bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection Limits and Decomposition Mechanisms for Organic Contaminants in Water Using Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Trevino Kristina J. , Fisher Ellen R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn addition to drinking water resources, the need for clean water in many industrial processes is critical. Among potential contaminants, those associated with fuel oxygenate additives (e.g. MTBE) are of concern as they partition into aqueous phases. Development of methods for detection and decontamination, including plasma pollution control, have been the objective of many studies. Here, inductively‐coupled rf plasmas were used for detection of organic contaminants (CH3OH, MTBE) in water. Parent molecule decomposition was followed using actinometric OES. Emission from CO* yielded a detection limit of 0.01 ppm for each compound. Complementary mass spectrometry data were also collected to explore decomposition mechanisms.magnified image
Aegerolysins: Structure, function, and putative biological role
Authors: Berne Sabina , Lah Ljerka , Sepčić Kristina 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAegerolysins, discovered in fungi, bacteria and plants, are highly similar proteins with interesting biological properties. Certain aegerolysins possess antitumoral, antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities. Further possible medicinal applications include their use in the prevention of atherosclerosis, or as vaccines. Additional biotechnological value of fungal aegerolysins lies in their involvement in development, which could improve cultivation of commercially important edible mushrooms. Besides, new insights on microheterogeneity of raft‐like membrane domains could be gained by using aegerolysins as specific markers in cell and molecular biology. Although the exact function of aegerolysins in their producing organisms remains to be explained, they are biochemically well characterized all‐β structured proteins sharing the following common features: low isoelectric points, similar molecular weights (15–17 kDa), and stability in a wide pH range.
Characterizing and controlling the inherent dynamics of cyclophilin‐A
Authors: Schlegel Jennifer , Armstrong Geoffrey S. , Redzic Jasmina S. , Zhang Fengli , Eisenmesser Elan Zohar 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWith the recent advances in NMR relaxation techniques, protein motions on functionally important timescales can be studied at atomic resolution. Here, we have used NMR‐based relaxation experiments at several temperatures and both 600 and 900 MHz to characterize the inherent dynamics of the enzyme cyclophilin‐A (CypA). We have discovered multiple chemical exchange processes within the enzyme that form a “dynamic continuum” that spans 20–30 Å comprising active site residues and residues proximal to the active site. By combining mutagenesis with these NMR relaxation techniques, a simple method of counting the dynamically sampled conformations has been developed. Surprisingly, a combination of point mutations has allowed for the specific regulation of many of the exchange processes that occur within CypA, suggesting that the dynamics of an enzyme may be engineered.
Switching of molecular magnets
Authors: Misiorny Maciej , Barnaś Józef 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this paper we consider magnetic properties of single‐molecule magnets (SMMs). The main focus, however, is on possible mechanisms of magnetic switching of SMMs. One mechanism considered is the phenomenon of macroscopic quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) in an external time‐dependent magnetic field. When the molecule is additionally attached to magnetic leads, the phenomenon of QTM is associated with transfer of charge and spin between the leads, so the SMM can work as a charge and/or spin pump. Another possibility follows from spin momentum transfer from conduction electrons to the molecule, which effectively may reverse spin moment of the molecule attached to magnetic leads, provided the bias voltage exceeds some threshold value determined by the anisotropy barrier. To calculate the basic transport characteristics we apply the rate equation to a model Hamiltonian that includes exchange interaction of tunneling electrons with the molecule's magnetic core and electron correlations in the LUMO level. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic field induced charging effect in a single CdSe quantum dot
Authors: Ren Qijun , Bai Lihui , Murayama Akihiro , Chen Zhanghai , Shen Xuechu 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe report the magneto‐photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements on single CdSe/ZnSe self‐assembled QDs. The evolution of the single dot excitonic transition lines exhibits an abnormal energy shift which deviates from the diamagnetic shift and linewidth broadening under magnetic field, followed by the photoluminescence quench at a certain magnetic field. A model involving electron cyclotron motion and tunneling processes is proposed to interpret these novel phenomena and is verified by the coincidence of the large energy shift and the linewidth broadening. This mechanism could be an effective way of external control of charges and optical properties of single QDs. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
β-Catenin Expression in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment Is Required for Long-Term Maintenance of Primitive Hematopoietic Cells
Authors: Nemeth Michael J. , Mak Kingston K. , Yang Yingzi , Bodine David M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Hematopoiesis is dependent upon the bone marrow microenvironment, which is comprised of multiple mesenchymal cell types, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, osteoblasts, and stroma progenitors. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which relies on the β-catenin protein to mediate its signal, is necessary for the normal development of mesenchymal tissue. We hypothesized that canonical Wnt signaling regulates the cellular composition and function of the bone marrow microenvironment. We observed that a β-catenin-deficient bone marrow microenvironment maintained hematopoietic stem cells but exhibited a decreased capacity to support primitive hematopoietic cells. These results correlated with decreased numbers of osteoblasts and with decreased production of basic fibroblast growth factor, stem cell factor, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. From these data, we propose a model in which β-catenin in the microenvironment is required noncell autonomously for long-term maintenance of hematopoietic progenitors.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Endogenous Wnt Signaling Maintains Neural Progenitor Cell Potency
Authors: Wexler Eric M. , Paucer Andres , Kornblum Harley I. , Palmer Theodore D. , Geschwind Daniel H. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates neural stem cell (NSC) function and development throughout an individual's lifetime. Intriguingly, adult hippocampal progenitors (AHPs) produce several Wnts, and the intracellular machinery necessary to respond to them, creating the potential for an active autocrine-signaling loop within this stem cell niche. However, the standard luciferase-based Wnt assay failed to detect this signaling loop. This assay is inherently less temporally sensitive to activity among a population of unsynchronized proliferating cells because it relies on the rapidly degrading reporter luciferase. We circumvented this limitation using a promoter assay that employs green fluorescent protein (GFP), as a relatively long-lived reporter of canonical Wnt activity. We found that at baseline, AHPs secreted functional Wnt that self-stimulates low-level canonical Wnt signaling. Elimination baseline Wnt activity, via application of an extracellular Wnt antagonist promoted neurogenesis, based on a combination of unbiased gene expression analysis and cell-fate analysis. A detailed clonal analysis of progenitors transduced with specific intracellular antagonists of canonical signaling, either Axin or truncated cadherin (β-catenin sequestering), revealed that loss of baseline signaling depletes the population of multipotent precursors, thereby driving an increasing fraction to assume a committed cell fate (i.e., unipotent progenitors). Similarly, baseline Wnt signaling repressed differentiation of human NSCs. Although the specific Wnts produced by neural precursors vary with age and between species, their effects remain remarkably consistent. In sum, this study establishes that autonomous Wnt signaling is a conserved feature of the neurogenic niche that preserves the delicate balance between NSC maintenance and differentiation.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Polycistronic Lentiviral Vector for “Hit and Run” Reprogramming of Adult Skin Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Chang Chia-Wei , Lai Yi-Shin , Pawlik Kevin M. , Liu Kaimao , Sun Chiao-Wang , Li Chao , Schoeb Trenton R. , Townes Tim M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
We report the derivation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from adult skin fibroblasts using a single, polycistronic lentiviral vector encoding the reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4. Porcine teschovirus-1 2A sequences that trigger ribosome skipping were inserted between human cDNAs for these factors, and the polycistron was subcloned downstream of the elongation factor 1 alpha promoter in a self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vector containing a loxP site in the truncated 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR). Adult skin fibroblasts from a humanized mouse model of sickle cell disease were transduced with this single lentiviral vector, and iPS cell colonies were picked within 30 days. These cells expressed endogenous Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, alkaline phosphatase, stage-specific embryonic antigen-1, and other markers of pluripotency. The iPS cells produced teratomas containing tissue derived from all three germ layers after injection into immunocompromised mice and formed high-level chimeras after injection into murine blastocysts. iPS cell lines with as few as three lentiviral insertions were obtained. Expression of Cre recombinase in these iPS cells resulted in deletion of the lentiviral vector, and sequencing of insertion sites demonstrated that remnant 291-bp SIN LTRs containing a single loxP site did not interrupt coding sequences, promoters, or known regulatory elements. These results suggest that a single, polycistronic “hit and run” vector can safely and effectively reprogram adult dermal fibroblasts into iPS cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Nanotoxicology: a personal perspective
Authors: Holl Mark M. Banaszak 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNanoparticles arise from a wide variety of natural and man‐made sources and have a diverse array of biological, chemical, and physical properties. The toxicity of these particles can be roughly divided into two categories: 1) the enhanced delivery of toxic agents 2) toxicity induced the properties of the particle itself. The use of nanoparticles to provide enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutics is presented followed by a discussion of the size‐based effects of electron transfer and physical membrane disruption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Influence of Nanogels on Mechanical, Dynamic Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Elastomers
Authors: Mitra Suman , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Bhowmick Anil K 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Use of sulfur crosslinked nanogels to improve various properties of virgin elastomers was investigated for the first time. Natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanogels were prepared by prevulcanization of the respective rubber lattices. These nanogels were characterized by dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy (AFM), solvent swelling, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical property measurements. Intermixing of gel and matrix at various ratios was carried out. Addition of NR gels greatly improved the green strength of SBR, whereas presence of SBR nanogels induced greater thermal stability in NR. For example, addition of 16 phr of NR gel increased the maximum tensile stress value of neat SBR by more than 48%. Noticeable increase in glass transition temperature of the gel filled systems was also observed. Morphology of these gel filled elastomers was studied by a combination of energy dispersive X-ray mapping, transmission electron microscopy, and AFM techniques. Particulate filler composite reinforcement models were used to understand the reinforcement mechanism of these nanogels.
Predictors of response to group cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Raffin Andréa Litvin , Guimarães Fachel Jandyra Maria , Ferrão Ygor Arzeno , Pasquoto de Souza Fernanda , Cordioli Aristides Volpato 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurposeTo identify the presence of factors associated with treatment outcome in patients under group cognitive-behavioral therapy (GCBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Subjects and methodsThis study evaluated 181 patients with OCD that attended a 12-session weekly GCBT program. Response criteria were: ≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS scores and global improvement score of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) ≤ 2 at post-treatment evaluation. Sociodemographic data, OCD characteristics, and treatment data were studied.ResultsIn the bivariate analysis, the following variables showed statistical significance (p< 0.20) to enter the regression model: being woman (p= 0.074), greater insight (p= 0.017) and better quality of life (QOL) in all domains before treatment (p= 0.053), overall severity of disease according to the CGI (p= 0.007), number of associated comorbidities (p= 0.063), social phobia (p= 0.044), and dysthymia (p= 0.072). In the final regression model, these variables were associated with response to GCBT: female gender (p= 0.021); WHOQOL-BREF psychological domain (p= 0.011); insight (p= 0.042); and global improvement score of the CGI severity-scale before therapy (p= 0.045).ConclusionSpecial attention should be paid to patients with poor insight, increasing the cognitive aspects of the therapy in an attempt to modify the rigidity and fixity of their beliefs. In addition, male patients should be more observed, since they showed lower chance of response to GCBT when compared to women. Patients with more severe global symptoms (CGI) are poorer responders to GCBT, which indicates that not only obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) should be evaluated, since other symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, may affect the treatment; therefore, an attempt to reduce these symptoms, prior to the treatment of OCD, should be considered as an option in some cases.
The influence of baseline symptoms and insight on the therapeutic alliance early in the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Wittorf Andreas , Jakobi Ute , Bechdolf Andreas , Müller Bernhard , Sartory Gudrun , Wagner Michael , Wiedemann Georg , Wölwer Wolfgang , Herrlich Jutta , Buchkremer Gerhard , Klingberg Stefan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe consistent association between therapeutic alliance and outcome underlines the importance of identifying factors which predict the development of a positive alliance. However, only few studies have examined the association between pretreatment characteristics and alliance formation in patients with schizophrenia.ObjectiveThe study examined whether symptoms and insight would predict the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy of schizophrenia. Further, the associations and differences between patient and therapist alliance ratings were studied.MethodsEighty patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders received manual-based psychotherapy. Assessment of symptoms and insight was conducted at baseline, and questionnaire-based alliance ratings were obtained three weeks into treatment. Patient and therapist alliance ratings were examined separately.ResultsPatient and therapist alliance ratings were not significantly correlated (r = 0.17). Patient ratings of the alliance were significantly higher than the ratings of their therapists (d = 0.73). More insight in psychosis significantly predicted higher patient ratings of the alliance. Less positive and negative symptoms were significant predictors of higher therapist alliance ratings.ConclusionThe findings indicate that symptoms and insight have an influence on the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Patients' and therapists' perceptions of the alliance do not seem to demonstrate much convergence.
The geography of metropolitan carbon footprints
Authors: Brown Marilyn A , Southworth Frank , Sarzynski Andrea 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The world's metropolitan carbon footprints have distinct geographies that are not well understood or recognized in debates about climate change, partly because data on greenhouse gas emissions is so inadequate. This article describes the results of the most comprehensive assessment of carbon footprints for major American metropolitan areas available to date, focusing on residential and transportation carbon emissions for the largest 100 metropolitan areas in the United States. These findings are put into the context of efforts across the country and the globe to characterize carbon impacts and policy linkages.
Investigating whether adverse prenatal and perinatal events are associated with non-clinical psychotic symptoms at age 12 years in the ALSPAC birth cohort
Authors: Zammit S. , Odd D. , Horwood J. , Thompson A. , Thomas K. , Menezes P. , Gunnell D. , Hollis C. , Wolke D. , Lewis G. , Harrison G. 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundNon-clinical psychosis-like symptoms (PLIKS) occur in about 15% of the population. It is not clear whether adverse events during early development alter the risk of developing PLIKS. We aimed to examine whether maternal infection, diabetes or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, gestational age, perinatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation or 5-min Apgar score were associated with development of psychotic symptoms during early adolescence.MethodA longitudinal study of 6356 12-year-old adolescents who completed a semi-structured interview for psychotic symptoms in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort. Prenatal and perinatal data were obtained from obstetric records and maternal questionnaires completed during pregnancy.ResultsThe presence of definite psychotic symptoms was associated with maternal infection during pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.86, p=0.006], maternal diabetes (adjusted OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.14–10.36, p=0.029), need for resuscitation (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.97–2.31, p=0.065) and 5-min Apgar score (adjusted OR per unit decrease 1.30, 95% CI 1.12–1.50, p<0.001). None of these associations were mediated by childhood IQ score. Most associations persisted, but were less strong, when including suspected symptoms as part of the outcome. There was no association between PLIKS and gestational age or pre-eclampsia.ConclusionsAdverse events during early development may lead to an increased risk of developing PLIKS. Although the status of PLIKS in relation to clinical disorders such as schizophrenia is not clear, the similarity between these results and findings reported for schizophrenia indicates that future studies of PLIKS may help us to understand how psychotic experiences and clinical disorders develop throughout the life-course.
Early adversity and 5-HTT/BDNF genes: new evidence of gene–environment interactions on depressive symptoms in a general population
Authors: Aguilera M. , Arias B. , Wichers M. , Barrantes-Vidal N. , Moya J. , Villa H. , van Os J. , Ibáñez M. I. , Ruipérez M. A. , Ortet G. , Fañanás L. 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences have been described as one of the major environmental risk factors for depressive disorder. Similarly, the deleterious impact of early traumatic experiences on depression seems to be moderated by individual genetic variability. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulate the effect of childhood adversity on adult depression, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. Moreover, the gene×environment (G×E) interaction concerning the different types of childhood adversity remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the putative interaction between the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR polymorphism), the BDNF gene (Val66Met polymorphism) and childhood adversity in accounting for adult depressive symptoms.MethodA sample of 534 healthy individuals filled in self-report questionnaires of depressive symptomatology [the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and different types of childhood adversities [the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) and the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) were genotyped in the whole sample.ResultsTotal childhood adversity (β=0.27, p<0.001), childhood sexual abuse (CSA; β=0.17, p<0.001), childhood emotional abuse (β=0.27, p<0.001) and childhood emotional neglect (β=0.22, p<0.001) had an impact on adult depressive symptoms. CSA had a greater impact on depressive symptoms in Met allele carriers of the BDNF gene than in the Val/Val group (F=5.87, p<0.0001), and in S carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) (F=5.80, p<0.0001).ConclusionsChildhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms.
Maternal mental state talk and infants' early gestural communication
Authors: SLAUGHTER VIRGINIA , PETERSON CANDIDA C. , CARPENTER MALINDA 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTTwenty-four infants were tested monthly for the production of imperative and declarative gestures between 0 ; 9 and 1 ; 3 and concurrent mother–infant free-play sessions were conducted at 0 ; 9, 1 ; 0 and 1 ; 3 (Carpenter, Nagell & Tomasello, 1998). Free-play transcripts were subsequently coded for maternal talk about mental states. Results revealed that the earlier infants produced imperative gestures, the more frequently their mothers made reference to the infants' own volitional states (want, try, need, etc.) at 1 ; 3. The same relation also emerged using maternal reports of their infants' gestural communication on a standard language development measure. These results indicate that mothers' talk about desires and intentions is linked to their infants' early developing communicative competence.