bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Somatotopic astrocytic activity in the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Ghosh Arko , Wyss Matthias T. , Weber Bruno 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAstrocytes play a crucial role in maintaining neuronal function and monitoring their activity. According to neuronal activity maps, the body is represented topographically in the somatosensory cortex. In rats, neighboring cortical areas receive forelimb (FL) and hindlimb (HL) sensory inputs. Whether astrocytic activity is also restricted to the cortical area receiving the respective peripheral sensory inputs is not known. Using wide field optical imaging we measured changes in the concentration of astrocytic calcium within the FL and HL sensorimotor cortex in response to peripheral sensory inputs. Mapping the calcium signals upon electrical stimulation of the forepaw and hindpaw we found activity largely restricted to the FL and HL area, respectively. In comparison to neuronal activity the time course of the astrocytic calcium activity was considerably slower. The signal took 6 s to peak after the onset of a 2 Hz and 2 s long electrical stimulation of the hindpaw and 8 s for a 4 s stimulation. The astrocytic signals were delayed relative to cerebral blood flow measured using laser speckle imaging. The intensity of both the astrocytic and neuronal signals in the HL sensorimotor cortex declined with increase in stimulation frequency. Moreover, blocking neuronal input by tetrodotoxin abolished astrocytic calcium signals. We suggest that the topographical representation of the body is not only true for cortical neurons but also for astrocytes. The maps and the frequency‐dependent activations reflect strong reciprocal neuroglial communication and provide a new experimental approach to explore the role of astrocytes in health and disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatocyte caspase-8 is an essential modulator of steatohepatitis in rodents
Authors: Hatting Maximilian , Zhao Gang , Schumacher Fabienne , Sellge Gernot , Masaoudi Malika Al , Gaβler Nikolaus , Boekschoten Mark , Müller Michael , Liedtke Christian , Cubero Francisco Javier , Trautwein Christian 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

In human and murine models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), increased hepatocyte apoptosis is a critical mechanism contributing to inflammation and fibrogenesis. Caspase 8 (Casp8) is essential for death-receptor-mediated apoptosis activity and therefore its modulation might be critical for the pathogenesis of NASH. The aim was to dissect the role of hepatocyte Casp8 in a murine model of steatohepatitis. We generated hepatocyte-specific Casp8 knockout (Casp8Δhep) mice. Animals were fed with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Liver injury was assessed by histopathological analysis, apoptotic death, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), fluorescent-activated cell sorter (FACS), analysis of liver infiltration and inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and liver fibrosis. MCD feeding triggered steatosis, hepatic lipid storage, and accumulation of free fatty acid (FFA) in wildtype (WT) livers, which were significantly reduced in Casp8Δhep animals. Additionally, lack of Casp8 expression in hepatocytes reduced the MCD-dependent increase in apoptosis and decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines as well as hepatic infiltration. As a consequence, ROS production was lower, leading to a reduction in the progression of liver fibrosis in Casp8Δhep livers.

Conclusion

: Selective ablation of Casp8 in hepatocytes ameliorates development of NASH by modulating liver injury. Casp8-directed therapy might be a plausible treatment for patients with steatohepatitis.
Unusual Spirodecane Sesquiterpenes and a Fumagillol Analogue from Cordyceps ophioglossoides
Authors: Sun Yisheng , Zhao Zhao , Feng Qiangsheng , Xu Qinqin , Lü Longxian , Liu Ji‐Kai , Zhang Ling , Wu Bin , Li Yong‐Quan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractInvestigation of the cultured mycelia of Cordyceps ophioglossoides resulted in the isolation and characterization of three new unusual spiro[4.5]decane sesquiterpenes, cordycepol A (1), cordycepol B (2), and cordycepol C (3), and a new fumagillol analogue, cordycol (4). Their structures were established by spectroscopic means. The cytotoxic activities were also evaluated, compounds 3 and 4 showing their IC50 values in the range of 12–33 μg/ml against HeLa and HepG2 (Table 3). In addition, 3 and 4 were not obviously harmful towards normal liver cell lines LO2, showing IC50 values above 80 μg/ml.
Synthesis of Thienyl‐Substituted Dihydrofuran Compounds Promoted by Manganese(III) Acetate
Authors: Biçer Emre , Yılmaz Mehmet , Burgaz E. Vildan , Pekel A. Tarık 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRadical cyclization reactions of both aliphatic 1,3‐diones 1a and 1b and of cyclic 1,3‐diones 1c–1e with 2‐thienyl‐ and 3‐thienyl‐substituted alkenes 2a–2d in the presence of manganese(III) acetate were investigated. Thienyl‐substituted dihydrofurans 3 were obtained with moderate to high yields (Table 1–3). Also, the favorable effect of the thienyl substituent on the intermediate carbocation stability was evaluated by comparison with a phenyl substituent.
Synthesis and Anti‐HIV Activity of Triazolo‐Fused 2′,3′‐Cyclic Nucleoside Analogs Prepared by an Intramolecular Huisgen 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Sun Jingbo , Duan Ronghui , Li Hongming , Wu Jinchang 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTriazolo‐fused 2′,3′‐cyclic nucleoside analogs were synthesized by an intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nucleoside‐derived azido alkynes in a regio‐ and stereospecific manner. The uracil base in these target compounds was successfully transformed to the corresponding cytosine. The synthesized compounds were examined in a MAGI assay for their anti‐HIV activities, and in a H9 T lymphocytes assay for their cell toxicities.
Mitochondrial protein homeostasis
Authors: Varabyova Aksana , Stojanovski Diana , Chacinska Agnieszka 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMitochondria use 800–1,500 proteins to perform their biological functions in the eukaryotic cells. Distinct transport and sorting mechanisms are responsible for the delivery of proteins to the correct location within mitochondria. Mitochondrial proteins undergo processing events and form functional assemblies. Finally, non‐functional proteins are cleared to maintain healthy mitochondria. We provide an overview of the processes collectively contributing to the maintenance of mitochondrial protein homeostasis, which is critical for cell physiology and survival. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(3):191–201, 2013.
Cytochrome c assembly
Authors: Mavridou Despoina A. I. , Ferguson Stuart J. , Stevens Julie M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCytochromes c are central proteins in energy transduction processes by virtue of their functions in electron transfer in respiration and photosynthesis. They have heme covalently attached to a characteristic CXXCH motif via protein‐catalyzed post‐translational modification reactions. Several systems with diverse constituent proteins have been identified in different organisms and are required to perform the heme attachment and associated functions. The necessary steps are translocation of the apocytochrome polypeptide to the site of heme attachment, transport and provision of heme to the appropriate compartment, reduction and chaperoning of the apocytochrome, and finally, formation of the thioether bonds between heme and two cysteines in the cytochrome. Here we summarize the established classical models for these processes and present recent progress in our understanding of the individual steps within the different cytochrome c biogenesis systems. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(3):209–216, 2013
Mitochondrial involvement in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zsurka Gábor , Kunz Wolfram S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe classical bioenergetical view of the involvement of mitochondria in neurogeneration is based on the fact that mitochondria are the central players of ATP synthesis in neurons and their failure leads to neuronal dysfunction and eventually to cell death. Mutations in at least 39 genes in inherited neurodegenerative disorders seem to alter directly or indirectly mitochondrial function. Most of these mutations do not directly affect oxidative phosphorylation, but act through disturbed mitochondrial dynamics and quality control. This, however, does not invalidate the bioenergetic hypothesis. Neurodegeneration is not necessarily associated with a gross failure of ATP production, but might rather be a consequence of local insufficiencies of ATP supply in critical compartments of neurons, like the presynaptic terminal. We hypothesize that slow disease progression, at least in a subgroup of neurodegenerative diseases, can be explained by the parallel action of subcellular ATP insufficiency and clonal expansion of somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations, and particularly deletions. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(3):263–272, 2013
Intra‐operative ex vivo photoacoustic nodal staging in a rat model using a clinical superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle dispersion
Authors: Grootendorst Diederik J. , Fratila Raluca M. , Visscher Martijn , Haken Bennie Ten , van Wezel Richard J. A. , Rottenberg Sven , Steenbergen Wiendelt , Manohar Srirang , Ruers Theo J. M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe ability to accurately detect tumor metastases in lymph nodes is essential for intra‐operative staging of various malignancies. Histopathological assessment of nodes has the drawback of a time delay before results are available to the surgeon and a likelihood of missing metastases. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has been shown to possess the potential to detect melanoma metastases in resected in toto lymph nodes based on intrinsic contrast. To extend application of the method to other malignancies, extrinsic contrast for lymphatic mapping is important. We investigate in a metastatic animal model whether clinically approved superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles, applied for MRI, can help PA imaging for staging in an intra‐operative ex vivo setting. Imaging results are compared with 14 Tesla MR images and histology. We observe that irregularities in SPIO distribution in PA images of the nodes and a decrease in contrast correlate with metastatic involvement as seen in MR images and histology. The results show that a PA based imaging technique may be valuable for nodal staging in the field of surgical oncology. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Removal of ammonium, iron and manganese from potable water in biofiltration units: a review
Authors: Tekerlekopoulou Athanasia G. , Pavlou Stavros , Vayenas Dimitrios V. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAmmonium, and trace metals such as iron and manganese are common inorganic pollutants present in waters. Several surface and groundwaters contain natural or increased concentrations of these pollutants that are observed either isolated or in pairs, or all three together. Although several processes have been established for the biological removal of one of the above‐mentioned pollutants, only recently have important studies been performed on the efficient and cost‐effective simultaneous biological removal of two or more substances. This paper reviews the variety of full‐ and pilot‐scale biological filters that have been used for combined or simultaneous biological removal, as well as factors and conditions that were found to affect the process. The main results regarding research progress on combined or simultaneous biological removal are evaluated. Finally, the kinetic models and simulation approaches used are discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
BANKS' TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY: DOES GLOBALISATION MATTER?
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Habibullah Muzafar Shah 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe paper provides, for the first time, empirical evidence on the impact of economic globalisation on bank total factor productivity in a developing economy. By employing the Malmquist Productivity Index method, we compute the total factor productivity of the Malaysian banking sector during 1998–2007. Examining different dimensions of economic globalisation, we find evidence supporting for greater trade and capital account restrictions and cultural proximity. On the other hand, personal contacts, information flows, and political globalisation seem to exert significant (negative) influence on banks' total factor productivity levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decision Making and Decisional Tipping Points in Homicide Investigations: An Interview Study of British and Norwegian Detectives
Authors: Fahsing Ivar , Ask Karl 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAn interview study explored criminal detectives' views of critical factors related to decision making in homicide investigations. Experienced homicide investigators in Norway (n = 15) and the UK (n = 20) were asked to identify decisional ‘tipping points’—decisions that put detectives in a mindset focused on verifying the guilt of a suspect—and situational or individual factors that relate to these decisions. Two types of decisions were identified as typical and potentially critical tipping points: (1) decisions to name, arrest, or charge a suspect, and (2) decisions on main strategies and lines of inquiry in the case. Moreover, 10 individual factors (e.g. experience) and 14 situational factors (e.g. information availability) were reported as related to the likelihood of a mindset shift, most of which correspond well with findings in previous decision‐making research. The consensus between British and Norwegian detectives was very high, and the findings indicate that experienced detectives are aware of many of the risk factors and obstacles to optimal decision making that exist in criminal investigations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allium sativum‐derived allitridin inhibits treg amplification in cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Li Ya‐nan , Huang Fei , Liu Xing‐lou , Shu Sai‐nan , Huang Yong‐jian , Cheng Huan‐ji , Fang Feng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of allitridin compound on murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)‐induced regulatory T cell (Treg; CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) amplification in vivo and in vitro. One hundred twenty MCMV‐infected mice were allocated at random into two groups for treatment with allitridin or placebo. Another 120 mock‐infected mice were randomly allocated as controls for the allitridin treatment and placebo treatment groups. The mice were euthanized at various time points after infection (out to 120 days) to evaluate the effects of treatment on Treg presence and function, as well as MCMV infective load. Co‐culture with mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) and MCMV was performed to evaluate allitridin‐mediated Treg and anti‐CMV effects. The maximum tolerance concentration (MTC) of allitridin was used to treat cells for 3 days. Changes in Foxp3 mRNA and protein levels, percentages of T cell subsets, and Treg‐related cytokines (IL‐10 and TGF‐β) were measured. Allitridin treatment did not influence Foxp3 expression and Treg proportion in uninfected mice, but did down‐regulate each in infected mice during the chronic infection period. Additionally, allitridin treatment reduced the MCMV load in salivary glands. MTC allitridin treatment of co‐cultures partially blocked MCMV induction of Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression. In vitro treatment with allitridin also increased significantly the percentages of Tc1, Tc2, and Th1, reduced the secreted levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1, and significantly suppressed viral loads. In conclusion, allitridin can promote MCMV‐induced Treg expansion and Treg‐mediated anti‐MCMV immunosuppression. Therefore, allitridin may be useful as a therapeutic agent to enhance the specific cellular immune responses against CMV. J. Med. Virol. 85:493–500, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequence motifs of myelin membrane proteins: Towards the molecular basis of diseases
Authors: Sedzik Jan , Jastrzebski Jan Pawel , Ikenaka Kazuhiro 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe shortest sequence of amino acids in protein containing functional and structural information is a “motif.” To understand myelin protein functions, we intensively searched for motifs that can be found in myelin proteins. Some myelin proteins had several different motifs or repetition of the same motif. The most abundant motif found among myelin proteins was a myristoylation motif. Bovine MAG held 11 myristoylation motifs and human myelin basic protein held as many as eight such motifs. PMP22 had the fewest myristoylation motifs, which was only one; rat PMP22 contained no such motifs. Cholesterol recognition/interaction amino‐acid consensus (CRAC) motif was not found in myelin basic protein. P2 protein of different species contained only one CRAC motif, except for P2 of horse, which had no such motifs. MAG, MOG, and P0 were very rich in CRAC, three to eight motifs per protein. The analysis of motifs in myelin proteins is expected to provide structural insight and refinement of predicted 3D models for which structures are as yet unknown. Analysis of motifs in mutant proteins associated with neurological diseases uncovered that some motifs disappeared in P0 with mutation found in neurological diseases. There are 2,500 motifs deposited in a databank, but 21 were found in myelin proteins, which is only 1% of the total known motifs. There was great variability in the number of motifs among proteins from different species. The appearance or disappearance of protein motifs after gaining point mutation in the protein related to neurological diseases was very interesting. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐phase electromembrane extraction followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Davarani Saied Saeed Hosseiny , Morteza‐Najarian Amin , Nojavan Saeed , Pourahadi Ahmad , Abbassi Mojtaba Beigzadeh 
Published: January 2013

A two‐phase electromembrane extraction (EME) was developed and directly coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of imipramine, desipramine, citalopram and sertraline. The model compounds were extracted from neutral aqueous sample solutions into the organic phase filled in the lumen of the hollow fiber. This method was accomplished with 1‐heptanol as organic phase, by means of 60 V applied voltage and with the extraction time of 15 min. Experiments reported recoveries in the range of 69–87% from 1.2 mL neutral sample solution. The compounds were quantified by GC‐MS instrument, with acceptable linearity ranging from 1 to 500 ng mL−1 (R2 in the range of 0.989 to 0.998), and repeatability (RSD) ranging between 7.5 and 11.5% (n = 5). The estimated detection limits (S/N ratio of 3:1) were less than 0.25 ng mL−1. This novel approach based on two‐phase EME brought advantages such as simplicity, low‐costing, low detection limit and fast extraction with a total analysis time less than 25 min. These experimental findings were highly interesting and demonstrated the possibility of solving ionic species in the organic phase at the presence of electrical potential.
Selection of Suitable Combination of Nonfunctional Micellar Catalyst and Heteroaromatic Nitrogen Base as Promoter for Chromic Acid Oxidation of Ethanol to Acetaldehyde in Aqueous Medium at Room Temperature
Authors: Ghosh Aniruddha , Saha Rumpa , Mukhejee Kakali , Ghosh Sumanta K. , Bhattacharyya Subhendu Sekhar , Laskar Subrata , Saha Bidyut 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe effect of the promoter and micellar catalyst on chromic acid on the oxidation of ethanol in aqueous acid media has been studied. Picolinic acid (PA), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) are used as promoters. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), and Triton‐X‐100 (TX‐100) are tested as micellar catalysts. Hexavelent chromium is an active species in the absence of the promoter. In the presence of the heteroaromatic nitrogen bases used as the promoter, Cr(VI)–PA, Cr(VI)–bipy, and Cr(VI)–phen complexes have been proposed as the active oxidants. The time taken for completion of the reaction using different combinations of promoter and micellar catalysts are different. Although the rate is highest (12.5 times) in TX‐100 in the absence of the promoter, it is observed that the rate is almost 737 times faster for the combination of SDS and bipy compared to the unpromoted and uncatalyzed path. CPC inhibits the oxidation process. The observed acceleration and retardation of the rate of oxidation process has been explained on the basis of partitioning of the reactants in the micellar and aqueous phase. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 175–186, 2013
A Comparison of Primary and Secondary Hydrogen Abstraction from Organophosphates by Hydroxyl Radical
Authors: Burns Douglas S. , Cory Marshall G. , Taylor Decarlos E. , Bunte Steven W. , Runge Keith , Vasey Joseph L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTo compare the effect of primary and secondary CH bonds on hydrogen‒atom abstraction by hydroxyl radical, rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with trimethyl phosphate [TMPO, (CH3O)3P(O)] and triethyl phosphate [TEPO, (CH3CH2O)3P(O)] have been calculated using the semiclassical flux–flux autocorrelation function (SCFFAF) method and compared with experimental measurements over the temperature range 250–350 K. SCFFAF specifies that structures be obtained at the CCSD/6‒31++G** level of chemical theory and the height of the activation barrier be determined using an energy extrapolation, here a variant of the G2MP2 method. Dynamics are generated in the SCFFAF method from forces computed with a transfer Hamiltonian, which provides information about the curvature of the potential energy surface in the neighborhood of the transition state (TS), as well as the required internal forces. The temperature‒dependent reaction rate constants are calculated for the various possible abstraction pathways, primary hydrogen atom abstraction in the case of TMPO, and primary and secondary in the case of TEPO. Since two energetically favorable parent structures for each system are included in the model, the activation energy is calculated with respect to the conformer that connects to a given TS and the total rate constant at a given temperature is Boltzmann weighted with respect to the parent conformer. The computed temperature‒dependent rate curves are consistent with published experimental data in both magnitude and temperature dependence. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 187–201, 2013
Monomer Sequencing in Living Anionic Polymerization Using Kinetic Control
Authors: Brooks Paul P. , Natalello Adrian , Hall John N. , Eccles E. Alex L. , Kimani Solomon M. , Bley Karina , Hutchings Lian R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAlternating copolymers containing diphenylethylene (DPE) or diphenylethylene derivatives were prepared by living anionic polymerization using kinetic control. Due to steric hindrance DPE cannot homopolymerize. Therefore alternating copolymers can be prepared by ensuring the rate of cross‐propagation (k12) of the co‐monomer is favoured over the rate of self‐propagation (k11). This reactivity ratio (r1 = k11/k12) can be controlled by many different factors, such as choice of monomer, electron‐donating or withdrawing substituents on DPE, choice of solvent, etc. We report our progress on preparing alternating copolymers by varying these factors.