bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunocytochemical localization of synaptic proteins to photoreceptor synapses of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hamanaka Yoshitaka , Meinertzhagen Ian A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe location of proteins that contribute to synaptic function has been widely studied in vertebrate synapses, far more than at model synapses of the genetically manipulable fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila photoreceptor terminals have been extensively exploited to characterize the actions of synaptic genes, and their distinct and repetitive synaptic ultrastructure is anatomically well suited for such studies. Synaptic release sites include a bipartite T‐bar ribbon, comprising a platform surmounting a pedestal. So far, little is known about the composition and precise location of proteins at either the T‐bar ribbon or its associated synaptic organelles, knowledge of which is required to understand many details of synaptic function. We studied the localization of candidate proteins to pre‐ or postsynaptic organelles, by using immuno‐electron microscopy with the pre‐embedding method, after first validating immunolabeling by confocal microscopy. We used monoclonal antibodies against Bruchpilot, epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate clone 15 (EPS‐15), and cysteine string protein (CSP), all raised against a fly head homogenate, as well as sea urchin kinesin (antibody SUK4) and Discs large (DLG). All these antibodies labeled distinct synaptic structures in photoreceptor terminals in the first optic neuropil, the lamina, as did rabbit anti‐DPAK (Drosophila p21 activated kinase) and anti‐Dynamin. Validating reports from light microscopy, immunoreactivity to Bruchpilot localized to the edge of the platform, and immunoreactivity to SUK4 localized to the pedestal of the T‐bar ribbon. Anti‐DLG recognized the photoreceptor head of capitate projections, invaginating organelles from surrounding glia. For synaptic vesicles, immunoreactivity to EPS‐15 localized to sites of endocytosis, and anti‐CSP labeled vesicles lying close to the T‐bar ribbon. These results provide markers for synaptic sites, and a basis for further functional studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1133–1155, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specializations of gastrin‐releasing peptide cells of the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Drouyer Elise , LeSauter Joseph , Hernandez Amanda L. , Silver Rae 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus regulates daily rhythms in physiology and behavior. It is composed of a heterogeneous population of cells that together form the circuits underlying its master clock function. Numerous studies suggest the existence of two regions that have been termed core and shell. At a gross level, differences between these regions map to distinct functional differences, although the specific role(s) of various peptidergic cellular phenotypes remains unknown. In mouse, gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) cells lie in the core, are directly retinorecipient, and lack detectable rhythmicity in clock gene expression, raising interest in their role in the SCN. Here, we provide evidence that calbindin‐expressing cells of perinatal mouse SCN express GRP, identified by a green fluorescent protein (GFP+), but lack detectable calbindin later in development. To explore the intra‐SCN network in which GRP neurons participate, individual GFP+ cells were filled with tracer and their morphological characteristics, processes, and connections, as well as those of their non‐GFP‐containing immediate neighbors, were compared. The results show that GFP+ neurons form a dense network of local circuits within the core, revealed by appositions on other GFP+ cells and by the presence of dye‐coupled cells. Dendrites and axons of GFP+ cells make appositions on arginine vasopressin neurons, whereas non‐GFP cells have a less extensive fiber network, largely confined to the region of GFP+ cells. The results point to specialized circuitry within the SCN, presumably supporting synchronization of neural activity and reciprocal communication between core and shell regions. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1249–1263, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional distribution and cellular localization of β2‐adrenoceptors in the adult zebrafish brain (Danio rerio)
Authors: Ampatzis Konstantinos , Dermon Catherine R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe β2‐adrenergic receptors (ARs) are G‐protein‐coupled receptors that mediate the physiological responses to adrenaline and noradrenaline. The present study aimed to determine the regional distribution of β2‐ARs in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain by means of in vitro autoradiographic and immunohistochemical methods. The immunohistochemical localization of β2‐ARs, in agreement with the quantitative β‐adrenoceptor autoradiography, showed a wide distribution of β2‐ARs in the adult zebrafish brain. The cerebellum and the dorsal zone of periventricular hypothalamus exhibited the highest density of [3H]CGP‐12177 binding sites and β2‐AR immunoreactivity. Neuronal cells strongly stained for β2‐ARs were found in the periventricular ventral telencephalic area, magnocellular and parvocellular superficial pretectal nuclei (PSm, PSp), occulomotor nucleus (NIII), locus coeruleus (LC), medial octavolateral nucleus (MON), magnocellular octaval nucleus (MaON) reticular formation (SRF, IMRF, IRF), and ganglionic cell layer of cerebellum. Interestingly, in most cases (NIII, LC, MON, MaON, SRF, IMRF, ganglionic cerebellar layer) β2‐ARs were colocalized with α2A‐ARs in the same neuron, suggesting their interaction for mediating the physiological functions of nor/adrenaline. Moderate to low labeling of β2‐ARs was found in neurons in dorsal telencephalic area, optic tectum (TeO), torus semicircularis (TS), and periventricular gray zone of optic tectum (PGZ). In addition to neuronal, glial expression of β2‐ARs was found in astrocytic fibers located in the central gray and dorsal rhombencephalic midline, in close relation to the ventricle. The autoradiographic and immunohistochemical distribution pattern of β2‐ARs in the adult zebrafish brain further support the conserved profile of adrenergic/noradrenergic system through vertebrate brain evolution. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1418–1441, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Density Functional Theory Calculations of 95Mo NMR Parameters in Solid‐State Compounds
Authors: Cuny Jérôme , Furet Eric , Gautier Régis , Le Pollès Laurent , Pickard Chris J. , d'Espinose de Lacaillerie Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe application of periodic density functional theory‐based methods to the calculation of 95Mo electric field gradient (EFG) and chemical shift (CS) tensors in solid‐state molybdenum compounds is presented. Calculations of EFG tensors are performed using the projector augmented‐wave (PAW) method. Comparison of the results with those obtained using the augmented plane wave + local orbitals (APW+lo) method and with available experimental values shows the reliability of the approach for 95Mo EFG tensor calculation. CS tensors are calculated using the recently developed gauge‐including projector augmented‐wave (GIPAW) method. This work is the first application of the GIPAW method to a 4d transition‐metal nucleus. The effects of ultra‐soft pseudo‐potential parameters, exchange‐correlation functionals and structural parameters are precisely examined. Comparison with experimental results allows the validation of this computational formalism.
Light‐Induced Stored Information in Nanoparticles
Authors: Neville Suzanne M. , Etrillard Céline , Asthana Saket , Létard Jean‐François 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe investigate here the consequence on light‐induced and thermally induced spin‐crossover (SCO) properties with particle size reduction from the macroscopic to microscale to nanoscale domains. Three samples with distinct particle sizes of the SCO coordination polymer [Fe(NCS)2(bpe)2] [bpe = 1,2‐bis(4′‐pyridyl)ethane] have been prepared by water‐in‐oil reverse micelle methods. Comparison of the magnetic properties with particle size reduction of these and the original macroscale slow‐grown crystals revealed that the spin transition becomes more gradual, more incomplete and concomitantly the transition temperature (T1/2) decreases – much like what is observed in metal dilution studies. Importantly, here, in the first photoinduced magnetic studies on a nanoparticle SCO system, we see that even on the nanoscale photoconversion of the low spin species to a metastable high‐spin state is possible. Furthermore, particle size reduction appears to have little effect on the temperature at which the stored photomagnetic information is erased. These results highlight that light‐induced SCO properties are governed by direct metal coordination environment (i.e., on the molecular scale), whereas, thermally induced magnetic properties rely more on crystal packing and ligand field effects.
Enantioselective Fujiwara–Moritani Indole and Pyrrole Annulations Catalyzed by Chiral Palladium(II)–NicOx Complexes
Authors: Schiffner Julia A. , Wöste Thorsten H. , Oestreich Martin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe catalytic asymmetric Fujiwara–Moritani ring closures of several indole‐ and pyrrole‐based cyclization precursors are reported. These unprecedented oxidative palladium(II)‐catalyzed annulations allow for the formation of a stereogenic quaternary carbon atom, and decent levels of enantiocontrol are seen in 5‐exo‐trig cyclizations (54 % ee for an indole and 76 % ee for a pyrrole) while 6‐exo‐trig ring closures afford essentially racemic material. Novel oxazoline ligands with a nicotine platform (NicOx) are pivotal for good catalytic turnover as conventional PyOx ligands failed to produce acceptable chemical yields. The preparation of these NicOx ligands as well as the syntheses of the cyclization precursors are described in detail.
An Asymmetric Tandem Conjugative Addition‐Intramolecular Cyclisation Process to Provide Functionalised 3,6‐Dihydropyrans and 4,5‐Epoxytetrahydropyrans
Authors: Catalán‐Muñoz Silvia , Müller Constanze A. , Ley Steven V. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of 3,6‐dihydropyrans and 4,5‐epoxytetrahydropyrans starting from enantiomerically pure β‐hydroxy aldehyde (prepared by an organocatalytic aldol reaction) is described. The key step is a tandem sequence, which consists of a base‐promoted conjugative addition to a vinyl onium salt, followed by either an intramolecular Wittig process to provide 3,6‐dihydropyran derivatives or an intramolecular cyclisation/epoxidation process to afford 4,5‐epoxytetrahydropyran scaffolds. The products obtained by this method are common substructures in polyketide natural products.
Bridging the gap: health equality and the deficit framing of health
Authors: Morton Alec 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe analyst tasked with measuring population health, with appraising healthcare investments, or allocating healthcare resources, may frame their task in one of two possible ways: either as being concerned with health assets (e.g. health expectancy or stock of QALYs), or with health deficits (a ‘health gap’, analogous to the poverty gap). In this paper, we discuss the consequences of taking the asset or the deficit concept as one's basic building block in developing a health measurement system when one has concerns about equitable distribution. We conclude that building metrics from a primitive health gap concept is possible and indeed may offer insights not otherwise easily accessible. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of state‐level public spending on health on the mortality probability in India
Authors: Farahani Mansour , Subramanian S. V. , Canning David 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study uses the second National Family Health Survey of India to estimate the effect of state‐level public health spending on mortality across all age groups, controlling for individual, household, and state‐level covariates. We use a state's gross fiscal deficit as an instrument for its health spending. Our study shows a 10% increase in public spending on health in India decreases the average probability of death by about 2%, with effects mainly on the young, the elderly, and women. Other major factors affecting mortality are rural residence, household poverty, and access to toilet facilities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐stage estimation of hospital quality using mortality outcome measures: an application using hospital administrative data
Authors: Chua Chew Lian , Palangkaraya Alfons , Yong Jongsay 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes a method of deriving a quality indicator for hospitals using mortality outcome measures. The method aggregates any number of mortality outcomes into a single indicator via a two‐stage procedure. In the first stage, mortality outcomes are risk‐adjusted using a system of seemingly unrelated regression equations. These risk‐adjusted mortality rates are then aggregated into a single quality indicator in the second stage via weighted least squares. This method addresses the dimensionality problem in measuring hospital quality, which is multifaceted in nature. In addition, our method also facilitates further analyses of determinants of hospital quality by allowing the resulting quality estimates be associated with hospital characteristics. The method is applied to a sample of heart‐disease episodes extracted from hospital administrative data from the state of Victoria, Australia. Using the quality estimates, we show that teaching hospitals and large regional hospitals provide higher quality of care than other hospitals and this superior performance is related to hospital case‐load volume. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marijuana use and high school dropout: the influence of unobservables
Authors: McCaffrey Daniel F. , Liccardo Pacula Rosalie , Han Bing , Ellickson Phyllis 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this study, we reconsider the relationship between heavy and persistent marijuana use and high school dropout status. Using a unique prospective panel study of over 4500 7th grade students from South Dakota who are followed through high school, we developed propensity score weights to adjust for baseline differences found to exist before marijuana initiation occurs for most students (7th grade). We then used weighted logistic regression that incorporates these propensity score weights to examine the extent to which time‐varying factors, including substance use, also influence the likelihood of dropping out of school. We found a positive association between marijuana use and dropping out (OR=5.6, RR=3.8), over half of which was explained by prior differences in observational characteristics and behaviors. The remaining association (OR=2.4, RR=1.7) became statistically insignificant when measures of cigarette smoking were included in the analysis. Because cigarette smoking is unlikely to seriously impair cognition, we interpret this result as evidence that the association between marijuana use and high school dropout is unlikely to be due to its adverse effects on cognition. We then explored which constructs drive this result, determining that they are time‐varying parental and peer influences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased soluble serum markers caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin‐18, histones, and ST2 indicate apoptotic turnover and chronic immune response in COPD
Authors: Hacker Stefan , Lambers Christopher , Pollreisz Andreas , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Lichtenauer Michael , Mangold Andreas , Niederpold Tina , Hacker Andreas , Lang György , Dworschak Martin , Vukovich Thomas , Gerner Christopher , Klepetko Walter , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide burden and a major cause of death. The disease is accompanied by chronic inflammation and increased cellular turnover that is partly due to an overwhelming induction of apoptosis. In this study, we hypothesized that systemic markers of apoptosis are altered in patients with mild‐to‐severe COPD.Materials and Methods: A total number of 64 patients and controls were enrolled in the study. Lung function parameters of all groups (nonsmoker, healthy smoker, COPD GOLD I&II, COPD GOLD III&IV) were evaluated at the time of inclusion. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify protein levels in serum samples.Results: Serum contents of apoptotic end‐products caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin‐18 and histone‐associated‐DNA‐fragments were increased in patients with COPD, whereas anti‐inflammatory soluble ST2 showed a peak in patients with COPD I&II (P=0.031) compared to healthy smokers. Levels of pro‐inflammatory caspase‐1/ ICE correlated significantly with the number of pack years (R=0.337; P=0.007).Discussion: Our results indicate a systemic release of apoptosis‐specific proteins as markers for increased cellular turnover accompanied by progression of COPD. Furthermore, soluble ST2 seems to have a critical role in the anti‐inflammatory regulatory mechanism at early stages of the disease. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:372–379, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene diagnosis for nine Chinese patients with DMD/BMD by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and prenatal diagnosis for one of them
Authors: Wu Yupeng , Yin Gengxin , Fu Keqin , Wu De , Zhai Qian , Du Huarong , Huang Zhongjun , Niu Yuhua 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study aims to perform gene diagnosis for nine patients with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) and their parents with multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and to carry out prenatal gene diagnosis for one of them. Genomic DNA of the peripheral blood and fetal amniotic fluid cell was extracted from the pedigrees' members with DMD/BMD. Gene diagnosis was performed for theses pedigrees' members using a SALSA KIT. Short tandem repeats (STR) genotyping and X‐linkage analysis were performed for the pedigree members of the fetus, which was used in the prenatal diagnosis. MLPA analysis results show that five of nine patients (DMD‐1, DMD‐2, DMD‐4, DMD‐8, and DMD‐9) with DMD/BMD were found to have several hemizygous exon deletions in the dystrophin gene. The other patients and the fetus did not have any hemizygous deletion or duplication of any exons. The genomic DNA of the fetus was not contaminated by his mother's DNA as identified by STR genotyping. In addition, X‐linkage analysis results show that the only X chromosome of the fetus comes from one of his mother's normal X chromosomes. Combined with STR genotyping and X‐linkage analysis, MLPA is a convenient, highly effective and reliable gene diagnosis technique for congenital genetic disease. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:380–386, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence characterization of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases among Escherichia coli isolates collected in Zhengzhou
Authors: Zhang Zhijian , Guo Xiaobing , Zhang Qinxian 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives: To determine the prevalence and the diversity of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs) among Escherichia coli isolates in Zhengzhou, China.Methods: Clinical isolates were collected and investigated from the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University and its associated health‐care facilities in Zhengzhou, China, during the period from January 2006 to June 2008. Antibiograms were performed on Mueller–Hinton agar plates with the disc‐diffusion method and MICs were determined by the agar‐dilution method. Total DNA was extracted with a Qiagen mini kit and screened by PCR.Results: Of 94 nonduplicate ESBL‐positive isolates, TEM‐type was encoded in 74 and 79% of the ESBL isolates. Fifty‐six isolates were SHV type ESBLs. CTX‐M‐1, CTX‐M‐14, CTX‐M‐25, and CTX‐M‐38 types were encoded in 30, 54, 6, and 4, respectively. OXA‐1‐type β‐lactamases were encoded in six and OXA‐20‐type was encoded in two isolates.Conclusions: We describe a complex ESBL epidemiology. The study revealed a high rate of ESBL‐producing E. coli isolates. TEM and CTX‐M enzymes dominated in ESBL‐positive E. coli isolates in Zhengzhou, China. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:404–407, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of pressure over the North Atlantic
Authors: Antunes Sílvia , Pires Oliveira , Rocha Alfredo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe North Atlantic mean sea level pressure field variability is analysed. A space–time study is performed using multichannel singular spectral analysis, allowing the detection of significant space–time modes of variability with periodicity behaviour. It is shown that there is a space variability associated with the time variability of the pressure field. The oscillation is not quasi‐meridional but has different orientations, rotating in a cycle, with a periodicity of about 9 years, from the positive North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) phase through the negative NAO phase and again to the positive phase. This periodicity behaviour was previously detected in the temporal principal components extracted from a principal component analysis but, in the time domain, it was found as not significant. Furthermore, the analysis of a long series of an NAO index had already revealed similar periodicity behaviour. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of Nanoparticles on the Rheological Behaviour and Initial Stages of Crystal Growth in Linear Polyethylene
Authors: Patil Nilesh , Balzano Luigi , Portale Giuseppe , Rastogi Sanjay 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe demonstrate the role of broad molecular weight distribution (MWD) polyethylene (PE), in the presence of nanoparticles of different aspect ratios and binding efficiency with the polymer, in the formation of shish‐kebab structures under a shear protocol using time‐resolved small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The results indicate a scattered intensity in the form of streaks at the equator while maxima in the meridian confirm the presence of an oriented structure in the polymer. The SAXS facilitated the probing of the steady growth of the obtained shish‐kebab structures at an isothermal crystallization temperature (136 °C). The study reveals the influence of nanoparticles (single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and zirconia) in chain orientation. The presence of nanoparticles promotes the high degree of orientation, where shish is formed along the flow direction and kebab perpendicular to it. A higher degree of chain orientation is observed in the presence of SWNTs compared to zirconia nanoparticles. The SWNTs present in a small concentration (< 0.6 wt.‐%) are aligned in the flow direction, which leads to an increase in shish length as estimated from Ruland's streak analysis. The stable shishes in the early stages of crystallization suppress the nucleation barrier for further crystallization. Compared to the polymer without nanoparticles the shish length increases in the presence of zirconia, however, the increase in shish length is much more pronounced in the presence of SWNTs compared to zirconia nanoparticles. The nanoparticles favor the orientation fraction as deduced from the integrated intensity of scattering at the equator and meridian in the patterns. Absence of a plateau in the low frequency region of the polymer–SWNT composites suggests the non‐existence of network formation. Nevertheless, comparing the storage modulus at two different temperatures (142 and 160 °C), suggests a strong temperature dependence and difference in adsorption energy of the two nanoparticles.magnified image