bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of climatic variables, forest type, and condition on activity patterns of geoffroyi's spider monkeys throughout Mesoamerica
Authors: González‐Zamora Arturo , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Chaves Oscar M. , Sánchez‐López Sónia , Aureli Filippo , Stoner Kathryn E.
Published: September 2011

Understanding how species cope with variations in climatic conditions, forest types and habitat amount is a fundamental challenge for ecologists and conservation biologists. We used data from 18 communities of Mesoamerican spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) throughout their range to determine whether their activity patterns are affected by climatic variables (temperature and rainfall), forest types (seasonal and nonseasonal forests), and forest condition (continuous and fragmented). Data were derived from 15 published and unpublished studies carried out in four countries (Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama), cumulatively representing more than 18 years (221 months, >3,645 hr) of behavioral observations. Overall, A. geoffroyi spent most of their time feeding (38.4 ± 14.0%, mean ± SD) and resting (36.6 ± 12.8%) and less time traveling (19.8 ± 11.3%). Resting and feeding were mainly affected by rainfall: resting time increased with decreasing rainfall, whereas feeding time increased with rainfall. Traveling time was negatively related to both rainfall and maximum temperature. In addition, both resting and traveling time were higher in seasonal forests (tropical dry forest and tropical moist forest) than in nonseasonal forests (tropical wet forest), but feeding time followed the opposite pattern. Furthermore, spider monkeys spent more time feeding and less time resting (i.e., higher feeding effort) in forest fragments than in continuous forest. These findings suggest that global climate changes and habitat deforestation and fragmentation in Mesoamerica will threaten the survival of spider monkeys and reduce the distributional range of the species in the coming decades. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1189–1198, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The response of the frugivorous lion‐tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) to a period of fruit scarcity
Authors: Krishnadas Meghna , Chandrasekhara K. , Kumar Ajith
Published: September 2011

Tropical rainforests show seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of fruits resulting in periods of resource scarcity for frugivores. We examined the response of an obligate frugivore, the lion‐tailed macaque (LTM) (Macaca silenus), to a period of fruit scarcity in a rainforest in the Western Ghats, India. We estimated the abundance and distribution of fruit resources from food tree densities obtained from 348 point centered quadrats, and fruit availability from phenological monitoring of 195 trees of 15 reported major food species. Macronutrient content was estimated for fruits of 15 major food species. We estimated time spent feeding on different food items from 1,853 individual scans spanning 120 hr of observation of one habituated study group. There was a distinct period of fruit scarcity during the drier months of February to mid‐March (Period 1) compared with late March and April (Period 2), separated by summer showers. Fruits available in Period 1 had lower soluble carbohydrate and lipid content and overall caloric value compared with Period 2. During the lean period, the LTM fed more on fruits of Drypetes wightii, which had the highest carbohydrate content, than on nectar of Palaquium ellipticum or Ficus spp., which had low carbohydrate content. During this period, the resource availability in a location significantly influenced the occurrence of feeding there. In Period 2, the group fed most on the seeds of Cullenia exarillata, the most abundant tree in the home‐range and with the highest content of soluble carbohydrates. During this period, the abundance of food trees in fruit in a location did not seem to influence the occurrence of feeding. Low abundance, stochastic fruiting and, low quality might make Ficus spp. a poor fallback option for the LTM. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1250–1260, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of novel triazine charring agent and its effect in intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene
Authors: Feng Caimin , Zhang Yi , Liu Siwei , Chi Zhenguo , Xu Jiarui
Published: September 2011

A novel charring agent (CNCA‐DA) containing triazine and benzene ring, using cyanuric chloride, aniline, and ethylenediamine as raw materials, was synthesized and characterized. The effects of CNCA‐DA on flame retardancy, thermal degradation, and flammability properties of polypropylene (PP) were investigated by limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The TGA results showed that CNCA‐DA had a good char forming ability, and a high initial temperature of thermal degradation; the char residue of CNCA‐DA reached 18.5% at 800°C; Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) could improve the char residue of APP/CNCA‐DA system, the char residue reached 31.6% at 800°C. The results from LOI and UL‐94 showed that the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) containing CNCA‐DA and APP was very effective in flame retardancy of PP. When the mass ratio of APP and CNCA‐DA was 2 : 1, and the IFR loading was 30%, the IFR showed the best effect; the LOI value reached 35.6%. It was also found that when the IFR loading was only 20%, the flame retardancy of PP/IFR can still pass V‐0 rating in UL‐94 tests, and its LOI value reached 27.1%. The CCT results demonstrated that IFR could clearly change the decomposition behavior of PP and form a char layer on the surface of the composites, consequently resulting in efficient reduction of the flammability parameters, such as heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), smoke production rate (SPR), total smoke production (TSP), and mass loss (ML). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Symptomatic effects of chondroitin 4 and chondroitin 6 sulfate on hand osteoarthritis: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial at a single center
Authors: Gabay Cem , Medinger‐Sadowski Carole , Gascon Danielle , Kolo Frank , Finckh Axel
Published: September 2011

Objective

To evaluate the symptomatic effects of highly purified chondroitin 4 and chondroitin 6 sulfate (CS) therapy in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand.

Methods

This investigator‐initiated, single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial included 162 symptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of hand OA (American College of Rheumatology criteria). Inclusion criteria included patient's assessment of global spontaneous hand pain of at least 40 mm on a 0–100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) and functional impairment of at least 6 (0–30 scale) on the Functional Index for Hand OA (FIHOA) in the most symptomatic hand. Patients received either 800 mg of CS (n = 80 patients) or placebo (n = 82 patients) once daily for 6 months and were analyzed in an intent‐to‐treat approach. The two primary outcomes were the change in the patient's assessment of global spontaneous hand pain and in hand function (by FIHOA score) from baseline to month 6. Secondary outcomes were improvement in grip strength, duration of morning stiffness, acetaminophen consumption, and the investigator's global impression of treatment efficacy.

Results

There was a significantly more pronounced decrease in the patient's global assessment of hand pain in the CS group than in the placebo group (difference VAS scores −8.7 mm; P = 0.016). Hand function improved significantly more in the CS group than in the placebo group (difference in FIHOA scores −2.14; P = 0.008). There was a statistically significant between‐group difference in favor of CS for the duration of morning stiffness and for the investigator's global impression of treatment efficacy. Changes in grip strength, acetaminophen consumption, and safety end points were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that CS improves hand pain and function in patients with symptomatic OA of the hand and shows a good safety profile.
Combined effects of 60 Hz electromagnetic field exposure with various stress factors on cellular transformation in NIH3T3 cells
Authors: Lee Hae‐June , Jin Yeung Bae , Lee Jae Seon , Choi Jong‐Il , Lee Ju‐Woon , Myung Sung Ho , Lee Yun‐Sil
Published: September 2011

Epidemiological studies have suggested that extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MF) are associated with an increased incidence of cancer. Studies using in vitro systems have reported mixed results for the effects of ELF‐MF alone, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Research Agenda published in 2007 suggested that high priority research should include an evaluation of the co‐carcinogenic effects of ELF‐MF exposure using in vitro models. Here, the carcinogenic potential of ELF‐MF exposure alone and in combination with various stress factors was investigated in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts using an in vitro cellular transformation assay. NIH3T3 cells were exposed to a 60 Hz ELF‐MF (1 mT) alone or in combination with ionizing radiation (IR), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or c‐Myc overexpression, and the resulting number of anchorage‐independent colonies was counted. A 4 h exposure of NIH3T3 cells to ELF‐MF alone produced no cell transformation. Moreover, ELF exposure did not influence the transformation activity of IR, H2O2, or activated c‐Myc in our in vitro assay system, suggesting that 1 mT ELF‐MF did not affect any additive or synergistic transformation activities in combination with stress factors such as IR, H2O2, or activated c‐Myc in NIH3T3 cells. Bioelectromagnetics 33:207–214, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis of lacosamide in canine serum using ultraviolet detection: application to pre‐clinical pharmacokinetics in dogs
Authors: Martinez Stephanie E. , Bowen Kurt A. , Remsberg Connie M. , Takemoto Jody K. , Wright Heather M. , Chen‐Allen Annie V. , Davies Neal M.
Published: September 2011

A method for analysis of lacosamide [(R)‐2‐acetamido‐N‐benzyl‐3‐methoxypropionamide] is needed for both human and veterinary pharmacokinetic investigations. While lacosamide is currently used to manage partial‐onset seizures in humans suffering from epilepsy, it is also presently being investigated for use in the treatment of canine epilepsy in veterinary medicine. Currently, no dosing regimen for the drug exists in dogs. A novel and simple high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for determination of lacosamide in dog serum. Serum proteins (0.1 mL) were precipitated with −20.0°C acetonitrile after addition of the internal standard, daidzein. Separation was achieved with a Phenomenex® Luna® C18(2) (5 µm, 250 × 4.60 mm) column with ultraviolet detection at 210 nm. The calibration curves were linear ranging from 0.5 to 25 µg/mL. Precision of the assay was <13% (RSD) and was within 12% for all points in the calibration curve. The limit of quantitation for this method was 0.5 µg/mL. The assay was applied successfully to a pre‐clinical study of lacosamide pharmacokinetics in dogs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arginine–aromatic interactions and their effects on arginine‐induced solubilization of aromatic solutes and suppression of protein aggregation
Authors: Shah Dhawal , Li Jianguo , Shaikh Abdul Rajjak , Rajagopalan Raj
Published: September 2011

We examine the interaction of aromatic residues of proteins with arginine, an additive commonly used to suppress protein aggregation, using experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. An aromatic‐rich peptide, FFYTP (a segment of insulin), and lysozyme and insulin are used as model systems. Mass spectrometry shows that arginine increases the solubility of FFYTP by binding to the peptide, with the simulations revealing the predominant association of arginine to be with the aromatic residues. The calculations further show a positive preferential interaction coefficient, ΓXP, contrary to conventional thinking that positive ΓXP's indicate aggregation rather than suppression of aggregation. Simulations with lysozyme and insulin also show arginine's preference for aromatic residues, in addition to acidic residues. We use these observations and earlier results reported by us and others to discuss the possible implications of arginine's interactions with aromatic residues on the solubilization of aromatic moieties and proteins. Our results also highlight the fact that explanations based purely on ΓXP, which measures average affinity of an additive to a protein, could obscure or misinterpret the underlying molecular mechanisms behind additive‐induced suppression of protein aggregation. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ onto a Novel Activated Carbon‐Chitosan Complex
Authors: Ge H. , Fan X.
Published: September 2011

A novel activated carbon‐chitosan complex adsorbent (ACCA) was prepared via the crosslinking of glutaraldehyde and activated carbon‐(NH2‐protected) chitosan complex under microwave irradiation. The surface morphology of this adsorbent was characterized. The adsorption of ACCA for Pb2+ and Cd2+ was investigated. The results demonstrate that ACCA has higher adsorption capacity than chitosan. The adsorption follows pseudo first‐order kinetics. The isotherm adsorption equilibria are better described by Freundlich and Dubinin‐Radushkevich isotherms than by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorbent can be recycled. These results have important implications for the design of low‐cost and effective adsorbents in the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters.
Determining the optimal dose and schedule of sunitinib
Authors: Suarez Cristina , Rini Brian I.
Published: September 2011

Sunitinib malate is an oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptors. In this issue, Barrios et al present a study in which 120 treatment‐naive patients with metastatic RCC were enrolled in a single‐arm, open‐label, phase 2 trial of continuous once‐daily sunitinib. This study and other data provide insight into optimal dosing of sunitinib in metastatic RCC.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Polysubstituted Benzimidazoles by Heterogeneous Pd‐Catalyzed Oxidative C–H Activation of Tertiary Amines
Authors: De Luca Lidia , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: September 2011

Tertiary amines can be used in place of aldehydes and carboxylic derivatives as partners in the synthesis of benzimidazoles. Dehydrogenative amine activation under heterogeneous catalysis was developed for the direct transformation of tertiary amines into benzimidazoles. Good yields and efficient recovery and recycling of the catalyst are some of the advantages of this new methodology, which shows that a simple alkene is used as the overall oxidative agent. Enhanced reaction rates were observed by using focused microwave heating.
Brain structural trajectories over the adult lifespan
Authors: Ziegler Gabriel , Dahnke Robert , Jäncke Lutz , Yotter Rachel Aine , May Arne , Gaser Christian
Published: September 2011

The aim of this large‐sample cross‐sectional voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) study of anatomical brain data was to investigate linear and nonlinear age‐related trajectories of grey matter volume in the human brain during the adult lifespan. To date, there are only a few structural brain studies investigating local nonlinear aspects at the voxel level, i.e., without using anatomical ROIs as a priori hypothesis. Therefore, we analyzed 547 T1‐weighted MR images of healthy adult brains with an age range of 19 to 86 years, including 161 scans of subjects with ages 60 and older. We found that the gray matter volume in some regions did not linearly decrease over time, but rather exhibited a delayed decline. Nonlinear age trajectories were observed in the medial temporal lobe regions, the basal ganglia, and parts of the cerebellum. Their trajectories indicated a preservation of grey matter volume during the early adult lifespan. Interestingly, we found nonlinear grey matter structural dynamics specifically in parts of the brain that have been extensively discussed in the context of learning and memory. We propose a hypothesis in relation to the functional role of these brain regions that may explain these results. Hum Brain Mapp 33:2377–2389, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of cortical degeneration in patients with Parkinson's disease by voxel‐based morphometry, cortical folding, and cortical thickness
Authors: Pereira Joana Braga , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , Marti Maria‐Jose , Compta Yaroslau , Junqué Carme , Bargallo Nuria , Tolosa Eduardo
Published: September 2011

Noninvasive brain imaging methods provide useful information on cerebral involution and degenerative processes. Here we assessed cortical degeneration in 20 nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 20 healthy controls using three quantitative neuroanatomical approaches: voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), cortical folding (BrainVisa), and cortical thickness (FreeSurfer). We examined the relationship between global and regional gray matter (GM) volumes, sulcal indices, and thickness measures derived from the previous methods as well as their association with cognitive performance, age, severity of motor symptoms, and disease stage. VBM analyses showed GM volume reductions in the left temporal gyrus in patients compared with controls. Cortical folding measures revealed significant decreases in the left frontal and right collateral sulci in patients. Finally, analysis of cortical thickness showed widespread cortical thinning in right lateral occipital, parietal and left temporal, frontal, and premotor regions. We found that, in patients, all global anatomical measures correlated with age, while GM volume and cortical thickness significantly correlated with disease stage. In controls, a significant association was found between global GM volume and cortical folding with age. Overall these results suggest that the three different methods provide complementary and related information on neurodegenerative changes occurring in PD, however, surface‐based measures of cortical folding and especially cortical thickness seem to be more sensitive than VBM to identify regional GM changes associated to PD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Induction of neuronal damage in guinea pig brain by intratracheal infusion of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, a mustard gas analog
Authors: Gadsden‐Gray Jessica , Mukherjee Shyamali , Ogunkua Olugbemiga , Das Salil K.
Published: September 2011

Intratracheal infusion of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a mustard gas analog and a chemical warfare agent is known to cause massive damage to lung. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intratracheal CEES infusion causes neuronal damage. Histological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot studies indicated that CEES treatment caused dose‐dependent increases in blood cell aggregation, microglial cell number, microglial activation, and brain inflammation. In addition, an increased expression of α‐synuclein and a decreased expression of the dopamine transporter were observed. The results indicate that intratracheal CEES infusion is associated with changes in brain morphology mediated by an increase in α‐synuclein expression, leading to neurotoxicity in a guinea pig model. These changes may be mediated by oxidative stress. Furthermore, the present study indicates for the first time that intratracheal infusion of a single dose of CEES can cause neuroinflammation, which may lead to neurological disorders in later part of life. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:23–30 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20409
Erythropoietin mediated bone formation is regulated by mTOR signaling
Authors: Kim Jinkoo , Jung Younghun , Sun Hongli , Joseph Jeena , Mishra Anjali , Shiozawa Yusuke , Wang Jingcheng , Krebsbach Paul H. , Taichman Russell S.
Published: September 2011

The role of erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo/Epo receptor (EpoR) signaling pathways for production of red blood cells are well established. However, little is known about Epo/EpoR signaling in non‐hematopoietic cells. Recently, we demonstrated that Epo activates JAK/STAT signaling in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), leading to the production of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and bone formation and that Epo also directly activates mesenchymal cells to form osteoblasts in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of mTOR signaling on Epo‐mediated osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. We found that mTOR inhibition by rapamycin blocks Epo‐dependent and ‐independent osteoblastic phenotypes in human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) and ST2 cells, respectively. Furthermore, we found that rapamycin inhibits Epo‐dependent and ‐independent osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells and Raw264.7 cells. Finally, we demonstrated that Epo increases NFATc1 expression and decreases cathepsin K expression in an mTOR‐independent manner, resulting in an increase of osteoclast numbers and a decrease in resorption activity. Taken together, these results strongly indicate that mTOR signaling plays an important role in Epo‐mediated bone homeostasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 220–228, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of kupffer cells in rat liver regeneration revealed by cell‐specific microarray analysis
Authors: Xu Cun‐Shuan , Jiang Yun , Zhang Lian‐Xing , Chang Cui‐Fang , Wang Gai‐Ping , Shi Rui‐Jia , Yang Yan‐Jie
Published: September 2011

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is a process with various types of cells involved. The role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in liver regeneration is still controversial. In this study we isolated KCs from regenerating liver and conducted cell‐specific microarray analysis. The results demonstrated that the controversial role of KCs in liver regeneration could be explained with the expression patterns of TGF‐α, IL‐6, TNF, and possibly IL‐18 during liver regeneration. IL‐18 may play an important role in negative regulation of liver regeneration. The functional profiles of gene expression in KCs also indicated that KC signaling might play a negative role in cell proliferation: signaling genes were down regulated before cell division. Immune response genes in KCs were also down regulated during liver regeneration, demonstrating similar expression profiles to that of hepatocytes. The expression patterns of key genes in these functional categories were consistent with the temporal functional profiles. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 229–237, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles prepared from microemulsions for protein purification
Authors: Okoli Chuka , Boutonnet Magali , Mariey Laurence , Järås Sven , Rajarao Gunaratna
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Magnetic nanoparticles are of immense interest for their applications in biotechnology. This paper reports the synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles from two different water‐in‐oil microemulsion systems (ME‐MIONs), their characterization and also their use in purification of coagulant protein.

RESULTS: ME‐MIONs have demonstrated to be an efficient binder in the purification of Moringa oleifera protein when compared with the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles prepared from coprecipitation in aqueous media. The size and morphology of the ME‐MIONs were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the structural characteristics were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The microemulsion magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (ME 1‐MION and ME 2‐MION) obtained have a size range 7–10 nm. The protein and ME‐MIONs interaction was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR); the presence of three peaks at 2970, 2910 and 2870 cm−1 respectively, confirms the binding of the protein. The purification and molecular weight of the coagulant protein was 6.5 kDa as analyzed by SDS‐PAGE.

CONCLUSION: The ME‐MIONs have the advantage of being easily tailored in size, are highly efficient as well as magnetic, cost effective and versatile; they are, thus, very suitable for use in a novel purification technique for protein or biomolecules that possess similar characteristics to the Moringa oleifera coagulant protein. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Negative effects of yolk testosterone and ticks on growth in canaries
Authors: Vergauwen Jonas , Heylen Dieter , Eens Marcel , Müller Wendt
Published: September 2011

Maternal yolk hormones in bird eggs are thought to adjust the offspring to the post‐hatching environment. This implies that the effects of maternal yolk hormones should vary with the post‐hatching environment, but to date such context‐dependency has largely been ignored. We experimentally increased yolk testosterone concentrations in canary eggs and simultaneously manipulated the post‐hatching context via an experimental tick‐infestation of the chicks. This allows us to evaluate the context‐dependency of hormone‐mediated maternal effects, as it has previously been shown that ectoparasites alter the maternal yolk androgen deposition. The experimental tick infestation reduced growth in chicks from sham‐treated eggs, indicating harmful effects of this ectoparasite in canaries. Chicks from testosterone‐treated eggs were not affected in their development by ticks, suggesting lower ectoparasite vulnerability. But this may also be due to the fact that experimentally elevated yolk testosterone levels impaired growth even under parasite‐free conditions. This contrasts previous studies, but these studies often manipulated first laid eggs, while we used eggs of subsequent laying positions. Later laid eggs are presumably of lower quality and contain higher yolk testosterone concentrations. Thus, the effects of elevated yolk testosterone on growth may be dose‐dependent or vary with the egg quality, suggesting prenatal context‐dependency. J. Exp. Zool. 315:553–561, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative genomics of duplicate γ‐glutamyl transferase genes in teleosts: medaka (Oryzias latipes), stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), green spotted pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis), fugu (Takifugu rubripes), and zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Law Sheran Hiu Wan , Redelings Benjamin David , Kullman Seth William
Published: September 2011

The availability of multiple teleost (bony fish) genomes is providing unprecedented opportunities to understand the diversity and function of gene duplication events using comparative genomics. Here we examine multiple paralogous genes of γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in several distantly related teleost species including medaka, stickleback, green spotted pufferfish, fugu, and zebrafish. Through mining genome databases, we have identified multiple GGT orthologs. Duplicate (paralogous) GGT sequences for GGT1 (GGT1 a and b), GGTL1 (GGTL1 a and b), and GGTL3 (GGTL3 a and b) were identified for each species. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that GGTs are ancient proteins conserved across most metazoan phyla and those paralogous GGTs in teleosts likely arose from the serial 3R genome duplication events. A third GGTL1 gene (GGTL1c) was found in green spotted pufferfish; however, this gene is not present in medaka, stickleback, or fugu. Similarly, one or both paralogs of GGTL3 appear to have been lost in green spotted pufferfish, fugu, and zebrafish. Syntenic relationships were highly maintained between duplicated teleost chromosomes, among teleosts and across ray‐finned (Actinopterygii) and lobe‐finned (Sarcopterygii) species. To assess subfunction partitioning, six medaka GGT genes were cloned and assessed for developmental and tissue‐specific expression. On the basis of these data, we propose a modification of the “duplication‐degeneration‐complementation” model of subfunction partitioning where quantitative differences rather than absolute differences in gene expression are observed between gene paralogs. Our results demonstrate that multiple GGT genes have been retained within teleost genomes. Questions remain, however, regarding the functional roles of multiple GGTs in these species. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:35–49, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective enrichment of glycopeptides for mass spectrometry analysis using C18 fractionation and titanium dioxide chromatography
Authors: Zhang Bo , Sheng Qianying , Li Xiuling , Liang Qi , Yan Jingyu , Liang Xinmiao
Published: September 2011

Comprehensive glycoprotein characterization based on mass spectrometry (MS) is challenging because of low concentration of glycopeptides and suppression effect of abundant non‐glycosylated peptides in MS. Therefore, it is vital to enrich glycopeptides before MS analysis. A new method was developed to selectively enrich glycopeptides from complex sample by coupling C18 fractionation with titanium dioxide (TiO2) enrichment. The new method allows to selectively enrich N‐linked glycopeptides with various glycan forms and different sequence lengths. Compared with single TiO2 method, the established method demonstrated higher glycopeptide selectivity and higher glycosylation heterogeneity coverage. Further application of this method to mixture of non‐glycosylated protein and glycoprotein digests at different levels reveals the feasibility of enrichment of tryptic glycopeptides from simple proteomics samples.
Determination of polyphenols in three Capsicum annuum L. (bell pepper) varieties using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry: Their contribution to overall antioxidant and anticancer activity
Authors: Jeong Won Y. , Jin Jong S. , Cho Young A. , Lee Jung H. , Park Semin , Jeong Sung W. , Kim Yun‐Hi , Lim Chae‐Shin , El‐Aty A. M. Abd , Kim Gon‐Sup , Lee Soo J. , Shim Jae‐Han , Shin Sung C.
Published: September 2011

A mixture of polyphenol components was isolated from the fruits of C. annuum L. cv. Cupra, C. annuum L. cv. Orange glory, and C. annuum L. cv. ST4712 (CLST), via 70% methanol extraction followed by column chromatography over silica gel. The polyphenol components of the mixture were analyzed via HPLC–MS/MS and compared with the reported data. Three cinnamic acid derivatives and five flavonoid components in the fruits of the three varieties were identified for the first time in this study. The antioxidant activity and anticancer effect of the polyphenol mixtures of the three fruits were determined. The antioxidant and anticancer activities of CLST were substantially higher than those of C. annuum L. cv. Cupra and C. annuum L. cv. Orange glory. The high activities of CLST were attributed to the much higher concentration of quercetin derivatives in CLST.
Auditory brainstem response morphology and analysis in very preterm neonatal intensive care unit infants
Authors: Coenraad Saskia , Toll Martijn S. , Hoeve Hans L. J. , Goedegebure Andre
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Analysis of auditory brainstem response (ABR) in very preterm infants can be difficult owing to the poor detectability of the various components of the ABR. We evaluated the ABR morphology and tried to extend the current assessment system.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Methods:

We included 28 preterm very low birth weight infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Sophia Children's Hospital. ABRs were measured between 26 and 34 weeks postconceptional age. The presence of the following ABR parameters was recorded: the ipsilateral peaks I, III and V, the contralateral peaks III and V, and the response threshold.

Results:

In 82% of our population, a typical “bow tie” response pattern was present as a sign of early auditory development. This bow tie pattern is the narrowest part of the response wave and is predominantly characterized by the ipsilateral negative peak III. This effect may be emphasized by the contralateral peak III. The bow tie pattern is seen approximately 0.1 milliseconds before the ipsilateral peak III. From 30 weeks postconceptional age onward, a more extensive morphologic pattern is recorded in 90% of the infants. A flow chart was designed to analyze the ABR morphology of preterm infants in an unambiguous stepwise fashion.

Conclusions:

A typical bow tie pattern preceding peak III seems to be the earliest characteristic of the developing ABR morphology in preterm infants. As ABR characteristics will improve with increasing age, neonatal hearing screening should be postponed until after 34 weeks.
Analysis of eIF4E and 4EBP1 mRNAs in head and neck cancer
Authors: Sunavala‐Dossabhoy Gulshan , Palaniyandi Senthilnathan , Clark Cheryl , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O. , Abreo Fleurette W. , Caldito Gloria
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in conjunction with its binding protein, 4EBP1, regulates the translation of cap‐dependent mRNAs. An aberrant increase in eIF4E shifts the balance in favor of translation of transcripts that promote cell proliferation and malignancy. eIF4E protein is commonly elevated in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and its overexpression is associated with increased recurrence. An underlying mechanism for eIF4E overexpression is gene amplification, and we wanted to determine whether eIF4E mRNA could serve as a prognostic maker of HNSCC.

Methods:

Tumor specimens from 26 HNSCC patients and oral tissues from 17 control subjects were examined for eIF4E and 4EBP1 by semiquantitative RT‐PCR and correlated with clinical and pathologic findings.

Results:

Unlike eIF4E mRNA alone, expression of eIF4E relative to 4EBP1 was a more precise predictor of HNSCC and its progression (P < .01, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Eight of 26 patients (31%) had elevated eIF4E:4EBP1 (4E:4EBP1; >25), and 7 of these (87.5%) had recurrence. Alternately, from 18 patients with low 4E:4EBP1 (<25; 69%), only 5 patients had recurrence (30.1%). To determine the probability of no recurrence, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly poor disease‐free survival in patients with elevated 4E:4EBP1 than those with low ratios (P < .01, log rank test).

Conclusions:

Elevated 4E:4EBP1 significantly correlated with increased disease recurrence. Because 4EBP1 modulates eIF4E activity, our results highlight the importance of incorporating a joint analysis of eIF4E and 4EBP1 mRNAs in HNSCC patient care decisions.
Acute stress to excised vocal fold epithelium from reactive oxygen species
Authors: Alper Rebecca , Fu Xue , Erickson‐Levendoski Elizabeth , Zheng Wei , Sivasankar Mahalakshmi
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Vocal fold epithelium is exposed to reactive oxygen species from the inhaled environment and from tissue inflammation. The objective of this study was to explore the functional and structural consequences of reactive oxygen species exposure on vocal fold epithelium.

Study Design:

In vitro, prospective study design.

Methods:

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a common reactive oxygen species, was utilized in this study. Freshly excised, viable porcine vocal fold epithelia (N = 32) were exposed to H2O2 or sham challenge for 2 hours. Electrophysiology, western blotting, and light microscopy were used to quantify the functional and structural effects of reactive oxygen species on vocal fold epithelia.

Results:

Exposure to reactive oxygen species did not significantly alter transepithelial resistance. There was a small, nonsignificant trend for decreased concentration of epithelial junctional complex protein with reactive oxygen species challenge. Minimal changes to the gross structural appearance of vocal fold epithelia were also noted.

Conclusions:

The stratified squamous epithelia of the vocal folds effectively defend against an acute reactive oxygen species challenge. The current study lays the groundwork for future investigations on the effects of reactive oxygen species on vocal fold epithelia that are compromised from phonotrauma.
Epidemiology and Outcome of Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus–Coinfected Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Moreno Asunción , Cervera Carlos , Fortún Jesús , Blanes Marino , Montejo Estibalitz , Abradelo Manuel , Len Oscar , Rafecas Antonio , Martín-Davila Pilar , Torre-Cisneros Julián , Salcedo Magdalena , Cordero Elisa , Lozano Ricardo , Pérez Iñaki , Rimola Antonio , Miró José M.
Published: September 2011

Information about infections unrelated to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected liver recipients is scarce. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics, time of onset, and outcomes of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)–coinfected orthotopic liver transplant recipients and to identify risk factors for developing severe infections. We studied 84 consecutive HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who underwent liver transplantation at 17 sites in Spain between 2002 and 2006 and were followed until December 2009. The median age was 42 years, and 76% were men. The median follow-up was 2.6 years (interquartile range = 1.25-3.53 years), and 54 recipients (64%) developed at least 1 infection. Thirty-eight (45%) patients had bacterial infections, 21 (25%) had cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections (2 had CMV disease), 13 (15%) had herpes simplex virus infections, and 16 (19%) had fungal infections (7 cases were invasive). Nine patients (11%) developed 10 opportunistic infections with a 44% mortality rate. Forty-three of 119 infectious episodes (36%) occurred in the first month after transplantation, and 53 (45%) occurred after the sixth month. Thirty-six patients (43%) had severe infections. Overall, 36 patients (43%) died, and the deaths were related to severe infections in 7 cases (19%). Severe infections increased the mortality rate almost 3-fold [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-5.8]. Independent factors for severe infections included a pretransplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score >15 (HR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.70-7.1), a history of AIDS-defining events before transplantation (HR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.9-8.6), and non–tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (HR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.3-4.8). In conclusion, the rates of severe and opportunistic infections are high in HIV/HCV-coinfected liver recipients and especially in those with a history of AIDS, a high MELD score, or non–tacrolimus-based immunosuppression.
Motivating the millennials: Tapping into the potential of the youngest generation
Authors: Suleman Razor , Nelson Bob
Published: September 2011

The millennials are already a considerable part of the nation's workforce, and growing by the day. Members of this generation, generally considered to be born between 1980 and 2000, represent significant numbers: 44 million now in the workforce and 46 million additional workers in the future. Their ways of working and sources of motivation, however, are different from their elders. Suleman and Nelson discuss motivational tools, including personal development and meaningful rewards that tap into the best of what these young employees value.
More than military sexual trauma: Interpersonal violence, PTSD, and mental health in women veterans
Authors: Kelly Ursula A. , Skelton Kelly , Patel Meghna , Bradley Bekh
Published: September 2011

Military sexual trauma (MST) is reported by 20–40% of female veterans. The purpose of this study of female veterans referred for MST treatment was to examine the relationships between lifetime trauma (physical, sexual, and psychological) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, physical health, and quality of life using retrospective cross‐sectional data from medical records. Of the 135 participants, 95.4% reported at least one trauma in addition to MST, most notably sexual abuse as adult civilians (77.0%) and as children (52.6%). PTSD, depression, and sleep difficulty rates were clinically significant. Chronic pain (66.4%) was associated with childhood abuse, physical health, sleep difficulties, and coping. Integrating mental and physical health treatment is necessary to treat MST and PTSD in female veterans. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:457–467, 2011
>16% thin‐film epitaxial silicon solar cells on 70‐cm2 area with 30‐µm active layer, porous silicon back reflector, and Cu‐based top‐contact metallization
Authors: Kuzma‐Filipek Izabela , Dross Frederic , Baert Kris , Hernandez Jose Luis , Singh Sukhvinder , Van Nieuwenhuysen Kris , Poortmans Jef
Published: September 2011

We demonstrate the use of a copper‐based metallization scheme for the specific application of thin‐film epitaxial silicon wafer equivalent (EpiWE) solar cells with rear chemical vapor deposition emitter and conventional POCl3 emitter. Thin‐film epitaxial silicon wafer equivalent cells are consisting of high‐quality epitaxial active layer of only 30 µm, beneath which a highly reflective porous silicon multilayer stack is embedded. By combining Cu‐plating metallization and narrow finger lines with an epitaxial cell architecture including the porous silicon reflector, a Jsc exceeding 32 mA/cm2 was achieved. We report on reproducible cell efficiencies of >16% on >70‐cm2 cells with rear epitaxial chemical vapor deposition emitters and Cu contacts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current‐ and past‐use pesticide prevalence in drainage ditches in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Authors: Kröger Robert , Moore Matthew T , Brandt Jason R
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Pesticide application is common in agriculture and often results in applied pesticides entering adjacent aquatic systems. This study seasonally analyzed a suite of 17 current‐ and past‐use pesticides in both drainage waters and sediments to evaluate the prevalence of pesticides in drainage ditches across the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV).

RESULTS: There were significantly higher concentrations (P < 0.05) of current‐use than past‐use pesticides; however, there were consistently high numbers of detections of past‐use pesticides in sediments. Sediment pesticide concentrations were an order of magnitude higher (150–1035 µg kg−1) than water samples (6–20.9 µg L−1). Overall, 87% of all samples analyzed for current‐ and past‐use pesticides were non‐detects. p,p′‐DDT was detected in 47.5% of all drainage waters and sediments sampled. There were significant correlations (0.372 ≥ r2≤0.935) between detected current‐use water and sediment concentrations, but no significant correlations between past‐use water and sediment concentrations.

CONCLUSION: Overall, there was a high percentage (87%) of sediment and water samples that did not contain detectable concentrations above the lower limit of analytical detection for each respective pesticide. This lack of pesticide prevalence highlights the improved conditions in aquatic systems adjacent to agriculture and a potential decrease in toxicity associated with pesticides in agricultural landscapes in the LMAV. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Holographic otoscope for nanodisplacement measurements of surfaces under dynamic excitation
Authors: Flores‐Moreno J. M. , Furlong Cosme , Rosowski John J. , Harrington Ellery , Cheng Jeffrey T. , Scarpino C. , Santoyo F. Mendoza
Published: September 2011

We describe a novel holographic otoscope system for measuring nanodisplacements of objects subjected to dynamic excitation. Such measurements are necessary to quantify the mechanical deformation of surfaces in mechanics, acoustics, electronics, biology, and many other fields. In particular, we are interested in measuring the sound‐induced motion of biological samples, such as an eardrum. Our holographic otoscope system consists of laser illumination delivery (IS), optical head (OH), and image processing computer (IP) systems. The IS delivers the object beam (OB) and the reference beam (RB) to the OH. The backscattered light coming from the object illuminated by the OB interferes with the RB at the camera sensor plane to be digitally recorded as a hologram. The hologram is processed by the IP using the Fresnel numerical reconstruction algorithm, where the focal plane can be selected freely. Our holographic otoscope system is currently deployed in a clinic, and is packaged in a custom design. It is mounted in a mechatronic positioning system to increase its maneuverability degrees to be conveniently positioned in front of the object to be measured. We present representative results highlighting the versatility of our system to measure deformations of complex elastic surfaces in the wavelength scale including a copper foil membrane and postmortem tympanic membrane. SCANNING 33: 342–352, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systemic Delivery of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Diminishes Neuropathology in a Mouse Model of Krabbe's Disease
Authors: Miranda Catarina Oliveira , Teixeira Carla Andreia , Liz Márcia Almeida , Sousa Vera Filipe , Franquinho Filipa , Forte Giancarlo , Di Nardo Paolo , Pinto-Do-Ó Perpétua , Sousa Mónica Mendes
Published: September 2011

In Krabbe's disease, a demyelinating disorder, add-on strategies targeting the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are needed, as it is not corrected by bone-marrow (BM) transplantation. To circumvent this limitation of BM transplantation, we assessed whether i.v. delivery of immortalized EGFP+ BM-derived murine mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCTERT-EGFP) targets the PNS of a Krabbe's disease model, the Twitcher mouse. In vitro, BM-MSCTERT-EGFP retained the phenotype of primary BM-MSC and did not originate tumors upon transplantation in nude mice. In vivo, undifferentiated EGFP+ cells grafted the Twitcher sciatic nerve where an increase in Schwann cell precursors and axonal number was detected. The same effect was observed on BM-MSCTERT-EGFP i.v. delivery following sciatic nerve crush, a model of axonal regeneration. Reiterating the in vivo findings, in a coculture system, BM-MSCTERT-EGFP induced the proliferation of Twitcher-derived Schwann cells and the neurite outgrowth of both Twitcher-derived neurons and wild-type neurons grown in the presence of psychosine, the toxic substrate that accumulates in Krabbe's disease. In vitro, this neuritogenic effect was blocked by K252a, an antagonist of Trk receptors, and by antibody blockage of brain derived neurotrophic factor, a neurotrophin secreted by BM-MSCTERT-EGFP and induced in neighboring Schwann cells. In vivo, BM-MSCTERT-EGFP surmounted the effect of K252a, indicating their ability to act through a neurotrophin-independent mechanism. In summary, i.v. delivery of BM-MSCTERT-EGFP exerts a multilevel effect targeting neurons and Schwann cells, coordinately diminishing neuropathology. Therefore, to specifically target the PNS, MSC should be considered an add-on option to BM transplantation in Krabbe's disease and in other disorders where peripheral axonal loss occurs.
Site-Specific Recombinase Strategy to Create Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Efficiently with Plasmid DNA
Authors: Karow Marisa , Chavez Christopher L. , Farruggio Alfonso P. , Geisinger Jonathan M. , Keravala Annahita , Jung W. Edward , Lan Feng , Wu Joseph C. , Chen-Tsai Yanru , Calos Michele P.
Published: September 2011

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have revolutionized the stem cell field. iPSCs are most often produced by using retroviruses. However, the resulting cells may be ill-suited for clinical applications. Many alternative strategies to make iPSCs have been developed, but the nonintegrating strategies tend to be inefficient, while the integrating strategies involve random integration. Here, we report a facile strategy to create murine iPSCs that uses plasmid DNA and single transfection with sequence-specific recombinases. PhiC31 integrase was used to insert the reprogramming cassette into the genome, producing iPSCs. Cre recombinase was then used for excision of the reprogramming genes. The iPSCs were demonstrated to be pluripotent by in vitro and in vivo criteria, both before and after excision of the reprogramming cassette. This strategy is comparable with retroviral approaches in efficiency, but is nonhazardous for the user, simple to perform, and results in nonrandom integration of a reprogramming cassette that can be readily deleted. We demonstrated the efficiency of this reprogramming and excision strategy in two accessible cell types, fibroblasts and adipose stem cells. This simple strategy produces pluripotent stem cells that have the potential to be used in a clinical setting.