bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Bcl‐xL after spinal cord injury
Authors: Cittelly Diana M. , Nesic‐Taylor Olivera , Perez‐Polo J. Regino 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI)‐induced functional impairment results from secondary apoptosis regulated in part by SCI‐induced decreases in the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL. We assessed the role that Bcl‐xL subcellular rerouting and posttranslational phosphorylation play in Bcl‐xL decreases in a contusion model of rat SCI. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of Bcl‐xL in neurons and oligodendrocytes, but not in astrocytes and microglia, whereas phosphorylated Bcl‐xL (P‐ser62‐Bcl‐xL) was present only in neurons. Western blot analyses showed Bcl‐xL present in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, nuclei, and cytosolic extracts, whereas P‐ser62‐Bcl‐xL was restricted to organelles. During the first 24 hr after SCI, Bcl‐xL levels decreased in all fractions but with a different time course, suggesting an independent regulation of Bcl‐xL shuttling from the cytosol to each compartment after SCI. SCI did not affect P‐ser62‐Bcl‐xL levels in organelles. However, P‐ser62‐Bcl‐xL, which was not detected in the cytosolic fraction of uninjured spinal cord, appeared in the cytosol as early as 15 min postcontusion, suggesting a role for phosphorylation in SCI‐induced Bcl‐xL‐decreases. Using an in vitro model, we observed a correlation between levels of cytosolic phosphorylated Bcl‐xL and neuronal apoptosis, supporting the hypothesis that Bcl‐xL phosphorylation is proapoptotic. Activated microglia/macrophages robustly expressed Bcl‐xL 7 days after SCI, and a subpopulation showing nuclear condensation also expressed P‐ser62‐Bcl‐xL. Therefore, phosphorylation of Bcl‐xL may have opposite effects in injured spinal cords: 1) it may decrease levels of the antiapoptotic Bcl‐xL in neurons contributing to neuronal death, and 2) it may promote apoptosis in activated microglia/macrophages, thus curtailing the inflammatory cascades associated with SCI. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective overexpression of γ1 laminin in astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis indicates an involvement in ALS pathology
Authors: Wiksten Markus , Väänänen Antti , Liesi Päivi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOur earlier studies indicate that the KDI tripeptide of γ1 laminin reverts paralysis and protects adult rat CNS from excitotoxicity of glutamate and from oxidative stress. Here we show that γ1 laminin is selectively overexpressed in reactive astrocytes of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) spinal cord, with both gray and white matter astrocytes overexpressing γ1 laminin. Intensely γ1 laminin‐positive, aggressive‐looking reactive astrocytes of the lateral columns of both cervical and thoracic spinal cord surround the lateral ventral horns and roots and extend into the area of the lateral corticospinal tract. In the cervical ALS spinal cord, large numbers of strongly γ1 laminin‐immunoreactive astrocytes are also present in the dorsal columns of the ascending sensory pathways. No other laminin or any other ALS‐associated protein localizes in this manner. This unique distribution of γ1 laminin‐immunoreactive astrocytes in the ALS white matter together with our recent results on the efficacy of the KDI domain as a neuronal protector strongly suggest that γ1 laminin may be expressed by astrocytes of the ALS spinal cord as a protective measure intended to aid neuronal survival. Further comparative studies on ALS spinal cord tissues and those of the animal models of ALS are needed to clarify the specific role of γ1 laminin and its KDI domain in ALS and its putative interactions with the additional ALS‐associated factors, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neurofilament accumulation. Most importantly, further studies are urgently needed to test the potential of the KDI tripeptide as a therapeutic treatment for ALS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute ammonia neurotoxicity in vivo involves increase in cytoplasmic protein P53 without alterations in other markers of apoptosis
Authors: Kosenko Elena , Kaminsky Yuri , Solomadin Ilia , Marov Nikolay , Venediktova Natalia , Felipo Vicente , Montoliu Carmina 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAcute intoxication with large ammonia doses leads to activation of NMDA receptors in the brain, resulting in oxidative stress and disturbance of mitochondrial function. Altered mitochondrial function is a crucial step in some mechanisms of cellular apoptosis. This study assesses whether ammonia intoxication in vivo leads to induction of apoptotic markers such as permeability transition pore (PTP) formation, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 activation, changes in p53 protein, or cytochrome c release. Acute ammonia intoxication did not affect caspase‐9 or caspase‐3 activities. The mitochondrial membrane potential also remained unaltered in non‐synaptic brain mitochondria after injection of ammonia, indicating that ammonia did not induce PTP formation in brain in vivo. The nuclear level of p53 did not change, whereas its cytoplasmic level increased approximately two‐fold. In agreement with the theory that translocation of the p53 from cytosol to nuclei is an essential step for induction of apoptosis we did not find apoptotic nuclei in brain of rats injected with ammonia. This supports the idea that ammonia neurotoxicity does not involve apoptosis and points to impaired p53 transfer from cytoplasm to nuclei as a possible preventer of apoptosis. We did not find any release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol after ammonia injection. Cytochrome c content was significantly reduced (30%) in brain mitochondria from rats injected with ammonia. This decrease may contribute to the reduced state 3 respiration, decreased respiratory control index, and disturbances in the mitochondrial electron transport chain in brain mitochondria from rats injected with ammonia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in the connections of the main olfactory bulb after mitral cell selective neurodegeneration
Authors: Recio Javier S. , Weruaga Eduardo , Gómez Carmela , Valero Jorge , Briñón Jesús G. , Alonso José R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe connections of the main olfactory bulb (OB) of the mouse were studied with iontophoretic injections of biotinylated dextran amine. To sort efferences from mitral cells and tufted cells, the Purkinje cell degeneration (PCD) mouse was used. This mutant animal undergoes a specific neurodegeneration of mitral cells, whereas tufted cells do not degenerate. The unilateral tracer injections used were small and confined largely to the OB of both PCD and control mice at P120. Seven days after tracer injection, the efferences from the OB and the centrifugal afferences from secondary olfactory structures to it were studied. Although there is a large overlap of their target fields, mitral cell axons innervated more caudal regions of the olfactory cortex than tufted cell axons, thus providing definitive evidence of the differential projections of olfactory output neurons. Additionally, an important increase in retrogradely‐labeled neurons was detected in the ipsilateral anterior olfactory nucleus of the mutant animals. This was not observed in any other secondary olfactory structure, suggesting a strengthening of the centrifugal input to the OB from that central area after mitral cell loss. Moreover, we recorded a complete loss of bilaterality in the olfactory connections of the PCD mice due to degeneration of the anterior commissure. These results point to an important reorganization of this essential olfactory circuit between the anterior olfactory nucleus and the OB, and hint at a transsynaptic level of plasticity not considered previously in literature. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of synaptic activity‐dependent genes by exposure of cultured cortical neurons to tetrodotoxin followed by its withdrawal
Authors: Kitamura Chikara , Takahashi Masaki , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Tashiro Hideo , Tashiro Tomoko 
Published: June 2007

AbstractActivity‐dependent gene expression is one of the key mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that form the basis of higher order functions such as learning and memory. In the present study, we surveyed for activity‐dependent genes by analyzing gene expression changes accompanying reversible inhibition of synaptic activity by tetrodotoxin (TTX) using two types of DNA microarrays; our focused oligo DNA microarray “Synaptoarray” and the commercially available high‐density array. Cerebral cortical cells from E18 rat embryos were cultured for 14 days to ensure synaptogenesis, then treated with 1 μM TTX for 48 hr without detectable effect on cell viability. Synaptic density estimated by the amount of Synapsin I and Synaptotagmin I was decreased 21–24% by TTX treatment, but recovered to the control level 48 hr after TTX withdrawal. Comparison of gene expression profiles by competitive hybridization of fluorescently labeled cRNA from TTX‐treated and control cells showed an overall downregulation of the genes on the Synaptoarray by TTX‐treatment with different recovery rates after TTX withdrawal. With 16 representative genes, microarray data were validated by real‐time PCR analysis. Genes most severely downregulated by TTX and upregulated above the control level at 5 hr after TTX withdrawal were munc13‐1 (involved in docking and priming of synaptic vesicles) and Shank2 (involved in the postsynaptic scaffold). In addition, comprehensive screening at 5 hr after TTX withdrawal using high density arrays resulted in additional identification of Rgs2, a regulator of trimeric G‐protein signaling, as an activity‐dependent gene. These three genes are thus likely to be key factors in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Route for the Preparation of Brain‐Like Nanostructured Polyaniline
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Jiuming , Wan Meixiang , Jiang Lei , Wei Yen 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA novel approach has been explored to prepare brain‐like polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures with many convolutions (140–170 nm in average diameter) using aniline/citric acid (CA) salt as the template and chlorine gas as the oxidant by a gas/solid reaction for the first time. The method provided here differs significantly from the traditional one in which the polymerization of PANI is usually carried out in acidic solution.magnified image
Investigating the Molecular Architecture of Hyperbranched Polymers
Authors: Kulkarni Amit S. , Beaucage Gregory 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHyperbranched polymers constitute a unique class of branched macromolecules, where structural complexity is complemented by relative ease of synthesis. The increasing interest in the study of these materials is due to their distinctive properties, inherently tied to their complex molecular architecture, and is augmented by the continual growth of applications like catalysis, viscosity modifiers, and sensors. We report a structural model for HBPs based on fractal scaling of both mass and connectivity. This model is shown to be of use in understanding small angle scattering data, especially in comparison with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural characterization.magnified image
Poly(diphenylacetylene)s with Electron‐Donating Alkoxy and Electron‐Withdrawing Fluoroalkyl Groups: Effect of the Substituent on Fluorescence
Authors: Kwak Giseop , Wang Hong‐Qing , Choi Kyu‐Han , Song Kyu‐Ho , Kim Soon‐Hak , Kim Hyeok‐Soo , Lee Sam‐Jong , Cho Ho‐Young , Yu Eon‐Ju , Lee Hyo‐Jeong , Park Eun‐Jung , Park Lee‐Soon 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNew poly(diphenylacetylene)s with alkoxy and fluoroalkyl groups as electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups, respectively, were synthesized by using a WCl6‐n‐Ph4Sn catalyst. The polymer solutions emitted strong, bluish‐green lights when photo‐excited. The polymers that contained the electron‐donating alkoxy groups showed longer fluorescence‐maximum peaks when compared to the polymers that contained the electron‐withdrawing fluoroalkyl groups. However, such an effect of the substituent on the absorption property was not clearly seen. The emission bands of the solid films did not show any significant red shift, relative to that of the dilute solution.magnified image
RAG2 gene knockout in mice causes fatigue
Authors: Golumbek Paul T. , Keeling Richard M. , Connolly Anne M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe effect of a disrupted immune system on the neuromuscular system is poorly characterized. We compared the strength and fatigue of RAG2−/− mice, which lack T‐cells and B‐cells, with immune intact controls. RAG2−/− mice demonstrated fatigue with shorter inverted hang‐times (HT) and voluntary wheel‐running (VWR) distance and total run times; they increased body weight more slowly but had proportionally normal forelimb grip strength (FGS) and VWR speed. Medial rectus femoris histopathology showed no change in fiber type proportions, no variation in type 2b fiber diameter, and no change in the percentage of central nuclei. There was no change in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Thus, in RAG2−/− mice body weight and fatigue were directly affected by a hypoactive immune system. Whether these effects were centrally or peripherally mediated is unknown. This model may help to explain fatigue in human conditions in which the immune system is suppressed or absent. Muscle Nerve, 2007
To profit or not to profit: Women entrepreneurs in India
Authors: Handy Femida , Ranade Bhagyashree , Kassam Meenaz 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEntrepreneurial activity attracts certain kinds of individuals, whether it is to promote a social cause in the nonprofit sector or profit in the for‐profit sector. This article looks at the behavior of women entrepreneurs in India in both the for‐profit and nonprofit sectors to test for potential differences and similarities. We chose two groups of entrepreneurial women who founded and led relatively similar‐size organizations in the same city and who provided services primarily to women and children. Our findings show that while all nonprofit entrepreneurs receive a high payoff from promoting social causes, there is no single unifying payoff for for‐profit entrepreneurs. Family background and support, however, play an important role for both sets of entrepreneurs. We find that experience in the sector, social class, caste, and education in?uence entrepreneurial behavior and that this in?uence differs by sector.
Managing the donation service experience
Authors: Polonsky Michael Jay , Sargeant Adrian 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article examines the implications for nonprofits of managing donation exchanges using customer relationship management and service blueprinting. It presents a case study of one U.K.‐based nonprofit and identifies a range of issues that might make managing donation service exchanges more complex than occurs in the for‐profit setting. In particular, the fact that there are multiple simultaneous exchanges means that it may be difficult to separate donation processes from other organizational activities such as membership and campaigning. We explore the utility of service blueprinting in aiding the management of this complexity.
A novel approach to synthesis of functional CPVC and CPE or graft copolymers—in situchlorinating graft
Authors: Zhao Jiruo , Li Junyuan , Feng Ying , Yin Jinghua 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA new process of graft copolymerization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) with other monomers was developed. The grafted chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) were synthesized byin situchlorinating graft copolymerization (ISCGC) and were characterized. Convincing evidence for grafting and the structure of graft copolymers was obtained using FT‐IR,1H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the vulcanized curves. Their mechanical properties were also measured. The results show that the products have different molecular structure from those prepared by other conventional graft processes. Their graft chains are short, being highly branched and chlorinated. The graft copolymers have no crosslinking structure. The unique molecular structure will make the materials equipped with special properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new method for preparation of poly‐lauryl acrylate nanoparticles from nanoemulsions obtained by the phase inversion temperature process
Authors: Spernath Liat , Magdassi Shlomo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe describe a new method for the preparation of organic nanoparticles from nanoemulsions which were prepared by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method. This is a low‐energy technique which does not require any special equipment such as high pressure homogenizers. In this work, the method is demonstrated for preparation of nanoparticles of poly‐lauryl acrylate containing, in some cases, a crosslinker (trimethylolpropane triacrylate—TMPTA) and pyrene as microviscosity and micropolarity probes, respectively. The nanoemulsions were prepared by using a poly(oxyethylene) nonionic surfactant, Brij 96V (POE (10) oleyl alcohol), and combinations of Brij 96V and Brij 92V (POE (2) oleyl alcohol), with acrylate monomers which form the oil phase in the oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions. The nanodroplets were polymerized, yielding nanoparticles having an average diameter between 50 and 120 nm with a narrow size distribution, using a water‐soluble thermal initiator (ammonium persulfate) and activated by ferrous ions, Fe+2. The emission colors of the pyrene‐embedded nanoemulsions changed from blue to violet after polymerization, due to the absence of excimers. This method may be applied for the preparation of a variety of polymeric nanoparticles, in which functional molecules are embedded within the particles. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of synthesis method and buffer composition on the LCST of a smart copolymer of N‐isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid
Authors: Minoo‐Rabeeh–Hobabi  , Hassanzadeh Davooud , Azarmi Shirzad , Entezami A. A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractResponsive polymers have been the focus of many studies during the past decade because of their ability to change according to environmental stimuli. In this paper, we report on the development of a method to synthesize a pH/temperature‐sensitive linear copolymer, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐ co‐acrylic acid)(poly(NIPAAm‐co‐AAc)), with a molecular weight of about 106–105 Da in water using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The effects of the following on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymer and homopolymer of NIPAAm were investigated: the type of buffer salts and pH changes of test solutions, molecular weight and concentration of homopolymer/copolymer solutions, and AAc monomer molar feed ratio (mol%). The effects of different synthesis methods on the molecular weight and on the AAc content were also evaluated. The mechanism of action in environments with different pH values is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a novel p53 in‐frame deletion in a Li–Fraumeni‐like family
Authors: Schiffman Joshua D. , Chun Nicolette , Fisher Paul G. , Dahl Gary V. , Ford James M. , Eggerding Faye A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe describe a 2‐year‐old female with a completely resected cerebral pilocytic astrocytoma who subsequently developed B‐progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her father and paternal uncle were previously diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. Sequence analysis of the patient's p53 gene revealed a novel germline three base‐pair deletion (339_341delCTT) in exon 4, resulting in removal of an evolutionarily conserved phenylalanine amino acid residue at codon 113. The same mutation was found in the patient's two clinically unaffected siblings. The in‐frame deletion we describe has not previously been reported and adds to our understanding of the biologic effects of p53 gene mutation in Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:914–916. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impairments in antifolate transport are common in retinoblastoma tumor samples
Authors: Gorlick Richard G. , Abramson David H. , Sowers Rebecca , Mazza Beth Anne , Dunkel Ira J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with retinoblastoma have a genetic predisposition to cancer and external beam radiation therapy and alkylating agent chemotherapy may increase their risk of secondary malignancy. Identification of effective chemotherapy agents for retinoblastoma that are not associated with an elevated risk of secondary malignancy would be beneficial.ProcedureTwenty‐six specimens of fresh retinoblastoma tumor cells were studied in vitro with a PT430 competitive displacement assay. Differential displacement of the PT430 by methotrexate and not trimetrexate was considered indicative of a defect in reduced folate carrier (RFC)‐mediated transport. Elevations in the accumulation of PT430 were considered indicative of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) amplification.ResultsIn 9 of the 26 (35%) samples, displacement by methotrexate was less than half the displacement by trimetrexate indicative of a defect in the RFC. In 5 of the 26 (19%) samples, trimetrexate did not displace the PT430. In 7 of 26 (27%) samples, the peak PT430 accumulation was suggestive of DHFR overexpression. Overall 9 of 26 (35%) samples had no evidence of a transport defect or DHFR overexpression and would be anticipated to be potentially sensitive to methotrexate. In 15 of the 26 (58%), no defects existed in trimetrexate displacement or DHFR overexpression and would be anticipated to be potentially sensitive to trimetrexate.ConclusionThese results would support consideration of a phase II study to determine the effectiveness of trimetrexate for recurrent intra‐ocular retinoblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:573–576. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement in the outcome of children with germ cell tumors
Authors: Lopes Luiz Fernando , Sonaglio Viviane , Ribeiro Karina C.B. , Schneider Dominik T. , de Camargo Beatriz 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPurposeTo describe the clinical characteristics and estimate the survival of children and adolescents with germ cell tumors treated with cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy according to three different protocols in Brazil.MethodsFrom 1983 to 1997, 106 patients were treated at the Hospital do Cancer, Sao Paulo for a diagnosis of germ cell tumor. We performed a retrospective review of the clinical and histopathological data to identify prognostic factors and evaluate their outcome.ResultsPatients were treated with only surgery (n = 32), surgery and radiotherapy (n = 1) and chemotherapy (n = 73). From 1983 to 1986 (period I), there were 30 patients and 21 received chemotherapy according to the modified VAB‐6 protocol. Twenty‐two of 35 patients registered between 1987 and 1991 (period II) were treated with EPO/VAC combination chemotherapy. From 1991 to 1997 (period III), there were 41 patients and 31 received chemotherapy according to the Brazilian TCG‐91 protocol. Important prognostic factors included stage (P < 0.001), metastatic status (P < 0.001) and surgical procedure at diagnosis (P < 0.001). An incremental improvement in outcomes was noted across the periods of treatment (P = 0.070). Five‐year OS was respectively 42.9 ± 10.8%, 53.9 ± 11.4% and 80.6 ± 7.1% for periods I, II, and III for the patients who received chemotherapy.ConclusionAn improvement in the survival of children with germ cell tumors was achieved in the most recent trial (TCG‐91) with a risk adapted approach incorporating only cisplatin and etoposide. These results indicate that in selected patients complex three‐agent regimens may not be necessary to achieve long term survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:250–253. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.