contribution endeavors to demonstrate the benefits that may be achieved by practically applying social theories to the interpretation of geoarchaeological results. Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice inspired a generation of post‐processual archaeologists, yet the avenues of interpretation that this opened up have barely been explored in approaches in the Earth sciences to the human past. It is suggested that the work of Bourdieu offers the possibility to sidestep recurrent issues of scale and incompatibilities of resolution between archaeological and geological dating. The argument is sustained by an alternative reading of geoarchaeological results coming from Neolithic and Bronze Age Crete. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The geoarchaeology of route systems in northern Syria
Authors: Wilkinson Tony J. , French Charles , Ur Jason A. , Semple Miranda
Published: October 2010

Linear valleys, termed hollow ways, form a distinctive feature of the North Syrian Bronze Age landscape, but few have been described in detail or excavated. This paper examines the geoarchaeology of hollow way route systems in northern Syria at three scales of analysis: (1) from satellite imagery, at which scale it is possible to examine patterns of hollow ways over very large areas; (2) in the field, where cleaned sections supply ground control and dating evidence for specific features or hollow ways; and (3) using soil micromorphology to investigate the formation processes evident in the hollow way fills. We also use ethnographic analogy to extend the interpretation of the pattern of hollow ways. Finally, we examine the role of these features in the drainage network as well as their contribution to the development of alluvial fills of the Khabur tributaries. The three sections examined demonstrated that the Brak hollow ways were incised into the landscape, probably in the third millennium B.C. or slightly earlier. The fills show evidence of episodic flow and low‐energy soil wash with weak soil development over the last 4000 years. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Taking the pulse of training transfer: Instructor quality and EMT certification examination results
Authors: Russ‐Eft Darlene F. , Dickison Phil , Levine Roger
Published: October 2010

The Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographics Study (LEADS) provides a representative sampling of EMTs throughout the United States. The present study adds to the transfer of training literature by examining the relationship between instructor quality and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification examination outcomes. The effective sample size included 513 EMT‐basics and 406 EMT‐paramedics. The survey sample responded to questions concerning their experiences and ratings of the quality of the certification education and training. Survey respondents were matched with their certification test results, using the initial score on that exam as well as the number of test attempts. Results showed significant correlations, based on instructor quality on initial exam scores, as well as on the number of tries to obtain a passing score. Implications for HRD practitioners, adult and continuing professional educators, and researchers are discussed.
Computational study of static first hyperpolarizability of donor–acceptor substituted (E)‐benzaldehyde phenylhydrazone
Authors: Lu Shih‐I
Published: October 2010

Various hybrid functionals (B3LYP, B97‐2, PBE0, BMK, BH&HLYP, CAM‐B3LYP, and LC‐ωPBE) implemented in density functional theory were applied to give estimate of static first hyperpolarizabilty (β0) of (E)‐benzaldehyde phenylhydrazone designated as (E)‐BPH. Against those of MP2 computations as a function of the underlying density functional, good agreement was obtained with the BH&HLYP and CAM‐B3LYP functionals. The LC‐ωPBE functional and the B3LYP, PBE0, B97‐2, and BMK functionals underestimated and overestimated β0, respectively. The basis set effect on the calculated β0 was also investigated. It turned out that the 6‐311+G(2d,p) basis set provided excellent converged value of β0. On the basis of the calculated results, we investigated the substituent effect on β0 of donor–acceptor (D‐A) substituted (E)‐BPH systematically by using the BH&HLYP and CAM‐B3LYP computations with the 6‐311+G(2d,p) basis set. We proposed a Zwitterion structure to explain the calculated trend in the substituent effect and the enhanced hyperpolarizability of type II compounds (A‐(E)‐BPH‐D) than type I compounds (D‐(E)‐BPH‐A). Natural bonding orbital analysis carried out at BH&HLYP/6‐311+G(2d,p)//B3LYP/6‐31G(2df,p) level of theory substantiated the claim. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Radiosynthesis andin vitroevaluation of 1‐(tetrahydro‐5‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2H‐pyran‐3‐yl)‐5‐[125I]iodouracil: A new potential agent for HSV1‐tk reporter gene monitoring
Authors: Jo Nam Hyun , Kim Jung Young , El‐Gamal Mohammed I. , Choi Won‐Kyoung , Park Jin‐Hun , Kim Eun Jung , Cho Jung‐Hyuck , Ha Hyun‐Joon , Choi Tae Hyun , Oh Chang‐Hyun
Published: October 2010

Synthesis, radiolabelling, andin vitroevaluation of a new125I‐labelled iodouracil hexitol nucleoside analogue are reported. The target compound was successfully synthesized by an iodination–destannylation method and then purified by reverse phase HPLC. The radiochemical purity of the product was >99% with decay‐corrected yields of 48±3%.In vitrocellular uptake testing was carried out using MCA and MCA‐tk cell lines for comparison of compound 1 with [18F]FHBG. The newly synthesized compound 1 showed higher accumulation in herpex simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1‐tk) gene expression cell line (MCA‐tk cell line) than in the wild type MCA cell line compared with [18F]FHBG. The MCA‐tk to MCA cellular uptake ratio for compound 1 was higher than that of [18F]FHBG from 2 h after incubation. The radioiodine‐labelled compound 1 (I‐125,t1/2=59.37 days) has a longer physical half‐life than F‐18‐(t1/2=110 min) labelled FHBG. Radioiodine‐labelled compound 1 could be used for monitoring gene expression for a long time. The selectivity for MCA‐tk cell line makes compound 1 a promising imaging agent for HSV1‐tk expression. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of Brazilian families with primary dystonia reveals a novel THAP1 mutation and a de novo TOR1A GAG deletion
Authors: De Carvalho Aguiar Patricia , Fuchs Tania , Borges Vanderci , Lamar Kay‐Marie , Silva Sonia Maria Azevedo , Ferraz Henrique Ballalai , Ozelius Laurie
Published: October 2010

The TOR1A and THAP1 genes were screened for mutations in a cohort of 21 Brazilian patients with Primary torsion dystonia (PTD). We identified a de novo delGAG mutation in the TOR1A gene in a patient with a typical DYT1 phenotype and a novel c.1A > G (p.Met1?) mutation in THAP1 in a patient with early onset generalized dystonia with speech involvement. Mutations in these two known PTD genes, TOR1A and THAP1, are responsible for about 10% of the PTD cases in our Brazilian cohort suggesting genetic heterogeneity and supporting the role of other genes in PTD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Autonomic and sensory symptoms and signs in incident, untreated Parkinson's disease: Frequent but mild
Authors: Müller Bernd , Larsen Jan Petter , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Skeie Geir Olve , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn ,   for The Parkwest Study Group
Published: October 2010

Although nonmotor symptoms are increasingly recognized as key features in Parkinson's disease (PD), the occurrence and severity of autonomic and sensory symptoms in patients with very early and untreated PD are poorly documented. Two hundred seven patients with newly diagnosed, untreated PD and 175 controls from the population‐based Norwegian ParkWest study were included. Postural blood pressure and olfactory function were measured and eight autonomic and sensory symptoms assessed using interview‐based rating scales. Autonomic and sensory symptoms were more frequent in patients compared with controls (mean number of symptoms 2.9 vs. 1.1; P < 0.001) and in the postural instability and gait difficulty motor‐subtype vs. tremor dominant subtype (mean 3.3 vs. 2.5; P = 0.008). In the patient group, reduced olfaction (59%), urinary problems (47%), increased saliva or drooling (42%), constipation (39%), and sensory complaints (34%) were the most frequent symptoms. Daily activities were not affected by these symptoms in 58% of the patients, and the influence on daily activities was rated as “mild” or less for all of these symptoms in 90%. A higher Hoehn and Yahr stage was associated with a higher number of autonomic and sensory symptoms and with the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Autonomic and sensory symptoms are common in patients with untreated, early PD although the severity of these symptoms is mild, with little or no influence on daily activities. The high prevalence of increased saliva or drooling close to the time of diagnosis is noteworthy and not described earlier. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease dementia can be easily detected in routine clinical practice
Authors: Dujardin Kathy , Dubois Bruno , Tison François , Durif Franck , Bourdeix Isabelle , Péré Jean‐Jacques , Duhamel Alain ,   for the EXECUTIVE study group
Published: October 2010

Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly characterized by its motor manifestations, but it is also frequently associated with dementia. Early diagnosis of PD dementia (PDD) is particularly important because effective cholinesterase inhibitor treatments are available. This study aimed at validating a short procedure for screening for PDD in routine clinical practice and which adopts recently published diagnostic criteria. One hundred eighty‐eight patients with PD participated in the study. The examination procedure comprised three steps: standard clinical examination, a short cognitive function assessment fulfilling the requirements of the Movement Disorders Society (Mini Mental State Examination, five‐word test, word generation task, and impact on daily life, including a questionnaire on compliance with medication) and an extensive evaluation of cognitive functions and behavior. After each step, the suspected presence or absence of dementia was recorded. After the short cognitive function assessment, PDD was suspected in 18.62% of the patients [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.32‐24.93%]. After the extensive assessment, 21.81% (95% CI: 16.13‐28.40%) met the criteria for probable PDD. The short battery's sensitivity and specificity were 65.85% (95% CI = 49.41‐79.92%) and 94.56% (95% CI = 89.56‐97.62%), respectively. A stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that use of a specific cut‐off considerably enhanced the short battery's sensitivity (85.37%, 95% CI = 70.83‐94.43%) without decreasing its specificity (83.67%, 95% CI = 76.69‐89.25%). With an easy‐to‐use, short battery of tests that are commonly used in routine clinical practice, it is possible to diagnose PDD in accordance with reference criteria and with the same sensitivity and specificity as in a more extensive evaluation. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Twice‐daily, low‐dose pramipexole in early Parkinson's disease: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kieburtz Karl ,   The Parkinson Study Group PramiBID Investigators
Published: October 2010

To compare the safety and efficacy of low dosages of pramipexole given twice daily (bid) in early Parkinson's disease (PD) with those of a standard 3 times daily (tid) regimen in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial involving 311 early PD patients not receiving dopaminergic treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned and followed on assigned treatment for 12 weeks with pramipexole at dosages of 0.5 mg bid, 0.75 mg bid, or 0.5 mg tid, or matching placebo. All subjects were dosed 3 times daily, with placebo if necessary, to maintain blinding. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to Week 12 in the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total score (Parts I–III). All active dosages had similar antiparkinson efficacy showing reductions of 4–5 UPDRS points relative to placebo (p < 0.0001) for each comparison. Somnolence, fatigue, nausea, constipation, and peripheral edema were more common in the active treatment groups than in the placebo group, but their frequency did not vary by dosage. In this fixed dosage, randomized study pramipexole administered twice daily at a total daily dosage of 1.0–1.5 mg daily was of comparable efficacy and tolerability to a dosage of 0.5 mg tid over a 12‐week treatment period in early PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Activation method does not alter abnormal placental gene expression and development in cloned pigs
Authors: Whitworth Kristin M. , Spate Lee D. , Li Rongfeng , Rieke August , Sutovsky Peter , Green Jonathan A. , Prather Randall S.
Published: October 2010

Nuclear transfer efficiency is low and is thought to be caused by inadequate placental development. The objective of this study was to identify differentially expressed transcripts in pig placentas derived from in vivo fertilization, in vitro fertilization or nuclear transfer at Day 30 of gestation. Three activation methods were compared: electrical fusion/activation, electrical fusion/activation followed by treatment with reversible proteasomal inhibitor, MG132 or electrical fusion followed by activation with Thimerosal/DTT. Extraembryonic membranes were collected 30 days after artificial insemination (IVV) or embryo transfer (IVF and NT). Extraembryonic membrane cDNAs labeled with Cy5 and a reference cDNA labeled with Cy3 were hybridized to a pig reproductive tissue‐specific 19,968 spot cDNA microarray. Images acquired and assessed by using Genepix Pro 4.0 were analyzed by Genespring 7.3.1. ANOVA (P < 0.05) identified 227 differentially expressed transcripts between the five treatments and 0 between the three activation methods. The nuclear transfer groups were pooled and compared to in vivo samples, identifying 34 up‐ and 19 down‐regulated transcripts (>2‐fold change, P < 0.05). Ten transcripts were validated by real‐time PCR. UPTI, PAG2, and GLUD1 protein was quantified by Western blot and densitometry verified that UPTI and PAG2 proteins had an expression pattern that mirrored mRNA abundance (P < 0.05). Localization patterns were also determined for UPTI, PAG2, GLUD2 and 14‐3‐3 gamma in Day 35 extraembryonic membranes. Observed differences in gene and protein expression in nuclear transfer extraembryonic membranes indicate that an impaired fetal–maternal interface, and not the activation method, may be causing defects observed in cloned pigs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:1016–1030, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lead isotope ratios: Tracking the migration of European‐Americans to Grafton, Illinois in the 19th century
Authors: Fitch A. , Grauer A. , Augustine L.
Published: October 2010

Lead isotope analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS) instruments on local soil samples and human premolar tooth enamel from a 19th century population from Grafton, Illinois, USA. The goal of the study was to determine if lead isotope analysis could be used to infer place of birth and patterns of 19th century migration into the city of Grafton. Five soil core samples from a location near Grafton, Illinois, five grave soil samples from the city cemetery and the tooth enamel of 19 human premolars were analysed. The results of the soil core analysis indicated that the lead isotopic signature of Grafton differs significantly from isotope ratios of other geographic areas associated with recorded places of birth of 19th century Jersey County residents. Elemental and isotope analysis of the soil samples indicated that diagenesis was not a factor in the analysis of lead isotopic signatures of enamel. From the lead isotope analysis of human premolars, the geographic origin of 13 of the remaining 15 individuals could be inferred. The inferred geographic origin was supplemented by an analysis of 1860 mortality and census records and demonstrated the utility of using lead isotope analysis in bio‐archaeological investigations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lateral flexible linking of polyurethane copolymer and the effect on shape recovery and tensile mechanical properties
Authors: Chung Yong‐Chan , Nguyen Duy Khiem , Chun Byoung Chul
Published: October 2010

Shape memory polyurethane (SMPU), flexibly crosslinked via a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) spacer attached to its side through an allophanate group, was tested for shape memory and compared with a linear SMPU. The new SMPU was composed of 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI), poly(tetramethyleneglycol) (PTMG‐2000), and 1,4‐butanediol (BD), and included polyethyleneglycol (PEG‐200) as a spacer. A second MDI, linked to the carbamate group of the first MDI, served as the connecting point for the PEG‐200. Two types of SMPU, differing according to their soft segment (PTMG‐2000) and linker (PEG‐200) contents, were compared in mechanical and shape memory properties. In the best case, a 780% increase in maximum stress was attained without any sacrifice in strain for the new material compared with the linear polymer. In particular, the stress–strain curve showed that the PEG‐crosslinked SMPU had superior tensile mechanical properties. Its shape recovery was as high as 99%, which is the best value we have measured for an SMPU. After four cyclic tests, shape recovery remained greater than 95%. Shape retention of the best SMPU remained above 93% even after four cyclic tests. Here, results demonstrating the extraordinary shape memory properties of these types of SMPU, together with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy data, are analyzed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dissolution of MWCNTs by using polyoxadiazoles, and highly effective reinforcement of their composite films
Authors: Loos Marcio R. , Abetz Volker , Schulte Karl
Published: October 2010

Nonmodified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/sulfonated polyoxadiazole (sPOD) nanocomposites are successfully prepared by a facile solution route. The pristine MWCNTs are dispersed in a sPOD solution, and the mixtures are fabricated into thin films by solution casting. The homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in the composites is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity are investigated. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile energy to break are shown to increase by more than 28, 45, and 73%, respectively, by incorporating up to 1.0 wt % pristine MWCNTs. The experimental values for sPOD/MWCNTs composite stiffness are compared with Halpin‐Tsai and modified Halpin‐Tsai predictions. The storage modulus is found to increase up to 10% at low CNT loading. The composite films, which have an outstanding thermal stability, show an increase of up to 57 °C in the initial degradation temperature. The addition of 1.0 wt % MWCNTs increases the electrical conductivity of the sPOD matrix by two orders of magnitude. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Ring‐opening polymerization of lipoic acid and characterization of the polymer
Authors: Kisanuki Atsushi , Kimpara Yuji , Oikado Yoshiko , Kado Naomi , Matsumoto MITSUAKI , Endo Kiyoshi
Published: October 2010

Thermal polymerization of DL‐α‐lipoic acid (LPA) in bulk without any initiator proceeded easily above the melting point of LPA. The molecular weight polymer determined by GPC was high. From the 1H NMR spectra of polymers, poly(LPA) obtained from polymerization of high purity LPA was to consist of cyclic structures, which was confirmed by ESI‐MS. Interlocked polymer consisting of poly(LPA) and dibenzo‐30‐crown‐10 entangled with each other was synthesized by the polymerization of LPA in the presence of dibenzo‐30‐crown‐10. From the DSC analysis of the polymers, glass transition temperature was estimated to be about −11 °C, but melting point was not observed, indicating that poly(LPA) is an amorphous polymer. By photodecomposition of poly(LPA), Mn was rapidly decreased at the early stage of the decomposition. After that, the Mn of the polymer kept and then was almost constant even for a prolonged reaction time. On the basis of the results, it would be presumed that poly (LPA) obtained form polymerization of high purity LPA includes an interlocked structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Incorporation of fluorene‐based emitting polymers into silica
Authors: Miyao Ayumi , Mori Yuta , Uno Takahiro , Itoh Takahito , Yamasaki Takayuki , Koshio Akira , Kubo Masataka
Published: October 2010

Novel polyfluorene copolymers with pendant hydroxyl groups, poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐2,7‐(9,9‐bis(6‐hydroxyhexyl)fluorene)‐co‐2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐1,4‐phenylene] (PFP‐OH) and poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐2,7‐(9,9‐bis(6‐hydroxyhexyl)fluorene)‐co‐2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PFBT‐OH) were prepared. Acid‐catalyzed polycondensations of tetraethoxysilane were carried out in the presence of these polymers to obtain homogeneous hybrids. Photoluminescence spectra of these hybrids suggested the polymers were immobilized in silica matrix retaining their π‐conjugated structures. Further, hybrids of coat film were prepared utilizing perhydropolysilazane as a silica precursor. Their optical properties were examined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Ring‐opening polymerization of β‐butyrolactone catalyzed by efficient magnesium and zinc complexes derived from tridentate anilido‐aldimine ligand
Authors: Liu Yi‐Chang , Lin Chia‐Her , Ko Bao‐Tsan , Ho Rong‐Ming
Published: October 2010

Magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) complexes incorporating tridentate anilido‐aldimine ligand, (E)‐2, 6‐diisopropyl‐N‐(2‐((2‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)ethylimino)methyl)phenyl)aniline (AAPip‐H, 1), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The reaction of AAPip‐H (1) with MgnBu2 or ZnEt2 in equivalent proportions afforded the monomeric complex [(AAPip)MgnBu] (2) or [(AAPip)ZnEt] (3), respectively. The coordination modes of these complexes differ in the solid state: Mg complex 2 shows a four‐coordinated and distorted tetrahedral geometry, whereas Zn complex 3 adopts a trigonal planar geometry with a three‐coordinated Zn center. Complexes 2 and 3 are efficient catalysts for the ring‐opening polymerization of β‐butyrolactone (β‐BL) in the presence of 9‐anthracenemethanol (9‐AnOH). The polymerization of β‐BL with the Zn catalyst system is demonstrated in a living fashion with a narrow polydispersity index, PDI = 1.01–1.10. The number‐averaged molecular weight (Mn) of the produced poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is quite close to the expected Mn over diverse molar ratios of monomer to 9‐AnOH. A greater ratio of monomer to alcohol catalyzed by Zn complex 3 served to form PHB with a large molecular weight (Mn > 60000). An effective method to prepare PHB‐b‐PCL and PEG‐b‐PHB by the ring‐opening copolymerization of β‐BL catalyzed by zinc complex 3 is reported. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Dispersion polymerization accompanied by CO2 fixation: Synthesis of particles of polymers bearing cyclic carbonate and epoxide moieties
Authors: Ochiai Bungo , Nakayama Takahiro
Published: October 2010

Radical dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate accompanied by CO2 fixation yielded particles of polymers bearing cyclic carbonate and epoxide moieties in the presence of polymeric dispersion stabilizers. Cellulose acetate successfully stabilized the dispersion, whereas poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) did not. Spherical particles with diameters of 1–10 μm could be prepared under the optimized conditions. The epoxide moieties in the particle were hydrolyzed selectively keeping the shapes of the particles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis and applications of 2,7‐carbazole‐based conjugated main‐chain copolymers containing electron deficient bithiazole units for organic solar cells
Authors: Patra Dhananjaya , Sahu Duryodhan , Padhy Harihara , Kekuda Dhananjay , Chu Chih‐Wei , Lin Hong‐Cheu
Published: October 2010

A series of low‐band‐gap (LBG) donor–accepor conjugated main‐chain copolymers (P1–P4) containing planar 2,7‐carbazole as electron donors and bithiazole units (4,4′‐dihexyl‐2,2′‐bithiazole and 4,4′‐dihexyl‐5,5′‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,2′‐bithiazole) as electron acceptors were synthesized and studied for the applications in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. The effects of electron deficient bithiazole units on the thermal, optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic (PV) properties of these LBG copolymers were investigated. Absorption spectra revealed that polymers P1–P4 exhibited broad absorption bands in UV and visible regions from 300 to 600 nm with optical band gaps in the range of 1.93–1.99 eV, which overlapped with the major region of the solar emission spectrum. Moreover, carbazole‐based polymers P1–P4 showed low values of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels, which provided good air stability and high open circuit voltages (Voc) in the PV applications. The BHJ PV devices were fabricated using polymers P1–P4 as electron donors and (6,6)‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) or (6,6)‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as electron acceptors in different weight ratios. The PV device bearing an active layer of polymer blend P4:PC71BM (1:1.5 w/w) showed the best power conversion efficiency value of 1.01% with a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 4.83 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 35%, and Voc = 0.60 V under 100 mW/cm2 of AM 1.5 white‐light illumination. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Biomarkers in pediatrics: Children as biomarker orphans
Authors: Savage William J. , Everett Allen D.
Published: October 2010

Biomarkers have enormous potential to improve patient care by establishing tests of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment effects. Successfully translating a biomarker from discovery to clinical application demands high‐quality discovery research and high‐quality clinical studies for biomarker validation; however, there are additional challenges that face biomarker research in pediatrics. There are also additional characteristics of pediatric medicine that make biomarker research especially needed. This review focuses on the fundamentals of biomarkers, the additional considerations needed for applying biomarker research to children, and recommendations for advancing pediatric biomarker research.
Synchronous‐clock, one‐way‐travel‐time acoustic navigation for underwater vehicles
Authors: Eustice Ryan M. , Singh Hanumant , Whitcomb Louis L.
Published: October 2010

This paper reports the development and deployment of a synchronous‐clock acoustic navigation system suitable for the simultaneous navigation of multiple underwater vehicles. Our navigation system is composed of an acoustic modem–based communication and navigation system that allows for onboard navigational data to be broadcast as a data packet by a source node and for all passively receiving nodes to be able to decode the data packet to obtain a one‐way‐travel‐time (OWTT) pseudo‐range measurement and navigational ephemeris data. The navigation method reported herein uses a surface ship acting as a single moving reference beacon to a fleet of passively listening underwater vehicles. All vehicles within acoustic range are able to concurrently measure their slant range to the reference beacon using the OWTT measurement methodology and additionally receive transmission of reference beacon position using the modem data packet. The advantages of this type of navigation system are that it can (i) concurrently navigate multiple underwater vehicles within the vicinity of the surface ship and (ii) provide a bounded‐errorXYposition measure that is commensurate with conventional moored long‐baseline (LBL) navigation systems [i.e.,${\cal O}(1\ {\rm m})$] but unlike LBL is not geographically restricted to a fixed‐beacon network. We present results for two different field experiments using a two‐node configuration consisting of a global positioning system–equipped surface ship acting as a global navigation aid to a Doppler‐aided autonomous underwater vehicle. In each experiment, vehicle position was independently corroborated by other standard navigation means. Results for a maximum likelihood sensor fusion framework are reported. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coordinated control of an underwater glider fleet in an adaptive ocean sampling field experiment in Monterey Bay
Authors: Leonard Naomi E. , Paley Derek A. , Davis Russ E. , Fratantoni David M. , Lekien Francois , Zhang Fumin
Published: October 2010

A full‐scale adaptive ocean sampling network was deployed throughout the month‐long 2006 Adaptive Sampling and Prediction (ASAP) field experiment in Monterey Bay, California. One of the central goals of the field experiment was to test and demonstrate newly developed techniques for coordinated motion control of autonomous vehicles carrying environmental sensors to efficiently sample the ocean. We describe the field results for the heterogeneous fleet of autonomous underwater gliders that collected data continuously throughout the month‐long experiment. Six of these gliders were coordinated autonomously for 24 days straight using feedback laws that scale with the number of vehicles. These feedback laws were systematically computed using recently developed methodology to produce desired collective motion patterns, tuned to the spatial and temporal scales in the sampled fields for the purpose of reducing statistical uncertainty in field estimates. The implementation was designed to allow for adaptation of coordinated sampling patterns using human‐in‐the‐loop decision making, guided by optimization and prediction tools. The results demonstrate an innovative tool for ocean sampling and provide a proof of concept for an important field robotics endeavor that integrates coordinated motion control with adaptive sampling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association between stress, sense of coherence and subjective health complaints in adolescents: sense of coherence as a potential moderator
Authors: Moksnes Unni K. , Rannestad Toril , Byrne Don G. , Espnes Geir A.
Published: October 2010

The present study investigated the association between domain‐specific stress, sense of coherence (SOC) and subjective health complaints (SHC), as well as the possible moderation effect of SOC on the relationship between stress and SHC. The study is based on responses from 1183 adolescents 13–18 years old. The initial results showed that girls scored higher than boys on all stress domains and on SHC. Conversely, boys reported stronger SOC. Results from the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between increasing stress related to each of the stress domains of peer pressure, home life, school attendance, as well as to a higher level of SHC. SOC was inversely related to SHC. However, no moderation effect of SOC was found. The findings in the present study thus show that stress and SOC are separately associated with SHC. The results support the importance of improving coping efficacy with stress during adolescence. The results also give some preliminary support for the view that promoting salutogenic factors has positive implications in relation to subjective health in adolescents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring stress tolerance and occurrences of upper respiratory illness in basketball players by means of psychometric tools and salivary biomarkers
Authors: Moreira Alexandre , Arsati Franco , de Oliveira Lima‐Arsati Ynara Bosco , Simões Antonio Carlos , de Araújo Vera Cavalcanti
Published: October 2010

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible relationships between stress tolerance, training load, banal infections and salivary parameters during 4 weeks of regular training in fifteen basketball players. The Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes' questionnaire (sources and symptoms of stress) and the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey were used on a weekly basis. Salivary cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) were collected at the beginning (before) and after the study, and measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ratings of perceived exertion (training load) were also obtained. The results from ANOVA with repeated measures showed greater training loads, number of upper respiratory tract infection episodes and negative sensation to both symptoms and sources of stress, at week 2 (p < 0.05). Significant increases in cortisol levels and decreases in SIgA secretion rate were noted (before to after). Negative sensations to symptoms of stress at week 4 were inversely and significantly correlated with SIgA secretion rate. A positive and significant relationship between sources and symptoms of stress at week 4 and cortisol levels were verified. In summary, an approach incorporating in conjunction psychometric tools and salivary biomarkers could be an efficient means of monitoring reaction to stress in sport. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scalable location guide overlay multicast in mobilead hocnetworks using tree partition scheme
Authors: Yu Fucai , Park Soochang , Lee Euisin , Kim Sang‐Ha
Published: October 2010

Nodes mobility brings flinty challenges to multicast in Mobilead hocNetworks (MANETs). To track nodes mobility, flooding messages are widely used for data delivery structure construction and maintenance in many multicast protocols. These periodic flooding messages significantly consume network resources, such as energy and bandwidth, and result in network collisions. To release data delivery structure maintenance onus, profited from GPS location service, a number of stateless location based multicast protocol were proposed, where a destination list is encapsulated into each data packet for data packet orientation. However, due to data packet capability limitation, the way of encapsulating a destination list in each data packet header restricts the protocol scalability. To solve the scalability issue of multicast protocols, we propose a Scalable Location Guide Overlay Multicast (SLGOM) for MANETs. Analysis and simulation results show that SLGOM achieves high performance in large multicast group and significantly improves the scalability of stateless multicast with respect to group size. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.