bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanded T cell receptor Vβ–restricted T cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis are proinflammatory and cytotoxic CD28null T cells
Authors: Pandya Jayesh M. , Fasth Andreas E. R. , Zong Mei , Arnardottir Snjolaug , Dani Lara , Lindroos Eva , Malmström Vivianne , Lundberg Ingrid E.
Published: July 2010

Objective

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is characterized by T cell infiltrates in muscle tissue, but their functional role is unclear. Systemic signs of inflammation are lacking, and the absence of beneficial effects following immunosuppression has challenged the notion of a role for the immune system. This study was undertaken to investigate the phenotype and functionality of T cells, specifically a subset of proinflammatory, cytotoxic, and apoptosis‐resistant T cells defined as CD28null T cells, in the pathogenesis of sporadic IBM.

Methods

A cohort of 27 patients with sporadic IBM was analyzed for the frequency of circulating and muscle‐infiltrating CD28null T cells. The T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ usage was determined using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Anti‐CD3–stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed for intracellular interferon‐γ and cytotoxic potential by flow cytometry.

Results

We found striking accumulations of both CD8+CD28null and CD4+CD28null T cells, which represented the TCR Vβ–expanded T cells in sporadic IBM. Such CD28null T cells were abundant both in the inflamed muscle tissue and in the circulation. Although the specific TCR Vβ expansions varied between patients, both CD8+CD28null and CD4+CD28null T cells consistently displayed a highly proinflammatory and cytotoxic potential.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that CD28null T cell expansions represent the previously described expanded T cell subsets in sporadic IBM, and their proinflammatory capacity and presence in both muscle tissue and the circulation may imply a role of immune activation in sporadic IBM. In addition, CD4+CD28null T cells may exert cytotoxic effects directly on muscle fibers due to a cytotoxic potential similar to that in CD8+ T cells.
Participatory design of a health informatics system for rural health practitioners and disadvantaged women
Authors: Lustria Mia Liza A. , Kazmer Michelle M. , Glueckauf Robert L. , Hawkins Robert P. , Randeree Ebrahim , Rosario Ivee B. , McLaughlin Casey , Redmond Sarah
Published: July 2010

While advances in highly targeted therapies and increased use of mammogram services have contributed to the overall decline of breast cancer deaths in the United States, these benefits have not been distributed equitably. Less educated, poor, rural, non‐Hispanic African American women have poorer access to cancer services and are less likely to have had a mammogram than are urban women. Lack of physician recommendations and perceived barriers in accessing diagnostic services are major factors that hinder the uptake of regular mammograms in rural communities. This article reports results of formative research conducted as part of a larger study focused on the participatory development of an electronic reminder system for breast cancer screening. The article discusses insights gained from focus groups with rural patients and clinicians about their information needs, breast cancer screening behaviors, barriers to care, and mammography referral practices.
Analyzing URL queries
Authors: Lee Wei Meng , Sanderson Mark
Published: July 2010

This study investigated a relatively unexamined query type, queries composed of URLs. The extent, variation, and user click‐through behavior was examined to determine the intent behind URL queries. The study made use of a search log from which URL queries were identified and selected for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. It was found that URL queries accounted for ∼17% of the sample. There were statistically significant differences between URL queries and non‐URL queries in the following attributes: mean query length; mean number of tokens per query; and mean number of clicks per query. Users issuing such queries clicked on fewer result list items higher up the ranking compared to non‐URL queries. Classification indicated that nearly 86% of queries were navigational in intent with informational and transactional queries representing about 7% of URL queries each. This is in contrast to past research that suggested that URL queries were 100% navigational. The conclusions of this study are that URL queries are relatively common and that simply returning the page that matches a user's URL is not an optimal strategy.
Geospatial identification of optimal straw‐to‐energy conversion sites in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Mueller‐Warrant George W. , Banowetz Gary M. , Whittaker Gerald W.
Published: July 2010

Previous attempts to develop straw‐based bioenergy systems have stumbled at costs of transporting this low‐density resource to large‐scale, centralized facilities. Success in developing small‐scale, distributed technologies (e.g. syngas or pyrolysis bio‐oil) that reduce these costs will depend on closely matching system requirements to spatial distribution of available straw. We analyzed straw distribution in the Pacific Northwest to identify optimal sites for facilities ranging from a pilot plant currently under development to larger ones of previous studies. Sites for plants with capacities of 1, 10, or 100 million kg straw y‐1 were identified using a ‘lowest‐hanging‐fruit’ iterative siting process in which the location of maximum density of straw over an appropriately sized neighborhood was identified, distance from that point necessary to include desired quantity of straw measured, straw assigned to that plant removed from the raster, and the process repeated until all available straw had been assigned. Compared to K‐means, our new method sited the first 44% of plants at superior locations in terms of local straw density (i.e. lower transportation costs) and the next 39% at equivalent locations. K‐means produced better locations for the final 17% of plants along with superior average results. For the smallest facilities at locations defined by 3‐year average available straw density, 1.2 km buffers were adequate to provide straw for the first 10% of plants, with twice that distance sufficient for the first 70%. For the largest plants, 12 km buffers satisfied the first 10% of plants, with 24 km buffers satisfying the first 60%. Buffer distances exceeded 68 km for the final 20% of the largest plants. Siting patterns for the smallest plants were more evenly distributed than larger ones, suggesting that farm‐scale technology may be more politically appealing. Smaller plants, however, suffered from higher year‐to‐year variability in straw supply within pre‐defined distances. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conceptual framework for siting biorefineries in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Luk Jason , Fernandes Henrique , Kumar Amit
Published: July 2010

Ethanol is increasingly used as a means to reduce gasoline consumption. As a result, it has also attracted analysis of its economic, social, and environmental merit. In order for the ethanol production industry to continue to expand, these issues must be confronted in future development. Although technological development is often relied upon, carefully considered ethanol refinery siting also mitigates some of these concerns. Five alternative siting locations were selected in the western Canadian Prairies. These were evaluated using 12 criteria which represent regional resources, economic conditions, government support, or social indicators. The criteria were weighted to represent the perspectives of two stakeholders. The Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment and Evaluations (PROMETHEE) method was applied to this data, ranking the alternative sites. Several future scenarios were created to analyze the sensitivity of the results to both statistical data and subjective inputs. The rankings proved to be robust, and varied little in the different scenarios. Southern Alberta had an advantage with a high ethanol byproduct demand, education level, and ethanol demand. Southern Manitoba benefitted from the lowest labor and miscellaneous costs, due to higher unemployment. Saskatchewan suffers from low byproduct demand and a decrease in water availability while having a heated economy which increases costs. In addition, Saskatchewan as a whole is currently the leader in ethanol production, resulting in less net demand, reduced access to government incentives, and more local competition. Southern Alberta and Southern Manitoba are the optimal regions for future ethanol biorefinery, where as the Saskatchewan locations are the least attractive. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Dynamische Zustandsbewertung einer Verbundbrücke: Beobachtung äußerer und nichtlinearer Einflüsse auf die modalen Eigenschaften
Authors: Bungard Volker , Mahowald Jean , Waldmann Danièle , Maas Stefan , Zürbes Arno
Published: July 2010

Bei der Anwendung dynamischer Untersuchungsmethoden zur Zustandsbewertung von Ingenieurbauwerken aus Stahl‐ und Spannbeton sowie Verbundbau spielen Veränderungen von Rand‐ und Umweltbedingungen auf die modalen Parameter eine wesentliche Rolle. Während man diese im Laborexperiment weitest gehend überwachen bzw. ausschließen kann, sind sie bei in‐situ Versuchen nur schwer zu kontrollieren. Am Beispiel einer Verbundbrücke soll demonstriert werden, welche Größenordnung die Veränderung von Randbedingungen (z. B. Veränderung von anregenden Kräften) und Umwelteinflüsse (z. B. Temperatur) auf die dynamischen Parameter einer in‐situ Struktur haben können. Die Größenordnung dieser Veränderungen wird mit Veränderungen, die aus wirklichen Strukturschäden resultieren können, verglichen und bewertet.

Dynamic Condition Assessment of a Composite Bridge: Investigation of External and Nonlinear Influences on the Modal Properties

Using dynamic investigation methods to assess the state of civil constructions like reinforced and prestressed concrete structures as well as composite structures, changes in boundary conditions and environmental influences play a decisive role. Under laboratory conditions it is possible to control respectively to exclude these influences but it is not always possible to control and to exclude them when testing in‐situ. By means of dynamic measurements which are conducted on a composite bridge, possible changes in dynamic properties resulting from changes in the amplitude of the excitation force and resulting from changes in the temperature conditions are demonstrated. The dimension of these changes is compared with changes in modal properties resulting from real structural defects and structural damages.
Rapid characterization of N‐linked glycans from secreted and gel‐purified monoclonal antibodies using MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry
Authors: Hansen Rasmus , Dickson Alan J. , Goodacre Royston , Stephens Gill M. , Sellick Christopher A.
Published: July 2010

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are increasingly being used for therapeutic use and correct glycosylation of these MAbs is essential for their correct function. Glycosylation profiles are host cell‐ and antibody class‐dependent and can change over culture time and environmental conditions. Therefore, rapid monitoring of glycan addition/status is of great importance for process validity. We describe two workflows of generally applicability for glycan profiling of purified and gel‐purified MAbs produced in NS0 and CHO cells, in which small‐scale antibody purification and buffer exchange is combined with PNGase F glycan cleavage and graphite HyperCarb desalting. MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry is used for sensitive detection of glycan forms, with the ability to confirm glycan structures by selective ion fragmentation. Both workflows are rapid, technically simple and amenable to automation, and use in multi‐well formats. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 902–908. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlling Amyloid‐β Peptide(1–42) Oligomerization and Toxicity by Fluorinated Nanoparticles
Authors: Saraiva Ana M. , Cardoso Isabel , Pereira M. Carmo , Coelho Manuel A. N. , Saraiva Maria João , Möhwald Helmuth , Brezesinski Gerald
Published: July 2010

The amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) is a major fibrillar component of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease brains and is related to the pathogenesis of the disease. Soluble oligomers that precede fibril formation have been proposed as the main neurotoxic species that contributes to neurodegeneration and dementia. We hypothesize that oligomerization and cytotoxicity can be repressed by nanoparticles (NPs) that induce conformational changes in Aβ42. We show here that fluorinated and hydrogenated NPs with different abilities to change Aβ42 conformation influence oligomerization as assessed by atomic force microscopy, immunoblot and SDS‐PAGE. Fluorinated NPs, which promote an increase in α‐helical content, exert an antioligomeric effect, whereas hydrogenated analogues do not and lead to aggregation. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed our hypothesis by indicating that the conformational conversion of Aβ42 into an α‐helical‐enriched secondary structure also has antiapoptotic activity, thereby increasing the viability of cells treated with oligomeric species.
The functional anatomical distinction between truth telling and deception is preserved among people with schizophrenia
Authors: Kaylor‐Hughes Catherine J. , Lankappa Sudheer T. , Fung Robert , Hope‐Urwin Alexandra E. , Wilkinson Iain D. , Spence Sean A.
Published: July 2010

Background A recently emergent functional neuroimaging literature has described the functional anatomical correlates of deception among healthy volunteers, most often implicating the ventrolateral prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices. To date, there have been no such imaging studies of people with severe mental illness.

Aims To discover whether the brains of people with schizophrenia would manifest a similar functional anatomical distinction between the states of truthfulness and deceit. It is hypothesised that, as with healthy people, persons with schizophrenia will show activation in the ventrolateral prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices when lying.

Method Fifty‐two people satisfying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder‐IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T while responding truthfully or with lies to questions concerning their recent actions. Half the sample was concurrently experiencing delusions.

Results As hypothesised, patients exhibited greater activity in ventrolateral prefrontal cortices while lying. Truthful responses were not associated with any areas of relatively increased activation. The presence or absence of delusions did not substantially affect these findings, although subtle laterality effects were discernible upon post hoc analyses.

Conclusions As in healthy cohorts, the brains of people with schizophrenia exhibit a functional anatomical distinction between the states of truthfulness and deceit. Furthermore, this distinction pertains even in the presence of delusions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embedded Ru@ZrO2 Catalysts for H2 Production by Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Lorenzut Barbara , Montini Tiziano , Pavel Claudiu C. , Comotti Massimiliano , Vizza Francesco , Bianchini Claudio , Fornasiero Paolo
Published: July 2010

Ammonia can be used as fuel in internal combustion engines (ICEs). In this case, a flame accelerator, such as hydrogen, is needed. H2 can be produced on‐board by partial decomposition of ammonia. In this work, ruthenium nanoparticles were embedded into a lanthanum‐stabilized zirconia (LSZ) support to obtain active and stable heterogeneous catalysts for NH3 decomposition. The effects of the preparation of both Ru nanoparticles and LSZ support were investigated. The embedded catalysts present high metal dispersion and good metal accessibility. Despite the relatively low metal loading (3 wt %), activity was very high in the temperature range 400–600 °C. The activity of the reference catalysts prepared by using classical impregnation was significantly lower under the same working conditions. Although many factors contribute to the final catalyst performances, the data reported confirm that the embedding strategy minimizes the undesirable sintering of the Ru nanoparticles, leading to promising and stable catalytic activity.
Functional Hybrid Materials with Polymer Nanoparticles as Templates
Authors: Ethirajan Anitha , Landfester Katharina
Published: July 2010

The use of polymeric nanoparticles as templates for producing inorganic materials is an intriguing approach as it offers the feasibility of synthesizing hybrid organic–inorganic functional materials for a broad spectrum of applications ranging from optoelectronics to biomedicine. The concept of using polymer nanoparticles as templates to produce hybrid materials has several advantages. On the one hand, the entire geometry of the nanoparticle can be used as a confined nano‐environment to let the inorganic material grow inside the particle. On the other hand, the high surface area of nanoparticle can be exploited to let the inorganic material grow on the outside surface of the particles. One such application is presented here, in which polymer nanoparticles were used as biomimetic template to produce composite nanoparticles made of the bone mineral hydroxyapatite (HAP). The synthesized hybrid particle has a great potential to be used as regenerative filler or as scaffold for nucleation and growth of new bone material. In addition to be applied as coatings on implants, these nanoparticles also offer the feasibility of being injected directly into the damaged part or administered intravenously with functionalization. Within this overview, we will mainly focus on different polymer nanoparticles obtained by the miniemulsion technique and the different possibilities for them to be used as templates for the biomimetic mineralization of calcium phosphate in the aqueous phase.
Efficient Utilization of Higher‐Lying Excited States to Trigger Charge‐Transfer Events
Authors: Bouit Pierre‐Antoine , Spänig Fabian , Kuzmanich Gregory , Krokos Evangelos , Oelsner Christian , Garcia‐Garibay Miguel A. , Delgado Juan Luis , Martín Nazario , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: July 2010

Several new fullerene–heptamethine conjugates, which absorb as far as into the infrared spectrum as 800 nm, have been synthesized and fully characterized by physicochemical means. In terms of optical and electrochemical characteristics, appreciable electronic coupling between both electroactive species is deduced. The latter also reflect the excited‐state features. To this end, time‐resolved, transient absorption measurements revealed that photoexcitation is followed by a sequence of charge‐transfer events which evolve from higher singlet excited states (i.e., S2—fast charge transfer) and the lowest singlet excited state of the heptamethine cyanine (i.e., S1—slow charge transfer), as the electron donor, to either a covalently linked C60 or C70, as the electron acceptor. Finally, charge transfer from photoexcited C60/C70 completes the charge‐transfer sequence. The slow internal conversion within the light‐harvesting heptamethine cyanine and the strong electronic coupling between the individual constituents are particularly beneficial to this process.
Relationship between current level of immunodeficiency and non‐acquired immunodeficiency syndrome‐defining malignancies
Authors: Reekie Joanne , Kosa Csaba , Engsig Frederik , Monforte Antonella d'Arminio , Wiercinska‐Drapalo Alicja , Domingo Pere , Antunes Francisco , Clumeck Nathan , Kirk Ole , Lundgren Jens D. , Mocroft Amanda ,   for the EuroSIDA Study Group
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:

In the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era, non–acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining malignancies account for more morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients than AIDS‐defining malignancies. However, conflicting data have been reported on the relationship between immunodeficiency and the development of some non–AIDS‐defining malignancies.

METHODS:

A total of 14,453 patients from the prospective, multinational EuroSIDA cohort were included. Malignancies were classified as virus‐related, non–virus‐related epithelial, and other. The incidence of non–AIDS‐defining malignancies was calculated stratified by current CD4 count. Poisson regression was used to investigate factors associated with the development of non–AIDS‐defining malignancies.

RESULTS:

A total of 356 non–AIDS‐defining malignancies occurred, with an incidence rate of 4.3 per 1000 person years of follow‐up (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8‐4.7); 172 (48.3%) were virus‐related, 135 (37.9%) were non–virus‐related epithelial, and 49 (13.7%) were classified as other. Anal (69 cases), lung (31 cases), and melanoma (13 cases), respectively, were the most common non–AIDS‐defining malignancies within each group. After adjustment, current CD4 was associated with virus‐related non–AIDS‐defining malignancies (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.81 per doubling; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.88; P < .0001) and non–virus‐related epithelial non–AIDS‐defining malignancies (IRR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.95; P = .004), but not with other non–AIDS‐defining malignancies (IRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.83‐1.31; P = .73). Current CD4 count was also associated with anal cancer (IRR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.99; P = .03), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 52; IRR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73‐0.95; P = .005), and lung cancer (IRR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.90; P = .0002).

CONCLUSIONS:

A low current CD4 count was associated with an increased incidence of certain non–AIDS‐defining malignancies. Starting cART earlier to reduce the proportion of patients with a low CD4 count may decrease the rate of developing many common non–AIDS‐related malignancies. A randomized trial to explore this strategy is urgently needed. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The role of kinesin family proteins in tumorigenesis and progression
Authors: Yu Yue , Feng Yu‐Mei
Published: July 2010

The kinesin superfamily contains a conserved class of microtubule‐dependent molecular motor proteins that possess an adenosine triphosphatase activity and motion characteristics. The active movement of kinesins supports several cellular functions, including mitosis, meiosis, and the transport of macromolecules. Mitosis is a process of eukaryotic cell division that involves the division of nuclei, cytoplasm, organelles, and the cell membrane into 2 daughter cells with roughly equivalent portions of these cellular components. Any errors in this process could result in cell death, abnormality (such as gene deletion, chromosome translocation, or duplication), and cancer. Because mitosis is complex and highly regulated, alteration of kinesin expression or function could lead to carcinogenesis. Moreover, because human cancer is a gene‐related disease involving abnormal cell growth, targeting kinesins may create a novel strategy for the control of human cancer. Indeed, several such drugs are being tested successfully in the clinic. In this review, the authors discuss in detail the structure and function of kinesins, the correlation of kinesin expression with tumorigenesis and progression, and the development of biomarkers and cancer‐targeted therapy involving the kinesin family proteins. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Immunolocalization of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv2.2 in GABAergic neurons in the basal forebrain of rats and mice
Authors: Hermanstyne Tracey O. , Kihira Yoshitaka , Misono Kaori , Deitchler Ashley , Yanagawa Yuchio , Misonou Hiroaki
Published: July 2010

The Kv2 voltage‐gated potassium channels, Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, are important regulators of neuronal excitability in mammalian brain. It has been shown that Kv2.1 channels are expressed in virtually all neurons in the brain. However, the cellular localization of Kv2.2 has not been fully elucidated. In this article we report that Kv2.2 is highly expressed in a subset of neurons in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus (MCPO) and the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB) of the basal forebrain complex, which are areas highly implicated in the regulation of cortical activity and the sleep/wake cycle. It has been shown that MCPO and HDB contain distinct populations of neurons that differ in their neurochemicals, cholinergic, glutamatergic, and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons. Using specific immunolabeling and knockin mice in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is expressed in GABAergic neurons, we found that Kv2.2 is abundantly expressed in a large subpopulation of the GABAergic neurons in the MCPO and HDB. These data offer Kv2.2 as a molecular target to study the role of the specific subpopulation of basal forebrain GABAergic neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4298–4310, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues modulates the mouse hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis via paraventricular glutamatergic neurons
Authors: Dimitrov Eugene , Usdin Ted Björn
Published: July 2010

Neurons in the subparafascicular area at the caudal border of the thalamus that contain the neuropeptide tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39) densely innervate several hypothalamic areas, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). These areas contain a matching distribution of TIP39's receptor, the parathyroid hormone receptor 2 (PTH2R). Frequent PTH2R coexpression with a vesicular glutamate transporter (VGlut2) suggests that TIP39 could presynaptically regulate glutamate release. By using immunohistochemistry we found CRH‐ir neurons surrounded by PTH2R‐ir fibers and TIP39‐ir axonal projections in the PVN area of the mouse brain. Labeling hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurons by peripheral injection of fluorogold in PTH2R‐lacZ knock‐in mice showed that most PTH2Rs are on PVN and peri‐PVN interneurons and not on neuroendocrine cells. Double fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed a high level of coexpression between PTH2R and VGlut2 mRNA by cells located in the PVN and nearby brain areas. Local TIP39 infusion (100 pmol) robustly increased pCREB‐ir in the PVN and adjacent perinuclear zone. It also increased plasma corticosterone and decreased plasma prolactin. These effects of TIP39 on pCREB‐ir, corticosterone, and prolactin were abolished by coinfusion of the ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) and DL‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP‐5; 30 pmol each) and were absent in PTH2R knockout mice. Basal plasma corticosterone was slightly decreased in TIP39 knockout mice just before onset of their active phase. The present data indicate that the TIP39 ligand/PTH2 receptor system provides facilitatory regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis via hypothalamic glutamatergic neurons and that it may regulate other neuroendocrine systems by a similar mechanism. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4375–4394, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurochemical coding of enteric neurons in adult and embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Uyttebroek Leen , Shepherd Iain T. , Harrisson Fernand , Hubens Guy , Blust Ronny , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Van Nassauw Luc
Published: July 2010

Although the morphology and development of the zebrafish enteric nervous system have been extensively studied, the precise neurochemical coding of enteric neurons and their proportional enteric distribution are currently not known. By using immunohistochemistry, we determined the proportional expression and coexpression of neurochemical markers in the embryonic and adult zebrafish intestine. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) were observed only in nerve fibers, whereas other markers were also detected in neuronal cell bodies. Calretinin and calbindin had similar distributions. In embryos, all markers, except for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and TH, were present from 72 hours postfertilization. Nitrergic neurons, evenly distributed and remaining constant in time, constituted the major neuronal subpopulation. The neuronal proportions of the other markers increased during development and were characterized by regional differences. In the adult, all markers examined were expressed in the enteric nervous system. A large percentage of enteric neurons displayed calbindin and calretinin, and serotonin was the only marker showing significant distribution differences in the three intestinal regions. Colocalization studies showed that serotonin was not coexpressed with any of the other markers. At least five neuronal subpopulations were determined: a serotonergic, a nitrergic noncholinergic, two cholinergic nonnitrergic subpopulations along with one subpopulation expressing both ChAT and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Analysis of nerve fibers revealed that nitrergic neurons coexpress VIP and PACAP, and that nitrergic neurons innervate the tunica muscularis, whereas serotonergic and cholinergic nonnitrergic neurons innervate the lamina propria and the tunica muscularis. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4419–4438, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Establishment of mice expressing EGFP in the placode‐derived inner ear sensory cell lineage and FACS‐array analysis focused on the regional specificity of the otocyst
Authors: Fujimoto Chisato , Ozeki Hidenori , Uchijima Yasunobu , Suzukawa Keigo , Mitani Akihisa , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Nishiyama Koichi , Kurihara Yukiko , Kondo Kenji , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kaga Kimitaka , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Kurihara Hiroki
Published: July 2010

In this study, we established a novel enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter mouse line that enables the visualization of the placode‐derived inner ear sensory cell lineage. EGFP was initially expressed in the otic placode and throughout its differentiation process into the inner ear sensory patches. At embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5), EGFP was expressed in the ventral and dorsomedial region of the otocyst. These regions could mainly give rise to the cochlea, including the organ of Corti, and the saccule, including the macula and the endolymphatic duct. The region could also give rise to cells that will develop as either prosensory cells or statoacoustic ganglion neuroblasts. By using this line and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS)‐array technology, we developed a new gene expression profile of the regional specificity of the otocyst. EGFP‐positive regions include the Otx1‐positive region, which could be clearly distinguished from EGFP‐negative regions. The signal log ratio of microarray data showed high efficiency in predicting the genes expressed mainly in the ventral and/or dorsomedial otocyst and the data could be mined to uncover many novel genes involved in inner ear morphogenesis and cell fate regulation. Additionally, these data suggest that some novel genes enriched in EGFP‐positive regions may be potentially involved in human congenital sensorineural hearing loss. This reporter line could play important roles in the use of animal models for detailed analysis of the differentiation process into the sensory patches and the identification of regional‐specific gene networks and novel gene functions in the developing inner ear. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4702–4722, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast Transformation of Glucose and Di‐/Polysaccharides into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Microwave Heating in an Ionic Liquid/Catalyst System
Authors: Qi Xinhua , Watanabe Masaru , Aida Taku M. , Smith Richard L.
Published: July 2010

An efficient method for converting glucose into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), in the presence of CrCl3 catalyst, is developed by using the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium chloride as solvent. A 5‐HMF yield of 71 % is achieved in 30 s for 96 % glucose conversion with microwave heating at 140 °C. The activation energy of glucose conversion is determined to be 114.6 kJ mol−1, with a pre‐exponential factor of 3.5×1014 min−1. Fructose, sucrose, cellobiose, and cellulose are studied and 5‐HMF yields of 54 % are obtained for cellulose conversion at 150 °C during 10 min of reaction time. Recycling of the ionic liquid and CrCl3 is demonstrated with six cycles of use.
A method of quantifying cell sorting yield in “real time”
Authors: Osborne Geoffrey W.
Published: July 2010

Cell sorting flow cytometers sort cells by applying electrical charges to a stream that forms liquid droplets containing the cells at a set time after sample interrogation. The correct time to apply these charges is determined based on calibration beads and automated technology. The central tenet of this method is that beads accurately indicate the yield of cells sorted using the same instrument parameters. HEK293T cells were incubated with Accudrop™ calibration beads. Cell incorporation of beads by phagocytosis was confirmed by imaging cytometry. Cells containing beads were analyzed and sorted on unmodified commercially available cell sorters that have automated technology for setting drop delay times. Based on cell sorter drop delay times optimized using beads, sorting experiments demonstrate that yield can be assessed in real time using bead loaded cells and existing technology. Here, data presented show that cells have lower sorting yields than indicated using beads. Further, this data show clear trends related to nozzle tip diameter and sorting yield. The present study demonstrates a method to quantify yield “on the fly” during cell sorting, that is separated from drop charge counts and removes the variables associated with yield assessment from collection tubes. These data have implications for the expected recovery of cells from sorting experiments. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A non‐redundant role for OX40 in the competitive fitness of Treg in response to IL‐2
Authors: Piconese Silvia , Pittoni Paola , Burocchi Alessia , Gorzanelli Andrea , Carè Alessandra , Tripodo Claudio , Colombo Mario P.
Published: July 2010

OX40 stimulation is known to enhance activation of effector T cells and to inhibit induction and suppressive function of Treg. Here we uncovered a novel role of OX40 in sustaining Treg competitive fitness in vivo, during repopulation of lymphopenic hosts and reconstitution of BM chimeras. Defective expansion of OX40‐null Treg diminished their ability to suppress inflammation in a model of lymphopenia‐driven colitis. OX40‐mediated promotion of Treg fitness spanned beyond lymphopenic environments, as endogenous Treg in OX40‐null mice showed decreased accumulation during thymic development, enhanced susceptibility to antibody‐mediated depletion and defective turnover following thymectomy. In vitro, OX40‐deficient Treg were found to be intrinsically hyporesponsive to IL‐2, in terms of Stat5 phosphorylation and proliferation, according to elevated SOCS1 content and reduced miR155 expression. Therefore, OX40 is a key factor in shaping Treg sensitivity to IL‐2 and promoting their proliferation and survival, toward accurate immune regulation.
Islet‐expressed TLR2 and TLR4 sense injury and mediate early graft failure after transplantation
Authors: Krüger Bernd , Yin Na , Zhang Nan , Yadav Anju , Coward William , Lal Girdhari , Zang Weiping , S. Heeger Peter , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Murphy Barbara , Schröppel Bernd
Published: July 2010

Although islet transplantation is an effective treatment for Type 1 diabetes, primary engraftment failure contributes to suboptimal outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that islet isolation and transplantation activate innate immunity through TLR expressed on islets. Murine islets constitutively express TLR2 and TLR4, and TLR activation with peptidoglycan or LPS upregulates islet production of cytokines and chemokines. Following transplantation into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic, syngeneic mice, islets exposed to LPS or peptidoglycan had primary graft failure with intra‐ and peri‐islet mononuclear cell inflammation. The use of knockout mice showed that recipient CD8+ T cells caused engraftment failure and did so in the absence of islet‐derived DC. To mimic physiological islet injury, islets were transplanted with exocrine debris. Transplantation of TLR2/4−/− islets reduced proinflammatory cytokine production and improved islet survival. Stressed islets released the alarmin high‐mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) induced NFkB activation. NFkB activation was prevented in the absence of both TLR2 and TLR4. rHMGB1 pretreatment also prevented primary engraftment through a TLR2/4‐dependent pathway. Our results show that islet graft failure can be initiated by TLR2 and TLR4 signaling and suggest that HMGB1 is one likely early mediator. Subsequent downstream signaling results in intra‐islet inflammation followed by T‐cell‐mediated graft destruction.
Ultra‐fast adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, adenosine 5′‐diphosphate and adenosine 5′‐monophosphate detection by pressure‐assisted capillary electrophoresis UV detection
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Scanu Bastianina , Pisanu Elisabetta , Sanna Manuela , Franca Usai Maria , Deiana Luca , Carru Ciriaco
Published: July 2010

Herein, we report a new CE method to measure adenine nucleotides adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, adenosine 5′‐diphosphate, and adenosine 5′‐monophosphate in red blood cells. For this purpose, 20 mmol/L sodium acetate buffer at pH 3.80 was used as running electrolyte, and the separation was performed by the simultaneous application of a CE voltage of 25 kV and an overimposed pressure of 0.2 psi from inlet to outlet. A rapid separation of these analytes in less than 1.5 min was obtained with a good reproducibility for intra‐ and inter‐assay (CV<4 and 8%, respectively) and an excellent analytical recovery (from 98.3 to 99%). The applicability of our method was proved by measuring adenine nucleotides in red blood cells.
Clinical associations of delirium in hospitalized adult patients and the role of on admission presentation
Authors: Lin Robert Y , Heacock Laura C. , Bhargave Geeta A. , Fogel Joyce F.
Published: July 2010

Objective

To describe clinical associations of delirium in hospitalized patients and relationships to on admission presentation.

Design

Retrospective analysis of an administrative hospitalization database 1998–2007.

Setting

Acute care hospitalizations in the New York State (NYS).

Measurements

Four categories of diagnosis related group (DRG) hospitalizations were extracted from a NYS administrative database: pneumonia, congestive heart failure, urinary tract/kidney infection (UTI), and lower extremity orthopedic surgery (LEOS) DRGs. These hospitalizations were examined for clinical associations with delirium coding both on and after admission.

Results

Delirium was coded in 0.8% of the cohort, of which an on admission diagnosis was present in 59%. On admission delirium was strongly associated with dementia (adjusted odds ratio 0, 95%CI 5.8–6.3) and with adverse drug effects (ADEs) (adjusted odds ratio 4.6, 95%CI 4.3, 5.0). After admission delirium was even more highly associated with ADEs (adjusted odds ratio 22.2, 95%CI 20.7–23.7). The UTI DRG category had the greatest proportion of on admission delirium. However after admission delirium was more common in the LEOS DRG category. Over time, there was a greater increase in delirium proportions in the UTI DRG category, and an overall increase in coding for encephalopathy states (potential alternative delirium descriptors).

Conclusion

ADEs play an important role in delirium regardless of whether or not it is present on admission. While the finding that most delirium hospitalizations presented on admission suggests that delirium impacts more as a clinical admitting determinant, in‐hospital prevention strategies may still have benefit in targeted settings where after admission delirium is more frequent, such as patients with LEOS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved model for myocardial diffuse reflectance spectra by including mitochondrial cytochrome aa3, methemoglobin, and inhomogenously distributed RBC
Authors: Lindbergh Tobias , Häggblad Erik , Ahn Henrik , Göran Salerud E. , Larsson Marcus , Strömberg Tomas
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to compare a previously used light transport model (I) comprising the chromophores hemo‐ and myoglobin, fat, and water, with two extended models, where the chromophores of cytochrome aa3, methemo‐ and metmyoglobin are added (model II), and in addition, accounting for an inhomogenous hemoglobin distribution (model III). The models were evaluated using calibrated diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements on the human myocardium. Model II proved a significantly better spectral fitting, especially in the wavelength ranges corresponding to prominent absorption characteristics for the added chromophores. Model III was significantly better than model II and displayed a markedly higher tissue fraction and saturation of hemo‐ and myoglobin. The estimated tissue chromophore fractions, saturation and oxidation levels, were in agreement with other studies, demonstrating the potential of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements for evaluating open heart surgery. However, the choice of chromophores and vessel packaging effects in the light transport model has a major effect on the results. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cynogen bromide and ethylacetoacetate in heterocyclization: Novel synthesis of tetracyclic derivative of 3‐aryl quinazolinones
Authors: Deshmukh M. B. , Patil Suresh S. , Patil Sanjeevani S. , Jadhav Swati D.
Published: July 2010

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In this work, tricyclic 1‐amino‐4‐(substituted phenyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quinazolin‐5(4H)‐one 3 was synthesized by treatment of 2‐hydrazinyl‐3‐(substituted phenyl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one 2 with cyanogen bromide, which on cyclization with ethylacetoacetate to get the targeted fused tetracyclic derivatives of quinazoli‐4(3H)one 4. The synthesized compounds have been characterized using IR and 1H NMR, mass spectral data together with elemental analysis. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Transformations of 2‐aryl‐4‐(2‐oxopyrrolidinyl‐1)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines, cycloadducts of the BiCl3‐catalyzed three‐component Povarov reaction: Oxidation and reduction processes towards new potentially bioactive 2‐arylquinoline derivatives
Authors: Kouznetsov Vladimir V. , Meléndez Gómez Carlos M. , Bermúdez Jaimes John H.
Published: July 2010

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Synthesis and spectral characterization of new series of 2‐aryl‐4‐(2‐oxopyrrolidinyl‐1)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines and their aromatic analogs, 2‐arylquinolines are reported. It was found that substituted tetrahydroquinoline precursors are easily prepared using BiCl3‐catalyzed three‐component Povarov reaction between 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde or 2‐naphtylcarboxyaldehyde, anilines and N‐vinylpyrrolidin‐2‐one, and could be transformed via oxidation and reduction processes into potentially bioactive 2‐arylquinoline derivatives, unsubstituted at the C‐4 position. The all set of (tetrahydro)quinolines were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Dibromination of 5‐pyrazolones and 5‐hydroxypyrazoles via dibromoisocyanuric acid
Authors: Cheng Kaung‐Min , Wu Jin Bin , Lin Hui‐Chang , Huang Jiann‐Jyh , Huang Yu‐Ying , Lin Shao‐Kai , Lin Tsung‐Ping , Wong Fung Fuh
Published: July 2010

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A safe and efficient method was developed for the dibromination of pyrazolones and 5‐hydroxypyrazoles by use of dibromoisocyanuric acid (DBI). The reaction gave the corresponding dibrominated pyrazolones in excellent yields (≥91%). J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
The reaction of 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran with oxalyl chloride: Formation and crystal structure analysis of an unexpected bicyclic product
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Werner Frank , Kelling Alexandra , Schilde Uwe
Published: July 2010

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3,4‐Dihydro‐2‐H‐pyran and oxalyl chloride react, depending on the conditions, to keto esters, a pyran‐3‐carboxylic acid or derivatives thereof, or to an hitherto unknown bicyclic acetal containing a vinyl chloride moiety. The structure of the latter product has been unambiguously elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. A mechanism for its formation is proposed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of novel and biologically potent heteropolycyclics containing bridge head nitrogen
Authors: Gupta Poonam , Gupta Shallu , Sachar Anand , Sharma R. L.
Published: July 2010

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A facile one pot synthesis of 2,3,4,5‐tetrahydropyrido [1,2‐a] [1,3] diazepine‐2,5‐dione2and 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrido [1,2‐a] pyrimidine‐2,4‐dione3has been achieved. Condensation of3witho‐aminobenzaldehydes produced the linear product4and not the angular one5. Cyclocondensation of3with 1,5‐diketones afforded a tricyclic linear system6, a bis assembly system7and two novel heterotetracyclic nitrogen bridged linear systems8and10. Condensation ofo‐aminobenzaldehydes with2produced a novel linear system12and a new doubly fused hexacyclic system11. Cyclodehydration of2with 1,2‐dicarbaldehydes produced1,13, and a new heterotetracyclic nitrogen bridged system14. Condensation of3with aromatic aldehydes in presence of ethylene glycol as solvent without the use of catalyst generated the doubly nitrogen bridged linear pentacyclic systems15,16,17. The synthesized compounds have been adequately characterized and screened for bronchodilatory and antimicrobial activities with promising results. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Calculating the frequency of serious reportable adverse events and hospital‐acquired conditions
Authors: Bunting Jr. Robert F.
Published: July 2010

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated that Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) begin reporting the number of serious reportable adverse events and hospital‐acquired conditions received on Medicare claims. There are additional state mandates and health insurance plan requirements. The author provides an analysis of the reporting methodology and proposes an alternative approach using rate‐based formulas that would yield information that is more useful.
Gliding resistance of flexor tendon associated with carpal tunnel pressure: A biomechanical cadaver study
Authors: Zhao Chunfeng , Ettema Anke M. , Berglund Lawrence J. , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of carpal tunnel pressure on the gliding characteristics of flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel. Eight fresh human cadaver wrists and hands were used. A balloon was inserted into the carpal tunnel to elevate the pressure. The mean gliding resistance of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon was measured with the following six conditions: (1) as a baseline, before balloon insertion; (2) balloon with 0 mmHg pressure; (3) 30 mmHg; (4) 60 mmHg; (5) 90 mmHg; (6) 120 mmHg. The gliding resistance of flexor tendon gradually increased as the carpal tunnel pressure was elevated. At pressures above 60 mmHg, the increase in gliding resistance became significant compared to the baseline condition. This study helps us to understand the relationship between carpal tunnel pressure, which is elevated in the patient with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tendon gliding resistance, which is a component of the work of flexion. These findings suggest that patients with CTS may have to expend more energy to accomplish specific motions, which may in turn affect symptoms of hand pain, weakness and fatigue, seen commonly in such patients. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:58–61, 2011