bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulated production of SnoN2 is a feature of testicular differentiation
Authors: Itman Catherine , Whiley Penny A.F. , Zhou Wei , Meistrich Marvin , Sahin Zeliha , Loveland Kate Lakoski 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTransforming growth factor betas (TGFβs) and activins are key regulators of male fertility, affecting somatic and germ cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing and adult testis. Several studies have shown that these ligands influence discrete developmental stages, suggesting that temporal expression of modifying factors may determine their specific signaling outcomes. Upon binding to cell surface receptors, TGFβ and activin signals are transduced intracellularly by the phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 transcription factors. The objective of this study was to determine the cellular localization of phosphorylated SMAD2/3 and the transcriptional repressor SnoN (Ski‐like), a modifier of SMAD2/3 transcriptional activity, in mouse testes. Western blot established that only the smaller SnoN isoform, SnoN2, is produced in the testis. By immunohistochemistry, widespread phospho‐SMAD2/3 distribution was observed in somatic and germ cells at all ages. In contrast, SnoN2 production was highly regulated, being detected only in gonocytes and interstitial cells at birth and in pachytene spermatocytes at puberty. In the adult, SnoN2 expression differed to that during the first wave, being ubiquitously expressed but exhibiting regulated nuclear localization. In another model of spermatogenic differentiation, the irradiated rat testis, widespread phospho‐SMAD2/3 contrasted with restricted SnoN2 expression. SnoN2 was limited to interstitial cells, with reduced staining intensity observed associated with the timing of spermatogenesis resumption. We conclude that somatic and germ cells at all differentiation stages are actively transducing TGFβ superfamily signals but that responses to these ligands may be selectively modulated by controlled production and nuclear localization of SnoN2. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single photon fluorescent microlithography for live‐cell imaging
Authors: Kunik Darío , Aramendia Pedro F. , Martínez Oscar E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractUsing fluorescent dyes to trigger the polymerization of a commercial polyurethane resin allows a rapid fabrication of micrometer and submicrometer sized fluorescent structures by one‐photon absorption. Here, we show that standard He–Ne lasers emitting at 632.8 nm can be used to start the photopolymerization and that very low laser power is required. This procedure allows the fabrication of fiduciary fluorescent references on standard glass coverslips, mica sheets, or gold‐coated coverslips for laser scanning or standard fluorescent microscopy. The biocompatibility of the polymerized resin with cells in culture was tested by growing Xenopus melanophores and a standard laser scanning microscope was used to demonstrate that it is possible to use equipment readily available in several laboratories. We show that fluorescent structure with less than 10 nm in height may be used as references in fluorescence microscopy allowing a smooth environment for cell growth. Different dyes were tested and the conditions for one‐photon polymerization were outlined. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promotional role of microcredit: Evidence from the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh
Authors: Basher Md. Abul 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates whether the income augmenting role of microcredit is attributable only to increased participation of the borrower in economic activities or switch to more productive activities also. The paper provides a framework to analyze this question in absence of any longitudinal data. By using the data from the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, the paper finds that microcredit enables the borrowers to move progressively into more productive activities as they become experienced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technical efficiency in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector
Authors: Pham Hung T. , Dao Thanh L. , Reilly Barry 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe manufacturing sector has developed into the Vietnamese economy's most important sector on the basis of its contribution to export and GDP growth over the past decade. The doi moi reform process transformed Vietnam's manufacturing activity from a state‐dominated sector to a vibrant one containing important roles for both newly created domestic and foreign‐invested private firms. This paper employs a stochastic frontier estimation approach, in conjunction with data drawn from the Vietnam Enterprise Survey for 2003, to estimate and inform the determinants of technical efficiency in the manufacturing sector. The empirical results reveal that an average manufacturing enterprise is operating at nearly 62 per cent of its technically efficient frontier with an estimated standard deviation of around 16 per cent. The study provides empirical evidence of a positive relationship between technical efficiency, export orientation and several measures of trade openness. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiosynthesis and preliminary biodistribution in mice of 6‐deoxy‐6‐[131I]iodo‐L‐ascorbic acid
Authors: Kim Jintaek , Yamamoto Fumihiko , Karasawa Satoru , Mukai Takahiro , Maeda Minoru 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAn ascorbate analog labeled with iodine‐131, 6‐deoxy‐ 6‐[131I]iodo‐L‐ascorbic acid was prepared for evaluation as an in vivo tracer of L‐ascorbic acid. The no‐carrier‐added radiosynthesis was conducted by nucleophilic bromine–iodine exchange between the brominated precursor and sodium [131I]iodide in 2‐pentanone at 130–140°C. HPLC purification using a reverse‐phase column gave 6‐deoxy‐6‐[131I]iodo‐L‐ascorbic acid in radiochemical yield of 36–60% with high radiochemical purity and satisfactory‐specific radioactivity in a total preparation time of 90 min. Biodistribution studies in fibrosarcoma‐bearing mice showed a high uptake in the adrenal glands, accompanied by low activity of tumor accumulation, accumulation properties similar to previous results obtained with 14C‐labeled ascorbic acid and 6‐deoxy‐6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐ascorbic acid, in spite of high level of deiodination. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracellular matrix produced by bone marrow stromal cells and by their derivative, SB623 cells, supports neural cell growth
Authors: Aizman Irina , Tate Ciara C. , McGrogan Michael , Case Casey C. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSeveral studies have shown the benefits of transplanting bone marrow‐derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) into neurodegenerative lesions of the central nervous system, despite a low engraftment rate and the poor persistence of grafts. It is known that the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulates neuritogenesis and glial growth, but little is known about effects of MSC‐derived ECM on neural cells. In this study, we demonstrate in vitro that the ECM produced by MSC can support neural cell attachment and growth. We also compare the neurosupportive properties of MSC to the MSC derivative, SB623 cells, which is being developed as a cell therapy for stroke. Embryonic rat brain cortical cells cultured for 3 weeks on human MSC‐ and SB623 cell‐derived ECM exhibit about a 1.5 and 3 times higher metabolic activity, respectively, compared with the cultures grown on poly‐D‐lysine (PDL), although the initial neural cell adhesion to cell‐derived ECM and PDL is similar. The MSC‐ and SB623 cell‐derived ECM protects neural cells from nutrient and growth factor deprivation. Under the conditions used, only neurons grow on PDL. In contrast, both MSC‐ and SB623 cell‐derived ECMs support the growth of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, as demonstrated by immunostaining. Morphologically, neurons on cell‐derived ECM form more complex and extended neurite networks than those cultured on PDL. Together, these data indicate that the beneficial effect of MSC and SB623 cells in neurotransplantation could be explained in part by the neurosupportive properties of the ECM produced by these cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of Bcl‐XL in human neural stem cells promotes graft survival and functional recovery following transplantation in spinal cord injury
Authors: Lee Seung I. , Kim Byung G. , Hwang Dong H. , Kim Hyuk M. , Kim Seung U. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTransplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has shown promise for improving functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). The inhospitable milieu of injured spinal cord, however, does not support survival of grafted NSCs, reducing therapeutic efficacy of transplantation. The present study sought to examine whether overexpression of antiapoptotic gene Bcl‐XL in NSCs could promote graft survival and functional recovery following transplantation in rat contusive SCI model. A human NSC line (HB1.F3) was transduced with a retroviral vector encoding Bcl‐XL to generate Bcl‐XL‐overexpressing NSCs (HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL). Overexpression of Bcl‐XL conferred resistance to staurosporine‐mediated apoptosis. The number of HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL cells was 1.5‐fold higher at 2 weeks and 10‐fold higher at 7 weeks posttransplantation than that of HB1.F3 cells. There was no decline in the number of HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL cells between 2 and 7 weeks, indicating that Bcl‐XL overexpression completely blocked cell death occurring between these two time points. Transplantation of HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL cells improved locomotor scores and enhanced accuracy of hindlimb placement in a grid walk. Approximately 10% of surviving NSCs differentiated into oligodendrocytes. Surviving NSCs produced brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the level of BDNF was significantly increased only in the HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL group. Transplantation of HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL cells reduced cavity volumes and enhanced white matter sparing. Finally, HB1.F3.Bcl‐XL grafts enhanced connectivity between the red nucleus and the spinal cord below the lesion. These results suggest that enhancing graft survival with antiapoptotic gene can potentiate therapeutic benefits of NSC‐based therapy for SCI. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin transporter, 5‐HT1Areceptor, and behavior in DBA/2J mice in comparison with four inbred mouse strains
Authors: Popova Nina K. , Naumenko Vladimir S. , Tibeikina Marina A. , Kulikov Alexander V. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPrepulse inhibition (PPI), the reduction in acoustic startle produced when it is preceded by a weak prepulse stimulus, is impaired in schizophrenic patients. The DBA/2J mouse strain displayed deficient PPI and is therefore suggested as an experimental animal model for the loss of sensorimotor gating in schizophrenia. Brain serotonin (5‐HT) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. In the present study, behavior, 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) mRNA level, 5‐HT1Areceptor mRNA level, and 5‐HT1Areceptor density in the brain regions were studied in DBA/2J mice in comparison with four inbred mouse strains (CBA/Lac, C57BL/6, BALB/c, and ICR). A decrease in 5‐HTT mRNA level in the midbrain and a reduced density of 5‐HT1Areceptors in the frontal cortex without significant changes in 5‐HT1Areceptor mRNA level in DBA/2J mice were found. It was shown that, along with decreased PPI, DBA/2J mice demonstrated considerably reduced immobility in the tail suspension test and in the forced swim test. No significant interstrain differences in intermale aggression, or in light‐dark box and elevated plus‐maze tests, were found. The results suggested the involvement of decreased 5‐HTT gene expression and 5‐HT1Areceptor density in genetically defined PPI deficiency and showed a lack of any association between PPI deficiency and predisposition to aggressive, anxiety, and depressive‐like behaviors. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cannabinoid modulation of cortical adrenergic receptors and transporters
Authors: Reyes B.A.S. , Rosario J.C. , Piana P.M.T. , Van Bockstaele E.J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe previously reported that administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 causes an increase in norepinephrine (NE) efflux in the frontal cortex (FC). The present study examined the expression levels of α2‐ and β1‐adrenergic receptors (ARs) as well as the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the FC of rats following exposure to WIN 55,212‐2. Rats received systemic injection of WIN 55,212‐2 (3 mg/kg) acutely or for 7 days. Another group of rats received repeated WIN 55,212‐2 treatment followed by a period of abstinence. Control rats received vehicle injections. Rats were euthanized 30 min after the last WIN 55,212‐2 injection, the FC was microdissected, and protein extracts were probed for α2‐AR, β1‐AR, and NET. Results showed that β1‐AR expression was significantly decreased following repeated WIN 55,212‐2 treatment but significantly increased following a period of abstinence. α2‐AR expression showed no significant change in all groups examined. NET expression was significantly decreased following acute WIN 55,212‐2 treatment, with no changes following chronic administration or a period of abstinence. Alterations in NET may arise from modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CB1) that are localized to noradrenergic axon terminals as we demonstrate colocalization of CB1 receptor and NET in the same cortical axonal processes. The present findings support significant alterations in adrenergic receptor and NET expression in the FC after WIN 55,212 exposure that may underlie the reported changes in attention, cognition, and anxiety commonly observed after cannabinoid exposure. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The need for work: Jahoda's latent functions of employment in a representative sample of the German population
Authors: Paul Karsten I. , Batinic Bernad 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMarie Jahoda's latent deprivation model was tested with a representative sample of the German population (N = 998). As expected, employees reported high levels of time structure, social contact, collective purpose, and activity not only in comparison to unemployed persons but also in comparison to persons who are out of the labor force (i.e., students, homemakers, retirees). Even unskilled manual workers reported more access to these “latent functions” than persons without employment. For the fifth of Jahoda's dimensions, identity/status, no significant differences between employed persons and persons who are out of the labor force could be identified. However, unemployed persons reported less status than all other groups did. Thus, Jahoda's model was clearly endorsed for four of the five latent functions of employment and partly endorsed for the fifth function. All variables in the model correlated significantly with distress, as expected. Demographic correlates of the manifest and latent functions were also analyzed: Access to the latent functions was best among young men from higher social classes who lived in an intimate relationship in a comparatively large household with children. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadaveric flatfoot model: Ligament attenuation and Achilles tendon overpull
Authors: Blackman Andrew J. , Blevins Joanna J. , Sangeorzan Bruce J. , Ledoux William R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFlatfoot deformity is characterized by loss of the medial longitudinal arch, forefoot abduction, hindfoot eversion, and often Achilles tendon contracture. Our objectives were to validate a cadaveric flatfoot model that involves selective ligament attenuation and to determine if Achilles tendon overpull is associated with increased pes planus severity. We measured the three‐dimensional (3D) orientation of the bones of interest in the unloaded, loaded, and Achilles tendon overpull conditions. A flatfoot model was created by attenuating ligaments involved in the pes planus deformity followed by cyclic axial loading, and bone orientations were acquired in the three conditions. Significant differences seen between normal feet and flat feet were consistent with those seen with the pes planus deformity. The first metatarsal dorsiflexed and abducted relative to the talus. The navicular abducted relative to the talus. The calcaneus everted relative to the tibia. The talus plantar flexed and adducted. Achilles overpull resulted in first metatarsal‐to‐talus dorsiflexion and navicular‐to‐talus abduction. Thus, selective ligament attenuation followed by cyclic axial loading can create a cadaveric flatfoot model consistent with the in vivo deformity. Longitudinal arch depression, hindfoot eversion, talonavicular joint abduction, forefoot abduction, and talar plantar flexion were seen. Simulated Achilles tendon contracture increased the severity of the deformity, particularly in arch depression and forefoot abduction. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1547–1554, 2009
Climates of the past: evidence from natural and documentary archives
Authors: Robertson Iain , Froyd Cynthia A. , Gagen Mary , Hicks Sheila 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis special issue of the Journal of Quaternary Science contains a set of 12 papers based upon a thematic session aimed at reconstructing climate of the last 1000 years from multi‐proxy archives, held at the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA) XVII Congress in Cairns, Australia. New techniques are presented to enable the extraction of proxy climatic data from natural and documentary archives with the aim of preserving environmental information across all temporal scales. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of uncertainty using Bayesian and bootstrap models to simulate the impact of nitrogen fertilisation on β‐glucan levels in barley
Authors: Fontana Marta , Cummins Enda , Buiatti Stefano , Sensidoni Alessandro 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: β‐Glucans have enjoyed renewed interest as a functional food ingredient, with current attention focused on optimising β‐glucan levels in finished products without compromising final product quality. In order to measure the uncertainty about the level of β‐glucans in barley, two different statistical methods (Bayesian inference and Bootstrap technique) were applied to measured levels of β‐glucan in three different varieties of barley grain (n = 83).RESULTS: The resulting probability density distributions were similar for the full data set and also when applied to smaller sample sizes, highlighting the potential for either method in quantifying the total uncertainty in β‐glucan levels. Bayesian inference was used to model the effect of nitrogen treatment on β‐glucan and protein contents in barley. The model found that a low level of fertilisation (50 kg N ha−1) did not have a significant effect on β‐glucan or protein content. However, fertilisation above this level did result in an increase in β‐glucan and protein levels, the effect seeming to plateau at 100 kg N ha−1. In addition, the uncertainty distributions were significantly different for two consecutive years of data, highlighting the potential environmental influence on β‐glucan content.CONCLUSION: The model developed in this study could be a useful tool for processors to quantify the uncertainty about the initial level of β‐glucan in barley and to evaluate the influence of environmental factors, thus enabling them to formulate their ingredient base to optimise levels of β‐glucan without compromising final product quality. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of lipoxygenase activity and red seed coat on rice bran deterioration
Authors: Zhang Ying , He Chengfang , Wu Yuejin , Yang Jianbo , Xuan Hong , Zhu Xuegui 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Many studies have suggested that the main reason for rice bran deterioration is the effect of lipase, but there have been fewer reports about the effect of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and red seed coat on rice bran deterioration. In this study, several rice bran materials with white or red coat and different LOX isozyme activities and near isogenic lines about the colour of coat and LOX isozymes were subjected to accelerated aging experiments, during which their fatty acid values were monitored.RESULTS: Rice bran materials with different LOX isozyme activities and colour of coat showed different changes in fatty acid value during aging. Red coat with high LOX‐1,2 and low LOX‐3 activity caused the fatty acid value to increase at a lower rate than white coat with low LOX‐1,2 and high LOX‐3 activity, while the latter caused the fatty acid value to increase at a lower rate than white coat with low LOX‐1,2,3 activity. The results for the near isogenic line further confirmed the role of LOX isozyme activity and the colour of coat in rice bran deterioration.CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that high LOX isozyme activity is beneficial to delay rice bran deterioration; for example, high LOX‐1,2 activity is essential for red rice bran storage, while high LOX‐3 activity is essential for white rice bran storage. The results of this investigation may be helpful in further studies of the mechanism of rice bran deterioration. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Value of multidetector‐row computed tomography in the preoperative T and N staging of gastric carcinoma: A large‐scale Chinese study
Authors: Yan Chao , Zhu Zheng‐Gang , Yan Min , Zhang Huan , Pan Zi‐Lai , Chen Jun , Xiang Min , Chen Ming‐Min , Liu Bing‐Ya , Yin Hao‐Ran , Lin Yan‐Zhen 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the value of multidetector‐row computed tomography (MDCT) in the preoperative T and N staging of gastric carcinoma and to further investigate the clinicopathological factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy.MethodsSeven hundred ninety gastric carcinoma patients underwent preoperative MDCT examination. The results of MDCT were compared with surgical and pathological findings.ResultsEarly gastric carcinoma patients whose primary tumor was detected by MDCT had higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, larger tumor size, and deeper invasion. The overall accuracy of MDCT in determining T stage of gastric carcinoma was 73.80% (T1 45.93%, T2 53.03%, T3 86.49%, and T4 85.79%). The overall accuracy of MDCT in preoperative N staging was 75.22% (N0 76.17%, N1 68.81%, and N2 80.63%). The overall diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT for determining lymph node metastasis was 86.26%, 76.17%, and 82.09%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the diagnostic sensitivity of MDCT in determining lymph node metastasis related with tumor size, N stage, and number of metastatic lymph nodes.ConclusionsThe clinical value of MDCT in the preoperative T and N staging of gastric carcinoma is relatively high. MDCT can be the first choice for the preoperative evaluation of patients with gastric carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:205–214. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.