bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐linked mental retardation gene CASK interacts with Bcl11A/CTIP1 and regulates axon branching and outgrowth
Authors: Kuo Ting‐Yu , Hong Chen‐Jei , Chien Hsu‐Ling , Hsueh Yi‐Ping 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCalcium/calmodulin‐dependent serine kinase (CASK), a causative gene in X‐linked mental retardation, carries out multiple functions in neurons, including vesicle trafficking of ion channels, synapse formation, and gene transcription. From a yeast two‐hybrid screen, Krüppel‐like zinc finger protein B cell lymphoma/COUP‐TF‐interacting protein 1 (Bcl11A/CTIP1) was identified as a CASK binding protein. Through alternative splicing, a single Bcl11A gene encodes two major protein products in neurons, Bcl11A‐S and Bcl11A‐L. CASK interacted with both Bcl11A‐S and Bcl11A‐L in transfected COS cells and brain. Immunofluorescence staining further indicated the colocalization of CASK and Bcl11A in the nuclei of neurons. These studies supported an interaction between CASK and Bcl11A in vivo. Bcl11A‐L has previously been shown to play a role in gene transcription as well as axon outgrowth and branching. Here, we further show that Bcl11A‐L rearranges the distribution of nuclear actin, which may be related to the function of Bcl11A‐L in gene expression. More importantly, using cultured hippocampal neurons as a model system, we show that CASK enhances the ability of Bcl11A‐L to restrict axon outgrowth and branching. Interruption of the interaction between CASK and Bcl11A increased the outgrowth and branching of axons, suggesting that the interaction between CASK and Bcl11A controls axon arborization. In conclusion, our results suggest that, through the interaction with Bcl11A, CASK plays a role in axonogenesis, which may be related to brain anatomical characteristics in humans. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aminoglycoside‐mediated partial suppression of MECP2 nonsense mutations responsible for Rett syndrome in vitro
Authors: Popescu Andreea C. , Sidorova Elena , Zhang Guangming , Eubanks James H. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractRett syndrome is a pediatric neurological condition that affects primarily girls. Approximately 30% of Rett syndrome cases arise from point mutations that introduce a premature stop codon into the MECP2 gene. Several studies have now shown that certain aminoglycosides can facilitate read‐through of some types of nonsense mutations in a context‐dependent manner and allow the generation of a full‐length protein. It remains mostly unclear whether different nonsense mutations of MECP2 will be responsive to aminoglycoside treatment. In this study, we tested whether the common premature terminating mutations of MECP2 seen in Rett syndrome cases can be partially suppressed by aminoglycoside administration. Our results show that aminoglycosides allow different mutant forms of MECP2 to be overcome in transiently transfected HEK293 cells, but with differing levels of efficiency. In addition, we also show that aminoglycosides increased the prevalence of full‐length MeCP2 protein in a dose‐dependent manner in a lymphocyte cell line derived from a Rett syndrome girl with the R255X mutation. This study helps to establish the “proof of principle” that some nonsense mutations causing Rett syndrome can be at least partially suppressed by drug treatment. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tephrochronology of recent events in the Andean Range (northern Patagonia): spatial distribution and provenance of lacustrine ash layers in the Nahuel Huapi National Park
Authors: Daga Romina , Guevara Sergio Ribeiro , Sánchez M. Lidia , Arribére María 
Published: April 2010

AbstractTephrochronology is a powerful tool for dating sedimentary sequences, especially in Patagonia, where a large number of active volcanoes have produced frequent historical eruptions. Short lacustrine sedimentary sequences were extracted from the lakes Moreno Oeste and Tonček (Nahuel Huapi National Park). Seventeen volcanic ash layers were identified in both cores, 210Pb and 137Cs were used for dating techniques, and historical volcanic records were employed for correlation. White pumice and glass shards from the tephras were characterised by measuring major and trace element contents by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Two volcanic sources – the Cordón Caulle and the Calbuco volcanoes – were recognised as the prevailing systems that impacted the area in the past 800–1000 a. The Calbuco volcano was mainly responsible for the nine tephras identified in the Lake Tonček sequence. Four of these nine tephras also contained material from the Cordón Caulle complex, and could be interpreted as composite tephras or possible reworked ones. The Calbuco volcano showed predominant influences in the Lake Moreno Oeste sequence. Six of the eight tephras identified in such a sequence were from the Calbuco volcano, and three of these six contained material from the Cordón Caulle complex. The other two were from the Cordón Caulle complex, with contributions from the Calbuco volcano in one of them. These findings show that the high frequency of volcanic events in the study region demands an accurate characterisation of the products generated by each source, as well as an evaluation of their spatial distribution, to obtain a consistent framework for dating recent environmental changes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usefulness of the combination procedure of crash clamping and vessel sealing for hepatic resection
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Tobinaga Syuuichi , Abo Takafumi , Nonaka Takashi , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundMinimization of blood loss during resection of the hepatic parenchyma in hepatectomy remains a major problem. The usefulness of the LigaSure sealing system has been reported.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of combination procedure of LigaSure and forceps clamping for control blood loss and transection time in hepatectomy.MethodsHere, we report our experience with the combination technique of LigaSure Precise™, a clamp forceps type, and crush clamping method for hepatic transection in 33 patients who underwent hepatectomy.ResultsThe combination technique allows fast and bloodless transection even along the major intrahepatic vessels. Blood loss and transection time were significantly reduced in the group of LigaSure use (P < 0.05). Efficient hemostasis could be achieved also in patients with extensive liver injury such as cirrhosis. The rates of postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation in the combination technique of LigaSure and crush clamping were lower compared with the conventional crush clamping method (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe combined use of LigaSure Precise™ and crush clamping technique is safe and allows rapid completion of hepatic resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:179–183. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soil conservation in two English catchments: Linking soil management with policies
Authors: Posthumus H. , Deeks L. K. , Fenn I. , Rickson R. J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSoil degradation, specifically soil compaction and soil erosion can have significant impacts in some parts of England. The southwest of England is particularly vulnerable to soil erosion and compaction due to the region's erodible soils. This paper discusses the soil degradation problems, the policies addressing these problems and the stakeholders involved in the Parrett and Axe catchments. Key informants, including farmers, farm advisors and policy makers, were interviewed on their perceptions on soil degradation and soil mitigation measures, and the effectiveness of agricultural policies to encourage sustainable soil management. Until recently, mitigating soil degradation has been indirectly addressed through various agricultural and environmental policies, such as the cross‐compliance regulations that accompany the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and agri‐environment schemes. Recent initiatives, in particular the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) scheme, have contributed to reversing the trend of soil degradation locally by engaging farmers and providing better advice on land management. However, the main focus of current policy initiatives and accompanying measures tends to focus on the control of diffuse water pollution rather than protecting or conserving soil in situ, and gaps remain in the implementation of effective targeted measures. A more integrated approach to land and water management, consisting of voluntary and regulatory measures, involving farmers and other stakeholders, tailored to local circumstances and supported by economic incentives and advisory services, is recommended. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Initiating Systems for Thermal Cationic Polymerization at Ambient Temperature with in situ Formation of Ag(0) Nanoparticles: A Silane/Silver Salt Combination
Authors: Souane Rachid , Tehfe Mohamad Ali , Lalevée Jacques , Gigmes Didier , Fouassier Jean Pierre 
Published: April 2010

AbstractNew initiating systems for the thermal cationic polymerization of epoxides and vinyl ether derivatives are proposed. They are based on a silane/silver salt interaction, which ensures a good to excellent polymerization at room temperature. Moreover, the polymerization is much more efficient under air. The effects of the silane, silver salt, and monomer structures are investigated. Interestingly, silver nanoparticles Ag(0) are formed in situ. A coherent picture of the involved chemical mechanisms is presented.magnified image
Donor/Spacer/Acceptor Block Copolymer Containing Poly(2,7‐carbazole) and Perylenetetracarboxydiimide Subunits
Authors: Yang Changduk 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA straightforward synthesis of a conjugated rod/spacer/rod‐type block copolymer containing PCz electron‐donor and PDI electron‐acceptor blocks is described. Two chromophores are covalently connected through sebacate units as saturated spacer. The resulting donor/spacer/acceptor‐type block copolymer (PCz‐S‐PDI) can be applied to limit charge recombination between donor/acceptor interfaces and to control the scale length of nanostructure formation. PCz‐S‐PDI was used to produce a solar cell with the power conversion efficiency of 0.004%.magnified image
Fabrication of Patterned Images in Photochromic Organic Microfibers
Authors: Lee Jung , Lee Chan‐Woo , Kim Jong‐Man 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPhotochromic spiropyran molecules were embedded in electrospun polymer microfibers. Electrospinning of a clear viscous chloroform solution containing a spiropyran and a matrix polymer, such as polystyrene and polyethylene oxide, affords polymer microfibers that are photoswitchable. Photomasked, 365 nm UV irradiation of the microfibers results in the generation of patterned color images owing to the selective transformation of the spiropyran molecules from their ring‐closed SP to ring‐opened MC form. The UV‐irradiated areas display brilliant red fluorescence, which changes to green fluorescence upon prolonged irradiation.magnified image
The effects of an exercise program on fall risk factors in people with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Allen Natalie E. , Canning Colleen G. , Sherrington Catherine , Lord Stephen R. , Latt Mark D. , Close Jacqueline C.T. , O'Rourke Sandra D. , Murray Susan M. , Fung Victor S.C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment aimed to determine the effect of a 6‐month minimally supervised exercise program on fall risk factors in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Forty‐eight participants with PD who had fallen or were at risk of falling were randomized into exercise or control groups. The exercise group attended a monthly exercise class and exercised at home three times weekly. The intervention targeted leg muscle strength, balance, and freezing. The primary outcome measure was a PD falls risk score. The exercise group had no major adverse events and showed a greater improvement than the control group in the falls risk score, which was not statistically significant (between group mean difference = −7%, 95% CI −20 to 5, P = 0.26). There were statistically significant improvements in the exercise group compared with the control group for two secondary outcomes: Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (P = 0.03) and timed sit‐to‐stand (P = 0.03). There were statistically nonsignificant trends toward greater improvements in the exercise group for measures of muscle strength, walking, and fear of falling, but not for the measures of standing balance. Further investigation of theimpact of exercise on falls in people with PD is warranted. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The DRD4 gene and severity of tics and comorbid symptoms: Main effects and interactions with delivery complications
Authors: Bos‐Veneman Netty G.P. , Minderaa Ruud B. , Hoekstra Pieter J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the role of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) 48‐base pairs (bp) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and perinatal adversities regarding severity of tics and comorbid symptoms in children with tic disorders. We genotyped 110 children with tics with regard to the 48‐bp VNTR and assessed presence of prenatal smoking exposure, and pregnancy and delivery complications by parent questionnaires. We examined associations between 2, 3, 4, and 7 repeat (R) alleles and severity of tics and comorbid obsessive‐compulsive, depressive, anxious, and autistic symptoms. Through linear regressions, we investigated whether perinatal adversities and the 2R, 3R, 4R, and 7R alleles would interact with severity ratings of tics or comorbid symptoms as outcome. Presence of a 2R allele was related to more severe obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and presence of a 3R allele to increased severity of autistic features. Pregnancy complications were associated with decreased obsessive–compulsive symptom severity, and prenatal smoking exposure to more severe depressive and autistic symptoms. In children without a 3R allele delivery complications were associated with more severe tics, but in children with a 3R variant an inverse relation between delivery complications and tic severity was found. Moreover, the relation between delivery complications and internalizing symptom severity appeared to be most pronounced in children with a 2R allele. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for a role of the 48‐bp VNTR in the etiology of tic and associated disorders, and for interactions with delivery complications regarding severity of tics and co‐occurring internalizing symptoms. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Aggregation of amyloid Aβ(1–40) peptide in perdeuterated 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol caused by ultrasound sonication
Authors: Filippov Andrei V. , Gröbner Gerhard , Antzutkin Oleg N. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractUltrasound sonication of protein and peptide solutions is routinely used in biochemical, biophysical, pharmaceutical and medical sciences to facilitate and accelerate dissolution of macromolecules in both aqueous and organic solvents. However, the impact of ultrasound waves on folding/unfolding of treated proteins, in particular, on aggregation kinetics of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins is not understood. In this work, effects of ultrasound sonication on the misfolding and aggregation behavior of the Alzheimer's Aβ(1–40)‐peptide is studied by pulsed‐field gradient (PFG) spin–echo diffusion NMR and UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Upon simple dissolution of Aβ(1–40) in perdeuterated trifluoroethanol, CF3‐CD2‐OD (TFE‐d3), the peptide is present in the solution as a stable monomer adopting α‐helical secondary structural motifs. The self‐diffusion coefficient of Aβ(1–40) monomers in TFE‐d3 was measured as 1.35 × 10−10 m2 s−1, reflecting its monomeric character. However, upon ultrasonic sonication for less than 5 min, considerable populations of Aβ molecules (ca 40%) form large aggregates as reflected in diffusion coefficients smaller than 4.0 × 10−13 m2 s−1. Sonication for longer times (up to 40 min in total) effectively reduces the fraction of these aggregates in 1H PFG NMR spectra to ca 25%. Additionally, absorption below 230 nm increased significantly upon sonication treatment, an observation, which also clearly confirms the ongoing aggregation process of Aβ(1–40) in TFE‐d3. Surprisingly, upon ultrasound sonication only small changes in the peptide secondary structure were detected by CD: the peptide molecules mainly adopt α‐helical motifs in both monomers and aggregates formed upon sonication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR assignment corrections and 1H, 13C, 15N NMR coordination shifts structural correlations in Fe(II), Ru(II) and Os(II) cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline
Authors: Pazderski Leszek , Pawlak Tomasz , Sitkowski Jerzy , Kozerski Lech , Szłyk Edward 
Published: April 2010

Abstract1H, 13C and 15N NMR studies of iron(II), ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) tris‐chelated cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline of the general formula [M(LL)3]2+ (M = Fe, Ru, Os; LL = bpy, phen) were performed. Inconsistent literature 1H signal assignments were corrected. Significant shielding of nitrogen‐adjacent protons [H(6) in bpy, H(2) in phen] and metal‐bonded nitrogens was observed, being enhanced in the series Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II) for 1H, Fe(II) → Ru(II) → Os(II) for 15N and bpy → phen for both nuclei. The carbons are deshielded, the effect increasing in the order Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of model parameter deviations on the variance of a linearly filtered time series
Authors: Apley Daniel W. , Lee Hyun Cheol 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe consider a general linear filtering operation on an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) time series. The variance of the filter output, which is an important quantity in many applications, is not known with certainty because it depends on the true ARMA parameters. We derive an expression for the sensitivity (i.e., the partial derivative) of the output variance with respect to deviations in the model parameters. The results provide insight into the robustness of many common statistical methods that are based on linear filtering and also yield approximate confidence intervals for the output variance. We discuss applications to time series forecasting, statistical process control, and automatic feedback control of industrial processes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Crystallization, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLLA/PEG blend with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Yanli , Li Xiaoxi , Xiang Fangming , Huang Ting , Wang Yong , Wu Jun , Zhou Zuowan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFunctionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) were introduced into poly(L‐lactide)/polyethylene glycol (PLLA/PEG) blend and the effects of FMWCNTs on crystallization behaviors, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLLA/PEG/FMWCNTs were investigated. The results show that FMWCNTs exhibit good distribution in the nanocomposites and absorb some PEG to agglomerate around them. The crystallization behavior of PLLA in the nanocomposites is greatly dependent on the content of FMWCNTs. At low content of FMWCNTs, the addition of FMWCNTs improves the crystallization behavior of PLLA by enhancing the crystallization temperature and accelerating the crystallization rate, whereas at high content of FMWCNTs, the crystallization of PLLA is restricted to a certain degree. Rheological properties show the formation of the network structure of FMWCNTs at high content, which is the main reason for the retarded crystallization behavior of PLLA due to the network structure providing restriction to mobility and diffusion of PLLA chains to crystal growth fronts. The mechanical properties show that FMWCNTs exhibit reinforcement effect for plasticized PLLA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MDM2 polymorphism increases susceptibility to childhood acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Phillips Christine L. , Gerbing Robert , Alonzo Todd , Perentesis John P. , Harley Isaac T.W. , Meshinchi Soheil , Bhatla Deepika , Radloff Gretchen , Davies Stella M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe variant polymorphism in the gene MDM2, SNP309, leads to increased level of mdm2 protein and subsequent downregulation of p53 tumor suppressor pathway. Presence of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been associated with earlier tumorigenesis in patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome, as well as decreased survival in patients with CLL. In addition, cells homozygous (G/G) for SNP 309 were found to have 10‐fold increase resistance to topoisomerase II inhibitors in vitro.ProcedureWe genotyped children (n = 575) with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated on three Children's Oncology Group protocols (CCG 2941/2961/AAML 03P1) for the presence of SNP309. Healthy blood donors were genotyped as control population.ResultsThe variant G/G genotype was associated with an increased susceptibility to AML (OR 1.5; P = 0.049). However, the presence of the variant allele at SNP309 did not modify disease response or toxicity in children treated on CCG protocols 2941/2961.ConclusionsThe variant SNP 309 influences susceptibility to pediatric AML, but does not impact overall response to therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:248–253. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Placing of tunneled central venous catheters prior to induction chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Handrup Mette Møller , Møller Jens Kjølseth , Frydenberg Morten , Schrøder Henrik 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundTunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) are inevitable in children with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of CVC‐related complications in children with ALL in relation to timing of catheter placement and type of catheter.ProcedureAll children hospitalized from January 2000 to March 2008 with newly diagnosed ALL and with double‐lumen total implantable devices (TIDs) or tunneled external catheters (TEs) were included retrospectively. We only used data related to the patient's first catheter.ResultsWe included 98 children; 35 received a TID and the remaining 63 received a TE. A total number of 29,566 catheter days and 93 catheter‐associated blood stream infections (CABSI) was identified. We found a CABSI rate of 3.1/1,000 catheter days (5.4/1,000 catheter days for TEs and 1.4/1,000 catheter days for TIDs, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.82 (95% CI 2.37–6.35) P = 0.0001). No difference was found in CABSI between neither early versus later placed TIDs (IRR = 0.99 (95% CI 0.41–2.45) P = 0.98) nor early versus later placed TEs (IRR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.40–1.86) P = 0.54). We found no difference between early and later placed catheters regarding non‐elective removal (RR = 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.03) P = 0.09). TEs had a higher risk of non‐elective removal compared with TIDs (RR = 3.95 (95% CI 1.88–8.29) P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study did not find that children with ALL and with early placed CVCs experienced significantly more complications compared with children with late placed catheters. This study found that children with ALL and TEs experienced more complications than children with TIDs. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:309–313. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.