bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concise Review: Regulation of Embryonic Stem Cell Lineage Commitment by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
Authors: Binétruy Bernard , Heasley Lynn , Bost Frédéric , Caron Leslie , Aouadi Myriam 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells can give rise, in vivo, to the ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal germ layers and, in vitro, can differentiate into multiple cell lineages, offering broad perspectives in regenerative medicine. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing ES cell commitment is an essential challenge in this field. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38MAPK are able to regulate ES commitment from early steps of the process to mature differentiated cells. Whereas the ERK pathway inhibits the self-renewal of ES cells, upon commitment this pathway is involved in the development of extraembryonic tissues, in early mesoderm differentiation, and in the formation of mature adipocytes; p38MAPK displays a large spectrum of action from neurons to adipocytes, and JNK is involved in both ectoderm and primitive endoderm differentiations. Furthermore, for a given pathway, several of these effects are isoform-dependent, revealing the complexity of the cellular response to activation of MAPK pathways. Regarding tissue regeneration, the potential outcome of systematic analysis of the function of different MAPKs in different ES cell differentiation programs is discussed.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Association of a serotonin receptor 2A gene polymorphism with cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Üçok Alp , Alpsan Hale , Çakır Sibel , Saruhan‐Direskeneli Güher 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between the T102C polymorphism on the 5HT2A gene and cognitive function as well as clinical manifestations in patients with schizophrenia. Eighty‐two outpatients with schizophrenia participated in this study. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to assess the severity of each patient's symptoms. In order to evaluate their short‐term attention capacity, a Digit Span Test was used. The Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was used to test the sustained attention span of each of the subjects. Cognitive flexibility was measured with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). The polymorphism of the 5‐HT2A gene at codon 102 (T/C) was genotyped by sequence specific polymerase chain reaction. The T allele at codon 102 correlated with a lower hit rate and more commission errors in the CPT and patients with the heterogeneous genotype (TC) had more commission errors than those who were of homogeneous type (CC or TT). Patients with the TC genotype also had significantly fewer correct responses in the WCST compared to those who were type CC or TT. No relationship was found to exist between the C allele and cognitive variables. There was also no relationship established between the codon 102 polymorphism and clinical parameters. These findings suggest that the TC genotype might be related to certain cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of four serotonin‐related genes on decision‐making in suicide attempters
Authors: Jollant Fabrice , Buresi Catherine , Guillaume Sébastien , Jaussent Isabelle , Bellivier Frank , Leboyer Marion , Castelnau Didier , Malafosse Alain , Courtet Philippe 
Published: January 2007

AbstractGenetic factors have been associated with the vulnerability to suicidal behavior. We previously reported decision‐making impairment in suicide attempters and hypothesized that these cognitive alterations may represent an endophenotype of suicidal behavior. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of four serotonin‐related genes relevant to suicidal behavior on decision‐making, in a large population of suicide attempters. The Iowa Gambling Task was used to assess decision‐making in 168 patients with a personal history of attempted suicide. Patients were genotyped for four serotonergic polymorphisms: 5HTTLPR, TPH1 A218C, MAOA u‐VNTR, and TPH2 rs1118997. Patients carrying the 5HTTLPR‐ll and ‐sl, TPH1‐CC and ‐AC, MAOA‐HH (in women) and TPH2‐AA genotypes significantly improved their performance during the task, suggesting a genetic modulation of the learning process required for advantageous decision‐making. In contrast, genotypes previously associated with a higher risk of suicidal behavior, a greater sensitivity to the environment and a higher propensity to negative feelings are those conferring poorer learning abilities. We hypothesize that the influence of genetic factors on the vulnerability to suicidal behavior may partly be achieved through their modulation of decision‐making and particularly its learning component. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study and improvement of the conditions for production of a novel alkali stable catalase
Authors: Hua Zhaozhe , Yan Guoliang , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian 
Published: January 2007

AbstractCatalase (CAT) is an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of H2O2 to O2 and H2O. It has recently acquired interest due to its attractive potential application in the textile industries. In a previous study, a bacterium with slight halophilic and alkaliphilic characteristics, Bacillus sp. F26, was isolated and found to produce high‐level alkaline CAT. In the present study, the effects of culture conditions on the CAT production were investigated. The results showed that the highest activity of CAT (13.9 U/mg protein) was obtained when glucose (15 g/L) was used as carbon source. The utilization of the mixture of corn steep liquid and beef extract stimulated both bacterial growth and CAT synthesis. The highest biomass (4.5 g/L) and activity of CAT (16.5 U/mg protein) were found synchronously when 10 g/L corn steep liquid and 10 g/L beef extract were used as nitrogen source. The addition of H2O2 as an oxidative stress was used to enhance CAT production in the flasks. It was found that the activity of CAT was increased by 51.3–22.8 U/mg protein compared with the control when 2 mmol/L H2O2 was added at later exponential phases (16 h), although the cell growth was significantly inhibited. Based on the above, an exponential H2O2 feed strategy was developed, in which the feed rate of H2O2 was controlled according to specific cell growth rate (μ). In this way, the maximum CAT production (29.9 U/mL) was obtained, which was 92.8 and 20.7% higher than that in batch and constant rate fed‐batch fermentation, respectively.
Wax removal for accelerated cotton scouring with alkaline pectinase
Authors: Agrawal Pramod B. , Nierstrasz Vincent A. , Klug‐Santner Barbara G. , Gübitz Georg M. , Lenting Herman B. M. , Warmoeskerken Marijn M. C. G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA rational approach has been applied to design a new environmentally acceptable and industrially viable enzymatic scouring process. Owing to the substrate specificity, the selection of enzymes depends on the structure and composition of the substrate, i.e. cotton fibre. The structure and composition of the outer layers of cotton fibre has been established on the basis of thorough literature study, which identifies wax and pectin removal to be the key steps for successful scouring process. Three main issues are discussed here, i.e. benchmarking of the existing alkaline scouring process, an evaluation of several selected acidic and alkaline pectinases for scouring, and the effect of wax removal treatment on pectinase performance. It has been found that the pectinolytic capability of alkaline pectinases on cotton pectin is nearly 75% higher than that of acidic pectinases. It is concluded that an efficient wax removal prior to pectinase treatment indeed results in improved performance in terms of hydrophilicity and pectin removal. To evaluate the hydrophilicity, the structural contact angle (θ) was measured using an auto‐porosimeter.
Faecal incontinence
Authors: Chatoor D R , Taylor S J , Cohen C R G , Emmanuel A V 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Faecal incontinence is a life style-limiting condition with multiple aetiologies. Surgical cure is not often possible.

Methods and results
A review of the literature was undertaken using Medline, Cochrane database and standard textbooks. Advanced imaging techniques now inform the treatment algorithm and objectively assess success. The long-term outcome of anal surgery is uncertain. Modern approaches favour conservative measures, such as biofeedback, and less invasive surgical procedures. Stoma formation is a definitive option for some patients.

Conclusion
Current treatment of faecal incontinence is evolving from a sphincter-focused view to a more holistic one, recognizing the influence of the pelvic floor and psyche in maintaining continence. Modern imaging modalities direct treatment strategies.
Renal protection by delayed ischaemic preconditioning is associated with inhibition of the inflammatory response and NF‐κB activation
Authors: Jiang Su Hua , Liu Chun Feng , Zhang Xiao Li , Xu Xun Hui , Zou Jian Zhou , Fang Yi , Ding Xiao Qiang 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBrief and sublethal ischaemia renders an organ tolerant to subsequent prolonged ischaemia, which is called ischaemic preconditioning (IPC). In regard to the beneficial effects and endogenous mechanisms of renal delayed IPC, few data are available. In this study, we aim at determining reno‐protective effects of delayed IPC against ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury, and illustrating whether these effects are associated with suppressing inflammation and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. I/R injury was induced by clamping both renal pedicles for 40 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The rats were subjected to ischaemia for 20 min (preconditioning) or sham surgery (non‐ preconditioning) at day 4 before I/R. Functional and morphological parameters were evaluated at 24 h after reperfusion. At the same time, macrophage (ED‐1+) infiltration, and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, IκB‐α degradation and NF‐κB/DNA binding activity were analyzed. Compared with rats exposed to I/R injury, preconditioned rats had a significant decrease in levels of serum creatinine (Scr, 384.3 ± 21.8 µmol/L vs. 52.5 ± 21.7 µmol/L; p < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN, 40.4 ± 2.7 mmol/L vs. 15.9 ± 4.2 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 486.7 ± 58.6 IU/L vs. 267.3 ± 43.9 IU/L; p < 0.001). Parallel to the above changes, preconditioned rats preserved structural integrity and decreased tubulointerstitial damage scores (3.4 ± 0.3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) and ED‐1+ cell infiltration (25.3 ± 3.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.2 cells/HPF, p < 0.01). Furthermore, our results showed that the expression of ICAM‐1 and TNF‐α, the degree of IκB‐α degradation, and NF‐κB/DNA binding activity were reduced by IPC. Taken together, our results demonstrated that delayed IPC offered both functional and histological protection, which may be related to suppression of inflammation in preconditioned kidneys. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer in Open‐Shell Organometallic Chemistry: The Reactivity of RhII(cod) and IrII(cod) Radicals
Authors: Hetterscheid Dennis G. H. , Klop Martijn , Kicken Reinout J. N. A. M. , Smits Jan M. M. , Reijerse Eduard J. , de Bruin Bas 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA series of new metalloradical rhodium and iridium complexes [MII(cod)(N‐ligand)]2+ in the uncommon oxidation state +II were synthesized by one‐electron oxidation of their [MI(cod)(N‐ligand)]+ precursors (M=Rh, Ir; cod=(Z,Z)‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene; and N‐ligand is a podal bis(pyridyl)amine ligand: N,N‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (dpa), N‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐N‐(6‐methyl‐2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (pla), or N‐benzyl‐N,N‐bis(6‐methyl‐2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (Bn‐dla). EPR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and DFT calculations reveal that each of these [MII(cod)(N‐ligand)]2+ species adopts a square‐pyramidal geometry with the two cod double bonds and the two pyridine fragments in the basal plane and the Namine donor at the apical position. The unpaired electron of these species mainly resides at the metal center, but the apical Namine donor also carries a considerable fraction of the total spin density (15–18 %). Density functional calculations proved a valuable tool for the analysis and simulation of the experimental EPR spectra. Whereas the MII(olefin) complexes are quite stable as solids, in solution they spontaneously transform into a 1:1 mixture of MIII(allyl) species and protonated MI(olefin) complexes (in the forms [MI(olefin)(protonated N‐ligand)]2+ for M=Rh and [MIII(H)(olefin)(N‐ligand)]2+ for M=Ir). Similar reactions were observed for the related propene complex [MII(propene)(Me2tpa)]2+ (Me2tpa=N,N,N‐tris(6‐methyl‐2‐pyridylmethyl)amine). The decomposition rate of the [MII(cod)(N‐ligand)]2+ species decreases with increasing N‐ligand bulk in the following order: dpa>pla>Bn‐dla. Decomposition of the most hindered [MII(cod)(Bn‐dla)]2+ complexes proceeds by a second‐order process. The kinetic rate expression v=kobs[MII]2 in acetone with kobs=k′[H+][S], where [S] is the concentration of additional coordinating reagents (MeCN), is in agreement with ligand‐assisted dissociation of one of the pyridine donors. Solvent coordination results in formation of more open, reactive species. Protonation of the noncoordinating pyridyl group increases the concentration of this species, and thus [H+] appears in the kinetic rate expression. The kinetic data are in agreement with bimolecular hydrogen‐atom transfer from MII(cod) to another MII species (ΔH≠=11.5±2 kcal mol−1, ΔS≠=−27±10 cal K−1 mol−1, and Δ${G{{{\ne}\hfill \atop 298\>{\rm K}\hfill}}}$=19.5±5 kcal mol−1).
New Branched DNA Constructs
Authors: Chandra Madhavaiah , Keller Sascha , Gloeckner Christian , Bornemann Benjamin , Marx Andreas 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe Watson–Crick base pairing of DNA is an advantageous phenomenon that can be exploited when using DNA as a scaffold for directed self‐organization of nanometer‐sized objects. Several reports have appeared in the literature that describe the generation of branched DNA (bDNA) with variable numbers of arms that self‐assembles into predesigned architectures. These bDNA units are generated by using cleverly designed rigid crossover DNA molecules. Alternatively, bDNA can be generated by using synthetic branch points derived from either nucleoside or non‐nucleoside building blocks. Branched DNA has scarcely been explored for use in nanotechnology or from self‐assembling perspectives. Herein, we wish to report our results for the synthesis, characterization, and assembling properties of asymmetrical bDNA molecules that are able to generate linear and circular bDNA constructs. Our strategy for the generation of bDNA is based on a branching point that makes use of a novel protecting‐group strategy. The bDNA units were generated by means of automated DNA synthesis methods and were used to generate novel objects by employing chemical and biological techniques. The entities generated might be useful building blocks for DNA‐based nanobiotechnology.
A quantum of neurotransmitter causes minis in multiple postsynaptic cells at the Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junction
Authors: Liu Qiang , Chen Bojun , Hall David H. , Wang Zhao‐Wen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe polyadic synapse, where a single presynaptic active zone associates with two or more postsynaptic cells, exists in both mammals and invertebrates. An important but unresolved question is whether synaptic transmission occurs between the presynaptic site and its various postsynaptic partners. Using the dual whole‐cell voltage clamp technique, we analyzed miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs or minis) at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which is a polyadic synapse. We found that neighboring muscle cells at the same position along the body axis had high frequencies of concurrent mPSCs, which could not be explained by pure chance. Although body‐wall muscle cells are electrically coupled, the high frequency of concurrent mPSCs was not due to electrical coupling because there was no correlation between the frequency of concurrent mPSCs and the degree of electrical coupling; the rise time of concurrent mPSCs was identical to that of nonconcurrent mPSCs but distinct from that of junctional currents (Ij); and a mutant defective in electrical coupling showed normal frequency of concurrent mPSCs. Our analyses suggest that a single quantum of neurotransmitter may cause mPSCs in multiple postsynaptic cells at polyadic synapses, and that high‐fidelity synaptic transmission occurs between the presynaptic site and its various postsynaptic partners. Thus, polyadic synapses could be a distinct mechanism for synaptic divergence and for synchronizing activities of postsynaptic cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 67: 123–128, 2007.
Genetic and pharmacological studies of GluR5 modulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice
Authors: Wu Long‐Jun , Xu Hui , Ren Ming , Zhuo Min 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), GluR5‐containing kainate receptor mediated the small portion of excitatory postsynaptic current. However, little is known about its role in modulation of neurotransmitter release in this brain region. In the present study, we address this question by using selective GluR5 agonist and antagonist, as well as GluR5−/− mice. Our results showed that activation of GluR5 induced action potential‐dependent GABA release, which is also required for the activation of voltage‐dependent calcium channel and Ca2+ influx. The effect of GluR5 activation is selective to the GABAergic, but not glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Endogenous activation of GluR5 also enhanced GABA release to ACC pyramidal neurons and the corresponding postsynaptic tonic GABA current. Our results suggest the somatodendritic, but not presynaptic GluR5, in modulation of GABA release. The endogenous GluR5 activation and the subsequent tonic GABA current may play an inhibitory role in ACC‐related brain functions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 67: 146–157, 2007.
Archazolid‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside – Isolation, Structural Elucidation and Solution Conformation of a Novel V‐ATPase Inhibitor from the Myxobacterium Cystobacter violaceus
Authors: Menche Dirk , Hassfeld Jorma , Steinmetz Heinrich , Huss Markus , Wieczorek Helmut , Sasse Florenz 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe novel polyketide macrolide archazolid‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3) has been isolated from the myxobacterium Cystobacter violaceus and the structure of this first archazolid‐glycoside has been determined by spectroscopic and degradative methods. A synthesis of simplified 7‐O analogues, based on regioselective derivatisation of archazolid A, was elaborated. These structurally novel archazolids of natural and synthetic origin were evaluated in detail for V‐ATPase inhibition and their biological activities are discussed in terms of their solution conformations, as determined by high‐field NMR studies, including J‐based conformation analysis and constrained molecular dynamics simulations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Study on the extraction of dyes into a room‐temperature ionic liquid and their mechanisms
Authors: Li Changping , Xin Baoping , Xu Wenguo , Zhang Qi 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe investigation of liquid–liquid extraction of dyes is carried out by using ionic liquid—1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6])—as extraction phase. The effects of its process parameters are studied in detail, such as extraction phase ratio, pH of the aqueous phase, and concentration of dicyclohexyl‐18‐crown‐6 (DCH‐18C6) in the organic phase. Important results are obtained as follows: acid dyes can be extracted with [BMIM][PF6] quantitatively; the removal of reactive dyes is low; however, it can be greatly increased by the addition of DCH‐18C6. The pH value has a great impact on the removal of the acid dye and the reactive dye. However, it does not influence the extraction of the weak acid dye. It is found that the extraction process of acid dyes adopts the form of anion exchange and the soluble part of the ionic liquid plays an important role as counter‐ions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Nasal inoculation of an adenovirus vector encoding 11 tandem repeats of Aβ1‐6 upregulates IL‐10 expression and reduces amyloid load in a Mo/Hu APPswe PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kim Hong‐Duck , Tahara Kazuki , Maxwell J. Adam , Lalonde Robert , Fukuiwa Tatsuya , Fujihashi Kohtaro , Van Kampen Kent R. , Kong Fan‐Kun , Tang De‐chu C. , Fukuchi Ken‐ichiro 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundOne of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is deposits of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) in neuritic plaques and cerebral vessels. Immunization of AD mouse models with Aβ reduces Aβ deposits and improves memory and learning deficits. Because recent clinical trials of immunization with Aβ were halted due to brain inflammation that was presumably induced by a T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune response, vaccination modalities that elicit predominantly humoral immune responses are currently being developed.MethodsWe have nasally immunized a young AD mouse model with an adenovirus vector encoding 11 tandem repeats of Aβ1‐6 fused to the receptor‐binding domain (Ia) of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PEDI), AdPEDI‐(Aβ1‐6)11, in order to evaluate the efficacy of the vector in preventing Aβ deposits in the brain. We also have investigated immune responses of mice to AdPEDI‐(Aβ1‐6)11.ResultsNasal immunization of an AD mouse model with AdPEDI‐(Aβ1‐6)11 elicited a predominant IgG1 response and reduced Aβ load in the brain. The plasma IL‐10 level in the AD mouse model was upregulated after immunization and, upon the stimulation with PEDI‐(Aβ1‐6)11, marked IL‐10 responses were found in splenic CD4+ T cells from C57BL/6 mice that had been immunized with AdPEDI‐(Aβ1‐6)11.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the induction of Th2‐biased responses with AdPEDI‐(Aβ1‐6)11 in mice is mediated in part through the upregulation of IL‐10, which inhibits activation of dendritic cells that dictate the induction of Th1 cells. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wage differentials between the public and private sectors in India
Authors: Glinskaya Elena , Lokshin Michael 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis study uses 1993–94 and 1999–2000 rounds of India Employment and Unemployment survey to investigate wage differentials between the public and private sectors. To obtain robust estimates of the wage differential, we apply three econometric techniques each relying on a different set of assumptions about the process of job selection and wage formation. All three methods show that differences in wages between public sector workers and workers in the formal‐private and informal‐casual sectors are positive and high. On average, the public sector premium ranges between 62 and 102 per cent over the private‐formal sector, and between 164 and 259 per cent over the informal‐casual sector, depending on the choice of methodology. The wage differentials in India tend to be higher in rural as compared to urban areas, and are higher among women than among men. The wage differential also tends to be higher for low‐skilled workers. There is considerable evidence of an increase in the wage differential between 1993–1994 and 1999–2000. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.